bushmaster tours guyana

Bushmasters

Bushmasters is an UK registered company running extreme adventure tours primarily in Guyana, but also in Belize and Jordan. Our specialty are two week long survival courses; in the Jungle, Desert and Islands.

The courses are run by the Bushmasters ex UK Special Forces Officer and local staff who know the environment and challenges of survival very well! After intensive training when you are living 100% in the environment we put you into a simulated survival scenario. You may be on your own in the jungle, in a small team navigating by the stars across an endless expanse of Arabian Desert or jumping from a helicopter into the sea and washing up on a desert island- and you have to survive: Can you cope!

Bushmasters also offer many other extreme adventure trips. Riding horses across the southern Rupununi of Guyana, herding in the cattle, branding the new-borns, lassoing the one year olds, driving 4×4 vehicles through the forest and savannah, rapelling off big waterfalls, trekking through jungle, over mountains and through rivers or even try your hand scuba diving with anacondas and caiman in the clear water creeks. And if you’re up for something a bit different how about paintball battles in the jungle! We have an adventure for everyone.

With our wide range of resources, qualifications, equipment and experience we have also become the go to company for TV productions in Guyana. The likes of the Discovery channel, BBC and National Geographic have all called on Bushmasters for fixer support, ranging from a two week shoot to nearly 8 straight months for a whole TV season. We handle everything from film permits to local staff/permissions to lifting the shows presenters out of the jungle suspended from a 50m rope dangling from a helicopter!

Bushmasters has been operational over 10 years in Guyana and if there is an adventure on your bucket list we’re the people to contact about it – we have got loads of ideas for amazing trips, come pick our brains and get ready for the most amazing experience of your life!

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Guyana Tours and Adventure Travel Guide 2023

Welcome to Guyana, an adventure travelers heaven! A place where you can ride a horse up a mountain, zoom across the savannah on an ATV, shoot a shotgun, swim in a gorgeous creek, learn to throw a lasso and get involved in authentic ranch life…. all in a single day!

Guyana might be unknown to a lot of the world, but that’s all changing fast! With some recent tourism pushes, Guyana is really starting to make its mark on the world as a premium destination for adventure travel . And after spending 10 days adventuring around the rugged south, we can see exactly why.

It had been a long time since such a strong sense of adventure and excitement had ran through my veins. Guyana revitalized my passion for exploring the unknown and getting off the usual tourist track. So sit back, strap in and get ready for one hell of a trip.

Starting the Guyana Adventure Travel

The adventure started as soon as we touch down at Georgetown International Airport and made our way out to the small propeller plane at Eugene F. Correia International Airport. We boarded an hour long flight with Trans Guyana Airways southwest to Lethem, a small town that borders Brazil , where there’s little more than an airstrip, a few hotels and some empty looking shops.

It’s on our flight from Georgetown that we met Ian, who is the owner and organizer of Bushmasters , an extreme adventure tour company that specializes in survival training and awesome times. Over the next six days Ian would be taking six professional travel bloggers across the wild savannah of southern Guyana.

Note: We regret to inform everyone about the sad and unexpected passing of Ian Craddock in July 2020. Ian died doing what he loved, adventuring in Guyana, and will forever be remembered for providing so much joy and adventure to so many. May he continue to be exploring and pushing the limits in his next adventure. We hope this post can showcase even just a little bit of his amazing spirit. Rest easy legend!

Bushmaster Tours in Guyana

Aside from being an absolute survival master, Ian is a real character. Years of service in the British Special Forces has prepared him for just about any challenge in life. For Ian, there’s no such thing as it can’t be done, and his wild explorations around Guyana are proof of that.

We arrived at Ian’s house after dropping off our gear at the Takutu Hotel in Lethem. It was a short drive from the airport, yet even in that drive we got a sense for just how remote and isolated this part of the world is. Paved roads are replaced with red, dusty streets. There are a handful of hotels to stay at, but other than a jumping off point for jungle and savannah exploration, there doesn’t seem to be a lot to do in Lethem.

Ian’s house was like an adult adventure playground. Outside in the yard there were four ATVs (quad bikes), along with two 4×4 vehicles. Inside there was an authentic 6ft Amerindian bow and arrow resting against the couch. In one of the rooms a jaguar pelt, from one of the indigenous villages, was mounted on the wall.

Across the room there are piles of camping and survival gear spread out everywhere. As I scanned the room my eyes found the stack of machetes sitting on a small table, each one in a leather sheath with a small branded logo of Bushmaster on the front side. Everything in this room shouted adventure, and I could barely contain my excitement for the trip to start.

Ian gathered us all together in the room to explain the next steps. He ran us through all the gear we needed to pack in our rucksacks. We were given a hammock with built in mosquito net, a hammock rain cover, light blanket, foldable chair, canteen, spoon and eating containers. We also got a 3L camelback , our food provisions, dry bags to keep everything in, and of course, a machete!

Preparing for the Adventure

The next day we woke up early, eager to start our adventure tour in Guyana! After a quick breakfast at the Takutu Hotel we grabbed our rucksacks and headed over to Ian’s to collect the vehicles. The four ATVs were all lined up in a row, tanks full and ready to hit the road.

Terry, Frankie and Lionel, three local Guyanese who work for Ian, were busy loading up the 4x4s with all our equipment. Water tanks, tools, inflatable kayaks, medical kits, generator and all the other things we were going to need to survive for a few nights. Once the vehicles are ready to go, it was a concise explanation from Ian about the plan and we were off.

This is Ian’s style as a tour organizer. He is energetic, funny, full of crazy stories and knows his stuff. He doesn’t give you an answer if he doesn’t know it. And when he does, he only likes to say it once, and he does it with a precision and conciseness of a skilled expert in the survival field.  He also has an amazing ability to teach you how to do something, without holding your hand throughout the process. It was this type of unguided adventure travel that I’d been missing after so many years on the road.

ATV and 4×4 Adventure

We hit the road with pace! The four ATVs led the charge at the front of the convoy, with Ian directing first, followed by two of us and then Lionel at the back. Behind him the two 4x4s were driven by others on the trip, with Frankie and Terry each manning one of the vehicles to ensure everyone was on track.  I was on the first round of ATV driving and had an absolute blast. We bumped around on the trails, trying to avoid large potholes and termite mounds that had hardened like concrete in the sun.

As I rounded a corner I slammed down the accelerator and a sudden burst of speed erupted from the ATV. The  back tires slid out as I continued to crank the handlebars to the right and held the accelerator down.  Just as the ATV started to slide out of control I let go of the accelerator, straightened up, hit the gear up button and burst off down the trail, leaving a trail of red dust in my path.

We approached a river and slowed down to assess the level of water and our ability to cross it. Ian took a calculated look and said we were good to go, so he sent the 4x4s across first and then we hit the water with speed and determination to make it across.

On the first day of adventuring we rode 105km out of town and into the savannah. Day two we rode 101km, with all of us rotating between driving the ATVs and 4x4s. During this time we crossed rivers, hammered down dusty red roads, bumped across the savannah and carved a path through the very sparse terrain of southern Guyana.

On a couple of occasions we passed small shops and used this an opportunity to fuel up on an ice cold beers to wash out the dust. At one shop there was a large bottle of murky white liquid being sold in old Coke bottles. After an inquiry we found out it was a bottle full of cow fat! Our shocked faces were met with equally shocked expressions from the locals at the thought that we’re not using large bottles of cow fat regularly in the kitchen.

Over the next few days we continued along the trails. Six riders, over 350km and only two crashes. Naturally I was one of them. After getting a little too confident on the trails I decided to take the ATV off road and hammer through the uncharted savannah. As I bumped along, trying to avoid 3 foot tall termite mounds, my vision was blurred through the long grass, obscuring the obstacles in my way.

I looked to my right to see the convoy of vehicles running along the trail and then directed my attention back to the savannah just in time to see that I was heading straight towards a fallen tree. I had a split second to brace myself before the ATV hit the tree at 50km an hour and I was bucked from the seat. Momentarily, I held onto the handlebars, thinking I was going to land it, before I was ripped from the vehicle and thrown into the air.

I tried to tuck and roll mid flight and managed to land on my shoulder, before spinning onto my back and sliding several feet though the padded long grass. The spectacle ended with my limbs catching up to my body, me on my back and my legs in the air. From the microphone in my ear I heard someone call out, ‘man down!’. I took a moment to compose myself, before standing up and assessing the damage. A banged up elbow, but thankfully I was fine. I jumped back on the ATV, rejoined the track bashfully and decided to stick to the trail in the future.

Camping Under the Stars

After each day of riding we established a camp under the stars along the river. On the first day Ian delivered a safety instruction on machete use, before setting us free onto the barren landscape to find a tree and hang our hammocks. Having this complete independence was one of the best parts of this trip. Ian gave just the right amount of instruction, before letting us fend for ourselves like real life jungle adventurers.

As each of us found a suitable area, we chopped and slashed our way to a clearing and strung up our hammocks for the night. After getting our bedding organized we returned to the communal camp area where Ian already had a fire going. After a quick jump in the river, to clean our clothes and wash off the dust, we spent the night sitting around the fire, cooking up our camp meals and exchanging stories underneath the stars. With no light pollution whatsoever, and only a slither of a moon, the stars were incredibly bright.

Where we slept was not your average camp spot. There were no facilities or other established areas. It was just us and the wild. Ian told us that we were among only a dozen other people who had stayed near this spot before, and they were all just from his previous trips. After swapping a few more stories we retreated back to the hammocks to avoid the mosquitos and to try and get some sleep.

From my hammock I could see the stars through the black mosquito net mesh that protected my hammock from an army of mosquitos that awaited my fresh blood. Even through the mesh the stars shone bright enough to light up the ground below.  The faint light of my iPhone illuminated my little cocoon bed for the night, as a soft breeze slowly swung my hanging hammock.

Even though I was stripped down to my underwear it was still boiling and I could feel the beads of sweat dripping down my forehead, temporarily resting on my eyebrows and creating a small pool of water, before dropping down into my eyes. I felt like I was never going to get to sleep in this heat, but before I knew it the vibrant colors of a savannah sunrise are awakening me from my hammock.

Saddle Mountain Ranch Guyana

After a few days on the trails we arrived at Saddle Mountain, where the real ranching adventures begun. Situated deep in southern Rupununi, Saddle Mountain Ranch is any aspiring cowboy’s dream. Operating as an active ranch since 1990, Tommy and Joan, have made their own little slice of paradise out in the middle of nowhere in Guyana.

Named after a nearby mountain that looks like a horses saddle, Saddle Mountain ranch is full of exciting adventures, delicious home cooked meals, stunning landscapes and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself within authentic Guyanese ranching life.

This simple, yet beautiful, homestead is surrounded by miles and miles of open savannah, with the property itself enclosed between luscious mango trees. There are goats, chickens and all kinds of Guyana wildlife that can be found on the ranch. There’s even the rare spotting of a jaguar. If you make it to Saddle Mountain Ranch, be sure to ask Joan about her story fighting off a jaguar with a machete.  The rooms are simple and open aired, making the afternoon breeze a very much welcome feeling after a sweltering day. Fortunately there aren’t as many bugs here, so you can leave your window open and catch a breeze during the night.

Riding a Horse at Saddle Mountain Ranch

As an active ranch, Saddle Mountain Ranch has plenty of horses that get used on a daily basis to assist with the work duties. While leisurely horse riding is not an activity these horses usually encounter, it must be a welcome break from the demands of ranch life that sees them out herding cattle across the savannah.

For our horse riding experience we got up early to make the most of the cooler temperatures of dawn. After the local crew saddled up the horses we received a crash course in handling and riding, but the real learning came from just doing.  It had been at least 20 years since I’d last straddled a horse, and I was pretty sure my horse knew it. I awkwardly tried to synchronize my erratic jolting with the horse’s trotting, but end up bouncing around so much I thought I was about to fall off.

After half an hour, a numb backside and plenty of gorgeous views, I was finally starting to get the hang of it a little more. I tried less to find the rhythm and instead just let the horse jolt me into a rhythm. Walking was easy, trotting was hard, but cantering was much simpler, as the smooth gait of the horse made it easier to work with.

The only problem with cantering is that it meant the horse was now going a lot faster! I tried to hold on, with one hand on the ropes and the other holding onto the saddle for dear life. It was only towards the end of my third horse riding session that I realized the more I relaxed, the easier it was to ride.

My final cantering moment down the home stretch was the real highlight of my career as a horse rider. My horse, finally understanding my lack of abilities, gracefully gliding down the track; me, one handed holding onto the ropes, furiously swinging my hat in the air like a real cowboy. It felt pretty damn cool!

Ranching Activities

One of the biggest draws to Saddle Mountain Ranch is the opportunity to experience authentic Guyanese ranching life at its best. And while you’re there you’ll be able to learn from the best, because at the ranch you’re amongst cowboy royalty with Tommy and Judah.

Tommy, the former Rodeo King of Guyana, has a long history of being involved in movie productions and any cowboy / Western related content that was filmed in Guyana. With that type of pedigree it’s no surprise that Judah, his son, is currently a two time Rodeo King of Guyana himself. Not only that, but Tommy’s daughter is also a legendary barrel racer.

Ranching activities start off by learning how to throw a lasso, with a lesson in technique, as well as some attempts on a target. Don’t worry if you end up in a tangled mess of rope, or trip yourself up, we were doing plenty of that.  If you’re up for it, you can take your latest skill into the corral, and test out your talents on a real life moving target.

As part of an active ranch, the herd occasionally requires some maintenance and looking after. One of these jobs is to brand the calves and to castrate the bulls.  Please note that this is not a staged activity put on to appease tourists. This is just one of many everyday ranch activities that help support the livelihood of the whole ranch. Some people may feel a little uneasy about the idea of branding calves, but every person is free to choose how they want to participate.

Whether you show up at the ranch or not, these are activities are performed daily in order to maintain the herd and support the business. For anyone who considers this an act of cruelty, I’d only ask you to compare that to the lives of cattle in other parts of the world. One act of branding on a thick cow hide, ensures this cow can live in the open savannah, free from antibiotics, pesticides and enclosures. This is the real free range.

Swimming in the Creek and Eating Delicious Food

After a long day of ranching there’s nothing better than taking a short walk down to the waterhole to take a refreshing swim. Forget changing your clothes, just walk down in your filthy, sweaty clothes and jump straight into the cold water. We all took a bar of soap down and scrubbed our clothes while wearing them, before splashing about in the water and jumping off the overhanging palm tree.

After cleansing ourselves from a hard day on the ranch, that home cooked meal from Joan felt so rewarding to tuck into. Casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, beans, veggies and so much more delicious food. If you’re a meat eater you can eat the beef straight off the ranch, where it doesn’t get more sustainable than that.  Everyday we were on the ranch Joan and the kitchen crew whipped up some amazing food. There was a selection of fishes, chicken and beef, always accompanied by huge platters of sides and ice cold jugs of fresh lemonade and fruit juices.

Kayaking on the Takutu River

After five days of hardcore adventure travel in Guyana, we didn’t think this trip could get anyone more jam packed until we finished the trip with a kayak down the Takutu River. On the last day we traveled on the vehicles out to a section of the Takutu River, which works as the border between Guyana and Brazil.

Even though we were running out of time, Ian wanted to give us a taste of the kayaking trips he offers. We only hit the water for a few hours, but usually Ian offers multi-day, even multi-week, trips that venture deep into the pristine rainforest and jungle.

The ATVs and 4x4s stopped at a spot along the river and we unloaded the inflatable kayaks. After a brief, yet concise, demonstration we set off on preparing our kayak. We lugged them down to the river and docked them along the bank. Across the width of the river we could see Brazil, so Chris and I took this opportunity to swim across to the other side for a laugh.

After launching our kayaks onto the river we paddled along for the next couple of hours, stopping a couple of times along sand banks to take in the scenery and chat with local fisherman from both sides of the river. Even in these few hours we got a sense of how awesome an adventure along the rivers would be.

Picture this, each night, deflating the kayak, walking into the jungle to set up camp for the night, experiencing the real jungle, before doing it all again the next day.  It’s on those sorts of trips that Ian told us we’d be likely to encounter Guyana wildlife like anacondas, jaguars, pumas, ocelots and the other cat species found in the jungle.

After deflating the kayaks and jumping on the bikes for an hour we arrived back in Lethem. Dusty, dirty but definitely not defeated, we sat around at the Takutu Hotel with a cold beer and reflected on what an incredible six days we just had.

Between six professional travelers and bloggers, we all agreed that this trip was one of the most authentic adventure experiences we’d had in a long time. No fancy hotels or meals, no private transport, no guides holding your hands, just pure exploration like the old days. So, who’s ready for an adventure?

Traveling to Guyana

Located in the northeast corner of South America, Guyana is a little harder to get to than other more popular hotspots on the continent, but once you’re there it’s definitely worth it. Traveling overland to Guyana is difficult, as it borders Venezuela to the left, which isn’t the safest country to travel through at the moment. To the east and south it borders Brazil and Suriname, but the easiest way to enter Guyana is by air.

Cheap flights to Guyana can be found if you book ahead of time, w ith Caribbean Airlines being the m ajor airline that flies into Georgetown. A lot of flights to Guyana from the US go through New York or connect through Florida on your way past other Caribbean countries.

Guyana Packing List

The key to adventuring in Guyana is to pack light, as you’re often going to be carrying a lot of your gear with you. Lightweight, quick dry clothes are key, as well as things that are going to protect you from the elements and bugs. Here’s a list of our top things to pack for Guyana adventure travel.

Long sleeved microfibre top – I wore this everyday, literally! The long sleeve is key, as it keeps the sun off you during those long days on the ATV and horses. It’s also good to defend yourself against the bugs.

Brim hat – Another thing to protect your head and face from the intense sun! It’s absolutely brutal out there, and without a good hat you’re gonna get burnt.

Buff – When you’re tearing up the track on the ATV you’ll need something to cover your mouth. A scarf or Buff works great. It also keeps the sun off your face.

Hiking boots – For this trip they weren’t super essential, but you will need them if you go deeper into the jungle and do more trekking.

LifeStraw – We take our LifeStraws Go bottles absolutely everywhere, because when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, the one thing you need to survive is safe drinking water!

Sunglasses – Get yourself a good pair of sunglasses, because between the dust and the sun you’re going to need eye protection. We always recommend SunGod glasses, because they’re basically indestructible. And believe us, we’ve put them to the test!

Thanks to all the amazing people at the Guyana Tourism Authority for making this trip happen! Everything about this trip was incredible and I can’t wait to visit again. Thanks also goes to Caribbean Airlines for helping assist with flights, and Inmarsat Global for keeping us connected, even in the middle of nowhere! As always, all opinions are my own and I would never recommend a destination I didn’t truly believe in.

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Evergreen Adventure Guyana

Your Gateway to Unforgettable Guyana Tours

Welcome to EVERGREEN ADVENTURES

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We don’t just do travel, we create personalised experiences that satisfy your interests. As Guyana’s premier travel concierge, we redefine the art of travel, elevating every experience.

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Evergreen Adventures, is dedicated to crafting experiences that surpass your expectations. We are your trusted travel concierge, committed to bringing your ideas to life. Whether you seek private charters around the Caribbean or aim to explore the diverse cultural and natural landscapes of the Guianas, we are your one-stop-shop for all things travel. We cater to all types of travelers, from those seeking high-end luxury travel to those yearning for adventurous experiences that push their limits. At Evergreen Adventures, your imagination is the only limit.

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Elevate your experience with us and embark on an unparalleled journey. Our commitment to excellence promises a seamless and unforgettable adventure. Choose luxury and authenticity for a truly exceptional experience.

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We provide high-end travel experiences in Guyana and beyond, emphasizing cultural immersion, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional service. Allow us to transform your travel dreams into an unforgettable reality.

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Transcend boundaries with our private charters. Experience the world of travel with us as your compass. Your journey to unforgettable memories starts here.

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With a customized experience at the heart of what we do, no request is too big or too small. Our team of experienced travel concierges is ready to handle the hassle of planning your adventure, so you don’t have to.

Destinations

Our mission is to take you on a journey of exploration without boundaries. Our itinerary includes a range of destinations, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the Caribbean. We specialize in crafting fully customized itineraries that transcend borders, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences in these remarkable places. With us, you can embark on an adventure of a lifetime and discover the hidden treasures of the region.

A diverse tropical paradise blending Caribbean and South American influences, where vast natural beauty, rich biodiversity, warm hospitality, and unique cultural richness await exploration.

Explore Paramaribo, a UNESCO heritage site with a rich Dutch history. Discover its lush rainforests and the rich cultural blend, including the Maroons—escaped slaves who made the jungles of Suriname their home.

Discover the island paradise of Barbados with us and experience a seamless blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure. Our fully customized itineraries ensure every activity is tailored to you.

Create Your Own Journey

Evergreen Adventures is dedicated to crafting experiences that surpass your expectations. We are your trusted travel concierge, committed to bringing your ideas to life. Whether you seek private charters around the Caribbean or aim to explore the diverse cultural and natural landscapes of the Guianas, we are your one-stop-shop for all things travel. We cater to all types of travelers, from those seeking high-end luxury travel to those yearning for adventurous experiences that push their limits. At Evergreen Adventures, your imagination is the only limit.

Embark on a journey of wonder and exploration with Evergreen Adventures’ most sought-after tours. Our carefully curated itineraries blend cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling experiences for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re captivated by the historical charm of Paramaribo, enchanted by the serenity of Kaieteur Falls, or yearning for an adventure, our popular tours promise to transport you to the heart of each destination.

Kaieteur Falls Day Tour

Discover Guyana’s iconic Kaieteur Falls with our most popular day trip. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you have an unforgettable experience exploring this natural wonder of the world.

Suriname 5 Days / 4 Nights

Explore Paramaribo, a UNESCO heritage site with a rich Dutch history, before venturing upriver to Kinini Pati for an unforgettable jungle lodge experience. It’s the perfect getaway for culture and adventure seeker.

Suriname 4 Days / 3 Nights

Discover the hidden gems of Paramaribo with this handcrafted itinerary that explores the rich history, culture, and biodiversity of Paramaribo, a UNESCO heritage site.

Visit Our Baganara Island Resort

Escape to this exotic island paradise and experience one of Guyana’s true gems. Peaceful, exotic & spectacular are some words used to describe Baganara, a rainforest resort five miles from Bartica in the Essequibo River. This 187-acre private island effortlessly blends the comforts of a scenic retreat with all the fun of an elegant, full-service resort where you can explore the wonders on our nature walk or a kayak meandering silently through the creeks under the majestic canopy of the forest.

Whether you are a tourist visiting the rainforest or an executive flying in for the day, we invite you to discover our resort’s unique character and casual luxury. 

Testimonial

We hadn’t realized before traveling how much of the trip would be on a completely private basis (other than the charter flight) – the road transfers, boat transfers, all activities, the whole Mapari experience - so the value became more evident as the trip unfolded. It was a fantastic memorable trip with some really magical moments so thank you again for all your efforts in organizing it all for us.

Gillian Beath

I can’t thank you enough for all your help in planning this trip, Shebana. And, success! Kevin and I saw not just one but three anteaters (including one baby!)!! We had bonus moments with giant river otters, arapaima, caiman, capuchin monkeys and loads of birds! The best part was spending time with Melanie and learning more about Karanambu! So, thank you once again - we could not have planned this trip without you!

Former Ambassador

Everything went very well.🙂 We’re just sad that we left Guyana, we had a great time there. Thank you so much for your support with all. Have a good one!

Agatha and Rene Wollenschein

Great experience for your family with Evergreen tours. Right from booking months in advance to actual tours. We did Georgetown City Tour, and Kaieteur falls and Ordinuik falls tour with them. The guides were very good. Guyana is a fascinating country with very friendly people.

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   GUYANA  

Land of giants...

For its unparalleled and remarkable biodiversity, come and meet some of the endangered giants of South America, many of which are still thriving in Guyana: jaguar, giant river otter, giant anteater, giant armadillo, capybara, harpy eagle, arapaima, a water lily big enough to support a child, black and spectacled caiman, giant river turtle, false vampire bat, the bushmaster pit viper, green anaconda, and bird-eating spiders the size of a dinner plate.

More than 800 species are found here, including the coy Guianan cock-of-the-rock, the elusive rufous-winged ground cuckoo, and the critically endangered red siskin and sun parakeet. You can also see manatee, bearded saki monkeys, Brazilian tapir, river stingrays, poison dart frogs, brilliantly-coloured beetles and butterflies, and the list goes on.

Expert indigenous guides will ensure that your encounters with these magnificent creatures are as close up — or as safely distant — as possible so you can experience the intense biodiversity pulsing through Guyana’s rainforests, mountains, mangroves, and savannahs.

As South America’s only English-speaking country, Guyana it also offers opportunities to engage directly with the people. Interior Guyana’s small and dispersed Amerindian population is warm and welcoming, eager to share its traditional knowledge of the rainforest and its rich treasures.The spirit of community in Guyana is strong and unmistakably evident at every turn.

Guyana is an emerging gem in the nature and adventure tourism market. Still little known, Guyana's lush interior, criss-crossed by a myriad of rivers and cascading waterfalls, enveloped by virgin rainforest, revealed in its far-stretching savannahs and teeming with tropical wild life rivals the best nature and adventure destinations anywhere else in the world.

With a small population of 750,000 people in land space the size of Great Britain, most of its interior is uninhabited except for a scattering of Indigenous Amerindian villages and a few small towns. Because of its British colonial past, the language is English and it has very strong links with the Caribbean. Located on the north eastern shoulder of South America and one hours flight away from Trinidad and Barbados, it is the gateway to both Amazonia and the Caribbean.

Located on the north eastern shoulder of South America and one hours flight away from Trinidad and Barbados, it is the gateway to both Amazonia and the Caribbean. Located on the north eastern shoulder of South America and one hours flight away from Trinidad and Barbados, it is the gateway to Amazonia.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO GUYANA

Guyana has preserved the vast majority of its rainforest in pristine form, replete with all the creatures, big and small, who call it home. This presents an opportunity for first-hand exploration found in few other places on Earth. No touts; no tour bus traffic jams; even postcards and souvenirs are in short supply. When you visit Guyana, you encounter something that’s hard to find these days: a magnificent, untamed natural paradise.

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Welcome to wanderlust adventures gy, where we specialize in creating extraordinary and unforgettable adventures in the beautiful country of guyana. with its pristine rainforests, stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, guyana is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking thrilling experiences or a nature enthusiast looking for tranquility, we have the perfect itinerary to suit your desires., award - winning journey.

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I founded Wanderlust Guyana because my love for this land stems from traversing the three regions since childhood and an affinity to learn about people and their culture during my travels. Most importantly, there's always curiosity and excitement to see pictures and listen to my family's Guyanese experiences. and an expression of wishing to have the same. 

 Guyana offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for ecotourism experiences and an array of budget-friendly adventures, excursions and entertainment.  We'll piece the details together so that you can just focus on creating beautiful travel memories .

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The Bush Master (Lachesis muta)

Aug 09, 2009 Features / Columnists , Interesting Creatures in Guyana

The Bush Master (Lachesis muta) is a venomous pit viper species found in South America. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. Adults grow to an average of 2 to 2.5 metres (m), although 3m is not too unusual. The largest recorded specimen was almost 3.65m long, making this the largest of all pit vipers and the longest venomous snake in the western hemisphere. The head is broad and very distinct from the narrow neck. The snout is broadly rounded. There is no canthus. A pair of small internasals is present, separated by small scales. The supraoculars are narrow. Other parts of the crown are covered with very small scales. Laterally, the second supralabial forms the anterior border of the loreal pit, while the third is very large. The eye is separated from the supralabials by 4-5 rows of small scales. The body is cylindrical, tapered and moderately stout. Mid-body there are 31-37 nonoblique rows of dorsal scales which are heavily keeled with bulbous tubercles and feebly imbricate. There are 200-230 ventral scales. The tail is short with 32-50 mainly paired subcaudals, followed by 13-17 rows of small spines and a terminal spine.

A bushmaster secluded in its habitat

The colour pattern consists of a yellowish, reddish or grey-brown ground colour, overlaid with a series of dark brown or black dorsal blotches that form lateral inverted triangles of the same colour. The lateral pattern may be precisely or indistinctly defined, normally pale at the centre. Lachesis is one of the three Fates in Greek mythology and was supposed to assign to man his term of life — something this species is certainly capable of doing. The species is similar in appearance to rattlesnakes and vibrates its tail vigorously when alarmed, but has no rattle and was therefore called mutus (later muta), which is Latin for dumb or mute. However, when in the undergrowth, the tail actually makes quite a loud rustling noise. Found in South America in the equatorial forests east of the Andes: Colombia, eastern Ecuador, Peru, northern Bolivia, eastern and southern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and much of northern Brazil. The species is also found in Trinidad. They are found in primary and secondary forests; adjacent fields and cleared areas. In Trinidad it tends to prefer hilly and mountainous regions. Some reports suggest that this species produces a large amount of venom that is weak compared to some other vipers. Others, however, suggest that such conclusions may not be accurate. These animals are badly affected by stress and often do not last long in captivity. This makes it difficult to obtain “good, healthy” venom for study purposes.

For example, Bolaños (1972) observed that venom yield from his specimens fell from 233 mg to 64 mg while they remained in his care. As the stress of being milked regularly has this effect on venom yield, it is reasoned that it may also affect venom toxicity. This may explain the disparity described by Hardy and Haad (1998) of the low laboratory toxicity versus the high mortality rate of bite victims.[11] The most famous of the vipers in Guyana is the Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). This snake is aptly named in English and particularly in Latin – as the “silent bringer of death.” The bushmaster, known as the surucucu in Brazil, and the shushupe in other countries, is the largest venomous snake in the New World. These snakes can regularly exceed 2,000 millimetres in length (6.5 ft.), and one of the largest recorded was 4,267 mm (14 ft.). Like the rattlesnake, it has a prominent dorsal ridge, and the head is broad with an upturned snout. The bushmaster is a nocturnal snake, and reported as extremely aggressive, although scientists believe this to be an exaggeration. (Source – Wikipedia: The Free Online Encyclopedia)

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Jungle Survival Course with Bushmasters - Guyana Forum

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I was wondering if anyone had been on this trip. I have a few questions to ask:

1. What were your general impressions of the trip?

2. How hard going was it? I lead a pretty active life climbing, running, mountaineering should this see me through?

3. What kinds of things did you eat during the course?

4. Did anyone find it very tough going? Did anyone drop out?

5. What type of people were on the trip? Were the all fitness freaks?

6. What like was the two days alone in the jungle?

Hi Muffback

I have just spent an epic 7 weeks in Guyana. Firstly with Bushmasters for the three week Adventure Trek (which I must say was outstanding though tough at some times) and then when I extended my stay after some other trips around Guyana, I did the jungle survival course with them too.

The survival course is great. The simple fact of being in one of the four last remaining pristine virgin jungles in the world is pretty cool in itself. The Ameridian guides are awesome, they have x-ray vision in seeing animals, especially when you are learning how to hunt with bows and arrows. You learn great skills that enable you to happily survive in isolation. We went into isolation for two nights, almost three days. The first group to have all got through complete isolation in our individual secret locations! The survival course was to me one of those personal challenges you can't afford not to take up. An opportunity to extend you mentally and physically. It was deeply satisfying to look back at my mansion of a shelter, bed, radiator, trap and general camp and think "I did all that" and survived! We all agreed afterwards that there should be no reason for anyone to drop out or pick up the radio to say 'get me out of here'.

The end of the trip ended with a rum hangover viewing the highest single drop waterfall in the world as the river tumbles past seemingly endless stretches of virgin jungle. Outstanding!

As for fitness...u sound pretty fit to me and you are not doing an epic trek so it doesnt call for any hectic fitness level. Being some what fit does help with acclimatisation and for the walks you go for in the forest.

As for eating during the course, we were on the standard course and ate delicious food, a combination of local and western cuisine cooked by a great cook. As for in isolation..ummm....thats up to you're skills..but expect some hunger pains.

Type of people on the course...normal good humoured people is all I can sum them up to be. ..like minded dudes who enjoyed being outdoors and enjoy the sense of adventure..an insurance broker, a admin language guru dude, an IT consultant and myself..a zoologist/ entomologist come care worker come dodgy Zimbabwean.

As for isolation..no problem...I was so busy getting my shelter and bed sorted the first day..(thats hard physical work), finding water and collecting firewood and starting a fire before it got dark while trying to guess the time. The next day I was busy making changes to my guchi bed, making a snare to catch something and trying to spear some fish. I was rather hungry and tired by the third day and was grateful for a 'Teddy's cookie' when I was rescued and began the tab out. We then rafted down a river on rather unstable bamboo rafts before an epic swim through the caves at rock landing.

I could rattle on for ages. I highly recommend the course and also the adventure trip. I am sending my friend on it in January and Im already planning on the Makarapan mountain escape next year.

I see that Calley has just about covered everything I wanted to say.

We were both on the same survival course and I would heartily agree that it was definitely an awesome trip; the best fun I have had in ages!

From what you said, your fitness will see you through easily (you'll probably be the fittest in the group!). A willingness to just get stuck in and give things a go is just as important. Any (understandable)thoughts/worries you might have about the 'isolation' phase will soon disappear when you begin to learn the skills to see you through. Suddenly you will have new-found confidence in your ability to look after yourself, and will positively WANT to go into the survival scenario alone. I felt a fantastic sense of achievement, having built my own 'bachelor pad in the Caribbean' (as it was later called), knowing I could look after myself if I had to. As Calley mentioned, we were the first complete group to make it through this phase as individuals and without having radioed in for assistance; you could do it, too! I guarantee that, on being 'rescued', you will walk out of that camp wet, dirty, smelly and hungry but with a great big smile on your face (tinged with a little sadness, having to say goodbye to that small piece of jungle that has become home!). That first breakfast of bakes and coffee never tasted so good!

The jungle is really not the scary environment that you might believe! This is one of the first and perhaps most important things you will learn. Sure you have to be careful, but we shared our river swims with piranha, caiman and anaconda, all without any problems whatsoever. And that alone makes for a great holiday anecdote!

Without hesitation, I would absolutely recommend Bushmasters to you. You just gotta' go for it; if you don't you'll be missing out on an awesome time! But start preparing now for the inevitable looks incredulity when you tell people what you're signing up for ; 'What? You're going to Guyana to live in the jungle? And you have to build a shelter and hunt your own food? Whadda' want to do that for?!!' (I actually had this conversation with a US Customs Official). Fear not; it's they who are missing out. It really is.

Best of luck, matey

Dave (the admin language guru)

Looks interesting.

Perhaps I'm being too careful, but as I can't find any mention of ATOL or ABTA or other financial bonding on their website (despite it being a ".co.uk"), I'd be grateful if someone could answer the following questions:

1. How do you pay bushmasters? There is some mention of Paypal on their website.

2. If it is via Paypal, do the usual credit card guarantees still apply, since the payment is being done through a middle man (Paypal) and possibly to an overseas guyanan account.

3. Did you feel confident about handing over your money?

CarmineBeeEater,

First of all, you are quite right to be cautious about handing over the hard-earned. It is, after all, a not-inconsiderable amount of money we are talking about.

I made bank transfers to Bushmasters' UK account. It was quick, easy, and the payments were acknowledged promptly.

I only sorted the (jungle survival) holiday out a relatively short while before actually leaving for Guyana. Over the course of an email exchange with Bushmasters before booking, I was encouraged by their level of customer service and confident that my payments were safe. No qualms about it whatsoever, really.

Even now, several months after returning, I'm recounting my jungle tales. And I may well go back again next year; that's the best recommendation I can give you. So stop reading the above posts, and get stuck in.

Thanks GingerDave

I'm somewhat more reassured. Just waiting on Bushmasters to email me a sample itinerary (they're out on a trek at the moment says the automated response). I'm thinking about going in July/August.

What appeals to me mainly is the getting "closer to nature" aspect of their trips, so do you see much in the way of wildlife?

Also do you think it is it worth lugging a DSLR camera and heavy lenses (amateur level) into the jungle, given the probable wet, dirty and low light (under the jungle canopy) conditions?

You will get much closer to nature, that's for sure, given that you'll be living in their environment. You may even end up sharing a hammock with a few of the little critters! We saw loads (see website for species' name; I'm rubbish at remembering that kind of thing!).

As for camera kit, I'd recommend the camera body + 1 (max. 2) lenses to cover most scenarios. Too much heavy, bulky kit will become a real inconvenience when moving through dense undergrowth. And you'll be on the go most of the time, practising the survival techniques so won't always have time to set up your shots. For me, that was the beauty of the Bushmasters' Survival; active, and definitely not passive, involvement. Consider also that jungle humidity/dirt are really that good for expensive camera kit (although this can be mostly overcome by good quality dry bags and loads of silica gel). But be in no doubt, there are LOADS of great photos just waiting to be taken in the interior. And when you go into 'isolation', if you want to get as close to hardcore as possible, all such trappings of modern life have to get left behind!

Carmine Bee-Eater here,

Well it's been a week since I got back from a trip with Bushmasters. I didn't do the survival trip, but the Raw Venture Special. As the other people on this thread have said, it's fantastic and well worth the experience. Thinking about going again next year.

Some photos and a bit about the trip can be found at http://www.chong.dsl.pipex.com/guyana/intro.htm

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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The bushmaster – one of the world’s deadliest snakes.

First Published: 19th of July, 2021 by Patrick Carpen .

Known in some places as the Dumb Rattler, the bushmaster is one of the largest vipers in the world. A member of the rattlesnake family, the bushmaster is more dangerous than the rattlesnake on account of the fact that it has no rattle to warn off its potential victim.

Lachesis Muta, the South American Bushmaster, also called the South American Cobra and the Atlantic Cobra, is one of the world’s most feared, deadly, dangerous, venomous, unpredictable, and frightening snakes. The reptile belongs to a family of venomous pit vipers and is found in South America as well as the Caribbean Island of Trinidad.

In Guyana , the bushmaster can be found in interior forested regions and in certain parts of the coast close to jungles.

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Serpentes

Family : Viperidae

Genus : Lachesis

Species : L. Muta

Binomial Name : Lachesis Muta

They say if you eat the meat, you will become a good hunter. If you kill a bushmaster, you must remove the eyes as they retain your image and the other bushmaster will track you down and bite you to death. This is a snake that is never afraid of humans. The neurotoxin will kill even a jaguar in 2 minutes. The neurotoxin is highly needed for medicine. Guyana does not have labs for snake venom, and that is needed badly. Comment by Mr. Ramesh Alli

The bushmaster is rumored to stand on the tail when striking and it aims for the neck. If the head misses, the tail, which carries a venomous bone, takes a shot at its intended victim.

The bushmaster is reputed to be an unpredictable and offensive animal. While some other snakes may try to avoid human contact and may not bite unless stepped on or provoked, the bushmaster is known to launch unprovoked attacks against humans. Its venom is one of the deadliest, and most victims of a bushmaster bite unfortunately die within the hour.

I was bitten by an eight-foot long bushmaster when I was 12 years old. I was hospitalized for 12 days. I got 34 injections…almost died…thanks to mom, I survived. I love you mom.. Comment by Walter Bradford

The bushmaster grows to around six to ten feet in length and weighs about 11 pounds. It is characterized by a broad head, narrow neck, and broadly rounded snout. The body of the bushmaster is cylindrical, tapered, and a bit stout.

The bushmaster is a nocturnal predator: It sleeps during the daytime and hunts in the night.

Due to humans’ fear of the bushmaster, most people kill it at the first opportunity. The bushmaster is perhaps the world’s only endangered species which is not protected by law.

So, what do you know about the bushmaster snake? Tell us in the comments section below. And be sure to share this article to help someone learn about this dreadful creature.

Below Are Some Comments We Received After Publishing this Article

I was employed by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Drainage and Irrigation Board and was posted to serve in Manarabisi Pumping Station in the year 1981. During my stint, myself and family went on holiday in Georgetown and returned to the location one evening. I took up the 12mn-12md shift because the other operator leaves when I return to location. While in the maintenance hut, I observed the hunters being led by Frederick Shultz and they asked my permission to enter Manarabisi Canal to go hunting. I agreed and they went and returned, then went back into the Canje Creek to hunt, the next message I got was that a bushmaster bit Freddy Shultz and the crew was trying to save his life, but he didn’t make it. Freddy died from the bushmaster bite. Huntley Mickle had a cut for the bushmaster and he used to make those cut on the Manarabisi Pumping Station compound while I was there. Ralph Moore

1967…. While diving in the Ekereku area, it was my turn to go for cigarettes at the airstrip. Our camp was about two hours from the airstrip. I left around 4 pm hoping to make it to camp before it got dark running with a carton in each hand going down the mountain. As I came around this corner one of my foot landed on this thing that looked like a motor cycle tire. As I cleared it, I saw this coil of snake. I said, you are not getting me tonight. When I got into camp and after describing it, one old guy said to me, “you are one lucky guy. That was a bush master.” A couple of weeks after, someone killed it and its known that the mate will be waiting there for you. Simon Defreitas

My grandpa told me tales about the bushmaster, bone-chilling tales too. One of them is he was camping in the jungle while hunting and a jaguar came by his camp side sniffing. The jaguar started acting funny and ran away in fear. Upon inspection, a bushmaster about 12 feet with massive size standing on its tail was near the camp. My grandpa could not believe his eyes as he whipped out his gun, but the snake looked at him from a distance and shook its head as if it was saying to granps “do not kill me.” The snake slithered away. It could have been the spirit of someone who took the form of the bushmaster to save granps from the jaguar. Darkrai

This article was reproduced in the Guyana, South America Weekly Newsletter for week ending 3rd of February, 2024.

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When I was about 10, we went to grandpa’s farm to get provisions/vegetables. My older cousin by 2 years, said Run, the Bushmaster is coming. .I didn’t see it, but, we scaled that ladder over the fence, then the coconut trunk bridge over the canal and left without any produce. Went back home as my uncle was getting, hence the reason for the farm visit. My cousin knew about these snakes and the death they bring when bitten.

Trail Masters Adventure Tours is a local tour company which provides tours throughout Guyana, neighbouring countries and the Caribbean. The inspiration was born from a hiking trip by Founder Christopher Chin. On encountering such vibrant and breath taking views he instantly knew it must be shared with the rest of the world.

Our goal is simple, to be the highest rated tour company in Guyana, collaborating with our Indigenous communities keeping our rich culture & heritage alive while preserving our environment.

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Jungle Survival

The jungle survival adventure.

Delve into the secluded depths of Guyana’s rainforest and experience an electrifying two-week jungle survival course. With a skilled survival instructor and a squad of seasoned Amerindian mentors, you’ll be guided meticulously as you discover what it truly means to survive in the wild.

Submerge yourself in a pristine segment of the Amazon and master survival skills in a remarkably captivating setting. Under our guidance, you’ll grasp jungle survival techniques and indigenous survival skills. After this comprehensive training, you’ll enter absolute isolation in the dense heart of the jungle, where your only company will be monkeys, anacondas, caimans, and jaguars. Do you have the tenacity to stand alone in the wilderness?

Phase One: Training

We will only plunge you into survival mode if we prepare you adequately for your jungle adventure. In the initial one-week survival training phase, we’ll equip you with the wilderness skills to locate water, construct shelter, ignite a fire without matches, and procure food. After setting up your hammock camp, we’ll help you get comfortable consuming various unique and intriguing bugs. Then, we’ll teach you the essentials: piranha fishing, wild game hunting with a bow and arrow, fire lighting, and water vine recognition. By the end of the first week, you’ll be prepared with the skills necessary to survive in the jungle – are you ready to face the challenge?

Phase Two: Isolation

Once you are ready, you’ll embark on a solo journey (or with a partner, if preferred). We’ll leave you in a fresh part of the jungle to fend for yourself. Armed with a sharp machete, a bow and arrow, and a trusty belt kit, you’ll test your survival skills in an adrenaline-fueled real-world scenario. Relying on your wits and survival instinct without the aid of a torch or a match, are you up for the challenge?

You can check our jungle bushcraft course here if you are only interested in learning skills and want to focus on this.

• Make jungle survival shelter
• Primitive fishing
• Fire Making
• Use of machete
• Staying safe in the jungle
• Flora and fauna of the rainforest

Jungle Survival Course

Request the trip itinerary - jungle survival.

To request more information about this trip, fill in the form below and we will send you a PDF version. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Trip Highlights

"> "> Expert Guidance

"> "> Wilderness Skills Training

Isolation Challenge

"> "> Diverse Wildlife Encounters

"> "> Aerial Rainforest Views

"> "> Cultural Immersion

Full Jungle Survival Itinerary

We gather at a hotel in Georgetown, the capital, for introductions and any lingering questions before venturing into the interior. No meals were provided. Shared room accommodation.

In the morning, we proceed to Ogle airport for check-in and flight in a small propeller plane. The journey offers a breathtaking view of Guyana’s vast rainforest coverage. We land in the quaint village of Surama, from where we head to a nearby Eco lodge for introductions, lunch, and gear distribution. The night concludes with relaxation and stunning rainforest views. Lunch and dinner included. Shared room accommodation.

We leave the Ecolodge early in the morning and make our way to our first base with simple structures and facilities for initial forest exposure. We cover survival basics like fire-making, acquiring clean drinking water, setting up hammocks, using machetes, bows, arrows, and fishing. Theoretical topics like survival psychology, jungle dangers, hazards, and wildlife recognition are also covered. All meals included. Hammock sleeping arrangement.

Post training, we move further into the forest, create our camp, and contribute to camp life – from building bush latrines to ensuring water and firewood supply. We also cover advanced survival techniques like shelter construction, navigation, and advanced fishing theory. All meals included. Hammock sleeping arrangement.

Participants are taken to their isolation spot with a select set of tools, such as a machete, bow and arrow, water bottle, fire kit, and fishing kit. The challenge here is to create a sustainable living environment and survive until extraction. Sleep in the self-built shelter—meals caught through personal means.

A rescue team will arrive during the day to extract you! The team then returns to the lodge for a celebration dinner marking our collective achievements. Lunch and dinner included. Shared room accommodation.

The next day. We journey back to Georgetown for a final night in town. No meals included. Shared room accommodation.

On the final day, we bid each other farewell as participants head home or to their next destination. No meals included. No accommodation is provided.

No Prior Experience? No Problem!

Whether you’re a complete novice stepping into the wild for the first time or an advanced survivalist looking to perfect your skills, our jungle survival expeditions are tailored just for you!

If you have any further questions, contact Anders below, he is hapy to discuss any fitness/skill concerns.

Curious about the Amazon's Secrets?

Have questions? Embark on a pre-adventure chat and learn all about our trips. Get firsthand insights and answers directly from our founder, Anders.

Anders is here to guide you through every thrilling detail. Set up your time on Calendly now.

"Experience the untouched wildlife in a jungle landscape that covers almost 75% of Guyana. From jaguars, tapirs, and anacondas, to giant anteaters, Guyana is the epitome of what a wildlife experience should be."​

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A little visited gem that still has unbelievable carpets of emerald rain forests stretching to the horizon in every direction dissected by numerous serpentine rivers. The vast stands of virgin forests held superb butterflies, the fearsome bushmaster and seven species of primate including the lightning fast Guinan Saki a challenge to keep up with as it zipped through the canopy. Insignificant clearings near rock outcrops were actually the lekking ground of the indescribable Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock and along the rivers were Agami Herons, Anaconda and Black Skimmers with side channels leading to hidden peaceful lagoons peppered with the giant lily pads of Victoria amazonica who immense white flowers opened at dusk. Simple uncrowded lodges staffed by friendly English-speaking Amerindian people added to the laid back charm. And then there was the stunning centrepiece of Kaieteur Falls and its magnificent surroundings virtually unsullied by tourism with no safety barriers, just pure wild nature. Chris Gardner

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