by Erik Dodge

Created on: January 19, 2010   Last Updated: February 01, 2010

South of the mineral rich mountainous area that is believed to be the site of El Dorado, the city of gold, near the third largest river on the South American continent, lays the diverse and exotic Rupununi Savannah in the country of Guyana. An overwhelming amount of striking and endangered animals reside in the savanna’s awe inspiring undisturbed beauty alongside the indigenous Amerindians. Ranchers work this land and some, such as Karanambu, invite visitors to experience the Rupununi Savannah in person. These lucky visitors are treated to a natural environment that is unduplicated around the world.   

The Rupununi savannah is among the largest untouched ranges of savannah lands in the world and is located in the southwestern part of the country between the Rupununi River and the Brazilian boarder. Northern and Southern parts of the savannah are divided by the Kanuku mountain range. This area is marked by flat grasslands and mountainous terrain. Only the extensive and unique wildlife can distract visitors from this stunning scene.    

Teeming with wildlife, the savanna is home to thousands of plant and animal species. Included among them are 500 species of birds, 1,500 different plant species, 120 species of lizards, frogs and snakes, over 400 species of fish and 105 mammal species. One of the savanna’s most famous residents is the jaguar. These big cats, which are the largest in South America, do not avoid water like many others. Being good swimmers allows jaguars to feel right at home in a country whose name means "Land of Many Waters" in the Amerindian language. An equally formidable animal found in the Rupununi Savannah is the harpy eagle. The harpy eagle feeds primarily on animals that live in trees, including sloths and monkeys, and is considered one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world.

The jaguar and harpy eagle share the Rupununi Savannah with the indigenous Amerindians whose villages are sprinkled throughout the region. Members of the Wapishana, Wai Wai and the Macushi tribes inhabit these villages. In addition to the Amerindian tribes, ranchers have also made a home in the grasslands of the savanna. Vaqueros, or cowboys, work these ranches and some are descendants of Scottish settlers from the 19th century.

Ranches in Guyana often open their doors to share the country’s beauty with visitors from around the world. Karanambu, positioned at a key national fishing and wildlife area does just that. The McTurk family made this cattle ranch their home in 1927 and now they give visitors a chance to experience the Rupununi wildlife while helping to conserve the savanna and wetlands and preserve the Amerindians traditional way of life. Karanambu’s site on the banks of the Rupununi River provides excellent opportunities to see Giant River Otters, Black Caiman, and Giant Anteaters.

Guyana’s vast Rupununi Savannah is home to a dramatic and fascinating wildlife population. Ranches, such as Karanambu, open this exotic treasure to travelers of the world, while ensuring its habitat and inhabitants remain protected. The only way to truly understand the scope of the Rupununi Savannah’s unmatched natural beauty is to see it for yourself.  

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