Kaieteur National Park

Park Protected rainforest park surrounding iconic Kaieteur Falls

Kaieteur National Park in Guyana centres on Kaieteur Falls, a massive single‑drop waterfall; visitors arrive by charter flight for guided hikes and rainforest viewing.

Main image
Wikivoyage banner

Kaieteur National Park is a protected area in Guyana’s Potaro-Siparuni region established to conserve the Potaro River gorge and the iconic Kaieteur Falls. The park protects a compact area of plateau rainforest and the rim and gorge around the falls.

The park’s primary attraction is Kaieteur Falls, a single-drop waterfall on the Potaro River with a drop of roughly 226 metres, set within a remote section of the Pakaraima plateau. The falls and surrounding rainforest support a range of wildlife, including species adapted to the upland tropical environment.

Protection efforts focus on preserving the falls, the riverine systems and the surrounding forest; visitor facilities are limited and managed to reduce environmental impact. Guided day visits and short trail viewpoints are the usual visitor experience.

The park lies on the Pakaraima plateau in central Guyana’s interior, in a remote area of Potaro-Siparuni; the site is several hundred kilometres inland from the capital, Georgetown, and is most commonly reached by chartered light aircraft or organised overland expeditions.

  • Height: The waterfall's single main drop is approximately 226 metres, making it one of the world's largest single-drop waterfalls by height and volume.
  • Access: Access to the falls and park is typically by small aircraft from Georgetown or by guided overland/river routes; park visits are usually organized with local operators.

What to See #

  • Kaieteur Falls: Kaieteur Falls is the park's focal feature, a single-drop waterfall on the Potaro River with a primary drop of about 226 metres surrounded by a plunge pool and steep gorge.
  • Plateau rainforest: The high plateau rainforest surrounding the falls is a compact area of conserved upland tropical forest that supports diverse wildlife and endemic plants.
Kaieteur National Park
Kaieteur National Park, Potaro-Siparuni, Guyana
5.1699, -59.4918

How to Get to Kaieteur National Park #

Most visitors reach Kaieteur by small plane from Ogle or Georgetown to the Kaieteur airstrip; some expeditions use river routes and overland treks but these take considerably longer.

Tips for Visiting Kaieteur National Park #

  • Organize an escorted expedition-access to the park is logistically complex and often requires river and trail travel.
  • Be prepared for remote conditions: bring insect protection and provisions; medical facilities are distant.

Best Time to Visit Kaieteur National Park #

Dry season (Sept-Mar) typically offers easier access and clearer viewing conditions for the falls.

Dry season
September-March · 24-30°C
Lower river levels make access easier; trails less muddy.
Wet season
April-August · 24-31°C
Lush rainforest and dramatic river flow; access may be more challenging.

Weather & Climate near Kaieteur National Park #

Climate

Kaieteur National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2271 mm/year), wettest in June.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (237 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

237 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

166 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°

Weather

159 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (246 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

246 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (357 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

357 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (217 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°

Weather

217 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (218 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

218 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 30°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 30°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (249 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

249 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

Nearby Attractions to Kaieteur National Park