North or South Rupununi?
Choosing between the North and South Rupununi: forest edge and community lodges versus open ranch country, wildlife, access, comfort and how to combine both.
Savannah meets forest near Surama
In short
Choose the North Rupununi for rainforest edges, community-run lodges and the easiest access from Georgetown. Choose the South for wide-open ranch country, horses and fewer visitors. With ten days or more, Karanambu in the middle links them naturally.
The Rupununi is huge, and its northern and southern halves feel different. Neither is better; they suit different travelers.
Side by side
| Aspect | North Rupununi | South Rupununi |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Savannah ringed by forested hills, rainforest close by | Vast open grassland, rivers, the Kanuku Mountains |
| Where you stay | Community-run eco-lodges and guesthouses | Family-run working ranches |
| Highlights | Surama Mountain, river trips, Rewa, harpy eagle nests when active | Riding, ranch life, savannah wildlife, space |
| Access | Scheduled flights to Annai; road via Iwokrama | Scheduled flights to Lethem, then long 4x4 transfers |
| Pairs with | Iwokrama rainforest | Karanambu, Brazil border |
| Best for | First visits, community stays, forest and savannah together | Riders, return visitors, longer slower trips |
Choose the North if
- This is your first trip and you want rainforest and savannah in one area.
- Community-led tourism matters to you.
- You have a week or less.
Choose the South if
- You want space, horses and very few other visitors.
- You have already seen the North, or you have two weeks.
- You are comfortable with long transfers on dirt tracks.
Doing both
With ten days or more, a north-to-south route works well: Iwokrama and Surama, then Karanambu, then a South Rupununi ranch, flying out of Lethem. See the full Guyana journey in 14 days.
Tell us what you want from Guyana
Share your dates, interests and the pace you enjoy. We reply with suggestions and, when you are ready, a written proposal with the route, prices, inclusions and who provides each part of the trip.
