Bigi Pan Bird Paradise
Where the birds are in charge
Most tours in Suriname head south, into the rainforest. Bigi Pan goes the other way. West, through three districts, until you reach a wetland so wide and so quiet that you briefly forget you're in a country at all. Bigi Pan means, literally, big lake in Sranantongo, and that's exactly what it is: 135,000 hectares of mangrove, creeks, open water and a bird population of more than 175 species. You don't need to be a birder to be moved by this place. The scale, the silence, and the animal that appears beside your boat out of nowhere, that's what stays with you.
Day 1 — Out on the water
You leave Paramaribo in the morning heading west, through Saramacca, Coronie and Nickerie. Around 14:00 you arrive at the lodge, where a welcome drink and lunch are waiting. The afternoon is quiet in tone: a hammock, a kayak, the wide lake in front of you. Later you go out on the water for the first time, a boat trip through the waterways, past herons, scarlet ibises and whatever else decides to show itself. The evening ends with dinner and caiman spotting by torchlight.
Day 2 — First light
An early breakfast, then straight out on the water. The birds are at their most active early in the morning, and this is the hour you came here for. After the morning trip there's time to kayak, to read, or simply to take in the view you're about to miss. After lunch you say goodbye to Akira Overwater Resort and begin the drive back to Paramaribo.
Included: Boat transport from Nickerie to the site, accommodation at the lodge, all meals, non-alcoholic drinks and all guided excursions.
Not included: Transport to and from Paramaribo, alcohol, and personal expenses.
The order and content of the activities may vary depending on weather, water levels or other conditions on the day. Your guide adjusts the programme where needed, always with your safety and experience in mind.
Highlights
175 bird species on the water
From scarlet ibis to flamingo, from osprey to frigatebird
Caiman spotting in the dark
Out by boat across the black lake
Sleeping above the water
Akira Overwater Resort, with the lake as your floor
Sunrise on the lake
The golden hour when Bigi Pan properly wakes up
Kayaking through the mangroves
At your own pace, no engine, no rush
Photos
Grietjebie tip: Bring binoculars and your best camera, because the scarlet ibis deserves better than a phone snap. And set an alarm for sunrise on day two. Sleep in and you'll miss the finest thing Bigi Pan has to offer.
Prices
Not every destination asks for action. Bigi Pan asks for quiet.
Practical Info
Atmosphere
Nature and relaxed
Duration
2 days / 1 night
Departure
From Nickerie
Group size
Min. 2 people
Price
€125 per person
Reviews
We hebben een prachtige trip naar Bigi Pan gehad. Alles wat super goed georganiseerd en de communicatie was heel prettig en snel met Nancy. Unlimited Suriname Tours is een hele grote aanrader!
(Lotte) via Google Reviews
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