The perfect trip for adventurers and nature lovers for whom “back to basics” and “back to nature” sounds like music to their ears, in combination with a multi-day bike tour to explore the Commewijne district.
Back to the Basics
Travel information
Back to the Basics is ideal for nature lovers who are not afraid of a bit of adventure and action. The trip goes off the beaten track and shows you the purest form of Suriname. For example, you will spend the night in a very simple camp on the Maratakka River where hardly any tourists come and the animals still show themselves, and you will go sailing in the bird-rich Bigi Pan nature reserve. You will go out on your own for 5 days by bike. We arrange the overnight accommodations, the bike and provide you with the possible cycling routes. This is an ideal way to get to know Suriname and its hospitable people.
With a guide you 'hop' from lodge to lodge in the Maroons area. These descendants of the escaped slaves still live according to old African traditions in the middle of the jungle. Here you are in the breathtakingly beautiful interior and sailing through impressive rapids.
Where you previously slept on beds in simple huts, the last tour will go one step further: with a wildlife guide you will now build your own hammock camps and self-caught fish will be roasted on a fire. An experience you will never forget!
| Departure day | Thursday |
| Amount of days | 22 days |
| Min. number of persons | 2 |
| Transportation | bus, boat, bicycle, 4WD |
| Accommodation | Double rooms, (hammocks) camps and tents, |
| Travel schedule | Powered |
Travel schedule
Day 1 - Arrival in Suriname
Upon arrival at Suriname airport, the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, the driver will be ready to take you by private van to Appartementen Bloemendaal in Groningen. During the first days you can acclimatize quietly in this small-scale and cozy accommodation with swimming pool. Nothing is necessary, but everything is possible. The complex offers meal service. If a dinner is required after arrival, we can order it in advance.
Day 2 – Groningen
In the refrigerator you will find all the ingredients for an extensive "do-it-yourself" breakfast: fresh rolls, tea, coffee, eggs, toppings and fruit. Before the rolls go into the oven and the coffee simmers, you can take a dip in the pool. Anoeska, the manager, is happy to inform you about the possibilities for excursions. An early morning boat trip on the Saramacca River is highly recommended. Getting up early is rewarded; the mysterious morning mist above the river and the not yet too bright sun provide beautiful pictures. It is also the time when the monkeys and birds show themselves best. It is pleasant to wake up with a cup of coffee or tea on board. You can also take a bike ride to a local warung in Groningen or to the nearby sloth sanctuary. Due to the lack of cycle paths, cycling in the dark is not recommended. That is why we also recommend the meal service at the apartment complex for this evening.
Day 3 - Departure to Maratakka
In the morning you will be picked up for the tour to Maratakka and Bigi Pan. In a comfortable minibus with air conditioning you will make a trip through the districts of Saramacca and Coronie. Your guide will tell you about the history of the Dutch colonists who settled here to practice agriculture. Along the way the necessary stops will be made for a cup of coffee or to photograph the beautiful architectural wooden houses and changing landscapes. In Coronie you will visit a small airfield to view the agricultural aircraft that are active in this area. At about 13.30:1 an extensive lunch will be ready for you at a Javanese lady's home in Wageningen. Then you will board the boat and sail in about XNUMX hour to the jungle camp on the Maratakka river. It is a very simple sleeping accommodation with a few beds and hammocks. There is a simple toilet and a shower on the site. Bathing is also recommended in the river. There are various activities possible such as a walk through the jungle, a visit to the indigenous village of Cupido, sailing through the creeks in search of game, etc. In this area many animals are spotted such as monkeys, coatis, macaws, manatees and giant otters. We ourselves found it 'magical' to enjoy a drink in the dark on the jetty by the river in the middle of the many fireflies, while cook Yvonne prepares a delicious meal in the jungle kitchen.
Day 4 and 5 - Bigi Pan
In the morning there is time for an activity before leaving for Bigi Pan. Of course there is also a delicious breakfast waiting for you. The return trip is a second chance to see the large backs of the manatees and the many birds. From Wageningen you then travel to Nieuw Nickerie where you take the boat again for the trip through the Bigi Pan nature reserve.
During this trip through the mangroves you will be able to spot a variety 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 come across red ibises that are beautifully dark red in colour due to eating crabs and shrimps. Small caimans are also regularly spotted. You will stay in simple accommodation on the Bigi Pan lake. Showering is possible by means of a mandien (with a bucket). Various boat trips are made from the accommodation on the lake. A beautiful time is dusk, the sky turns a beautiful orange and the birds are getting ready for the night in the trees. Depending on the water level you will also make a boat trip to the mud beach where you can wallow in the healing mud. On the last day you will be dropped off at the jetty where the driver is waiting for you for the transfer to the city.
Day 6 - Paramaribo
Today you have the whole day to discover Paramaribo. This can be done on your own, but we can also organize a half-day city tour with a guide in addition to this trip. If you are interested in preparing Surinamese dishes yourself, we can organize the Njan Switi cooking workshop Recommended. You'll go shopping with Aunt Elfriede at the market for a Surinamese dish, then prepare it with her at home and, of course, eat it!
Day 7 to 11 - Cycling to Meerzorg (plantation area) and Boxel - Paramaribo
After breakfast, it's time to pick up the rental bikes for the next five days and cycle towards the Commewijne district. We'll provide you with directions, and because you'll be cycling independently, you can set your own pace and make your own stops. The bike rental includes two panniers for your luggage for the next few days. Your first overnight stay is in Meerzorg. The distance from Paramaribo is approximately 5 km. All apartments are completely newly furnished and fully equipped. The grounds feature a wide variety of fruit trees, so you can pick papayas or bananas straight from the trees in the morning. There's a small but pleasant swimming pool on the property for a refreshing dip. What more could you ask for? From this location, you can take enjoyable cycling trips to places like Peperpot Plantation and the old, dilapidated sugar factory at Mariënburg Plantation.
During the bike ride you will cross the river by local boat with your bike. After two nights you will cycle to Boxel at your own pace (about 25 km by bike). Here you will stay again in a very small-scale and personal accommodation in a beautiful spot on the Parakreek. Host Bertus and hostess Jenny are full of plans and make the people in the area enthusiastic to do something for their guests. For example, you can learn to bake cassava bread from the neighbor and another kitchen princess organizes Roti cooking workshops. If you prefer to go out, you can cycle to Domburg or Lelydorp, for example, or to a nearby Wellness center for a wonderful massage, lunch and a dip in the pool. It is also possible to organize a massage at the Guesthouse. Ask us about the possibilities if you find this interesting. After two nights in Boxel you will get on your bike to Paramaribo, where you will also spend the night. This is about 28 kilometers.
Day 12 to 16 - Lodge hopping tour Upper Suriname area
In the morning you will be picked up from your accommodation for the tour towards the Upper Suriname area. On the way you will pass the transmigration villages near Brokopondo. These villages were created because people were forced to leave the area during the construction of the dam.
After lunch at Atjoni, you'll board a dugout canoe for a boat trip on the Upper Suriname River. During the trip, you'll see various Maroon villages and locals bathing or doing laundry in the river. The boatman expertly navigates the numerous rapids. The massive green jungle curtain surrounds the river on both banks, creating picturesque scenery. After about an hour's boat trip, you'll arrive at your first overnight stop. Once there, you'll meet the inhabitants of the Saramaccan village of Jaw Jaw, where you'll spend the next two nights.
In the second part of this trip, you'll sail further up the river and visit the Saamaka Maroon Museum in the village of Pikin Slee. The museum focuses on the cultural heritage of the Maroons, who managed to escape slavery on the plantations along the coastal plains and established their own communities deep in the Surinamese rainforest. The ancient Saramacan culture is still a prominent part of daily life here. The houses where you'll spend the night are located near Semoisi. When the water level is favorable, the Tapawatra rapids are a half-hour boat ride away. During your stay, you'll take a forest walk to Ananasberg and swim in the rapids. It's a pleasure to cool off in this natural hot tub.
The last day has arrived. Early in the morning, we begin the return journey by dugout canoe to Atjoni. Upon arrival at Atjoni, we continue by minibus to Palulu Paradise, where we arrive in the afternoon. After arriving, you can refresh yourself in the icy creek. Before you begin the Surinamese night in your jungle tent, satisfied with dinner, the campfire invites you to sit down for a drink under the stars.
(Note: this program is subject to local conditions, including water levels)
Day 17 - Palulu Paradise
Chances are you've woken up by the Palulu morning orchestra. Your Palulu breakfast is already waiting for you, with 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'll stay in tents with mattresses. Shared sanitary facilities are available on site.
Day 18 to 21 - Wildlife West Suriname Tibiti & Upper Saramacca
This tour focuses on nature and animal spotting. The Wildlife guide will pick you up at Palulu Paradise. After an initial introduction and luggage arrangements in the vehicle, the adventure can begin. You'll drive along a bauxite road towards an old Bruynzeel timber concession. Along the way, there's time for birdwatching, swimming in creeks, and a stop for lunch. A suitable spot will be selected along the way to set up camp. Together with the guide, you'll set up your own camp with hammocks hung under a tarp. If you prefer to sleep on a stretcher, we'll bring one. After this activity, it's wonderful to cool off in the Tibiti River. This is also a good spot for fishing, so you might even enjoy a freshly caught fish grilled over a wood fire. The guide will accompany you in the dark, searching for reptiles and other nocturnal animals.
After the nighttime adventures, the morning is leisurely. Start with a jungle breakfast or refresh at the creek. Depending on the weather and the nighttime adventures, camp will be broken down and the route to the second destination will be continued. After a long drive along the often bumpy bauxite road, the journey continues along a dirt track that leads past abandoned cattle pastures to Goliath Creek. Depending on the condition of the road, the animals spotted along the way, and any other delays, a camp will be set up near the creek. There is a chance of felines in this area; in any case, several tracks will be found.
Depending on the nighttime adventures, we will jointly determine the departure time for the Tibiti Sula. Along the way, there's a good chance of seeing various animals, and lunch will also be served.
Once you arrive at Tibiti Sula, camp is made for the last time and there is still some time to experience a refreshing 'water massage' in this rapids. After dinner we look at what the evening / night has to offer. The guide does his best to see or hear as much as possible.
The next day you return to Palulu Paradise, but not without using the return route to spot animals. We drive slowly and make a number of stops. You will spend the evening in Palulu in a tent with a mattress.
Day 22 - Departure towards the international airport
The transfer to the airport is provided by the manager of Palulu Paradise. Until then, you can relax.
Accommodations
Facilities per location
- Apartments Bloemendaal: Apartment with a balcony, open-plan kitchen, private shower/toilet, fan or air conditioning (optional). Self-service breakfast.
- Maratakka: A simple camp with beds and mosquito nets, shared toilets and showers (cold water only). Full board.
- Bigi Pan: Basic accommodations on Lake Bigi Pan, with a choice of beds with mosquito nets or a hammock, shared toilets and a mandi (cold water only). Full board.
- Holland Lodge: room, private shower/toilet/air conditioning. Accommodation incl. breakfast.
- Sutopia: apartment, private shower/toilet/air conditioning. Accommodation incl. breakfast.
- La Ressource: apartment, private shower/toilet/air conditioning (cold water only). Accommodation incl. breakfast.
- Above Suriname: Simple huts, usually with private shower and toilet, but in some cases you share the bathroom (cold water only). Full board.
- Palulu Paradise: Dome tents with mattresses, shared showers/toilet (cold water only). Full board.
- Tibiti & Upper Saramacca: Base camps in nature, hammocks or stretchers with mosquito nets (please reserve in advance). No restroom facilities. You'll bathe in the river and use the jungle toilet. Full board.
Additional tour information
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Additional costs for tours
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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.
