Description
Introduction to Jungle Bushcraft
Embark on our 13-day jungle bushcraft course, carefully devised by an international team and local indigenous instructors. Learn to craft traditional bows, arrows, and string by hand, and become proficient in using the machete. Hone your skills in weaving classic rucksacks, kindling primitive fires, advanced trapping and fishing. You, furthermore, will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the local Amazon rainforest’s resources, flora, fauna, and indigenous methods.
Location of Course
The course is hosted near the indigenous community of Surama in Guyana, integrating the Makushi Amerindians’ traditional usage of rainforest materials. While aspects of jungle survival are covered, our primary focus lies in honing and testing various conventional methods.
Content
Experience an intense learning journey in jungle and expedition camps deep within the rainforest. Craft and set traps, refine your skills and accompany indigenous guides on nocturnal hunts and foraging expeditions. This hands-on, immersive course encourages active participation, from tool crafting to camp construction and team sustenance. Sign up for a unique jungle bushcraft course, nestled amongst the last remaining bushmen in an unspoiled rainforest. Unlock your potential and embody the spirit of the Amazon Rainforest.
For more information on how to join the Jungle Bushcraft Course Guyana you can visit the booking page or contact us to arrange a online call to discuss this trip.
What to expect
Begin a captivating 13-day Guyana Jungle Bushcraft Experience with our immersive itinerary. Arrive in the lively city of Georgetown and meet your fellow adventurers, building anticipation for the exciting journey ahead. From there, fly to Surama, a tranquil rainforest village where a charming ecolodge, with its breathtaking views, serves as the perfect precursor to our immersive jungle experience.
For the next five days at Rock Landing Camp, immerse yourself in intensive training, mastering fundamental skills such as crafting bows, setting traps, and kindling fires. Discover the complexities of the rainforest’s flora and fauna, developing a profound bond with your surroundings. Engage in hands-on activities, sharpening your fishing skills and learning advanced weaving techniques under the guidance of seasoned bushcraft instructors.
Dare to venture deeper into the jungle, dwelling in expedition camps untouched by modern structures. Take turns managing camp tasks, collect resources from your surroundings, set traps, and experiment with varied methods of roasting and preserving meat. Weather permitting, test your newly acquired skills by catching fish with your self-crafted bow and arrow.
On day 11, we wave goodbye to the jungle as we voyage back to Surama by boat. Freshen up and organise the equipment used during the course. Assemble at the lodge for a modest celebration, reflecting on achievements and cherishing the camaraderie fostered during this incredible journey.
Days 12-13 present opportunities to explore the quaint charm of Georgetown before you continue your travels or return home. Bid farewell to newfound friends, clutching the memories of an extraordinary jungle bushcraft adventure.
Join us for an unforgettable journey, connecting with nature, indigenous culture, and your inner resilience in the heart of the Guyanese rainforest.
To book or find out more, you can book an online consultation with Anders or call Ray on Call Ray on +44 7833 182 180. You can also read the blog Anders wrote on Jungle Survival Skills 101 for more information on what else you will learn.
Charlie –
Worlds first indigenous jungle bushcraft NCFE accredited course
Aug 2025
What a trip, utterly amazing I can’t find words to describe what a great time I had with Lionel, Anders, Ray and Jesse. The jungle truly is a place of wonder, what gorgeous sites and spectacular animals.
I was lucky enough to be the first person to take part in the only NCFE accredited jungle bushcraft course in the world. It was a truly astounding course that allows people to further their bushcraft knowledge to a new level. The depth of knowledge that Lionel possess is second to none, he truly is an extraordinarily clever person. I had what can only be described as a life changing experience in Guyana getting to learn indigenous methods of fire lighting, tracking, trapping, fishing, weaving and bow and arrow making. I also gathered and in-depth knowledge of how to use a machete correctly and safely I was also taught about resources such as plants, trees and animals.
The jungle bushcraft course is run in an amazingly efficient way allowing people on the course to truly understand what they are doing and not feel rushed at all. Plenty of time has been allowed for each section allowing you to feel relaxed and comfortable as you learn. The guys in Guyana truly are professionals who know their craft and showed themselves in an outstanding light.
I want to say a massive thank you to Anders, Ray, Lionel and Jesse for sharing their wealth of knowledge with me and for their help and guidance.
Thanks again
Charlie
Tony C –
Level 3 Indigenous Jungle Bushcraft Course, Guyana
By Tony Chin
Several years ago, my younger brother returned from an intense survival course deep in the Amazon. Hearing about the people he met, the skills he learned and his experiences in the jungle made me think: I want to see that place for myself.
I had always dreamed of visiting the Amazon, so eventually I made it happen. I booked onto a Level 3 Indigenous Jungle Bushcraft Course with The Wild Tales and Back to Wilderness.
After vaccinations, flights and kit were sorted, there was no turning back.
Into the Amazon
After arriving in Georgetown, I met our tour leader and fellow participants before travelling to Surama Eco-Lodge in the Rupununi region.
We were warmly welcomed by members of the Makushi community who run the lodge and introduced to our instructors, Lionel, Derek and Chef O’Neil.
After checking our equipment and learning about machete use, field gear and hammock and tarp set-up, we travelled by canoe deeper into the interior to Rock Landing Camp. Along the river, Lionel and Derek pointed out birds, monkeys and plants, sharing their knowledge of the environment.
Over five days, we learned traditional Makushi survival and bushcraft skills including jungle safety, foraging, fire lighting, fishing, hunting, trapping, tracking, weaving and making traditional bows and arrows.
We made a bamboo boiling pot from scratch and learned fire-lighting techniques including the bow drill and ferro rod. One highlight was making a traditional Makushi bow from Leopard Wood, with an arrow made from Arrow Grass and Silk Grass.
It genuinely felt like being back at school — except our classroom was the Amazon rainforest.
Learning from the Jungle
Tracking was fascinating. We learned to recognise signs and tracks from animals such as capybara, paca and jaguar, while learning to slow down, observe and understand our surroundings.
We fished at night using homemade equipment, including bow and arrow. We saw electric eels, caimans, capybaras, tarantulas and monkeys. The morning calls of the howler monkeys are a sound I will always associate with Guyana.
We collected Kukrite nuts and even ate grubs, which surprisingly tasted a little like coconut! Chef O’Neil kept us going with incredible food, especially his unforgettable fry breads.
For the final three days, we travelled deeper into the jungle without O’Neil, relying on our rations and putting our new skills into practice. We found and cleared our own campsite, set up hammocks and tarps, fished and explored the jungle.
Derek showed us how to use Kukrite palm and Mukru plant materials to make woven items and baskets.
These were more than bushcraft techniques. They were traditional skills passed down through generations. Lionel and Derek shared stories about their ancestors and explained that this knowledge could be lost if it isn’t shared. I felt humbled to experience a small part of their family, culture and traditions.
A Journey I Will Always Remember
Returning to the eco-lodge, a hot shower, proper food and sharing our experiences felt amazing.
The course was exceptionally well organised. The instructors were patient, knowledgeable and generous, while the food and transportation were fantastic. Most importantly, they made us feel welcome in their home — and their home is the jungle.
The course gave me far more than survival skills. It gave me an insight into Makushi knowledge and traditions and challenged me to work with what was around me.
And I didn’t do it alone. I shared the journey with my best friend — my little brother.
Without his story, I might never have found myself travelling deep into the Amazon rainforest.
So, thanks, Bro.
A huge thank you to The Wild Tales, Back to Wilderness, Lionel, Derek and Chef O’Neil for the knowledge, patience, humour, skills and hospitality.
It was worth every minute.
Tony Chin