Guyana holidays : introduction
Guyana (formerly British Guiana) lies on the north-eastern shoulder of South America, bordered by Venezuela to the west, Brazil in the south, and Suriname to the east. The name comes from an Amerindian word meaning ‘land of many waters’, which is certainly appropriate as major rivers include the Essequibo, Demerara and the Berbice.
Guyana is a wonderful nature and wildlife destination in its infancy, and if you feel the need for more comfortable accommodation and a sandy beach then it can be combined with Venezuela or one of the Caribbean islands such as Tobago or St Lucia.
Climate and when to go
The mean shade temperature is 27°C (maximum 31°C, minimum 24°C). On the coast the heat is tempered by cooling breezes from the sea.
There are two wet seasons in the north, from May to June, and from December to January. The south has one wet season, generally from May to August. Rainfall averages 2,300mm a year in Georgetown.
While the dry season generally offers the best wildlife viewing, the waterfalls are at their most spectacular in the wet, when the savanna is also at its greenest.
“Our holiday to Guyana was one of a lifetime. Had we been younger, we might even have considered a return trip.” - PC