Ananasberg and Tapawatra sula
Three days on Kumalu Dream Island, deep in Suriname's interior
Four to five hours on the water along the Upper Suriname River, past Maroon villages and rapids, and then the island appears. Kumalu Dream Island sits in the middle of the river, surrounded by rainforest and the kind of quiet you never find in Paramaribo. This three-day tour is built around two highlights: the Ananasberg, a climb that rewards you with a view you don't see coming, and the Tapawatra sula, one of the finest sets of rapids in the Surinamese interior.
Day 1 — The long way to the island
You leave Paramaribo early for a three-hour bus ride to Atjoni. There you transfer to a korjaal, a traditional dugout canoe, for a four to five hour trip up the Upper Suriname River. Along the way you pass Maroon villages, rapids and endless rainforest. When you arrive at Kumalu Dream Island, it's time to settle in. Explore the island, get into the water, and end the day with dinner by the river.
Day 2 — Ananasberg and Tapawatra
After breakfast you head into the forest towards the Ananasberg. The climb asks something of your legs, but the view from the top across the rainforest makes up for all of it. In the afternoon you travel to the Tapawatra sula. At the right water level, the rapids work like a natural jacuzzi. Swim if you want to, watch if you'd rather. Both are worth it.
Day 3 — A last morning on the island
The morning is yours. One more swim, time to wander the island, or simply sit still and listen to the water. Around 06:30 you leave by korjaal back towards Atjoni, followed by the bus ride to Paramaribo. You arrive in Atjoni between 10:00 and 11:00 and are back in the city in the afternoon.
Included:
Bus and boat transport both ways, all meals and drinks, accommodation on the island, forest walk and visits to the Ananasberg and Tapawatra sula.
Not included:
Alcohol and personal expenses.
The order and content of the activities may vary depending on weather or water levels. The river level changes with the season and can differ considerably from year to year. Your guide adjusts the programme where needed, always with your safety and experience in mind.
Highlights
Ananasberg
A climb through the rainforest, rewarded with a view across the canopy
Tapawatra sula
One of the finest sets of rapids in the Surinamese interior
Boat trip on the Upper Suriname River
Past Maroon villages and endless rainforest
A night on an island
Surrounded by the river, far from everything
Photos
Grietjebie tip: Bring sturdy walking shoes for the Ananasberg and water shoes for the Tapawatra sula.
Prices
Ready for three days between the rainforest and the river?
The island is waiting
Practical Info
Address
Djumu, Suriname
Atmosphere
Adventurous and relaxed
Duration
3 days
Departure
Central Paramaribo, 08:00
Group size
Minimum 2 people
Price
2 people: €350 p.p. 3 or more people: €325 p.p.
Reviews
Echt een heerlijk weekend gehad! Het eiland ligt in de prachtige natuur van Suriname. Gio is een uitstekende gastheer en niets is te veel gevraagd! De huisjes zijn voorzien van fijne bedden met klamboes en een eigen badkamer met douche en wc. Gio nam ons mee de jungle in en wist heel veel te vertellen over de bomen planten en dieren die in de jungle te vinden waren, ‘s avonds nam hij ons mee om nacht dieren te spotten langs de rivier en overdag was er tijd om te vissen, te zwemmen en watersport te doen. Ik raad deze trip aan iedereen aan die een kijkje wil nemen in het binnenland van Suriname!
(Marieke Hopman) via Google Reviews
Fantastische plek als je de echte Surinaamse jungle wilt beleven. Gio is heel vriendelijk en heeft veel kennis van de natuur. Het eiland is van alle gemakken voorzien en niks is te veel gevraagd!
(Janneke Jacobs) via Google Reviews
Wat een geweldige plek. Ruim 3 uur varen over de Suriname rivier. Eenvoudig, maar supermooi. Zeer vriendelijke staf. Prachtige omgeving. Prima eten. Andere wereld.
(John K) via TripAdvisor