Iwokrama opens new overnight camp at Turtle Mountain
Stabroek News
April 15, 2004
The Iwokrama International Centre has opened a new camp for adventurers looking to stay overnight at Turtle Mountain in the Iwokrama Forest of central Guyana, a release from the Centre said yesterday.
The camp is located at the foot of Turtle Mountain near Paddle Rock Creek, a refuge for peccaries, labbas, tapirs, agoutis, the occasional jaguar and other wildlife.
Turtle Mountain Base Camp is a comprehensive facility for groups of up to 30 individuals who wish to stay in the heart of the rainforest, but with some conveniences. The three benabs, circular huts with palm-frond roofs, at the camp can accommodate up to 10 guests each. The camp has hammocks, running water, toilets, washrooms and a kitchen and dining area.
According to the release, the camp represents an important addition to the facilities that Iwokrama offers to visitors, including tourists, researchers and youth groups. With this addition, Iwokrama can now host up to 80 persons overnight in various parts of the Iwokrama Forest.
The construction of the Turtle Mountain Base Camp is part of Iwokrama's ecotourism development programme which is integrated with the strategy for developing tourism in the Rupununi and Guyana, the release said.
The structure was built by Iwokrama in partnership with Trekforce, a UK volunteer conservation service organisation. Iwokrama's community-based ecotourism development efforts are funded mainly by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the release added.