Guyana Where and What 2023-2024 for website_compressed

Eco-Wonders
MOUNT RORAIMA
It is the most famous Tepui in the
World. Over 1,700 million years
old, this ancient formation is one
of the most acclaimed sights in
South America forming a tripartite
border between Guyana, Venezuela
and Brazil. For hundreds of years
this ancient flat-topped mountain
formation inspired travellers - tales
and rumours abounded concerning
the mysterious, inaccessible summit
above the clouds.
Mount Roraima is the highest point
in Guyana with a plateau standing at
2700m. Forming part of the ancient
Guiana Shield, Mt. Roraima was once
part of Gondwanaland before tectonic
activity moved apart the continents
of Africa and South America. The
lunar-like surface is home to many
unique flora species which huddle
for shelter in pockets on the exposed,
windswept plateau. Amazing rock
formations have been carved by wind
and water, and the ground is uneven
and rocky with frequent crystal clear
pools of excruciatingly cold water
(good for the circulation apparently!)
There are crystal beds that contain
large, individual crystals in interesting
shapes, and stunning views.
Mt. Roraima has made a deep
impression on western literature
and thought, influencing such men
as Charles Darwin and Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle. After the publication
of Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ there
was great public interest in ‘missing
links’ and ‘relic species’ preserved
by isolation. Roraima’s mysterious
summit was an excellent possibility
for an area at evolutionary standstill
and the last place on earth where
dinosaurs could exist. Conan Doyle,
fascinated by the descriptions of early
explorers such as Im Thurm, wrote in
1912 what is considered to be one of
the best science fiction novels ever
written - “The Lost World.”
KANUKU MOUNTAINS
Recognized by Conservation
International as being one of the
few remaining pristine Amazon
habitats - is located in southwestern
Guyana. This picturesque mountain
range forms a spectacular backdrop
to the Rupununi Savannahs with its
sculptured crowns peaking just below
the clouds. The range, divided by the
Rupununi River, is noted for its high
diversity of bird and animal species,
with approximately 80% of the known
mammal species of Guyana being
recorded. With little or no human
settlement on the eastern range, the
area is still pristine and is perfect for
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