awarradam

Awarradam is a beautifully resort situated at the rapids of the same name at the Gran Rio River. The Gran Rio River is one of the two tributaries of the Suriname River.

The area where Awarradam is situated is inhabited by the proud and friendly Saramaccan maroons, the biggest maroon community in Suriname.

Price awarradam € 535,-

4 day (weekend, friday till monday) € 535,-
5 day (midweek, monday till friday) € 535,-

Once escaped from slavery on the plantations, they successfully founded communities in the tropical rainforest. Because of their remote location traditions were hardly influenced by western culture and long forgotten cultural and religeus African traditions are still in use here in the Surinamese interior. A very interesting location for both nature as culture lovers.

Program 4 day tour (3 nights, friday till monday)

Day 1
You depart from the local airport Zorg & Hoop in Paramaribo to the airstrip at Kajana, approximately 55 minutes by airplane. Upon arrival, you will be carried by dug-out canoe upstream on the Gran Rio river to your holiday destination. The trip to jungle lodge Awarradam takes 30 minutes. In the afternoon, after lunch you have the opportunity to explore the surroundings and relax in the rapids. At night, oil lamps and solar energy is used which creates a nice atmosphere. On the first night information is given about this unique area in which the Maroons have managed to maintain ancient West African traditions.

Day 2
After breakfast you depart for an informative and adventurous jungle walk. While you enjoy the surroundings in the untouched tropical rainforest, the guide gives information about the trees and plants and how animals can be recognized through their sounds and tracks. After lunch you visit Peti rapids were you can swim, paddle in a dug-out canoe or relax in a hammock while you enjoy the beautiful view of the rapids. At night after dinner, you receive more information on a few interesting aspects of the local maroon culture.

Day 3
Soon after breakfast we go upstream by dug-out canoe. After about half an hour, we switch off the outboard engine and float back, fully enjoying the jungle sounds and wildlife. Small light canoes are brought along for the more active persons who want to paddle back to the jungle lodge at their own pace. Lunch is served at the lodge. In the afternoon you visit the local communities. The guide tells you more about the local culture. During the trip downstream, you get a glimpse of the activities on the river, the life line of the local communities. You may see people fishing, washing clothes or dishes. Between the inhabited areas, you can enjoy nature and with a bit of luck you will even see a caiman lying on the riverbank. You make an hike through several villages. Along the way, you get a good impression of the daily life in a Maroon village. After the hike you go back to Awarradam for your diner

Day 4
Possibility to swim, paddle in a dug-out canoe or just relax and enjoy the jungle sounds. After breakfast a dug-out canoe brings you back to Kajana were you take your flight back to Paramaribo.

Program 5 day tour (4 nights, monday till friday)

Day 4
This day is kept free for your own activities. If you go for a walk in the forest after breakfast you have a good chance to spot several animals such as monkeys, birds and tropical frogs. You can also visit an agricultural plot or paddle in a dug-out canoe yourself to explore the surroundings. Or maybe you can ask the guide to tell you more about the medicinal plants in the tropical rainforest. And there is always your hammock luring you to enjoy the beauty and sounds of the jungle in all peacefulness, read a book or just take a nap.

Day 5
Possibility to swim, paddle in a dug-out canoe or just relax and enjoy the jungle sounds. After breakfast a dug-out canoe brings you back to Kajana were you take your flight back to Paramaribo.

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