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Experience authentic Saamaka life during a stay in Jaw Jaw a Tela, a traditional Maroon village on the Upper Suriname River. This Go Local Tour focuses on culture, nature, and the daily lives of the locals, far from mass tourism.
Book your Jaw Jaw adventure now and experience the rich Maroon culture up close!
Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders
Janice
If you really want to get to know the locals and Maroon culture, the tour to Jaw Jaw is the perfect choice for you.
We at Orange Travel are happy to take you to one of the Maroon villages inland. From start to finish you will interact with the locals.
You sleep in a simple but very cozy lodge, in the middle of the village. So you really experience what it is like to live together with the locals.
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Tour Information
Program
Day 1 – Arrival in Jaw Jaw
You will travel as much as possible with locals (bus/boat), so you will immediately experience the Saamaka way of life.
Your trip begins with the drive from Paramaribo to Atjoni, followed by a relaxing boat trip to Jaw Jaw, where you can start your chosen activities after lunch.
🕒 Day Program
- 09:00 – 09:15 hrs: Departure from Paramaribo with local transport to Atjoni.
The drive takes about 3 hours, with a few stops along the way for restroom breaks or snacks. - 13:00 hrs: Arrival in Atjoni.
- 13:00 – 13:30/14:00 hrs: Boat trip to Jaw Jaw (30 – 60 minutes, depending on the water level).
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM:Arrival at Jaw Jaw and reception with a delicious lunch.
- Afternoon / Evening:Free time to spend with your chosen activities.
Day 2 & 3 – Stay in Jaw Jaw
Enjoy the peace, nature, and activities of your choice. Every day is flexible.
🕒 Daily program
- 6:00 AM (optional):Admire a beautiful sunrise if you get out of bed early.
- Daytime:The activities will be filled based on your choices. Maximum of two activities per day due to distances and planning.
- Departure day – around 12:00: After lunch, you will depart by boat back to Atjoni.
- 13:00: Arrival in Atjoni.
- 16:00 – 17:00: Arrival in Paramaribo, depending on traffic.
Activities Atela (standard – no extra charge)
- Lessons in the Saamaka language
- Swimming in the rapids
- Village walks (during the day and in the (evening)
- Jungle/forest walk
- Night boat trip
- Cooking with a local
- Baking cassava bread (minimum stay 2 days, for a minimum of 4 people)
- Gourd workshop
- Coconut oil workshop
- Rice pounding
- Fishing or hunting with a local
- Paddling in a traditional wooden boat
- Day trip: Jaw Jaw – Lispaansi – Gunsi – Tjai Konde – Nieuw Aurora walk
(possible for groups of 8 or more) - Cultural evening/performance (possible for groups of 8 or more)
Activities Atela (optional, for an additional fee)
- Wasi / herbal bath (only for a minimum stay of 2 nights) – €90 p.p.
- Visit the dam, Klaaskreek, Nieuw-Lombé & Gold Fields
(on return trip to Paramaribo – €250 (up to 4 people, + €35 p.p. extra) - Massage by a local – €20 p.p.
- Back to basic jungle overnight stay (in a hammock) – from €80 p.p.
(€50 p.p. for additional persons) - Go Local – visit to various villages with overnight stay
(price depends on duration and distance) - Visit to Saamaka Museum in Pikin Slee – €250 (up to 8 people)
- Day trip or overnight stay on an island in the reservoir – €300 (up to 8 people)
- Play sports or make music with the locals – voluntary contribution
- Teaching at a local school – voluntary contribution
Important Information
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Will you be visiting any of the local attractions during your stay in Jaw Jaw a Tela? If you are not satisfied, please report this immediately to one of our on-site staff, so we can immediately help find a solution.
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Depending on the type of activity, an average of 2 to 3 activities are carried out per day.
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Traveling with locals by bus and boat will naturally introduce you to the Saamaka way of life life.
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Groups of 5 people are transported in our own vans (7 people) as standard, so you won’t be among the locals and there will be fewer stops along the way. If you would like to travel with the locals, please let us know in advance.
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Solo travelers can be transported in vans of 10 to 25 people, along with locals. If there are enough Jaw Jaw a Tela guests on the day of departure, transportation will be arranged with a van for 5 to 7 people.
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If you are traveling solo and there are no other guests on the day of departure, please take into account a longer travel time, as more stops will be made for locals to buy groceries.
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Activities will be distributed over the days of your stay and tailored to the length of your stay.
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The longer the stay, the more activities can be performed.
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Dietary restrictions must be communicated well in advance.
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Non-standard activities must be requested in advance.
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Reception of Telesur is best at Jaw Jaw.
Travel details & Prices
Travel time
- Transportation: By bus and boat
- Departure time: 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
- Travel time: +/- 3.5 hours (approximately 3 hours by bus and approximately 45 minutes by boat)
- Return to Paramaribo: +/- 5:00 PM
Prices Jaw Jaw a Tela 2026 (per person)
- 1 night: €185
- 2 nights: €245
- 3 nights: €295
- 4 nights: €345
- Tree house: €200 per person per night
Surcharges and discounts:
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Children up to 12 years old receive a 25% discount
Please note: a surcharge applies for bus or boat charters (private tours).
Double seats must be paid for twice, please indicate in advance
Charter transport (optional)
- €300 return trip Paramaribo – Atjoni
- Charter Toyota (3 people): €250 return trip Paramaribo – Atjoni
- Large boat charter (±20 people): €145 return trip Atjoni – Jaw Jaw
- Small boat charter (max. 8 people): €120 return Atjoni – Jaw Jaw
Frequently Asked Questions
Packing list
🗳️ What to bring to Jaw Jaw?
A visit to Jaw Jaw is an unforgettable experience, but good preparation is essential to enjoy it to the fullest. Here’s the ultimate packing list for your stay, so you don’t forget anything!
👛 Essential items for your trip
- Passport: Keep your passport handy for possible checks on the Afobaka Road.
- Backpack: Handy for excursions and day trips.
- Change in SRD: Bring some cash for drinks or souvenirs at the local shop in Jaw Jaw.
🌿 Clothing & Protection
- Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt: Protects you from insects and irritating plants during jungle hikes and boat trips.
- Good hiking shoes: Comfortable and sturdy for jungle hikes.
- Hat or cap: Protect your face from the bright tropical sun.
- Dry clothes: Bring extra clothes to change into after water activities.
- Water shoes: Prevents slipping and protects your feet during water activities.
🧴 Personal care
- Sunscreen: Essential for protecting your skin from the sun.
- Mosquito spray: Essential for preventing insect bites.
- Toilet bag: Don’t forget toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other toiletries.
- Towel: There are no towels available in Jaw Jaw, so bring your own.
☂️ Weather & Unexpected situations
- Raincoat or poncho: Handy for unexpected tropical downpours.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Essential for lighting during the evening hours, as electricity is limited (from 6 p.m. to around midnight).
- Extra power bank: Keep your devices charged, especially when there’s no power.
📸 For reminders & Souvenirs
- Camera with charged batteries: Capture the beautiful surroundings and don’t forget extra batteries.
💡 Extra tips for a carefree trip
- Pack everything in one bag or backpack for easy travel.
- Check your belongings before you leave so you don’t forget anything.
- Be prepared for adventure – Jaw Jaw offers a unique experience in the heart of nature!
Accommodation
🏡 Accommodation Description: Basic and Authentic
Experience the true jungle feeling with our authentic wooden cabanas!
This accommodation is especially for travelers who appreciate simplicity and tranquility in the heart of nature. Don’t expect luxury, but a unique, pure experience far from the hustle and bustle.
🌿 Cabanas’ Features:
- Material: Constructed from wood, perfectly blending with the natural surroundings and providing a true local experience.
- Power Supply: 24/7, with both European and American outlets available
- Sanitary Facilities: Shared showers and toilets are available outside the lodges. There are toilets in every lodge.
- Sleeping: Each cabana is equipped with a comfortable bed with a mosquito net to keep insects out.
- Relaxation: Enjoy nature in your own hammock on the balcony or terrace.
🛏️ Room Facilities:
| Amenity | Available | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private cabana | ✅ | Shared sanitary facilities outside the lodge |
| Mosquito net | ✅ | Available for mosquito protection |
| Balcony / Terrace | ✅ | With a hammock for relaxing |
| Power (110V) | ✅ | 24/7 power available |
| Power outlet type | EU/US | European and US power outlets |
| Bath / Toilet | ❌ | Shared outside the lodge |
| Air conditioning | ❌ | Not available |
| Fan | ✅ | Available |
| Hot water | ❌ | Not available |
| Wardrobe/hangers | ❌ | Not available |
| Bath towels | ❌ | Your own bring along |
🌞 What makes this experience unique?
- Back to basics: A chance to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and truly enjoy nature.
- Natural charm: These authentic lodges offer you a pristine and serene jungle experience, with the comfort of a simple stay.
👉 Tip: Bring a flashlight for the evenings and enjoy the starry sky and the sounds of nature!
Departure date
👥 Minimum number of participants
The tour is so flexible that it departs with just one person.
General information
❓ Can I choose my own departure date?
Yes, absolutely! This tour is very flexible thanks to the use of local transportation (bus and boat). You won't be traveling on a standard tourist bus, but will experience the real local experience from the moment you're picked up.
❓ Can I extend my stay once I'm there?
Yes, that's possible! Would you like to extend your stay? Please let the local guide know or contact our office. We're happy to help you customize your stay.
❓ How far in advance should I book for a specific departure date?
We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance to secure your desired departure date. During busy periods, it may be wise to book even earlier.
❓ Will I be alone if I travel to the resort alone?
No, absolutely not! You don't have to worry about that. There are always locals and staff present at the resort, so you'll never be completely alone.
Would you prefer the company of other guests or tourists during your stay?
Let us know when you book! We will then ensure that you are part of a group, if possible.
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 arranged tours!
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