Georgetown : In preparation for the upcoming 11th Pakaraima Mountain Safari, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) held the final inspection for the vehicles that will be participating, following which they were branded with the 2013 safari logo and that of the sponsors, Guyoil/Castrol and Neal and Massy.
The vehicles were checked for durability, model, tyres, fire extinguishers, fuel containers, camping equipment, spade, shovel, spare parts and air compressor, among other pre-requisites.
GTA’s Director, Indranauth Haralsingh noted that the upcoming Safari is the largest one in terms of the number of vehicles participating. There are 28 vehicles that will undertake the over 600-mile journey starting on March 22 and moving off from the Guyoil gas station at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
The event is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and GTA in collaboration with Rain Forest Tours, Guyoil/Castrol, Neal & Massy, MMC, and for the first time, China Trading.
Haralsingh pointed out that this year there will be some new comers along with others who have been on the journey over the years. These include participants from Trinidad and Tobago. The US Embassy and two vehicles from Jamaica will be on the convoy as well. It has been confirmed that 10 vehicles from Jamaica will be in the next safari.
He added that here has been very high interest from Suriname which plans to take part in the 2014 event. Twenty -five persons from the neighbouring country will be coming to attend the Rodeo during the Easter week-end activities.
One of the highlights of the safari is that a sign will be mounted on the highest peak of the Pakaraimas in Kurukubaru which is located between the villages of Karasabai and Orinduik. The peak has been dubbed Nokta’s Peak in recognition of former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta who was a pioneer in the safari route. As a result of Nokta’s contributions, access opened up to many of the communities in the mountain range. He will also be rewarded with a lifetime achievement award after the safari.
The Pakaraima Mountain Safari is the adventure of a lifetime and entails travelling via 4×4 vehicles across Regions 4, 8, 9 and 10, starting below sea level and reaching approximately 3,800 ft above sea level. The journey takes participants through rugged terrain and passing more than 25 Amerindian villages before reaching its destination, Orinduik Falls. The 2013 Pakaraima Safari will be staged from March 22-30.
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