sustainable Farming

Rupununi savannah, Guyana

$1495.00

 

The Experience

Are you looking for an adventure that you can combine with something meaningful where you have the opportunity helping with sustainable farming, eco-tourism and training of the Amerindian people? Then this might be the project for you!

This projects gives the volunteer a unique opportunity to be part of pioneering eco-tourism in tropical Guyana, while immersing themselves in the ancient landscape and culture of this fascinating country. You could join the team at one of the countries very first few eco lodges and sustainable farms, which are leading the way in developing new income programs for the local Amerindian communities through tourism and sustainability. Due to the limited infrastructure in Guyana there is very little tourism to date, but it has become a very important resource providing an alternative to logging and mining and the consequent destruction of the rainforest. The ultimate goal is to educate the local Amerindian communities to follow the example of setting up eco-lodgesble farms and sustain with the least possible effect on the environment and its wildlife. The project will help to develop existing tourist facilities thereby encouraging a sustainable income for the communities and avoiding a reliance on destructive industries such as logging.

 

This Is Why

  • Experience life in the amazing savannahs of South America, a lost world teeming with wildlife
  • Wake up to a serenade of wildlife, birds and cicadas
  • Volunteer alongside local Amerindian people at one of Guyana's first developed Eco Lodges
  • Develope sustainable farming and eco-tourism

 
 
Project Details
  • Key Start Dates
    All year round!
  • Package Price

    4 Weeks: $1495.00 US$
    8 Weeks: $1995.00 US$
    12 Weeks: $2495.00 US$
  • Volunteer duration
    4, 8 or 12 weeks (other durations available on request)
  • Average Work hours
    8 hours per day, 5 days on 2 days off
  • Number of Volunteers
    1 - 3
  • Volunteer accommodation
    Available
  • Housing Type
    
You will stay in a simple but comfortable shared accommodation within the grounds of the farm. When transferring to your placement you will stay overnight in a hotel in Georgetown.
  • Internet Access
    Yes, At times there can be made use of internet nearby but it is usually very slow at times.
  • Who Are They Looking For?
    Adventurous individuals who have an interest in wildlife and the outdoors and who do not mind to get their hands dirty.

Fast Facts: Guyana

Where? Guyana, Amazon

Country Size: 214,970 km2
83,000 sq mi

Population density? 3.5/km2
9.1/sq mi

Country Famous for? Vaquero's (cowboys), Rupununi Rodeo festival, Unspoiled interior, Amazon jungle, Jaguars, Black Caiman, Giant Otters, Turtles

When to visit: All year round

    • What's Included
      • Placement
        sustainable Amerindian Farming
      • Accommodation
        
You will stay in a simple but comfortable shared accommodation within the grounds of the farm. When transferring to your placement you will stay overnight in a hotel in Georgetown.
      • Meals
        All Meals included and are eaten with the family. Most times you will have to assist with the food preparation. Meals not included during your short stay in Georgetown.
      • Airport Pick Georgetown + Hotel night

        An employee of the project will pick you up from the airport near Georgetown ( 1 hour) and will transfer you to your hotel where you wil stay for 1 night. The next morning you will be picked up from the hotel and you will be brought to a local domestic airport.
      • Domestic flight (return flight incl) + Airport Pick up

        An employee of the project will pick you up from your hotel in Georgetown and will transfer you to the airport. Included in this package is a domestic flight from Georgetown by small airplane to the airstrip nearest to the farm(approximately 2 hours flying over seemingly everlasting jungle).
      • Transfer to the project
        You will be picked up from the air strip and transferred to the project.
      • Returning home

        After your time at the project has been finished you will be transfer back to Georgetown by domestic flight. At this point you can choose to travel home or to explore more of Guyana. We are of course happy to assist you with this.
      • Work permit
        For volunteering in Guyana a work permit is required as well as premmission needed to visit the Amerindian reserves. This will all be arranged after your arrival (as Guyana has no embassies abroad) and will be HASSLE FREE for you. The fee for this is included in the program cost.
      • Mail and Communications

        You can receive mail at the project. However It is not unheard of never to reach it's destination! There will be internet connection via satellite at the project (it can be slow at times but is more reliable then at our other projects in Guyana).
      • Ongoing service
        If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
      • Tours
        If you wish to book tours in Guyana in addition to your volunteering placement Fronteering can help you do this. The country has a huge amount to offer from jungle expereinces, visits to the worlds tallest single drop waterfall or meeting caiman and giant otters in the Amazon's tributaries.
      • 24/7 Emergency contact
        If there are any problems during you stay at the project you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.

      What's not included: International flights, Insurance, lunch & dinner when initially arriving in Georgetown, airport pick up on your return in Georgetown (can be arranged for 10 US$), last night accommodation in Georgetown (options vary between 40 - 70 US$ per night), drop off at the international airport (25 US$). The last 3 arrangements can be made for you for free while you are in Guyana and  you can just pay the drivers and hotel directly.

      Package Price:
      04 Weeks: $1495.00 US$
      08 Weeks: $1995.00 US$
      12 Weeks: $2495.00 US$

    • RESPONSIBILITIES

      Depending on your interests and experience this placement location offers the opportunity to get involved with a range of projects. Projects could be one or more of the following areas: sustainable farming, Library/cataloguing, hospitality management, agro-tourism, art and landscaping. Whichever project you choose to work on you would be making a substantial contribution to the development of the lodge/farm while also gaining valuable experience in eco tourism and sustainability. More detailed information on each of the project areas is available on enquiry.

       

      The lodges and farms are intertwined with the local villages providing jobs for the Amerindian people and working closely with other initiatives to develop tourism infrastructure. During your stay you will become part of the community and have the opportunity to really understand local way of life. The wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable Makushi people will tell you all about how they have lived from the surrounding forest and show you some extraordinary sights. You will have the chance to shoot a bow and arrow and trek into the forest and up the rivers by canoe.

      Depending on your interests and experience you can get involved int he following:

      • Sustainable Organic farming
      • Librarian work/cataloguing
      • Hospitality management and Training
      • Agro- and Eco tourism development
      • Art and landscaping

      During this volunteer experience you will have the opportunity to be immersed in local life. Learn from these fascinating people about ancient legends, the medicinal properties of rare flora and extraordinary wildlife facts and sightings that you will find ?

      • Experience required

        Prefferbly it would be great if you have experience in one of the above fields. If not and you have an interest please let us know and we can still consider your application.

  • Requirements, Guidelines & Policies
    • Experience in one of the five positions would be an asset
    • Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, honest, good sense of humor and dependable.
    • You must be physically and mentally fit.
    • 18 years of age or older
    • Must have an interest in Indigenous people, animals and the outdoors
    • Make sure to contact your local health organization to inquire about the needed/recommended vaccinations and medicine.
  • Volunteer Benefits
    • Live in one of the last pristine areas of Savannah and Jungle in the world
    • Gain valuable skills and knowledge in eco tourism and sustainable farming in a developing country
    • Work with the fascinating Makushi people, indigenous to this area of Guyana
    • Learn about the local culture and immerse yourself in their way of life
    • Change the lives of the children and people of a valuable Amerindian community
  • Fast Facts
    • Project location
      Rupununi Savannah of Guyana
    • Area Famous For
      Rupununi Savannah, Amazon Jungle, Wildlife viewing, Amerindian tribes, Rupununi Rodeo Festival, Wildlife viewing, Fresh Beef, giant anteaters
    • When to visit
      Project Runs all year round
    • Wildlife viewing
      Great wildlife viewing opportunities in the savanna's of Guyana: giant anteaters, monkeys, deer, Armadillo's, coati's, cougars
  • Itinerary & Details
    Day 1 - Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana;
    YYou will arrive in the capital of Guyana where you will be met and stay over night in a hotel.
    For 12 - 24weeks - Volunteer at a sustainable farm
    The next day you will travel to the project by means of flight. For several weeks you will volunteer at a sutainable farm in one of the five fields: sustainable farming, Library/cataloguing, hospitality management, agro-tourism, art and landscaping
    Your last day
    - you will travel back to Georgetown by filght. Fly back home or take the opportunity to travel through Guyana. Our staff will gladly help you to book any tours to see more of this great country.
  • Accommodation

    When staying overnight in Georgetown shared rooms, while on placement you will be in basic but comfortable shared accommodation and very occasionally a hammock.

    Things to bring from home

    • Hiking Shoes
    • Rain gear
    • Anti Mosquito repellent + after bite
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat/cap to protect yourself from the sun
    • Suncream
    • Complete Kitlist will be provided after applying or on request

    Meals

    Meals are included and many of the fresh produce is grown on site.

    Location

    The Amerindian communities are located in one of the most unspoiled rainforest regions left in this world. It has an estimated 200 species of mammals, 500 of birds, 420 of fish and 150 species of amphibians. Close to 30% of the mammals are listed under the International Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This sounds great, but if they aren't protected properly, which means maintaining their environment, then they will not survive. Local people are the forest and animal’s best chance of protection from those outside who wish to rob the forest for profit; they just need a little help.

Testimonials Coming Soon!

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