Maratakka river — Nickerie's secret
Three days of wildlife spotting in the most unspoilt river country in west Suriname
In the district of Nickerie, well off the tourist routes, the Maratakka river winds through a landscape most people never see. Moriche palms along the banks, quiet on the water, and animals going calmly about their business because people simply don't come here often. Blue-and-yellow macaws in pairs, giant otters hunting piranha, and manatees rising slowly out of the dark water. A harpy eagle that looks straight at you and stays exactly where it is. Your guide from Unlock Nature knows this area inside out, and knows precisely where and when.
Day 1 — Driving, arriving and into the night
You leave Paramaribo at 08:00 for a four-hour drive towards Wageningen. Keep your eyes open on the way, because there's plenty to see along the route too. On arrival you meet your local guide, dinner is cooked, and the first expedition is waiting: out into the night in search of snakes, frogs and caimans that stay invisible during the day.
Days 2 & 3 — The river at your own pace
No two days are the same on the Maratakka. Early in the morning the blue-and-yellow macaws are at their most active, flying in pairs above the palms. After that you're out on the water for the giant otters and manatees, which you come across here at a range you won't experience anywhere else. The programme is flexible and shaped by you, the group and whatever the river has to offer that day. On the last day you head back towards Paramaribo after lunch, arriving between 17:00 and 18:00.
Hammock or bed — your choice:
You sleep in a hammock right on the Maratakka river, five minutes by boat from the village of Wageningen. If you'd rather have a bed, there's a house in the village available at €25 extra per night.
Included:
Transport from Paramaribo, guiding by a wildlife guide, hammock accommodation, meals and all excursions.
Not included:
Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on the last day, alcoholic and other drinks, medical insurance, travel insurance and cancellation insurance, vaccinations and medical costs.
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
Blue-and-yellow macaws among the moriche palms
Often in pairs, loud and impossible to miss
Giant otters in the river
The apex predator of these waters, impressive at close range
Harpy eagle in the rainforest
One of the largest eagles in the world
A night expedition in search of snakes and caimans
When the sun goes down, the forest starts showing its other side
Manatees in their own surroundings
Calm, large, and found right here
Photos
Grietjebie tip: Choose the hammock over the bed in Wageningen. Waking up on the Maratakka river is an experience no hotel can sell you.
Prices
Including transport, meals and guide
The Maratakka isn't in the guidebooks
That's exactly why you should go.
Practical Info
Address
Nickerie, West-Suriname
Atmosphere
Adventurous and unspoilt
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Departure
Paramaribo, 08:00
Group size
Min. 2 people
Price
2 people €555 p.p. 3 people €430 p.p. 4+ people €355 p.p.