The Ministry of Tourism on Friday launched the much anticipated 9th Pakaraima Mountain Safari and the 30-vehicle convoy will begin the thrilling eight-day journey over rough terrain in Guyana’s interior regions on Saturday.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a release that the safari is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Tourism and Local Government, the Guyana Tourism Authority, Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL/Castrol), Rainforest Tours, Air Services Limited, Geddes Grant, GT&T Company and the administration of Regions Eight and Nine.
And due to the immense response that the safari has been evoking, the ministry has commenced planning for a second safari for 2011 in August in order to accommodate more persons.
Registration was scheduled to commence from yesterday and final inspection of vehicles will be conducted on Thursday at the GUYOIL Gas Station, Regent Street.
The rules with respect to safety measures, the release said, are very stringent and prospective participants are urged to ensure that all the necessary requirements relating to their vehicles and other equipment are met.
This year’s event will see a number of participants from countries such as Canada, Suriname and Jamaica in 4X4 vehicles, motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
GUYOIL/Castrol Brand Manager Leonard Khan one of the major sponsors, said that the safari is a key marketing activity whereby the oil company gives back to the public in terms of providing oil and lubricants for the safari participants.
Personnel Manager of Air Services Limited Omadatt Singh another prominent sponsor, said that this partnership is part of the company’s contribution to the development of local tourism. He said also that persons who do not have a vehicle but wish to be part of the safari can be flown in at any point of the journey. Additionally, arrangements are in place to medivac persons via Air Services in the event of an emergency, the release added.
