Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8) – Home To The Mighty Kaieteur Falls And The Spectacular Orinduik Falls!

The Potaro-Siparuni Region gets its name from the Potaro and Siparuni Rivers, which are tributaries of the Essequibo River. The area is predominantly forested highland with a small portion of hilly sand and clay. One of the most exciting things about this region is that it is home to the famous Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls. The Kaieteur is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the world, and it is one of the most beautiful sights in Guyana. The waterfalls of this region are great tourist attractions. This article will continue to reveal other great things about Region Eight.

About Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8)

Potaro-Siparuni is a region of Guyana that borders Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7) to the north, the regions of Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10) and East Berbice-Corentyne (Region 6) to the east, the region of Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9) to the south and Brazil to the west. Some main towns in the region are Orinduik, Tumatumari, Potaro Landing and Mahdia.

Communities In Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8)

There are a number of communities in Potaro-Siparuni; they are:

• Arnik Village
• Campbelltown
• Chenapou (Chenapowu Village)
• El Paso
• Enaruko Village
• Holmia
• Ipichau (Ipishau, Ipisháu, Ipisiau Village)
• Itabac
• Kamana Village
• Kanapang Village
• Kangaruma
• Karisparu Village
• Kato (Kato Village, Karto)
• Kopinang Mission
• Kukuieng (Kukui-Eng Village)
• Kurikebaru (Kurikebary, Kurukabaru, Kurukabaru Village)
• Mahdia
• Maicobi
• Maipuri Landing
• Makari
• Monkey Mountain
• Orinduik
• Owenteik
• Paramakatoi (Paramahatoi)
• Potaro Landing
• Princeville
• Puwa (Puwa Village)
• Saint Mary (Saint Mary’s)
• Saveretik
• Sisipelin (Sisipelin Village)
• Taruka
• Tumatumari
• Tumatumari Landing
• Velgrad
• Waipa Village
• Wandaik (Wandaik Village)
• Wandapa (Wandapa Village, Waudapa Village)
• Wiapri

Population Of Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8)

The main Amerindian tribes of this community includes the Patamonas, an Indigenous Amerindian tribe. However, another group of people exists who are called islanders. Islanders represents immigrants and their descendants from the Caribbean Islands. The Government of Guyana has administered four official censuses since the 1980 administrative reforms, in 1980, 1991, 2002 and 2012. Official census records for the population of Potaro-Siparuni are as follows:

• Year 2012: 10,190
• Year 2002: 10,095
• Year 1991: 5,616
• Year 1980: 4,485

Lifestyle Of Persons Residing In Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8)

The people of this region are involved in gold and diamond mining and forestry. Mazda Mining Company Ltd has the largest operation in this region. The Iwokrama Rainforest Project is partly located in this region. The project studies how the rainforest can be used in the country’s development (for example, by providing timber) without being destroyed or depleted.

Places To Visit In Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8)

• Iwokrama River Lodge & Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development – This Lodge is designed for scientific research and sustainable usage; it also serves as a comfortable launching point for those interested in deeper exploration of the surrounding Jungle reserve. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/the-iwokrama-river-lodge-find-out-why-it-is-called-the-green-heart-of-guyana/
• Atta Lodge – This Lodge is centrally located along the main Rupununi Road that crosses through the Iwokrama Rainforest. The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway and Atta Rainforest Lodge are jointly operated by the Amerindian community of Surama, Rock View Lodge, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Wilderness Explorers. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/atta-lodge-experience/
• Canopy Walkway – The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is a series of suspension bridges and decks up to 33 metres in height and 154 metres in length that pass through an excellent stretch of rainforest. There are four spacious platforms which gives visitors a unique perspective impossible to gain from the ground below. It provides a memorable view of the mid and canopy levels of the forest and affords excellent bird and wildlife viewing. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/find-out-why-the-canopy-walkway-is-a-must-see-attraction-within-the-iwokrama-rainforest-of-guyana/
• Surama Eco-Lodge – Accommodation at Surama Eco-Lodge is simple, basic, clean, and comfortable. Set at the western edge of the main village, Surama Eco-Lodge is perched atop a meadow facing a thick forest wall, creating a perfect opportunity to view birds, monkeys, and even the occasional jaguar. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/10-reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-surama-eco-lodge/
• Paramakatoi – Paramakatoi is a community in Region Eight, located 11 miles east of Kurukabaru. Paramakatoi functions as a regional centre for the catchment area. And is the largest and most developed of Amerindian communities in the region. There is an airfield (Airport code PMT) at Paramakatoi.
• Pakaraima Mountains – The Pacaraima or Pakaraima Mountains are a mountain range primarily in southwestern Guyana, and into northern Brazil and eastern Venezuela. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/pakaraima-mountain-4×4-safari/
• Mahdia – Mahdia, which is the Regional Administrative Centre of Region Eight consists of a population of about four thousand two hundred (4,200) residents. It is managed by the Regional Administrative office. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/mahdia-the-history-you-didnt-know/
• Kato – Kato is a beautiful mountain village located in Region Eight. It has a number of waterfalls, an abundance of beautiful mountainous scenery, spectacular sunsets and wonderful people. Kato also has the famous jasper stone from which the village got its name. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/discover-kato-things-you-need-to-know-see/
• Monkey Mountain – Monkey Mountain is filled with pristine beauty from its thatched homes and its environment in general. Many coastal persons are unable to experience this beauty mainly because of the travel expense which deprives them of such opportunity. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/monkey-mountain-an-alluring-sight-to-see/
• Kaieteur Falls – Kaieteur Falls is located on the Potaro River in the Kaieteur National Park and it sits in a section of the Amazon rainforest included in the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/kaieteur-falls-is-the-worlds-largest-single-drop-waterfall-by-volume/
• Orinduik Falls – The Orinduik Falls is located on the Ireng River, a highland river that thunders over steps and terraces of red jasper on the border of Guyana and Brazil before merging with the Takutu River and into Brazil to join the Amazon River. See also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/go-visit-orinduik-falls-one-of-the-most-beautiful-waterfalls-place-in-guyanas-hinterland/

Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8) In Guyana

After reading this article you are no doubt filled with great excitement and anticipation to visit this beautiful region. From waterfalls to mountains, to villages and lodges, Region Eight is a spectacular place that sits in the country of Guyana. There will be no regret if you schedule a trip to explore this fascinating place!

Article References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potaro-Siparuni
• https://moc.gov.gy/category/region-8/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramakatoi
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacaraima_Mountains
• Main Image: Region 8 (Monkey Mountain) | Marco Farouk Basir / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)