Kanuku Mountains
Forested mountains rising out of the Rupununi savannah, protected since 2011 and rich in bird and mammal species.
Updated 19 October 2026
The Kanukus are two blocks of forested mountain rising abruptly out of the flat Rupununi savannah, designated a National Protected Area in 2011 and managed with the Macushi and Wapishana communities around them. Surveys have recorded a very high proportion of Guyana's mammal and bird species within them, including harpy eagle, giant otter, jaguar and several primates. The name is said to mean rich forest in Wapishana, which surveys have borne out.
The landscape
- The forest - closed-canopy woodland covering the mountain blocks.
- The harpy eagles - one of the more reliable areas in the country for the species.
- The savannah edge - the abrupt transition from flat grassland to mountain forest.
- The community management - Macushi and Wapishana villages running access and guiding.
When to go
September to April is the dry season and the practical window for trails. The wet season from May to August floods the approaches. Birding is best in the early morning.
Good to know
There are no marked trails or facilities and access is arranged through the villages rather than at a gate. Wildlife is present but hard to see in dense forest. Getting there means Lethem and then rough tracks.
Nearby
Lethem is northwest, and the Rupununi savannah runs north.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q3656188, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Kanuku Mountains
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon
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