Highlights of the Suriname trip
19 days – from €4,790 per person
Bigi Pan – indigenous people – Amazon
- Sip your Dawet (coconut drink) on a terrace by the Suriname River
- Spot flamingos and red ibises in the bird paradise of Bigi Pan
- Enjoy culinary highlights from the diverse cuisine
- Meet the Maroons who have settled in the rainforest
- Visit one of the most remote places in the Amazon rainforest
Itinerary
Day 1 | Amsterdam – Paramaribo
Your special journey through Suriname begins today. You will depart today on an intercontinental flight from Amsterdam to Paramaribo. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel.
Accommodation: Royal Torarica | bed and breakfast
Day 2 | Paramaribo
Suriname is a melting pot of cultures, and this is clearly evident during your cycle trip through this vibrant capital, accompanied by your Surinamese guide. This cycle trip feels like a journey back in time; traces of the Dutch colonial era are still clearly visible wherever you go. You’ll get a real sense of history as your private guide tells you more about the stories hidden within the wooden buildings. You’ll pass through the historic city centre, home to the largest wooden basilica in Latin America, St Peter and Paul.
Overnight: Royal Torarica | bed and breakfast
Day 3 | Paramaribo – Bigi Pan
Today you will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and travel on to the nature reserve known as Bigi Pan, near Nickerie. The nature reserve is renowned for its exceptional flora and fauna. Once you arrive in Nickerie, you will board the boat that will take you to the nature reserve. Bigi Pan is situated on the Nickerie River and is accessible only by boat. Your senses will be fully stimulated during this boat trip by the chirping birds, the fresh scent of nature and you might even spot a few caimans. During your stay, you can take part in one of the activities offered by your lodge, including kayaking, birdwatching and a boat trip.
Accommodation: Akira Overwater Resort | full board
Day 4 | Bigi Pan
Bigi Pan is a beautiful wetland area stretching along the coast of Coronie and Nickerie. Around 122 species of coastal birds have been recorded in the area, 72 of which are present year-round. Among others, you’ll find flamingos and red ibises there. Bigi Pan is also known as the ‘nesting ground’, as many birds breed here. From your resort, you can go on various boat trips to spot birds or, in the evening, to spot caimans. The Akira Overwater Resort is a unique place to stay thanks to its location, atmosphere and hundreds of thousands of birds. You’ll stay in the heart of the marshland in a luxurious, detached lodge built on the water, offering breathtaking views of the nature reserve. Experience the intriguing surroundings and enjoy the beautiful starry sky from your balcony. We highly recommend waking up early to admire the impressive spectacle of the countless bird species, which leave their roosts at sunrise and set off on their daily foraging. It makes for a truly unforgettable experience; it’s not called the ‘nursery for birds’ for nothing.
Accommodation: Akira Overwater Resort | full board
Day 5 | Bigi Pan – Groningen
Today, after lunch, you will be picked up and taken to Groningen in Suriname. You will be staying at Appartement Bloemendaal, a small-scale accommodation near the village of Groningen on the Saramaccarivier. Your accommodation is built in a colonial style with a stunning view of the river flowing by. A delightful night’s stay, enjoying the chirping of hundreds of birds
Overnight stay: Bloemendaal Apartments | bed and breakfast
Day 6 | Groningen
You have a day off planned today. You can choose to relax by the pool and enjoy the flower-filled surroundings. Perhaps a sloth will pay you a visit whilst you’re relaxing. You could also visit nearby Groningen, or take a boat trip to spot wildlife on the other side of the Saramaccarivier. You may spot the famous monki monki (squirrel monkeys) swinging through the branches, watch a toucan basking in the morning sun, or listen out for the howler monkeys hidden in the unspoilt stretch of forest.
Accommodation: Bloemendaal apartments | bed and breakfast
Day 7 | Groningen – Frederiksdorp
A visit to Commewijne, also known as Suriname’s plantation district, is an essential part of your trip. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Frederiksdorp, where you will be staying for the next few days. Frederiksdorp is situated on the banks of the Commewijne River and is accessible only by boat. You will be staying at the Plantage Resort, an estate featuring beautifully restored plantation houses. It is a former plantation on the right bank of the Commewijne River, where coffee and cocoa were originally grown. On the way to Frederiksdorp, you’ll have time to visit Fort Nieuw Amsterdam at your leisure.
Overnight stay: Plantage Resort Frederiksdorp | bed and breakfast
Day 8 | Frederiksdorp
Today is yours to spend as you wish. From your resort, you can take part in various activities (for a fee). For example, you could go on a historical walk, a cycle ride to the plantations or a boat trip to spot dolphins or sea turtles. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Accommodation: Plantage Resort Frederiksdorp | bed and breakfast
Day 9 | Frederiksdorp – Knini Paati
Today you’ll travel to the interior of Suriname. For the next few nights, you’ll be staying at the Knini Paati Lodge, situated on an island in the Upper Suriname River. This area is renowned for its unique Maroon culture, where centuries-old African rituals and traditions remain intact. You will be introduced to the vibrant Maroon culture. This area is home to many Maroon villages, each with a distinct culture shaped by strong African influences and their isolated location.
Accommodation: Knini Paati Jungle Lodge | full board
Days 10 & 11 | Knini Paati
Free days are included in the itinerary, so you can admire the stunning surroundings at your own pace or take part in the activities on offer (included in your stay). You can choose to take a leisurely stroll through the village or head into the countryside to explore the nearby forest and perhaps spot some caimans. Are you in need of some peace and quiet? Relax and enjoy the tranquillity in your hammock or on your own terrace. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or go kayaking around the island. Experience the melting pot of Surinamese culture, with its African and Dutch influences, during your stay at Danpaati.
Accommodation: Knini Paati Jungle Lodge | full board
Day 12 | Knini Paati – Paramaribo
After breakfast, you’ll travel back to Paramaribo. A visit to Fort Zeelandia is an absolute must for history lovers during a stay in Paramaribo. This fort was founded by the Dutch in 1600 and is now a museum. From the fort, the Dutch conducted trade and defended their settlements.
Accommodation: Royal Torarica | bed and breakfast
Day 13 | Paramaribo – Kabalebo
You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Zorg en Hoop Airport. Here, you will board your domestic flight to the Kabalebo Resort, situated in the heart of the Amazon. The nearest village is approximately 240 km away and can only be reached by air. At Kabalebo, you will therefore find an oasis of tranquillity, far removed from civilisation. It is precisely this remote location that makes this one of the best places in Suriname to spot wildlife. Here, you will be surrounded by a vast and unique variety of flora and fauna.
Accommodation: Kabalebo Nature Resort | full board
Days 14 to 16 | Kabalebo
During this part of your trip, you’ll be staying at the Kabalebo Nature Resort. Around the resort, you’ll find many species of birds, rare butterflies, dozens of fish species and impressive big cats. During your stay, you can take part in a variety of activities. The activities on offer range from forest walks to boat trips, mountain climbing and wildlife spotting. You’ll also have plenty of time to relax.
Accommodation: Kabalebo Nature Resort | full board
Day 17 | Kabalebo – Paramaribo
Today you’ll be travelling back to Paramaribo. You will be taken to the airport and fly back to Zorg en Hoop Airport. Once you arrive there, you will be taken back to your hotel. Take another stroll along the Waterkant and enjoy the delicious food, Surinamese juices and cosy restaurants.
Overnight stay: Royal Torarica | bed and breakfast
Day 18 | Paramaribo – Amsterdam
Unfortunately, your unique journey through Suriname comes to an end today. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Paramaribo Airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.
Day 19 | Amsterdam
You will arrive in Amsterdam today.
Travel price
From €4,790 per person
- Based on 2 people travelling together
- Depending on time of booking, availability of local flights, accommodation availability and period of travel
Included:
- domestic flights, economy class
- 8 hotel nights, meals as stated
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Akira Overwater Resort on a full-board basis, including all excursions led by professional guides
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Danpaati River Lodge on a full-board basis, with all excursions led by professional guides
- 4 nights’ accommodation at Kabalebo Nature Resort on a full-board basis, including all excursions led by professional guides
- All transfers and excursions as stated
- local taxes, where applicable
- entrance fees, where applicable
- Public levy Calamity Fund travel; €2.50 per booking
- SGR contribution of €5 per person per booking
- 24/7 our backup; locally and in the Netherlands
- comprehensive travel pack with small gift
Not included:
- International flights, we will book them for you if required
- Early check-in/late check-out, based on availability sometimes given by hotel. If you want to make sure you have this, please enquire with us about the extra cost.
- travel and cancellation insurance
Request a travel proposal
Would you also like to take this roundtrip? We can of course arrange the above trip for you, but we would also be happy to put together a programme based on your wishes and ideas. Please feel free to contact us, call +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a tailor-made quote below. We will be happy to help you.
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