Overview

Awarradam, about 225 km from Paramaribo, is located on a rapid called "Awaadan" in the Gran Rio river. The lodges, traditionally built with a balcony for a river view, offer two beds with mosquito nets, private sanitary facilities and hammocks. The surrounding villages, such as Langu with traditional villages such as Ligolio, retain much Maroon culture, with protective "azanpau" and their own rituals. Various activities are possible during a 3- or 4-day stay, including forest walks, village visits, song and dance presentations, and the opportunity for individual walking, bird watching, fishing or going to the 'farming plots'.

Price

/ person

€425

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Activities

Canoe trips require life jackets for safety, while free time is available for swimming at the rapids. It includes forest walks with explanations of local plants, village visits, and song and dance presentations with demonstrations of handmade souvenirs by villagers. You can participate in set activities or independently walk, bird watch, fish, paddle or visit the 'farming grounds', for which extra guidance is possible for a fee. The jungle spa offers various treatments for increased tour pleasure.

Destinations

During this tour we visit (among others) these main destinations.

Awaadan

Program

Day 1

You will depart from the local airport Zorg & Hoop in Paramaribo to the airstrip of Kajana, approximately 55 minutes flying time south of Paramaribo. After arrival, the lodge staff will take you to the canoe that will transport you over the Gran Rio to your holiday destination. It is a 30-minute boat ride to the holiday resort of Awarradam, an island at the foot of the Awarradam rapids. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a snack and a welcome drink and then start by getting to know the locals and take an island tour of the resort. You will soon recognize the eco principles of our resort. Our staff on site are friendly Maroons from the Saramaccan tribe. Afterwards, you will be referred to your lodge where we will prepare the boat for the trip to the island of “Peti”. There you can enjoy a wonderful water massage and where you will have lunch. The cool evenings make air conditioning or a fan unnecessary, but you can enjoy the comfort of a mosquito net. For the atmospheric lighting, solar energy is used and the meals are prepared on a wood fire with mainly Surinamese ingredients. The first evening you will enjoy a boat trip, where you can spot caimans.

Day 2

You get up early in the morning for breakfast, where the guide will prepare you for a village walk. During the boat trip, half an hour downstream, you will experience what it is like on the river that is the lifeline for the local community. During your boat trip you will see how the local people fish, wash clothes and wash their dishes. Between the inhabited areas you can enjoy nature and with a bit of luck you will even see a caiman lying on the bank. From the landing place you will take an extensive walk along various villages. Along the way you will get a good impression of daily life in a Maroon village. After this you will sail back to the resort, where you will enjoy the rapids and also be taught the traditional style of fishing. In the evening dinner will be prepared for you and you can enjoy it. We end the day with a cultural evening.

Day 3

In the early morning at dusk, we will float a bit down the river with the boat where you can experience the awakening of the jungle in all silence. Then we will sail further to “Okkobergie”, where you will climb a mountain.

Day 4

After breakfast we will visit an agricultural plot. Here you will learn how the locals plant and harvest. Today you have a free afternoon where you can enjoy our place in a hammock.

Day 5

On your last day you will have breakfast and the whole morning to yourself. Before departure our staff will say goodbye to you in the traditional way.

Practical information

Please note that all multi-day tours and some day trips are subject to weather conditions, including travel times and daily program or sequence.

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Packing list

Sunscreen, Daypack, Insect repellent, Light clothing, Surinamese money, Slippers, Short-sleeved T-shirt, Long-sleeved T-shirt, Toiletries, Warm clothing, Raincoat, Swimwear

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Included

Transport, Food and drinks, Snacks, Guide, Accommodation

Comments

The activities within the village are included in the price and can be tailored to interest and availability.

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Exclusive

Alcoholic drinks, Insurance, Personal expenses

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Meals

If you are vegetarian/vegan or have other dietary restrictions, this will be taken into account if possible.

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Accommodation

The lodges are traditionally built with balconies for beautiful river views. Made from local materials, they retain the jungle feeling. Each lodge has two beds with mosquito nets, private sanitary facilities with 'cold' running water and hammocks on the balcony. Solar energy provides atmospheric lighting, while meals are served in the dining room and relaxation can be found in the jungle bar-lounge.