Dadanawa Ranch, also known as Melville’s Ranch, is located near the Rupununi River, being the largest cattle ranch in Guyana. Covering an area of 5000 square kilometers, the ranch is vast and boundless. The best way to visit Dadanawa Ranch is by taking a jeep. It takes 3.5 hours to get there in the dry season and 3 days in the rainy season.

Dadanawa Ranch is one of the most remote and lonely ranches, with about 28,000 head of cattle. The staff on the ranch are all locals or barefoot cowboys who skillfully herd and feed the cattle while also protecting them from jaguar attacks. The cattle on the ranch are considered wild animals and rarely encounter humans in the vast pasture, hence they can be aggressive. The barefoot cowboys, now in the fourth generation of their family, have become friends and even family to the cattle.

Dadanawa Ranch is also a great place to watch the sunset. With a mountain facing the ranch, sitting on the grass and watching the sun slowly set behind the mountains is a beautiful experience.

Dadanawa Ranch (Melville’s Ranch)

Reason to Visit: The largest cattle ranch in Guyana

Continent: South America

Country: Guyana

Region: Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region