We spent 2,5 weeks in Suriname and the trip was impressive. It wasn't just a trip, we wanted to get to know the country because we have a family history. We were the whole family with two young people aged 18 and 21 and it was the first time for everyone. We had a wonderful trip. Everything went smoothly, we enjoyed nature, the people, the food and the good care of everyone.
At the airport the heat fell over us like a blanket. Our trip started in Paramaribo, because we wanted to see some places here and meet people. That was an impressive start for us, finally we had images of all the stories we had heard so often. We found the city itself less impressive. Nice to see, but not a city to stay for long. One afternoon we visited the Koto Misi museum. Here we got a private tour of one hour, which was very nice.
Hospitable and helpful Suriname
We left by bike to Mariënbosch. It was hot and within 10 minutes we had a flat tire. Fortunately, someone happened to pass by who had seen us at the bicycle rental. He offered to return the bicycle on the back of his moped and exchange it. That's how Suriname was to us all the time: hospitable and helpful. In every taxi ride we heard how the Surinamese view their country and politics. That wasn't very positive, but at the same time everyone is happily holding their own. At Mariënbosch we were warmly welcomed by Saoud, who, as a former contractor, had restored the plantation and the irrigation system. The house was beautiful and also burdensome for us due to the history of slavery. But we noticed that this subject is less high on the agenda in Suriname itself. We learned to pick coconuts and use a machete, got delicious food from Saoud and saw a caiman in the water of the garden.
Delicious saoto soup and bad pizza
The next trip took us to Maratakka, where we were the only ones in the River Lodge. Young Miguel was our guide here, but he already knew so much. He took us through the jungle and across the river. He showed us birds such as the swamp buzzard, toucans and mangrove heron and we saw all the Indonesian herbs from the store growing in the ground here. When we were sitting quietly on the jetty, the howler monkeys made themselves heard. The animals were on the other side of the river. We couldn't see them, but the sound was reminiscent of the dinosaurs. The family then took us to Bigi Pan, where we were again the only ones. The trips on the water, the birds, the sounds were as beautiful as they were relaxing. And here too we were spoiled with delicious meals: the saoto soup was our favorite! On the way back we were treated to a large group of scarlet ibises along the side of the road. Even our driver wanted to take pictures! After a short stop in Paramaribo to recover from all the impressions and wash all the clothes, the children wanted to eat at the Pizza Hut for a change. It was one big drama and the worst meal we can remember for a long time. Orders arrived incorrectly and slowly with a bone dry bottom. After two hours the last pizza was still not ready and we left. From that moment on we only ate Surinamese/Hindustani/Indian.
Highlight: the Voltzberg
The trip to the Raleighfalls was the most impressive for all four of us. After a long journey of 6 hours on the Bauxite Road, from which we all came out orange, and a 3-hour boat trip through the majestic jungle, we arrived at the Lodge. Nothing special, not very well maintained either, but it didn't matter. The place on an island in the nature park was impressive because of the peace and sounds. Here too we often could not see the animals, but could hear them all day and night. We were also visited by two frogs in our bedroom and a group of squirrel monkeys, who now know that there is something to be gained when there are people around. They quickly grabbed the banana pieces from our hands.
The hike to the Voltzberg was our highlight. Not an easy journey, but worth it on all fronts. We walked for 3 hours through the immense jungle, had lunch on a first plateau and then climbed the mountain. Once we reached the top, the rainforest was at our feet and we were impressed by the vastness of nature. Satisfied, we descended again and 8 hours after departure we were able to take a dip in the Raleigh Falls. No people live in this area and there is no internet. But even the children thought that four days without internet could have been longer. We spent the last two nights at Plantation Peperpot, which has been beautifully restored. On the last evening we experienced up close what life is like in Suriname. The entire trip was excellently organized for us, with many thanks to Suzette. But when the residents of the kampong behind the plantation burned some rubbish and the fire got out of control, the fire brigade did not answer the phone. Only when guests from Paramaribo switched on their network were the fire brigade called, who arrived 45 minutes later with a rickety car. Fortunately, this was a small fire without great urgency, but you wish a country that the basics are a little better taken care of.
The trip will remain in our memories for a long time and when we left, we wanted nothing more than to book a new trip immediately. That will happen someday. For all readers of this story: we highly recommend Suzette and her agency, she was attentive to our wishes and prepared our trip wonderfully.
Yvonne