An adventurous trip for families with children aged 12 and up who are active and sporty, interested in nature, and find primitive conditions a fun and exciting extra challenge.
Actively on adventure
Travel information
During the entrepreneurial journey Active on Adventure you and your children will never be bored for a moment.
Your journey begins in the Saramacca district, where you can acclimatize and enjoy nature at your accommodation with a swimming pool. You can take a boat trip or visit the sloth sanctuary by appointment. Then, you'll head west, staying along the Maratakka River at a simple camp where you can spot abundant wildlife. Afterwards, you'll spend the night on the water in the Bigi Pan Nature Reserve, a bird paradise. Here, you'll also enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets. After these days immersed in nature, it's wonderful to stroll around Paramaribo and discover its many sights and abundance of restaurants.
On the pedals
Then it's time to get active: you'll cycle to the Marienbosch plantation in the Commewijne district, where you'll stay in an authentic plantation home. Two boat trips are on the program: one through the swamp area and another to the mouth of the Suriname River for dolphin spotting. Always an experience! After two nights, you'll cycle back to Paramaribo and then spend a night at a glamping site. You'll camp in luxurious tepee tents and wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, and the flowing river. Stand-up paddleboarding is also available. A wonderful place for children!
In the jungle
Then you'll head into the jungle and climb Fredberg Mountain, spending the night in a hammock at a simple camp. Then you'll spend a few days in the jungle, getting to know the Maroons and their authentic culture. You'll end your holiday at Palulu, where you can enjoy the beautiful creek and the forest. In short, a once-in-a-lifetime experience something you and your children will talk about for a long time!
| Departure days | Tuesday |
| Amount of days | 22 days / 21 nights |
| Min. number of persons | 2 adults + 2 children from 12 years |
| Transportation | Bus, bicycle and boat |
| Accommodation | 2 separate rooms and/or lodges for 4 people, hammock camps (see program) |
| Travel schedule | See program |
Travel schedule
Day 1 - Arrival in Suriname - to Groningen
Upon arrival at Suriname's JA Pengel International Airport, the driver will be waiting to take you by van to Bloemendaal Apartments in Groningen. You can spend the first few days acclimatizing at this small, cozy accommodation with a swimming pool. The complex offers meal service. If you would like dinner after arrival, we can pre-order it.
Day 2 - Groningen
Anoeska, the manager of Bloemendaal Apartments, is happy to inform you about excursion options. An early morning boat trip on the Saramacca River is highly recommended. You can also cycle to a local warung in Groningen or to the nearby sloth sanctuary. Due to the lack of cycle paths, cycling after dark is not recommended. Therefore, we recommend the meal service at the apartment complex for this evening as well.
Day 3 to 6 - Maratakka and Bigi Pan
In the morning, you'll be picked up for the tour to Maratakka and Bigi Pan. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, you'll travel through the Saramacca and Coronie districts. Your guide will share the history of the Dutch colonists who settled here to cultivate agriculture. Along the way, you'll make frequent stops for coffee or to capture beautiful photos of the stunning architectural wooden houses and diverse landscapes. In Wageningen, you'll board the boat and travel about an hour to the jungle camp on the Maratakka River. This is a very basic accommodation with single beds and hammocks. A basic toilet and shower are available on site. Bathing in the river is also recommended. Various activities are available, such as a jungle walk, a visit to the nearly abandoned indigenous village of Cupido, or boating through the creeks in search of wildlife. Many animals are spotted in this area, including monkeys, coatis, macaws, manatees, and giant otters. Enjoying a drink on the riverside deck in the dark, surrounded by fireflies, is a truly magical moment!
In the morning, there's time for an activity before departing for Bigi Pan. A delicious breakfast will be prepared, of course. The return trip offers a second chance to see the manatees' large backs and the many birds. From Wageningen, you'll then travel to Nieuw Nickerie, where you'll board another boat for the trip through the Bigi Pan nature reserve.
During this trip through the mangrove you will be able to spot a diversity of birds. Many waders, herons, but also birds of prey and woodpeckers feel completely at home here. With a bit of luck you will also encounter scarlet ibises, which turn a beautiful dark red color from eating crabs and shrimps. Small caimans are also regularly spotted. You will stay in simple accommodation on Bigi Pan Lake. Showering is possible using mandien (with a bucket). Various boat trips are made from the accommodation on the lake. Dusk is a beautiful time of day, the sky turns a beautiful orange color and the birds prepare for the night in the trees. Depending on the water level, a boat trip is also made to the mud beach where you can wallow in the beneficial mud. On the last day you will be dropped off again at the jetty where the driver will be waiting for you for the transfer to the city. You will stay there in the comfortable Holland Lodge, which is within walking distance of the entertainment center of Paramaribo.
Day 7 - Paramaribo
You are free to fill this day as you wish. For example, take a look at one of the city's many colorful markets and have dinner in the evening at one of the excellent restaurants Paramaribo has to offer. Naturally, we will provide you with good recommendations. If you would enjoy preparing Surinamese dishes together with the children, we can offer the Njan Switi city tour/cooking workshop as an addition to this program. This combines a city tour/market visit with a cooking workshop. Afterwards, you will eat the homemade dishes together. A very fun experience, also for children!
It's also important to prepare for your departure the next day. Review your packing list together and make sure everything is ready.
Day 8 to 10 - Cycling to Marienbosch
After breakfast you pick up the rental bikes and pack the luggage you will need for the next three days in the panniers. You get on your bike with a good map and go to the Commewijne district. You cross the river twice with a small boat and arrive in Marienbosch during the day. You plan your day yourself, decide how fast you cycle and when you stop to look around, take photos or eat or drink something.
At Marienbosch, you'll spend the night in a simple room, and a delicious meal will be waiting for you. The next day, you'll take a boat trip through the swamp, and during nesting season, you'll visit the giant tortoise nesting beaches. On your last day, you'll cycle back to Paramaribo through the Commewijne district.
Day 11 - Paramaribo
Free to spend
Day 12 - Seliba Glamping
In the morning, you'll travel by bus from Paramaribo to Ayo. From there, you'll sail to Seliba, a convenient location along the Suriname River. Your children will definitely have a great time here, as this location offers opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding. There's also a swimming pool where you can relax.
You'll spend the night at this glamping site in authentic tepees—a truly unforgettable experience! During your stay, you'll enjoy jungle walks and a visit to Jodensavanna. In the evening, relax under the stars by a crackling campfire.
Day 13 and 14 - Fredberg and Zintete
You will be picked up from Seliba by van for the trip to Fredberg. For true adventurers, nature lovers, and birdwatchers, this area is one of the most impressive places in Suriname where you can experience the purity of nature. The tropical rainforest in this uninhabited area on the Upper Saramacca is pristine, resulting in an abundance of wildlife. A rare bird species you can spot here is the Cock of the Rock . At the top of Fredberg, you have a breathtaking view of the Surinamese jungle. Wake up in the morning at the top of the mountain in your hammock and experience the jungle in its purest form. There is also time to swim and relax by the river.
Day 15 to 21 - Upper Suriname and Sintia Dam
Today begins your adventurous tour through the jungle of the Upper Suriname region and the Sintia Dam. This area is inhabited by the Maroons, who still live according to ancient traditions. In the morning, you'll travel by bus from the base camp at Zintete to Atjoni, where you'll transfer to a dugout canoe. After a scenic boat trip through the jungle, you'll arrive at Pingpe or Kumalu in the late afternoon. You'll spend the night in simple huts along the river.
The journey then continues by dugout canoe to the Kosindo River Lodge, where you'll arrive in the evening. Along the way, you'll pass impressive rapids such as the Tapawatra and the Gran Dam. Here, too, you'll spend the night in simple huts.
On the third day, after breakfast, you'll board the dugout canoe and leave civilization behind. During the four-hour journey, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular. The canoe will occasionally be pulled through impressive rapids. Because this area is relatively uninhabited, there's a good chance of spotting animals along the river. Upon arrival at the Sintia Dam, a jungle camp will be set up with hammocks and mosquito nets. There's a restroom, and you'll bathe in the river. Your first evening and night in the jungle will be an experience you'll never forget. The bush meal, prepared authentically by the guide, somehow tastes even better.
The next day, you'll climb Turtle Hill. In clear weather, you'll have views across the entire jungle and see the peaks of Kasikasima, Duivelsei, and Rosevelt Peak, among others. Cock-of-the-Rocks are regularly spotted along the way. These rare birds have a permanent roost here, and the guide knows their location. The hike to the summit takes about 2,5 hours. Towards the end of the day, you'll return to camp at Sintia Dam. If the opportunity arises, a campfire will be built, and you're sure to share some great campfire stories over drinks.
On day five you will sail from the camp at Sintia Dam during the morning back along the current to Kosindo, where you will also spend the night.
The last day of your jungle adventure has arrived. You'll depart this morning and be met upon arrival by our driver who will take you to Palulu Paradise, a location near the airport.
Day 22 - Palulu Paradise and day of departure
Chances are you've woken up by the Palulu morning orchestra. Your Palulu breakfast will be ready, featuring homemade jam, bread, and a free-range egg. A lovely walk can be arranged with the managers. There are various options, with or without a guide. The managers are happy to tell you more. Palulu is also perfect for relaxing in a hammock and swimming in the refreshing creek. Nothing is mandatory; everything is possible. You will be picked up in the afternoon for your airport transfer.
Accommodations
BLOEMENDAAL
A green oasis in Saramacca
MARATAKKA
Primitive overnight stay
BIGI PAN
Overnight on the water
MARIENBOSCH
Renovated plantation home
SELIBA
Glamping
FREDBERG
Spend the night in the hammock
SINTIA DAM
Pure jungle
PALULU
Unique location in the jungle
Facilities per location
- Bloemendaal: Apartment with a balcony, open-plan kitchen, private shower/toilet/fan or air conditioning. Self-service breakfast.
- Maratakka and Bigi Pan: Basic jungle camp, choice of hammock, bed, or camp bed, equipped with mosquito nets. Simple shared bathroom facilities with running water from the river. Bigi Pan has a shared sleeping area with beds and mosquito nets, a shared toilet, and a washroom with mandi (river water). Full board.
- Marienbosch: simple room with fan and shared shower/toilet (cold water). Full board.
- Seliba River GlampingGlamping tent (tipi), equipped with beds, shared bathroom facilities. Full board.
- Fredberg and Zintete: hammock with mosquito net, primitive sanitary facilities. Full board.
- Gran Rio & Sintia Dam2 nights in a basic hammock camp and 3 nights in simple, authentic wooden cabins with beds, mosquito nets, and private shower/toilet (cold water) at various locations along the Suriname River. Full board.
- Palulu Paradise: Pond lodge with a semi-open, fully equipped kitchen, bar with chairs and armchair and sofa. The two bedrooms on the top floor both have a double bed + 2e bed (incl. mosquito net, bed linen and towels), balcony. Full board.
- Paramaribo: Small, centrally located guesthouse/apartment complex with private shower/toilet/air conditioning. Bed and breakfast included.
Additional tour information
Included costs:
| Travel expenses |
|
| tax |
|
| Residence |
|
| Excursions |
|
| Information |
|
Additional costs for tours
Not included:
| Travel expenses |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Residence |
|
| Excursions |
|
| Miscellaneous |
|
KLM flight information
KLM flight
If desired, Suriname Holidays can arrange your intercontinental KLM flight book. With the combination tours with Curacao your KLM return flight from Curacao is booked. The connecting flight from Paramaribo to Curacao can also be booked for you. These flights are usually operated by Surinam Airways, which is the best available option at the moment.
Land arrangement
If you prefer to arrange your own flight or have already booked a flight, it is important that you provide us with your flight details so that we can ensure that your tour fits in well with your arrival and departure flights. Most tours are designed based on a specific departure day. If you arrive on a different day, it is possible to adjust the order of the program so that it fits in with your flight schedule.
Please take into account any additional costs if something changes in the order of the trip.
