ORINOCO DELTA 'BLACKWATER' KAYAK EXPEDITION AND ANGEL FALLS TRIP

DURATION : 12 DAYS

Chris with a freshly plucked Anaconda of about five meters...

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 before commencing your road trip to the ‘put in’ at Morichal Lagro. You will then spend seven days kayaking deep into the Orinoco Delta to Blackwater territory during which time accommodation will vary from a comfortable jungle lodge, sharing a traditional Chawata with a small indigenous Warao community and breaking camp 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 in Playa Colorada. Sleep in beds. 

Day 2               Depart Lodge for a four hour jeep transfer to the Morichal Largo, a wildlife-rich tributary of the Orinoco, where we will begin our kayaking adventure deep into the Orinoco Delta to Blackwater territory. Three hour paddle (30 km down stream) to our first camp, an abandoned Warao home. Sleep in hammocks. 

Day 3               Continue paddling (40 km or so) down the Morichal Largo (one of the 37 tributaries to  the Orinoco Delta) enjoying wildlife encounters with manatee, river otters, red howler and cappuccino monkeys to mention but a few, and lots of exotic birds. Tonight shelter will be a make-shift camp in the jungle made by our expert Warao guides. Also there will be time to fish for dinner – cat fish, piranha, and tarpon. 

Day 4               The last day on the Morichal and an early start before the sun rises to view some nocturnal life and then the amazing dawn chorus, arriving in the early afternoon at a comfortable jungle lodge for some well deserved rest and recreation with the locals – and a good night’s sleep in a real bed! 

Day 5               Continue our journey across the Caño Manamo and into the Blackwater territory of the Delta, (40 km paddle) to a small indigenous community. Here we will have an opportunity to learn about the culture of these ancient people. Sleep in hammocks. 

Day 6               Take a walk into the jungle with our Warao guides to discover some of their secrets and about their bountiful supply of food and medicinal plants. Later a short paddle to the home of a typical Warao family. Sleep in hammocks.

Day 7               The last leg of our kayaking adventure is a 40 km paddle through the labyrinth of Caños and mangroves of the Blackwater of the Orinoco Delta. Prolific birdlife, including scarlet ibis, macaws, toucans etc. Arrive at a comfortable fishing lodge in the evening, sleep in beds. 

Day 8                Time for a spot of fishing – some of the biggest tarpon in the world can be caught here. Sleep in beds 

Day 9               Transfer by motor boat to Pedernales for a private charter flight to Canaima. Excursion to El Sapo and Sapito Falls and dinner back at camp. Evening trip to the beach by Hacha Falls. Sleep in beds in a jungle lodge before commencing our trip to the majestic Angel Falls.

Day 10              Set off in a bongo (dugout canoe with outboard engine) for Camp Isla Raton. First view of Angel Falls. Swim by wishing well waterfalls and short trip around Mayupa rapids. Hike to the base of Angel Falls. Sleep in hammocks in a simple rustic camp (with toilet facilities). 

Day 11              Trip back down river for flight back to Caracas. Sleep in 5 star hotel, Gran Melia Caracas. Night life tour. 

Day 12              City tour and transfer to Caracas International Airport for flight home.

Price:               US$ 3,450 [EURO € 2,850/GBP £ 2,000] (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