top of page
Search

Wichabai Ranch: A Home, A Legacy, and a Unique Experience in the South Rupununi

Updated: Apr 17

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting away from the hustle, away from traffic, away from the constant buzzing of notifications, Wichabai Ranch is that place! Tucked away in the beautiful South Rupununi, Guyana, this ranch isn’t just a stop on the tourist map—it’s a family story, a conservation mission, and a rare look into authentic ranch life that blends agriculture, wildlife, and sustainable tourism. Grab a drink, sit back, and let me tell you how this 100-year-old ranch became the gem it is today.


The Story of Wichabai Ranch


Let’s start with the basics: Wichabai Ranch has been around for over a century. You don’t stay that long without having a few interesting stories to tell. Originally, Wichabai played a big part in the ranching and balata industry, which was vital to the economy back in the day. But today, Wichabai has evolved into a place where family, friends, and tourists can come together to experience the beauty of Guyana's Rupununi Savannah.


Wichabai was always in Justin’s (one of the hosts)family. For years, they ran adventurous river trips from their base at Dadanawa, just across the river, before deciding to invite tourists to the ranch. Why? Because it’s not just a ranch, it’s home. It is where they get to share the serenity, wildlife, and activities with visitors who crave a connection with nature.


A two-story house with wooden upper deck and stairs in a rural, arid landscape under a blue sky, with trees and scattered chairs outside.
Wichabai Ranch House (Photo Credits :wichabai.com)

What’s in a Name? The Story of Wichabai


Okay, now let’s talk about the name Wichabai. It’s a bit of a cool story that you wouldn’t get from just a casual Google search. The name Wichabai comes from a species of tree native to the area—used for making fence posts and corral rails—and it also produces a lovely blue fruit and latex-like sap. There’s a creek near the ranch that’s full of these trees, and long ago, the creek was called Wichabaiwau, which eventually made its way to the name of the ranch.


So, when the family moved to the ranch, they decided to keep the name—simple as that. It had already been around for over 100 years, and it had become a part of the area’s history. Now, it’s a name that tourists and locals alike recognize, and a symbol of what this place has become: a blend of old and new, tradition and adventure.


Illustration of Wichabai Ranch, Dadanawa. Features cowboy hats, hammock, map of Guyana, and serene rural setting. Text describes ranch history.

From Dream to Reality: The Journey of Building Wichabai Ranch


Now, here’s the fun part: how did this old, almost forgotten place become the thriving ranch it is today? Well, when the family first arrived at Wichabai, there was literally nothing left except for old fruit trees, a corral for cattle, and the foundations of a big house.

They didn’t waste any time. The first step? They built a home—a beautiful, simple one made with local hardwoods. With the help of Roger King (a builder from Lethem), they created a solid, stunning house with a massive wrap-around verandah and a huge kitchen. That’s the heart of Wichabai: simple, practical, but stunningly beautiful.


Then came the rest: a staff house, a vegetable and flower garden, and a paddock for the horses. By 2019, they were ready to build their first two guest houses. And just as they were opening those, boom, the pandemic hit. But, as with every true Guyanese spirit, they made the most of it. They lived off the cattle and garden produce, worked on two new guest houses, and even added the South Rupununi Conservation Society Research Station.

Now, Wichabai has four guest houses with 12 beds total. But even more than that, it’s the people who make the ranch what it is. It’s a whole community—family, friends, and children, all working together to create something special.



Wooden house construction with three people working inside. Open-frame structure under a roof. Green fields and hills in the background.
Early Construction of the Wichabai Ranch(Photo Credits : wichabai.com)

The Challenges: Ranching Ain't Easy


I’ll be honest with you—building and running a ranch isn’t all sunshine and capybaras. There have been plenty of challenges along the way.

Here are just a few:

  • Cows are always sneaking into the garden and breaking fences. (Yes, cows can be sneaky.)

  • Half the year, there’s no water, and the other half, it’s flood season. Talk about drama from Mother Nature.

  • Building with local materials isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

  • The unpredictable ups and downs of tourism.

Yet, through it all, the ranch has thrived. It’s a place where people work hard, laugh a lot, and create memories that last a lifetime.


Life at Wichabai Ranch: What Does a Day Look Like?

So, what’s a typical day at Wichabai Ranch? Well, no two days are exactly the same, especially when you’ve got kids running around, animals to tend to, and guests looking for adventure. But here’s a general breakdown:


A Day in the Life (Without Guests)

If the ranch doesn’t have guests that day, things are pretty simple:

  • Early mornings: The vaqueros (cowboys) let the cattle out of the corral and check on the horses.

  • Breakfast: The family gathers for a meal in the big house, usually cooked from fresh ingredients from their garden and the local community.

  • Ranch duties: Tending to the garden, maintaining the buildings, checking bookings, making menus, and so on.

  • School time: The kids head off to the little school on the ranch (there’s a connection to the local primary school).

  • Afternoon activities: This is when they get some downtime—usually heading out to the lake for a swim with the capybaras( ‘Watrash’ as Guyanese know it) or a nice walk through the forest. The vaqueros do their thing—rounding up cattle—and the capybaras get their evening meal.

  • Evening relaxation: After a full day, it’s time to kick back with a glass of rum, chat about life, and share stories.


Infographic titled "Life at Wichabai Ranch," detailing a day's activities: cattle care, family meals, school, swimming with capybaras, and evening relaxation.
Life at Wichabai: A day without guests

A Day with Guests

When there are guests at Wichabai Ranch, the day becomes an exciting adventure. Here’s a typical day:

  • Pre-breakfast adventure: Sometimes, they take guests on an early morning search for giant anteaters. They’ll sit at the top of a hill with coffee and biscuits, watching the sun rise over the Rupununi.

  • After breakfast: Guests head into the forest for a little eco-tour, learning about the plants and animals that call the area home. They might check the camera traps to see what wildlife has been wandering through—think jaguars, armadillos, pumas, and more.

  • Day trip to local communities: Visitors can learn how to make cassava bread, hike mountains, or visit local villages to try crafts and experience the culture.

  • Afternoon activities: Horseback riding, swimming with capybaras, canoeing, or fishing are just a few options.

Dinner and stargazing: In the evening, guests can enjoy a hearty meal, rum cocktails, and of course, some stargazing under the Milky Way.


Infographic detailing activities at Wichabai Ranch, including anteater searches, eco-tours, community trips, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Life at Wichabai : A day with guests


Unique Experiences at Wichabai Ranch

Let’s get real for a second: Wichabai is special. It’s not your average tourist destination. The experience of being there is unlike anywhere else. Some of the unique activities include:

  • Become a Cowboy for a Day: Lasso a cow horn, crack a bull whip, and jump on horseback to help round up cattle.

  • Swim with Capybaras: Yes, you read that right. Wichabai is home to three capybaras who’ve been raised by the family. These giant, friendly rodents love swimming and playing with guests.

  • Experience the Ancient South Rupununi: The South Rupununi is over 2.5 billion years old. There’s a whole world of mountains, rivers, and natural wonders to explore.

  • Cultural Immersion: Take day trips to nearby villages to learn about traditional crafts, cassava bread making, and even fishing techniques passed down through generations.

  • Wildlife Watching: Spot giant anteaters, capybaras, giant river otters, and if you’re lucky, even a jaguar.


elderly woman and young boy swimming with capybara
Swimming with the Capybaras at Wichabai Ranch(Photo Credits : wichabai.com)


Wichabai Ranch’s Role in Conservation

But it’s not just about the fun. Wichabai Ranch plays a major role in conservation efforts in the Rupununi. It’s home to the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), Guyana’s leading grassroots conservation organization. This organization has been working for over 20 years to protect species like the red siskin, giant anteater, yellow-spotted river turtle, and more.

Here’s how they’re making a difference:

  • The SRCS works to protect endangered species and maintain the biodiversity of the region.

  • They run educational programs in schools, teach traditional knowledge, and train young people in climate change leadership.

  • When you visit Wichabai, you can learn about these conservation efforts firsthand and even help out by identifying wildlife on camera traps.


Kids at a local school wearing green and white uniforms writing in books
The local children at the school in Wichabai Ranch South Rupununi(Photo credits: South Rupununi Conservation Society)

Balancing Agriculture, Livestock, Tourism, and Conservation


It’s not easy to juggle agriculture, livestock, tourism, and conservation, but Wichabai Ranch manages to do just that. By living sustainably and maintaining a balance between all these activities, they ensure that none of them work in isolation. The ranch’s sustainable practices help conserve the land, support local wildlife, and provide a unique tourism experience that benefits both visitors and the local community.


Why Wichabai Should Be on Your Bucket List


Wichabai Ranch isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to experience, learn, and connect.

  • Sleep in hand-built lodges, designed to blend into the landscape.

  • Ride real Rupununi-style—bareback, with vaqueros who’ve been doing this for generations.

  • Swim in hidden lakes and rivers, surrounded by untouched wilderness.

  • Spot wildlife you won’t see anywhere else, from giant otters to armadillos.


  • Experience the heart of Guyana’s ranching culture, with people who live it every day.


So, if you’re looking for an actual escape—one that connects you to nature, culture, and yourself—this is definitely  it.


Ready to Visit?

Here’s how to make it happen:

  1. Check out Wichabai’s available packages.

  2. Pick your adventure add-ons (horseback riding, hiking, cultural experiences).

  3. Book your stay and get ready for an unreal experience.

Because trust me—once you get a taste of the Rupununi, you’ll never want to leave.



References

WichabaiRanch. (2016a). OUR STORY | Rupununi Guyana Amazon | wichabai.com. WichabaiRanch. https://www.wichabai.com/our-story?lightbox=dataItem-jcdp38jz

WichabaiRanch. (2016b). WichabaiRanch. Guyanaranchholiday. https://www.wichabai.com/


Comments

bottom of page