Discover more
Experience the unique 5-day Cultural Marron Trek through the Upper Suriname area, where you will visit three remarkable villages. This trek is one of a kind and offers an in-depth introduction to the rich culture of the Marrons. In the village of Jaw Jaw, you will immerse yourself in local Marron culture and spend the night in a traditional wooden hut under the starry sky, surrounded by the villagers. At Kumalu, you will embark on an impressive jungle hike to the top of Ananasberg, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. Finally, in Pikin Slee, you will meet talented wood carvers and visit the renowned Samaaka Museum, which provides insight into the history and traditions of the Marrons. Book your unforgettable trek now!
Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders
Janice
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Tour Information
Program
Day 1
- Departure in the morning between 08:00-09:00 (depending on the water distance) by bus from Paramaribo to Atjoni (approximately 3 hours drive).
- 12:00 – 17:00* Continuation of the journey by motorized wooden canoe to Kumalu.
- On the way, get acquainted with the Maroon villages and their ancient customs.
- Arrival at Kumalu in the afternoon.
- Explore the island and enjoy swimming at the Tapawatra waterfall.
- Program discussion for the next day after dinner.
*Depending on the water level
Day 2
- After breakfast, climb Pineapple Mountain with a local guide.
- Hike through the forest to the mountain summit for breathtaking views.
- Return to Kumalu for lunch.
- Afternoon: After lunch, you have time to book local activities*. Options include a boat trip to the Gran Dan rapids, water tubing (sports air cushion pulled behind the boat), and more.
- Evening: Dinner and relaxation under the stars.
*Not included in the rate
Day 3
- Early morning boat trip to the next destination, Botopasi.
- Visit Pikin Slee to explore the Saamaka Museum and meet local artists.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the surroundings using a canoe, pedal boat, or airbed in the vast rapids area.
- Evening: Program discussion for the next day after dinner.
Day 4
- Early morning departure to Jaw Jaw.
- Interact with Saramaccan villagers and participate in traditional activities, such as cassava bread baking.*
- Afternoon: Guided tour of the village and introduction to the Saramaccan way of life.
- Evening: Enjoy a choice of interactive cultural activities**, such as a performance by the Adaya dance group, a guitar duo, or the Kuyake choir.
*Optional cassava bread baking (payment on-site)
**For small groups, a small contribution is required for interactive cultural activities
Day 5
- Morning: Optional forest walk or integration with the villagers.
- After lunch, begin the return trip to Atjoni.
- Return to Paramaribo by car or bus.
Travel details
Travel details
- Transport: By bus/ boat*
- Travel time on the bus: 3 hours**
- Travel time in the boat: 3-5 hours**
- Departure time: 8:30 AM***
- Back in Paramaribo: 7 p.m.
* Up to 8 people will sail with the “lanti boto” during this trip ( the liner that the locals also travel on). There may be a number of stops along the way to drop people off at other villages along the river. A charter boat is hired for groups of 9 people or more.
** The following applies to the water transfer in the rainy season: The travel time in the boat is relatively long in the dry season due to the lower water level. This can result in the journey being experienced as tiring. Guests with back problems and/or physical limitations should take this into account.
*** Departure time depends on the pick-up location and may differ from the stated time. Please note that a delay of +/-15 minutes may occur. Your voucher or invoice states your pick-up location and departure time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take-away list
- Weekend bag/backpack (no suitcases): Easy-to-carry luggage for the trip.
- Good hiking shoes: To protect your feet and for long walks.
- Hat or cap: To shield your face from the tropical sun.
- Power bank: There is limited electricity at the lodges, so a power bank is definitely useful to bring along.
- Long pants and long-sleeve shirt: To protect yourself from insects and irritating plants.
- Insect repellent: To protect yourself from insect bites during the tour.
- Raincoat/poncho: For unexpected showers.
- Water shoes: Special shoes for water activities to prevent slipping and protect your feet.
- Slippers: To switch from your warm hiking shoes to cool slippers.
- Sunscreen: For sun protection. This is very handy for long boat trips.
- Swimwear: Bring swimwear for swimming opportunities and refreshing dips.
- Daypack: For carrying personal items during walks.
- Waterproof bag for electronics and important documents: To keep these items safe in case of water exposure.
- Trash bag: To take your trash back to Paramaribo.
- Dry clothes: Extra clothing to change into after water activities or if you get wet.
- Cash: For local purchases like the cassava workshop, optional activities, additional drinks, and souvenirs.
- Passport: Required due to strict control at Afobakaweg.
- Toiletries: Personal care items such as toothpaste, soap, and shampoo for hygiene during the trip.
- Towel (for swimming): You must bring your own towel on this trip. Lodges do not provide towels.
- Flashlight/headlamp: Useful for evening activities or dark areas.
- Camera & fully charged batteries: A camera is essential to capture the beautiful surroundings. Make sure the batteries are fully charged so you don’t miss memorable moments.
- Tip: Bring an extra bath towel to sit on in the boat (sitting in a boat for 5 hours without soft cushions can sometimes be uncomfortable). In low water conditions, we may need to step out of the boat and walk a bit.
Accommodation
Kumalu:
- Level of accommodation Kumalu Island: Very basic
- Total occupancy capacity (Maximum number of guests) of Kumalu Island: 50
- Number of lodges / rooms Kumalu Island: 10
- Inside area of the lodge (L x W in m) Kumalu Island: 3 x 3
- Occupancy capacity per lodge Kumalu Island: 2 persons, 4 persons. and 8-person lodges
Botopasi:
- Level of accommodation Boto pasi: Very basic
- Total occupancy capacity of Boto pasi: 24
- Number of lodges / rooms Boto pasi: 7
- Inside area of the lodge (L x W in m) Boto pasi: 3 x 4
- Occupancy capacity per lodge Boto pasi: 2 persons. & 4-person lodges
Jaw Jaw:
- Level of accommodation Jaw Jaw: Very basic
- Total occupancy capacity of Jaw Jaw: 12
- Number of lodges / rooms Jaw Jaw: 4
- Inside area of the lodge (L x W in m) Jaw Jaw: 3.5 x 5
- Occupancy capacity per lodge Jaw Jaw: 2 persons. & 4-person lodges
General:
- Air conditioning: Not present
- Fan: Not present
- Hot water: Not present
- Wardrobe: Not present
- Clothes hangers: Not present
- Bath towel: Not provided
- Mosquito net: Available (except at Botopasi)
- Balcony / Terrace: Available
- Power supply 110VAvailable (limited, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
- Socket type EU
- Type of Sanitary: Communal bath/toilet
Departure date
- Regular departure on Monday from 4 people
General information
Marron Culture
If you want to learn more about the Marron culture and are a true adventurer, this tour is perfect for you. You will be fully immersed in the culture of the Marrons and live closely with them. Additionally, this tour is adventurous, featuring the climb of Ananasberg and visits to various rapids. This tour has it all, so what are you waiting for?
Jaw Jaw
With owners of local Marron huts and community involvement, Jaw Jaw offers impressive rapids and sandy beaches. Enjoy serenity and a deep introduction to traditional customs.
Kumalu
A journey full of adventure, nature, and special encounters with the authentic Marron people. Kumalu, a small green island in the heart of the Upper Suriname area, provides a unique opportunity to experience the beautiful Marron culture. You will climb Ananasberg and visit the Tapawatra Falls.
Are you curious about what else Orange Travel has to offer? Complete your trip to Suriname with our versatile range of day and multi-day tours and fully organized round trips!
