The Guyana Chronicle sent Tarjei Kidd Olsen and Lioba Suchenwirth to bring you a sneak preview.

The walkway is the only easy way to explore the tree canopies of the Iwokrama reserve, and what an experience it is to walk along the swaying hang-bridges, surrounded by shades of green, with nothing but a free drop below.

The bridges are connected by four observation platforms. The entire length of the walkway is 130 metres. This gives ample opportunity to enjoy the magnificent canopy and glimpses of the jungle vista beyond.

Iwokrama’s new attraction is the only canopy walkway in the Caribbean, and the only one worldwide to be built using aluminum.

It is built on a natural hill, eliminating the need to build an expensive self-contained staircase up to the walkway, as well as reducing the amount of maintenance needed, and ensuring greater safety for visitors.

Wycliffe McAllister, Communications Manager for the Iwokrama Centre in Georgetown, pointed out that the walkway will not only benefit tourists, but also researchers.

"Many researchers want to study the unique Iwokrama vegetation, trees and the like.

“With the canopy walkway, researchers can come and observe the canopy with a minimum of effort. For the first time they can easily do their observations from among the canopy, not below," he said.

The construction began in September and was undertaken by three Canadians from Greenheart Conservation Company. Four Guyanese labourers who assisted with the construction will be employed as tour guides by the Iwokrama Centre.

Amerindian labourer Archer Moses of Howeta Village was optimistic about the impact of the canopy walkway.

"This walkway has not only personally benefited my life, but will be good for the entire Rupununi community," he pointed out.

Questioned about the grand opening of the walkway, McAllister said:

“The opening date for the canopy walkway is yet to be announced. A task force is looking into setting the date. It will depend on the availability of our board members and government officials.