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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Kaieteur National Park #
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.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (237 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (246 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (357 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (217 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (218 mm).
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September
September is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (249 mm).