My Personal Top 5:
Special Places in Suriname
Chosen based on my own experiences and more than 10 years of local knowledge of Suriname.
I don't recommend places that I only know from photos or brochures. I have visited them myself and know what makes each place special, who it is suitable for and what you can genuinely experience there.
These are five of my favourite places in Suriname — places I love to include in an itinerary when they match your wishes and travel style.
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Kabalebo Nature Resort — Adventure and Nature
The adventure of Kabalebo begins with the journey itself.
You fly deep into the interior in a small aircraft and land on an airstrip surrounded by the jungle.
What I find so special about Kabalebo is the combination of untouched nature and comfort.
You are completely surrounded by rainforest, far from any villages, giving you plenty of opportunities to spot remarkable birds and other wildlife.
For me, Kabalebo is especially suited to travellers who want to feel truly removed from the outside world while still enjoying comfort, peace and the beauty of nature.
Galibi — Where Sea Turtles Come Ashore
Galibi is located at the mouth of the Marowijne River, on Suriname's Atlantic coast.
The combination of river and beach makes this a special place.
During the right season, you can head out in the evening to see sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
What I find so moving and special is watching these enormous animals search for a suitable spot, dig a nest and lay their eggs.
The thought that these turtles hatched here themselves and return years later to their birthplace to lay their own eggs is something I find truly remarkable.
Being able to witness this up close is, for me, one of the most special wildlife experiences Suriname has to offer.
Galibi is therefore especially suited to nature lovers and travellers who want to experience unique wildlife encounters and enjoy travelling off the beaten track.
Danpaati River Lodge — Nature and Maroon Culture
Danpaati is located on a small island in the Upper Suriname River and, for me, offers a wonderful combination of nature, tranquillity and culture.
You stay in a comfortable wooden lodge along the river and have the opportunity to learn more about the daily life and traditions of Suriname's Maroon communities.
My favourite moment at Danpaati? Early in the morning. With a cup of coffee or tea on your private balcony, you watch the jungle slowly come to life.
You hear the first sounds of birds, see movement among the trees and sometimes even spot curious monkeys coming close by.
It is difficult to imagine a more peaceful or natural way to start the day.
An evening trip along the river, looking out for caimans as the stars appear above you, is another experience that makes this place so special to me.
I recommend Danpaati to travellers who want to combine nature and comfort while also learning more about the people and Maroon culture of Suriname.
Raleighvallen & Voltzberg — An Active Jungle Experience
Located in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, along the Upper Coppename River, are Raleighvallen and Voltzberg.
For me, this is a great destination for travellers who enjoy being active and want to experience nature up close.
The walk through the jungle is an experience in itself. You hike through dense rainforest, surrounded by the sounds of the forest, and with a little luck you may spot remarkable birds, including the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, as well as other wildlife.
Then comes Voltzberg: a bare granite rock rising above the rainforest, which you climb on foot.
The climb is quite challenging and requires a good amount of effort. But that is exactly what I love about it.
After the hike and climb, you stand on top of the granite rock and look out over the vast green rainforest. The view from the summit makes every bit of effort worthwhile.
Raleighvallen and the Voltzberg are especially suited to active nature lovers who enjoy hiking, climbing and embracing adventure.
Bigi Pan — For Bird and Nature Lovers
In the west of Suriname lies Bigi Pan, a vast protected nature and wetland area.
It is rich in flora and fauna and is especially known for its wide variety of coastal bird species.
You explore the area by boat, travelling through creeks and mangrove forests, and spend the night in a lodge on the water.
With a little luck, you may spot a variety of remarkable birds during your boat trips, including the striking scarlet ibis — and perhaps even a caiman.
What I find so special about Bigi Pan is the incredible variety of birds, the sense of space and tranquillity, and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
I especially recommend Bigi Pan to nature lovers and birdwatchers who enjoy seeking out peace and tranquillity. Here, you can truly escape the hustle and bustle. It is precisely the sense of space, silence and abundance of birdlife that makes Bigi Pan so special to me.
Your Journey, My Personal Advice
These five places are just a small selection of the destinations I know from personal experience. Which ones are right for you depends on how you like to travel, what you want to experience and how much time you have.
I don't believe the best journey is created by simply adding as many special places as possible to an itinerary. It is about choosing the right places — places that suit you, your way of travelling and what you want to experience during your trip.
That is why I use my local knowledge and personal experience to advise you on where to go — and, sometimes just as importantly, where not to go.
I know the differences between these places, what you can genuinely expect from them and which ones will suit you best. That allows me to give you advice based on real experience, rather than simply what you can find online.
The result is not a standard itinerary made up of a list of sights, but a journey built around you, your wishes and the experiences you are looking for.
Curious to discover what your ideal journey through Suriname could look like?
