Annai is the natural gateway to Guyana's spectacular North Rupununi region. This Makushi village of around 800 people sits at the transition zone where dense rainforest gives way to vast savannah, offering visitors access to both ecosystems and multiple Indigenous communities within easy reach.
With an airstrip, established lodges, and central location, Annai serves as the hub for exploring some of Guyana's most remarkable destinations - from the Iwokrama canopy walkway to Surama Village to the remote Rewa Eco-Lodge. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Annai.
Why Visit Annai?
Annai's strategic location makes it invaluable for Rupununi exploration:
- Central hub - Easy access to multiple destinations in one trip
- Transport options - Both road and air access available
- Quality accommodation - Rock View Lodge offers comfortable base
- Transition zone - Experience both forest and savannah ecosystems
- Amerindian heritage - Living Makushi culture and traditions
- Excellent birding - Diverse habitats attract many species
Gateway to Adventure
From Annai, you can reach Iwokrama's canopy walkway, multiple Indigenous eco-lodges, the Rupununi savannahs, and some of South America's most pristine wilderness.
Distances from Annai
Iwokrama Canopy Walk
1 hour by road
Surama Village
1 hour by road
Rewa Village
3-4 hours by boat
Nappi Village
30 minutes by road
Karanambu
2 hours by road
Georgetown
4-5 hours by road
Where to Stay
Rock View Lodge
The established accommodation near Annai, Rock View has been welcoming visitors for decades. Set on beautiful grounds with savannah views, gardens attracting hummingbirds, and comfortable rooms. Excellent birding right from the property.
$150-250 USD/night (various packages available)
Annai Village Guesthouse
Simple community-run accommodation in the village itself. Basic but authentic experience, with meals prepared by local families. Good option for budget travelers or those seeking deeper community immersion.
$80-120 USD/night (all-inclusive)
Accommodation Strategy
Many visitors use Annai/Rock View as their first and/or last night in the Rupununi, with nights at community lodges (Surama, Rewa) in between. This combines comfort with authentic community experiences.
Things to Do
At Annai
- Village tours - Visit the school, church, and community areas
- Cultural demonstrations - Cassava processing, traditional crafts
- Heritage trails - Guided walks through surrounding area
- Birding - Excellent species in savannah and forest edge
- Sunset views - Spectacular over the savannah
Day Trips from Annai
- Iwokrama Canopy Walkway - Morning or afternoon visit to walk above the rainforest
- Surama Mountain - Challenging hike with panoramic views
- Nappi Village - Traditional Makushi community nearby
- Savannah excursions - Wildlife watching for giant anteaters, savannah birds
- Night drives - Spotlight excursions for nocturnal wildlife
Multi-Day Excursions
- Rewa Eco-Lodge - 2-3 nights for arapaima and giant otters
- Surama Village - 1-2 nights for culture and rainforest
- Karanambu - Giant otter research station
- Iwokrama River Lodge - Forest immersion experience
Explore the Rupununi
Use Annai as your base to discover Indigenous communities, pristine wilderness, and incredible wildlife.
View ExperiencesAmerindian Heritage
Annai is a living Makushi community with deep cultural roots. While tourism has brought changes, the village maintains traditional practices:
- Language - Makushi is still spoken alongside English
- Cassava cultivation - The staple crop grown in family farms
- Traditional crafts - Basketry and other skills passed down
- Community governance - Village council makes local decisions
- Land rights - Annai holds titled lands under Amerindian Act
Visitors are welcome but should remember they are guests in a real community. See our Indigenous communities guide for cultural etiquette.
Getting to Annai
By Air
Annai has a grass airstrip accepting charter flights:
- Flight time: Approximately 1 hour from Georgetown
- Operators: Trans Guyana Airways, charter services
- Cost: $200-400 USD one-way (depending on group size)
- Best for: Saving time, accessing remote areas quickly
By Road
The Georgetown-Lethem road passes through Annai:
- Distance: Approximately 350 km from Georgetown
- Time: 4-5 hours (longer in wet season)
- Road condition: Paved to Linden, then well-maintained unpaved
- 4x4 recommended: Essential in wet season
Common Itinerary Pattern
Many visitors:
- Drive in from Georgetown, experiencing the journey and Iwokrama
- Spend several days exploring from Annai base
- Fly out back to Georgetown
This gives the best of both worlds - the overland experience and time savings.
Wildlife Near Annai
The forest-savannah transition creates excellent wildlife habitat:
Birds
- Red-shouldered Macaw - Common in palm areas
- Jabiru Stork - South America's largest flying bird
- Savannah hawks and eagles - Multiple species
- Finfoots and sunbitterns - Along creeks
- Various hummingbirds - Attracted to lodge gardens
Mammals
- Giant Anteater - Seen on savannah excursions
- Capybara - World's largest rodent, common near water
- Giant Otter - In nearby river systems
- Monkeys - Several species in forest areas
- Jaguar - Present but rarely seen
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Sept-April | Best access, good wildlife, comfortable travel |
| Wet Season | May-August | Green landscapes, some roads difficult |
| Optimal | Oct-Dec | Dry, excellent wildlife, fewer visitors |
What to Bring
- Binoculars - Essential for birding and wildlife
- Camera - Many photo opportunities
- Sun protection - Hat, sunscreen, long sleeves for savannah
- Rain gear - Showers possible any time
- Insect repellent - DEET-based recommended
- Sturdy shoes - Closed-toe for walks and trails
- Flashlight - For night activities and limited electricity areas
- Cash - For crafts and extras (GYD or USD)
- Layers - Mornings can be cool, days warm
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Annai village in Guyana?
Annai is located in Guyana's North Rupununi region, approximately 4-5 hours by road from Georgetown via Linden. It sits at the transition zone where rainforest meets savannah and serves as a gateway to multiple Indigenous communities and attractions.
What is Rock View Lodge near Annai?
Rock View Lodge is a well-established eco-lodge near Annai village, offering comfortable accommodation, excellent birding, and easy access to Rupununi attractions. Operating for decades, it features beautiful grounds with both savannah and forest edge habitats.
Can you fly to Annai?
Yes, Annai has an airstrip that accepts charter flights from Georgetown. Flying takes about 1 hour compared to 4-5 hours by road. Many visitors fly in and drive out (or vice versa) to experience both the journey and save time.
What attractions are near Annai village?
Nearby attractions include Surama Village (1 hour), Iwokrama Forest and Canopy Walkway (1 hour), Rewa Village (3-4 hours by boat), Nappi Village, and various savannah and forest ecosystems. Annai is an ideal base for exploring multiple destinations.
Last updated: January 2026. For help planning your Annai trip, browse our Rupununi experiences or contact us.