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Immerse yourself in the magical Saramaccan Marron culture during an unforgettable tour to Danpaati River Lodge. This unique jungle lodge, located along the banks of the Upper Suriname River, is recognized by Orange Travel as one of the most distinctive lodges in the region. Your visit to Danpaati directly contributes to the community care project, allowing you to not only have a special experience but also make a positive impact. Book your adventure to Danpaati River Lodge and discover the rich culture of the Saramaccan Marron community!
Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders
Janice
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Tour Information
Program
WARNING DRY SEASON: THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN ADJUSTED DUE TO EXTREME DROUGHT/LOW WATER WHICH IS WHY WE WILL LEAVE RIGHT AFTER BREAKFAST ON THE LAST DAY (WE WILL HAVE LUNCH ON THE BOAT OR BUS). THIS MEANS THAT WE WILL DO THE PROGRAM/MENTIONED EXCURSIONS IN 2 DAYS INSTEAD OF 3 DAYS
Day 1:
- 06:30 AM: Early morning pick-up by an air-conditioned bus in Paramaribo.
- 3-hour drive to Atjoni (including restroom stops).
- 2 ½ to 3 hours by motorized canoe to Danpaati River Lodge, depending on water levels. In dry weather, water levels may be low, requiring us to embark and disembark the boat and walk on rocks.
- Arrival at Danpaati, welcomed by the host.
- Discussion of the program over a refreshing drink.
- Delicious local lunch.
- Guidance to your cabin for unpacking, refreshing, and resting.
- Island tour.
- Motorized canoe ride to the “natural jacuzzi” for swimming and relaxation.
- Dinner featuring local dishes.
- Introduction to jungle sounds from your balcony or in the bar/lounge.
Day 2:
- Breakfast.
- Village walk in the village of Dan with an experienced guide.
- Introduction to the local Maroon population and their traditional customs.
- Lunch followed by free time for swimming, relaxation, or additional tours.
- Evening: Caiman tour, with the opportunity to enjoy the starry sky on a clear night.
- Dinner.
Day 3:
- Breakfast.
- Rigorous forest walk with an introduction to traditional and medicinal trees and plants.
- Possible encounters with exotic animals and insects.
- Return to Danpaati for lunch.
- Departure by motorized canoe to Atjoni.
- Continuation of the journey by bus to Paramaribo.
4-Day Program
Days 1 & 2:
- Same activities as the 3-day tour, including arrival, lunch, tours, swimming in the “natural jacuzzi,” and local dinners with jungle sounds.
Day 3:
- Rigorous forest walk after breakfast to acquaint yourself with traditional and medicinal trees and plants.
- Possible encounters with exotic animals and insects.
- Lunch upon return to Danpaati.
- Visit to Pikin Slee Maroon Museum
- Dinner.
Day 4:
- Free day for swimming, kayaking, enjoying nature, or relaxing in a hammock.
- Option to book additional tours.
- Lunch.
- Return journey by motorized canoe to Atjoni, followed by bus travel to Paramaribo.
Travel details
- Transport: By bus/boat or plane
- Travel time: +/- 6 hours (bus/boat)**
- Departure time: 06:30 AM*
- Back in Paramaribo: 7:00 PM*
* Departure time depends on the pickup location and may vary from the indicated time. Please note that a delay of +/-15 minutes may occur. Your pickup location and departure time will be stated on your voucher or invoice.
**During the dry season with low water levels, the boat trip may take an hour or more longer.
By plane/helicopter
It is also possible to reach the Lodge by plane. You fly to Botopasi and from there you have to continue by boat for another 10 minutes. Inquire about the possibilities when booking.
WARNING DRY SEASON: THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN ADJUSTED DUE TO EXTREME DROUGHT/LOW WATER WHICH IS WHY WE WILL LEAVE RIGHT AFTER BREAKFAST ON THE LAST DAY (WE WILL HAVE LUNCH ON THE BOAT OR BUS). THIS MEANS THAT WE WILL DO THE PROGRAM/MENTIONED EXCURSIONS IN 2 DAYS INSTEAD OF 3 DAYS
Frequently Asked Questions
Take-away list
- Weekend bag/backpack (no suitcases): Easy-to-carry luggage for the weekend.
- 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 any memorable moments.
- Good hiking shoes: Essential for village and forest walks.
- Slippers/Flip flops: For relaxation and convenience, especially in and around the accommodation.
- Towel: Handy for swimming opportunities, such as at the pool or waterfalls.
- Hat or cap: To protect your face from the tropical sun.
- Long pants and (over) shirt with long sleeves: For evenings and forest walks to protect against plants and insects.
- Mosquito repellent: Essential to prevent mosquito bites, especially in a rainforest environment.
- Rain jacket/poncho: For unexpected rain showers.
- Toiletries: Personal care products for daily use.
- Sunscreen: For protection against the sun.
- Water shoes/waterproof slippers: For activities in and around water.
- Small backpack: For essentials during day trips.
- Dry clothes: Extra clothing in case you get wet.
- Small change (SRD/Euro/USD): Handy for purchasing drinks and souvenirs.
- Waterproof bag for electronics and important documents: To protect electronics and important papers from water.
- Swimwear: For swimming opportunities.
- Passport (for checkpoints along the way): Important for identification during the trip.
Accommodation
Accommodation Level: Comfortable
Rooms/Lodge
- Basic
- Constructed from wood
- Private cabana with private bath & toilet
- Limited power supply 110V
- Mosquito net
- Towel
- Hammock
- Safe
- Eco-friendly soap
- Total capacity of the resort (Maximum number of guests): 45 persons
- Number of Lodges/rooms: 19 cabanas
- Interior area of the lodge (L x W in m): 9.81 meters X 3.55 meters
- Occupancy per double Standard cabin: 2 single beds for max 2 persons
- Occupancy per triple Standard cabin: 1 double and 1 single bed for max 3 persons
- Occupancy per comfort cabin: 1 double and 1 single bed for max 3 persons
- Occupancy per deluxe cabin: 2 single and 1 double bed for max 4 persons
- Occupancy per family lodge: 1x double and 4x single bed for max 6 persons
- Air conditioning: Not available
- Fan: Not available (except deluxe cabin)
- Hot water: Not available
- Closet: Available
- Clothes hangers: Available
- Bath towel: Available
- Mosquito net: Available
- Balcony/Terrace: Available
- Power supply: 110V (Limited power between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM)
- Socket type: EU
- Type of Sanitation (shared/private): Private per cabana/room
Departure date
- Regular departure 3-day tour: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Regular departure 4-day tour: Friday or Sunday - Departure from 4 persons
General information
Swimming Pool
Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, read a book in your lounge chair, or do absolutely nothing. All of this is possible by the pool at Danpaati River Lodge. With a view of the river, this is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Yoga Deck
For yoga enthusiasts, we have created a yoga deck where you can enjoy the stunning view of the river. Here, you can practice yoga exercises, either with a yoga package or independently, while listening to the sounds of the jungle. Of course, the deck is also perfect for romantic dinners or simply reading a book on one of the sunbeds. From here, a staircase leads directly to the beach, where you can take a refreshing dip in the water.
Lounge Restaurant
At Danpaati River Lodge, you will find a lounge with a bar where you can sit back and enjoy a snack or drink. We offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on the menu, as well as a selection of delicious snacks. In the restaurant, located next to the lodge, the tastiest local dishes are served. During the dry season, when the beach near the yoga deck is mostly dry, dinner is served on the beach. You will dine under nothing but the light of the stars and the moon. We serve freshly brewed coffee, and the bread is baked daily in the village of Dan. We light the torches and candles, and you will feel like you are in a fairy tale...
Activities
Danpaati River Lodge serves as the ideal base for your adventurous activities, which you can discuss with the local guide upon arrival. How about exciting evening excursions in search of caimans? Village walks where you come into direct contact with the area's residents? Educational forest walks, ranging from one hour to a whole day? Or a canoe excursion to deserted creeks and impressive rapids?
The island is ideal for self-guided walks, with easy access to the river via a staircase. The dry beach almost year-round provides a safe swimming spot.
For any questions about excursions, the guide is always available!
There are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained during your stay at Danpaati. Below are the most popular:
- Village Walk
- Forest Walk
- Cultural Performance
- Boat Excursions
- Saamaka Marron Museum
- Other excursions and activities (on request at booking):
* Canoeing
* Traditional fishing or fishing with a casting rod
* Traditional massages
* Extension with Jungle Expedition
* Yoga
* Self-guided forest walk or jogging on the paved path
Village Walk
Get to know the unique culture and traditions of the Saramaccan people. The origins of the Saramaccans lie in Africa, where they were once taken away to work on plantations. Today, they are referred to as our interior inhabitants. They have maintained their culture and traditions. Dan is the nearest village, which has a close collaboration with Danpaati River Lodge and receives investment from the lodge's proceeds. During the Village Walk, the village of Dan is visited, and a guide will share information about the living conditions and customs of the indigenous population.
Forest Walk
According to experts, the rainforest of Suriname is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful areas of the entire Amazon basin. It is home to numerous bird species, large and small mammals, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. During the forest walk, you will also learn about the medicinal plants and herbs that grow in the forest.
Cultural Performance
The residents of the Upper Suriname area; the Saramaccans are more than happy to share their cultural traditions with you. Get acquainted with ancient dance forms during a cultural show and let yourself be swept away by the uplifting songs. Dance was one of the ways messages were conveyed during the time of slavery. During the performance, there will also be stories about the history and the various meanings of the dance steps.
Boat Excursions
Danpaati River Lodge offers several boat trips, ranging from half an hour to half a day. For example, you can take a boat to the Tapawatra rapids. Take a dip at Bihati Sula, just half an hour's boat ride from Danpaati. Or take a nighttime river cruise where you have a great chance of seeing caimans. The stories from the boatmen will amaze you!
Saamaka Marron Museum
Would you like to learn more about the Saramaccans and their culture? Then a visit to the Marron Museum Saamaka must be included in your program! The museum is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Saramaccan Marron population. Pikin Slee is located about 30 minutes by boat from Danpaati. In the museum, you will learn about the history of the Marron population, as well as their ancient traditions and craftsmanship. Among the Saramaccans, men and women live separately in their own huts. The museum is organized according to the living worlds of women, men, and children. The museum also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious traditional meal.
Are you curious about what else Orange Travel has to offer? Complete your trip to Suriname with our versatile range of day & multi-day tours and fully organized round trips!
