Check out this cool video above to see what a trip is like!

Who are we?

We specialize in tailor made river and camping expeditions into the heart of Guyana’s wilderness for small groups of adventurous clients such as birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, scientists, sport fishers, film crews, and anyone who loves wildlife, wild places, and adventure. If you have a pioneer spirit and have dreamed of exploring unspoiled rain forests and rivers, if you appreciate nature’s wild beauty and remote landscapes, then come and explore with us.

Guyana Truly Wild also owns and operates the Mapari Wilderness Camp which is located within the Kanuku Mountain range. The camp is located 35 miles upriver from the Caiman House Eco Lodge in Yupukari Village.

Where are we?

South-central Guyana, a region of beautiful, bio-diverse landscapes, encompassing mountains, savannas, rivers, and rain forests, is called “the Rupununi.” Although the largest region in Guyana, it only has 25,000 inhabitants- that is less than 1 person per square kilometer.

This area is criss-crossed by rivers of different sizes and majesty, surrounded by forest and is bisected by the iconic Kanuku Mountains. These mountains, blanketed in tropical rainforest, are internationally recognized for their rich biodiversity and in 2011 they were declared a protected area. At 611,000 hectares, they are the largest protected area in the country. 

The watersheds of both the Amazon and Essequibo river systems are located here, providing an incredible richness in aquatic biodiversity. As a result, the giants of El Dorado can be found here, including: Giant River Otters, Black Caiman, Harpy Eagles, Anacondas, Capybara, Arapaima, Giant River Turtles, Giant Anteaters, Jaguar, and Giant Armadillos.

What is a trip like?

If you’re willing to sacrifice some of the “luxuries and comforts” of home in exchange for a true wilderness experience, better wildlife sightings and fishing, then a remote camping expedition might be for you.

Camping conditions, although basic, are comfortable and relaxing. Tarpaulin camps are set up at suitable locations along the river with hammocks and mosquito nets provided. Drift off to the sounds of the night forest and awaken to the avian dawn chorus and the eerie calls of howler monkeys.

Bathing is done in the cool refreshing waters of the river. The toilet is a pit latrine dug at each camp. The food is simple, but good and plentiful; seasoned by the fireside or cooked on a camp stove. Enjoy fresh fish caught by your own hand.

Travel between camp sites is via boat, and we stop at waterfalls, known wildlife ‘hotspots” areas of interest, and fishing holes. Day to day activities can be tailored for specific interests, but for the most part guests walk on forest trails, birding, searching for wildlife, and learning about the forest from our guides. Go for a quiet river drift at optimum times for wildlife viewing. We also offer night walks and night drifts spotlighting on the river in search of nocturnal species. Please visit our sister site, Mapari Wilderness Camp, for more details about our most highly-rated expedition.

Fishing in most of the rivers is excellent and diverse and you have an opportunity to experience several different styles of fishing including hand lining, night fishing, fly fishing, spin fishing, even fishing with bow and arrow.

We will show you the wilderness in its raw form: no roads, no lodges no other tourists, just us, the river, the forest and its wildlife.

Founder

Born in England, raised in southern Africa, Ashley Holland’s earliest memories are of growing up in remote wilderness areas and visiting game reserves where his Mom worked as a wildlife guide. It was here that he developed his love of wild and remote places. At the age of 12 he emigrated to England for a year of formal education before moving to Guyana where his mother set up a bush camp. Ash first traveled to the Rupununi in 1994 and fell in love with the land, lifestyle, and peoples, and began working as a guide at Karanambu Lodge for many years.

In 1999, Ash started to conduct river and camping expeditions into remote areas for people with a desire to get out into the wild. Over the years he has worked with and learned from the local Indigenous peoples and international researchers, and led over 100 trips for film crews, professional photographers, researchers, as well as birders, fishermen, and travelers with a keen interest in wildlife and nature.

Ash is most at home out in the bush, especially on the rivers, where he can fish, observe and photograph wildlife, bird watch, explore new and remote areas and keep honing his knowledge and skills. Since 2000 Ashley has been based in Yupukari with his family and is a well respected guide who enjoys leading small groups into the remotest and wildest parts of the Rupununi.

Staff are all English-speaking, indigenous Guyanese from local communities, born and bred in the forests and savannas, with a vast knowledge of its wildlife. While they maintain many traditional customs, forest skills and knowledge, they are trained and certified, with lots of experience. Everyone has a wicked sense of humor! As a result, traveling with this crew is always safe, informative, and fun. If you love to learn, explore, and have transformative experiences to create memories you will keep forever- come join us.