Deep in the Amazon rainforest of Suriname, about an hour's flight from Paramaribo, lies Awarradam. This charming accommodation on the Gran Rio River is built on an idyllic island near the Awarradam rapids. Downstream lie the last remaining villages of the local Saramaccan population. The resort is run by local people, who will ensure you have a fantastic time in this beautiful spot in the Surinamese jungle.
AWARRADAM
Travel information
Awarradam is located in the Langu region, which consists of eight villages: Bendiwata, Kuututen, Ligolio, Bëgoon, Kajana, Deböö, Godowata, and Stonhuku. The Saramaccan people have preserved their African culture. During a visit to the villages, you'll discover their age-old traditions.
The lodges are built on an island in the Gran Rio River, a branch of the Upper Suriname River, approximately 225 kilometers from Paramaribo. The resort is named after the awara, a well-known palm fruit from Suriname. The eco-resort is built in traditional style. Solar energy is used for lighting and the meals are prepared on a wood fire with mainly Surinamese ingredients. All employees come from the surrounding Saramaccan villages. There is no mobile network or wifi available here.
There are various trips available by dugout canoe, you can swim in the rapids, or take a guided jungle walk. You'll also enjoy a village walk and the opportunity to attend a local dance performance. There's also the opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs in the villages. In short: something for everyone; nothing is mandatory, everything is possible. If you'd like to do something outside the group, such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, paddling, or joining a group visit to the agricultural plots, the guide can arrange suitable local accompaniment for a fee.
| departure days |
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| amount of days | 3, 4 or 5 days |
| minimum number of persons | 2 |
| transport | airplane and canoe |
| Accommodation | 2 to 3 person cottages |
| Facilities, meals, amenities and activities | fully catered |
Day by day program – 4 and 5 day program
Day 1 - Flight to Kajana and boat trip to Awarradam
You will depart from the local airport Zorg en Hoop in Paramaribo to the airstrip of Kajana, approximately 50 minutes flying south of Paramaribo. After arrival, the staff will take you to the canoe that will take you over the Gran Rio towards Awarradam. The duration of the boat trip depends on the water level and will take between 30 minutes and an hour. The eco-resort is located on an island at the foot of the Awarradam rapids. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a snack and a welcome drink and you can explore your accommodation and the resort. Once everyone is settled, we will leave with the canoe to the island “Peti”, where we will have lunch. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy a wonderful water massage in the rapids.
Day 2 - Village walk, rapids and cultural evening
You'll rise early in the morning for breakfast, where your guide will prepare you for a village walk. During the half-hour boat trip downstream, you'll discover how the river is the lifeblood of the local people: they come here to fish, wash clothes, and do the dishes. The river also serves as a bathroom and a water playground for children.
From the jetty, you'll take a long walk through several villages, gaining a good impression of the daily life of the Saramaccan people. After the walk, you'll return to Awarradam, enjoying the rapids along the way. You'll also learn more about the traditional fishing style. After dinner, the day concludes with a cultural evening.
Day 3 - Okkobergie
Depart before sunrise by boat. You'll travel down the river and witness the sunrise and the awakening of the jungle from the water. A magnificent experience! The call of the toucans will hopefully stay with you for a long time. The boat will continue a little further to the spot where you'll walk through the forest to "Okkobergie" and climb the mountain. This rather strenuous hike is rewarded with breathtaking views of the jungle in clear weather. An alternative program is available if you are unable or unwilling to make the jungle walk.
Day 4 of a 4-day trip | Return trip to Paramaribo
After breakfast, a walk is planned to an agricultural plot. You'll learn more about local planting and harvesting methods and the crops grown there. Before leaving, our staff will bid you farewell in a traditional manner. You'll travel by dugout canoe back to the airstrip at Kajana, where a small plane will pick you up for your return flight to Zorg&Hoop Airport in Paramaribo.
Day 4 of a 5-day trip | Agricultural plots and free afternoon
After breakfast, a walk is planned to an agricultural plot. You'll learn about local planting and harvesting methods and the crops grown there. The afternoon is free to relax in a hammock or swim in the rapids, which are easily accessible from the island (at medium or low water levels).
Day 5 - Return trip to Paramaribo
After breakfast you can paddle in a korjaal again, swim or just enjoy the sounds of the jungle in peace. Before departure our employees will say goodbye to you in a traditional way. You will be taken back to Kajana by korjaal. From there you will fly to the airport Zorg&Hoop in Paramaribo.
Day to day program – 3 day program
Day 1 - Flight to Kajana and boat trip to Awarradam
You will depart from Zorg & Hoop Airport in Paramaribo for the Kajana airstrip, approximately a 50-minute flight south of Paramaribo. Upon arrival, the staff will take you to the dugout canoe, which will take you across the Gran Rio River to Awarradam. The duration of the trip depends on the water level and will last between 30 minutes and an hour. The eco-resort is located on an island at the foot of the Awarradam rapids. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a snack and a welcome drink and explore your accommodations and the resort. Once everyone is settled, you will depart by dugout canoe to Peti Island for lunch. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy a wonderful water massage in the rapids.
Day 2 - Village walk, rapids and cultural evening
After an early breakfast, where your guide will prepare you for the village walk, you'll depart by boat. During the cruise, you'll discover that the river is the lifeblood of the local people. They come here to fish, wash clothes, and do the dishes. The river also serves as a bathroom and a water playground for children.
After about 30 minutes, you'll arrive at the jetty. From there, you'll embark on a long walk past several villages. Along the way, you'll get a good impression of the daily life of the Saramaccan people. After the walk, you'll sail back to Awarradam, enjoying the rapids along the way. You'll also learn more about the traditional fishing style. After dinner, the day concludes with a cultural evening.
Day 3 - Jungle walk | Return to Paramaribo
Depart before sunrise by boat. You'll float down the river and witness the sunrise and the awakening of the jungle from the water. A magnificent experience! The call of the toucans will hopefully stay with you for a long time. Upon your return to Awarradam, breakfast will be waiting for you. Afterwards, you'll take an educational and adventurous jungle walk through the pristine jungle. The guide will explain the trees and plants and how to identify animals by their sounds and tracks. Before departing for the Kajana airstrip, the people of Awarradam will bid you farewell in a traditional manner. You'll fly back to Zorg&Hoop Airport in Paramaribo (possibly with a stopover at Palumeu, depending on your itinerary).
Accommodation
Simple wooden houses for 2 to 3 persons in authentic style with beds, mosquito nets and private shower/toilet (cold water), spacious veranda with view over the river equipped with hammocks and seating, limited electricity is generated from solar panels, there is no fan and/or air conditioning. Cameras and mobile phones can be charged in the restaurant (no mobile network/wifi available)
Amenities, facilities and activities
- Activities: During your stay at Awarradam, a full program of varied activities is included in the price. Some of the activities include forest walks, boat trips to rapids, a visit to a Maroon village, and a nighttime boat trip.
