LARGER THAN LIFE GUYANA - AS SEEN ON TV

Over the years, BBC wildlife documentaries have featured the most incredible footage, allowing armchair travellers a rare glimpse into some of the most remote corners of the globe. The BBC’s latest production is no exception and over the next three Wednesdays viewers will follow a team of explorers, scientists and film-makers as they discover the plants and animals inhabiting the spectacular landscape of Guyana. Lost Land of the Jaguar commences Wednesday 30th July on BBC One. The TV is no substitute however, for real life exploration, so Wildlife Worldwide offers the unique opportunity to see firsthand, the country’s amazing rainforests, stunning waterfalls and wildlife, including Jaguar, Giant River Otter, Tapir and caiman, during its 14-day Journey to Guyana tour, departing London on selected dates throughout the year.

In historic capital, Georgetown, on the banks of the Demarera River, guests are accommodated in 150-year-old Cara Lodge, probably one of Guyana’s finest hotels. There’s time to visit Stabroek Market, famously a very ‘bizarre bazaar’, where it’s possible to find myriad items, all brought to market by river. Leave Georgetown to journey through rainforest, crossing the Essequibo River to spend 2-nights at the Iwokrama Field Station - 1,000,000 acres of rainforest reserved for research, development and conservation purposes. Accommodation here is in timber cabins with thatched roofs, on the banks of the Essequibo River, though there’s an option to venture deeper into the forest and overnight at one of the field station's satellite camps. Jaguar sightings have been very good of late, with up to 25% of visitors to Iwokrama bagging the big cat. Nighttime boat trips may yield up the bright eyes of Spectacled Caiman and later, during an excursion to Kurupukari Falls, Amerindian petroglyphs will be observed. Those with a head for it can climb the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway to observe the mid and upper forest canopy, along a 154m long series of suspension bridges and decks up to 30m high. Continuing to the village of Surama, tribal guides from the Amerindian community (Macushi Tribe) lead walks to discover fantastic vistas, multitudes of birds and other ‘local residents’ including Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tira and Spider Monkeys. A transfer to Rock View Lodge, located where the savannah meets the forest-covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains, sees meals taken in the old ranch house or in the garden under enormous mango trees. Later, at Karanambu Ranch, home to Diane McTurk, famed for her work with Giant River Otters, help and even swim, with any otters in residence. Guests may also search out Black Caiman, Arapaima (the world’s largest fish!) and view examples of Victoria Amazonica (the world’s largest water lily!) - so much in Guyana is larger than life! Continuing the theme, next stop is Kaieteur Falls (822 ft – five times the height of Niagara Falls!) and Orinduik Falls. The tour concludes back in Georgetown for homeward flights.

The tour costs from £3,195 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, lodges and hotel accommodation, most meals together with expertly guided wildlife viewing.

Click here for Journey to Guyana Wildlife Holiday