The ultimate experience for nature lovers
No less than 85 per cent of Suriname consists of tropical rainforest forming part of the Amazon basin. As there are hardly any roads leading into the country, this rainforest remains largely unspoilt, which is unique. The Surinamese coastline consists of mangroves, which are home to many species of birds.
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The Amazon rainforest
This vast tropical rainforest covers over 85 per cent of Suriname’s land area. And the vast majority of this rainforest has never been explored by humans. As a result, the flora and fauna here remain virtually untouched.
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Animals and plants
Suriname’s rainforest is home to more than 5,000 plant species and a vast variety of animals, including jaguars and other big cats, tapirs, otters, seven species of monkey, 24 species of parrot and various rare reptiles and snakes.
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Staying at Kabalebo Lodge
This lodge can only be reached by light aircraft and is situated near a small meteorological station, deep in the jungle. There isn’t a single village or other lodge within a radius of over 300 km. This means that nature here remains unspoilt, and it really shows. It is without doubt one of the best places in South America for wildlife spotting.
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A unique destination for children
Kabalebo is a wonderful place to visit with your children. Firstly, because wildlife is easy to spot here. The team at Kabalebo Nature Resort are lovely and, above all, dedicated people who will do everything they can to make your stay as pleasant as possible. What’s more, your children can simply speak Dutch with the guides. That way, they’ll learn a lot about the rainforest and its inhabitants.
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Meet the Sotalia dolphins
Where the Suriname and Commewijne rivers converge to flow together on their final stretch to the Caribbean Sea, a pod of Sotalia dolphins lives, commonly known as pink-bellied porpoises. This is a very rare species of dolphin, found only in the Guianas. As the sun sets, it is possible to spot these dolphins – a truly unique spectacle.
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Sea turtles
From mid-January to early August, sea turtles come to the beach at the Matapica Nature Reserve, in eastern Suriname, to lay their eggs. These include some very special and rare species of turtle, such as the enormous leatherback turtle, the green turtle, and, if you’re very lucky, the hawksbill and loggerhead turtles.
The Amazon from Suriname
When we talk about the Amazon in Suriname, or as the Surinamese themselves say ‘the forest’, we are actually referring to the Sipaliwini district. This district covers no less than 80 per cent of Suriname, with a population of just 30,000. The Amazon in Suriname can be divided into inhabited and (virtually) uninhabited rainforest. Most of the communities living in this area are mainly situated around the Upper Suriname River. They are known as Maroons or Saramaccans. The Maroons are descendants of runaway slaves. They live in villages near so-called ‘sulas’, rapids in the river. In these villages, the traditions of their ancestors – brought from the interior of West Africa – are still observed. In this part of the Amazon, there is significantly less wildlife to be spotted, as the villagers hunt the animals. The cultural aspects here, however, are unique and very inviting.
The truly unspoilt rainforest
You can also choose to stay at a location in the Amazon, far(ther) from civilisation. At these locations, the flora – but in particular the fauna – is simply overwhelming! Suriname’s rainforest is home to more than 5,000 plant species and an enormous variety of animals, such as jaguars and other big cats, tapirs, otters, seven species of monkey, 24 species of parrot and various rare reptiles and snakes. A ‘must’ for every nature lover. You’ll fly there in a small plane from Paramaribo, and the runway is nothing more than a grassy patch in the middle of the rainforest. A truly special experience with stunning views during the flight!
Fancy a trip of Suriname?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Suriname and are you curious about the options? Then do take a look at the trip we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book this trip directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.