ORINOCO DELTA 'BLACKWATER' KAYAK EXPEDITION AND ANGEL FALLS TRIP

DURATION : 10 DAYS

The Warao Indians - literally the 'Canoe People'- are the native inhabitants of the delta. Family groups reside in palafitos - wooden houses raised on stilts - along the banks of the river, and spend most of their daily lives in canoes fishing the nearby caños and hunting and gathering in the surrounding forests...

The Orinoco Delta is a vast unspoilt ecosystem consisting of complex mosaics of tropical mangroves, shifting channels, mudflats, swamp forests, and flooded grasslands, with substantial flood and tidal pulses. Home to around 20,000 Warao Indians these people live simply by the water travelling by dugout canoes, as they have for over 20,000 years. The Warao believe they live in paradise having originally lived in heaven!

The wildlife and scenery is simply spectacular. Jaguar, puma, ocelot, red howler and capuchin monkeys, capybara, agouti, giant otter, manatee and dolphins are just a handful of the countless species of mammal that can be observed in their natural habitats. Among the extensive bird population are hoatzin, macaws, parrots, toucans, caciques, kingfishers, cormorants, egrets, falcons, hawks, harpy-eagles, weaverbirds and hummingbirds. There is also an untold number of amphibians, reptiles and fish species, including anaconda, boas, vipers, fer-de-lance, coral snakes, iguana, cayman, turtles, piranha, stingrays and catfish.

Owing to low sediment and high tannic acid concentrations, there significantly reduced numbers mosquito's in the Blackwater area as they cannot breed.

Upon arrival in Caracas you will transfer to our Caribbean Lodge in Mochima National Park before commencing your road trip to Morichal Lagro. A two hour speedboat ride will take you to a comfortable jungle lodge deep in the Delta to acclimatise to your new surroundings. Your kayaks and other expedition equipment will have been prepositioned for you, and you will then 'put in' at the lodge and spend six days kayaking deep into the Orinoco Delta to Blackwater territory during which time accommodation will vary from comfortable jungle lodges, sharing a traditional Chawata with small indigenous Warao families and makeshift Jakera camps set in primary jungle.

This expedition can be shortened (or extended) depending on your requirements. There are two guides for the trip - one local guide with outstanding regional knowledge and experience, and a kayak and safety expert. When in the Delta we will be joined by indigenous Warao Indian guides from the areas we will be kayaking.

Please note that a trip of this nature can be subject to influences such as weather and personal abilities.  It is possible that the itinerary may need to be juggled en-route to accommodate these factors. 

ITINERARY

Day 1               Arrive Caracas International Airport (CCS) and transfer to National Airport for half hour flight to Barcelona. One hour jeep transfer to our Caribbean Lodge on Playa Colorada, Mochima National Park. Sleep in beds. 

Day 2               Depart Lodge for a four hour jeep transfer to Tucupita followed by two hour speed boat transfer to our comfortable lodge deep in the Orinoco Delta. Sleep in beds.

Day 3-8            Set off in our kayaks with our Warao guides up the Caño Manamo towards the Blackwater territory of the Orinoco Delta. With the assistance of favourable tidal flows we will paddle over 100 miles of water ways and pristine jungle surrounded by wildlife and fascinating Warao culture. Fishing along the way and living as the Warao have done for 20,000 years, we will sleep in hammocks in make shift jungle camps, Warao homes and communities as well as comfortable jungle lodges; and we will the chance to venture into the jungle in search of medicinal plants and food.

Wildlife encounters will include manatee, river otters, red howler and cappuccino monkeys as well as prolific birdlife, including scarlet ibis, macaws, toucans etc… Fishing opportunities will include cat fish, piranha, and some of the biggest tarpon in the world.

Truly a tropical paradise waiting for you!

Day 9               Private flight from Pedernales (Delta airstrip adjacent to drop off point for kayaks) to Canaima with over flight of the famous Angel Falls. Opportunity to visit the beautiful waterfalls and lagoons of Canaima. Accommodation will be in a very comfortable lodge.  

Day 10              Flight to Caracas International Airport for flight home, or option to spend a night in Caracas.

Price:               US$ 2,950 [EURO € 2,450/GBP £ 1,650] (min 4 persons) 

Quoted prices include:  All accommodations, all transfers and local airport taxes, equipment including insect repellent, meals and drinks, and guides.

SUGGESTED PERSONAL ITEMS

·          Wide brimmed hat & Sunscreen

·          Shorts & 2 T-Shirts

·          Lightweight long-sleeved shirt and trousers

·          Swimmers

·          Sport Sandals

·          Sunglasses

·          Compact Toiletries

·          Pack-towel or sarong

·          Camera