Justin and Erin
Hosts
Justin is a Guyanese who has lived his whole life in the Rupununi, as a vaquero, rancher and conservationist. His real love is long river trips, deep into the Guyanese Rainforest.
Erin is originally from Northern Ireland and came to the Rupununi in 2006. Since then she has been living and working in Guyana, and as well as tourism, focuses on giant anteater conservation and research in the Rupununi.
Justin and Erin were married right on Wichabai airstrip in 2018. They will be your hosts and guides.
Kayla and Leroy
Guides and Transport
Kayla is Justin's sister, and they grew up together at Dadanawa Ranch. Kayla studied Anthropology in Canada, before returning to the Rupununi. She worked with Conservation International for 6 years, while at the same time managing many of the logistics for Rupununi Trails. Now she is working on a PhD on indigenous fire management in the Rupununi.
Leroy is from Shulinab village, about an hour's drive from the Ranch. He is the President of the South Rupununi Conservation Society, and is a keen birder and wildlife enthusiast. Leroy is full of local knowledge which he will describe with great enthusiasm as he drives you around the Rupununi.
Duane and Sandy
Co-Owners, Logistics
Justin and Kayla's parents have managed the nearby Dadanawa Ranch since the 1980s. They founded Rupununi Trails and run it with the rest of the family. They are currently based mainly in Toronto where they manage the logistical side of Rupununi Trails. Duane and Sandy are full of stories of their years of experiences with the people and animals of the Rupununi.
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Check out our Birding and Itineraries pages for more info on the bespoke adventure tours they can create for you.
Fabie, Vanessa and Chado
Hosts, Guides and Food
Fabie is full of good humour and irrepressible energy. Whether joining us for meals or creating fantastic flower arrangements in your bedroom, Fabie's enthusiasm make her essential to the day-to-day operations of the ranch.
Richard and Vanessa manage much of what goes on behind the scenes. Richard is a Vaquero and many times Rodeo winner. He will be your guide and teacher. Vanessa will charm you with her infectious laugh and fantastic meals using ingredients fresh from our garden. Their children Conrad, Chad and Cardo are the most cheerful members of our Ranch family.
Rasta and the SRCS
Guides, researchers and conservationists
Born in Shulinab, but raised in Dadanawa, Rasta is a river captain, mechanic, birder, conservationist, vaquero, gardener, tour guide and camp cook!
The South Rupununi Conservation Society is based at Wichabai. Our team started from humble beginnings but we now run projects for red siskin conservation, giant anteater conservation and research, environmental education in schools, traditional knowledge classes for children, and river turtle conservation. When you stay at Wichabai you will be able to work and learn alongside our rangers and researchers.