Danpaati River Lodge is a serene island retreat located in the Upper Suriname region along the Suriname River. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it lies in the heart of an area inhabited by the Maroon community, who continue to preserve their unique centuries-old traditions.
During this trip, you’ll experience a guided jungle walk and visit nearby villages to immerse yourself in the local culture. The lodge also features a swimming pool, offering the perfect place to relax and unwind in between your adventures
From Paramaribo, you will travel to the Upper Suriname region in the south of the country. The first part of the journey is by bus or car, taking approximately 3.5 hours to reach the Atjoni harbor. From there, your adventure truly begins. You’ll board a traditional dugout canoe (korjaal) and cruise along the Suriname River to Danpaati.
During this boat ride, you’ll get a unique glimpse into the daily life of the Saramaccan Maroon communities living along the river. Expect to see children swimming, people fishing, or local women washing clothes and dishes in the river.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Danpaati Island, warmly welcomed by the nearby village of Dan. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax and unwind from the journey, enjoy nature from a hammock, take a dip in the pool, or kayak on the river.
After lunch, a guided forest walk is on the program. The local guides will teach you about the flora, fauna, and traditional uses of the forest in the Upper Suriname region. After your jungle walk, a delicious dinner awaits, and you’ll have the chance to connect with locals before settling in for a peaceful night’s rest in the heart of the rainforest.
After waking up in the jungle and enjoying breakfast, it’s time to explore Saramaccan culture. A village tour is on the agenda, during which you’ll learn about local traditions, customs, and daily life while engaging with the community. You’ll visit a daycare center, a media library in the village of Dan, and a development project in one of the surrounding villages.
In the afternoon, a completely different activity awaits. You’ll head by boat to the Bihati Sula, a natural rapid in the river, where you can relax and enjoy the refreshing water.
After dinner, once darkness falls, you’ll set off again by boat. As night descends, the river comes alive with caimans and nightjars. You’ll go wildlife spotting on the Suriname River for an unforgettable nighttime adventure
If you choose a longer stay at Danpaati, you’ll have the flexibility to decide when and where you’d like to do the activities mentioned above. The program will be tailored to your personal preferences. A longer stay also allows for more time to relax and unwind at your own pace
In the morning, there are no scheduled activities, giving you time to fully enjoy the surroundings or have a pleasant chat with the local community. Around 10:00 AM, a dugout canoe will pick you up for the return trip to Atjoni. From there, you will travel by bus back to Paramaribo, arriving in the city by early evening.
