Kaieteur Falls, located in the virgin Guyanese rainforest, is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in South America. Found in the country’s Southwestern Essequibo region – an area that has been claimed by Venezuela for years – it is only accessible by charter flight, allowing it to maintain a sense of mystery and adventure.
Thankfully, we like a challenge, and while we haven’t (yet) had to dig out our canoes, it became our mission to make it to this most isolated of sites! Not only did we succeed, but we have been back several times.
Now, visiting Kaieteur is a staple in our ever-popular All Guianas tour. This October, led by our South America expert and all-round icon Kris, another one of our Kaieteur Falls tours brought sixteen more Pioneers here. Here’s all you need to know about it, and how you can add it to your next South America adventure!
What is Kaieteur Falls?
This stunning single-drop waterfall is the namesake of the lush, biodiverse Kaieteur National Park, itself located in the remote Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana. It can proudly claim to have the highest average flow rate of any fall in the world – a fancy way of saying it is the “most powerful” waterfall on earth.
The immense volume of water rushing over the edge — fed by the Potaro River, a major tributary of the Essequibo River — gives it a unique visual and auditory impact. A constant roaring echo can be heard from miles away!
With an imposing height of 226 meters (741 feet), this makes it one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the world. For context, it’s double the height of Victoria Falls in Southern Africa, while Niagara Falls appears measly in comparison at just 51m tall.
The Kaieteur National Park, which surrounds the waterfall, is home to a diverse range of unique wildlife and flora, including the endangered golden rocket frog, giant tank bromeliads, and the cock-of-the-rock bird.
The isolation and limited accessibility of the park contribute to its preservation. This makes Kaieteur Falls a pristine destination, and a place where visitors can experience an extraordinary and diverse ecosystem.
How did Kaieteur Falls get its name?
The origins of Kaieteur Falls’ name are deeply rooted in local Patamona Indigenous culture, with two contrasting legends about how it came to be called “Kaieteur.”
According to one version, it was named after a heroic chief named Kai. In a time of crisis, Kai sacrificed himself by paddling his canoe over the falls to appease the great spirit, Makonaima, in hopes of protecting his people from danger. This act of selflessness has made Kaieteur a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
A different, and definitely darker, story about the falls’ name was shared with Barrington Brown, a British geologist, on the night he encountered the falls. In this tale, Kaieteur translates to “Old Man Falls,” a name that stems from a tragic account in which a troublesome elder named Kai was placed in a boat and pushed over the falls by his family members.
This story, with its themes of familial conflict, offers a stark contrast to the heroism in the first legend, illustrating the diversity of local folklore and how it reflects various aspects of human nature and Guyanese cultural heritage.
What is it like to visit Kaieteur Falls?
The journey to Kaieteur Falls begins at Ogle Airport in Georgetown, the small yet bustling Guyanese capital. After a quick documents check, visitors are weighed along with their luggage, as weight distribution is essential in the small aircraft used for this scenic flight.
Some trips to Kaieteur Falls require two planes: on our last trip, we required one with around twelve seats and a second, smaller plane that seats five. The flight to the falls lasts about an hour and offers a breathtaking view of Guyana’s changing landscape.
As the plane takes off, you can witness the muddy shores and flat coastal plains of the Atlantic coast, which gradually give way to dense, lush rainforests and majestic table mountains for as far as the eye can see. This aerial journey provides a remarkable contrast between Guyana’s coastal and jungle ecosystems, really showing off the country’s natural diversity!
Arriving at the Kaieteur Falls airstrip is truly like coming into another world. Travellers are greeted by the only sign of civilization – a modest visitor center – from where they can enjoy a picnic lunch.
A hike then leads to several scenic viewpoints, each providing a unique perspective of the awe-inspiring waterfall. With time to take photos and enjoy the surroundings, the group is accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who shares insights into the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
After approximately two hours of exploring the falls, visitors return to the plane for the journey back to Georgetown, thus concluding a memorable adventure into one of South America’s most stunning natural wonders.
How can I get on the Kaieteur Falls tours?
We first made it to Kaieteur Falls back in 2017. Since then, we have been back on both independent and group tours, which makes us the perfect people to organize your trip!
Our All Guianas tour – which includes Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana – runs twice a year, and we make sure to visit the falls on these trips. Alternatively, if these dates don’t work for you, or you would like a more personalized and exclusive experience, then we can organize a private tour for you.
Take a look at our Guyana Landing Page, or else send us an email and we’ll help you plan your South American adventure!
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