Kaieteur Falls

This spectacular waterfall on the Potaro River in Guyana plummets more than 741 feet over a towering sandstone cliff, making it one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in all the World. With a flow of up to 23,400 cubic feet of water per second, Kaieteur Falls is also one of the most powerful.

Kaieteur Falls and the surrounding Kaieteur National Park have escaped commercial development and tourism, so many visitors find that they are viewing the falls in complete solitude. Kaieteur Falls are the crown jewel in a country whose very name means ‘Land of Many Waters’.

Getting to Kaieteur Falls

Traveling to Kaieteur Falls is no easy feat, which contributes to the area’s pristine beauty. All visitors fly into the capital city of Georgetown, from which you will have to charter a plane or book a tour to the falls. It takes about an hour to fly from Georgetown to the tiny airstrip near the park. There are also tour companies that offer hikes from the small town of Mahdia, which is an eight-hour bus ride from Georgetown.

The lack of commercialism is refreshing for many visitors, but it also means you will have to plan ahead. There is a small guest house at the top of the falls that overnight guests can reserve in advance. It has a fully equipped kitchen, but food is not provided. The onsite housekeeper is available to help with the preparation of food that you bring in. There is a small visitor center in the park where travelers can buy souvenirs, snacks, and beverages.

Kaieteur National Park is home to an abundance of unusual wildlife, and it is not uncommon to see howler monkeys, bush dogs, and a huge variety of bird species. The beautiful cock of the rock is a fanciful bird about the size of a pigeon. The males sport bright orange plumage and gather in large groups when looking for a mate. They are a sight to behold, and can be found in large numbers on the Johnson’s view trail.

Yes, a trip to Kaieteur Falls will take a bit of effort, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the thundering falls and a visit to one of the most pristine and untouched rainforests in the world.