From the airstrip a path crosses bare sandstone and low, wet forest to the edge of the gorge. The guide sets the pace and the order; the whole circuit is gentle, but the rock is slippery when wet.
1 Kaieteur Falls and its viewpoints
Three natural platforms give three different pictures. Johnson’s View, the furthest, shows the whole fall and the gorge; Boy Scout View is closer and square-on; Rainbow View is right beside the lip, where the river curls over the edge and rainbows form in the spray on sunny mornings. There are no barriers anywhere.
Practical: Included in every tour. About 1½–2 hours of easy walking. Stay well back from the edge, especially on wet rock.
2 The Potaro Gorge
Below the falls the river has cut a canyon several kilometres long through the plateau, its walls covered in forest and hung with cloud. The view down the gorge from Johnson’s View is as memorable as the waterfall itself.
Practical: Seen from the viewpoints and from the aircraft on the approach.
3 Golden frogs and giant bromeliads
The plateau is covered in giant tank bromeliads that hold pools of rainwater between their leaves. A tiny golden frog, found only in this area, spends its whole life inside them. Guides know which plants to look in.
Practical: Along the path; look, do not touch.
4 Guianan cock-of-the-rock
A short side path leads to a lek where the vivid orange males of this bird display. Sightings are frequent but depend on season and time of day.
Practical: Ask your guide; there is not always time on a day tour.
5 The swifts at dusk
Thousands of swifts roost on the cliff behind the curtain of water, diving through it at sunset. Only overnight visitors see the spectacle.
Practical: Overnight stays only.
6 Orinduik Falls
On the Ireng River, which forms the border with Brazil, the water spills over a series of broad terraces of red and black jasper among the grassy Pakaraima hills. The steps make natural seats and pools for bathing. Sandflies can be fierce — bring repellent.
Practical: Reached by a 25-minute flight from Kaieteur on combination tours; about 2 hours on the ground. Bring swimwear.
7 Amatuk and Waratuk falls
Trekkers approaching overland pass two lower falls on the Potaro, where boats are carried around the rapids, before the final climb through cloud forest to the plateau — known, with reason, as “Oh My God” hill.
Practical: Overland trek only.
Guided tours: Kaieteur Falls & Orinduik
Flight & guided visit from €623 Kaieteur Falls: Scenic Flight and Guided Tour from Georgetown
The classic Guyana day out: a small-aircraft flight over unbroken rainforest to the airstrip beside the falls, a guided walk to several viewpoints and a light meal before the flight back. About four hours in all; flights depend on weather and on enough passengers.
