HERPING SURINAME EXPLORING SURINAMES MOST WANTED HERPS

8-Day Herping Journey

From the savanna to mountain reserves, this tour offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats.
With expert guidance, you’ll encounter species such as Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), Suriname Aquatic Coral (Micrurus surinamensis), Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi), and many more. Whether you’re an avid herpetologist or simply fascinated by wildlife, this immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for Suriname’s rich biodiversity.

Itinerary

Starting with exploration near the airport and the savanna, where you’ll have the chance to see the Suriname Aquatic Coral (Micrurus surinamensis), Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), and Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). Continue your journey with glamping along the Suriname River, offering encounters with Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), and more. Next, explore the Brownsberg Nature Park, home to unique species like Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi) and fossorial snakes. End your adventure with a relaxing stay at Sutopia Resort, while exploring Peperpot Nature Park, teeming with reptiles, amphibians, and incredible wildlife.

DAY 1

On your first day, you’ll be just a few minutes from the international airport, where we’ll meet you and transport you to your accommodation. Nestled in the Savanna and surrounded by lush jungle and dark-coloured creeks, Palulu campsite offers an incredible start to your herping adventure. The lodge, equipped with comfortable beds, provides a perfect base for exploration. Take a stroll through the nearby area, where we may spot fascinating species such as Suriname Aquatic Coral (Micrurus surinamensis) and Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). It’s the ideal introduction to Suriname’s diverse wildlife.

Accommodation: Lodge with beds.

DAY 2 & 3

On days 2 to 4, we’ll be at a unique glamping site (Seliba) along the Suriname River, located about an hour’s drive from Palulu. This area is a captivating mix of savanna, forest, and small creeks, making it an ideal spot for encountering a variety of species. Here, we have excellent opportunities to spot Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Coral snakes (Micrurus sp.), Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria), and Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus). Experience the beauty of nature while staying in tipi tents, offering comfortable beds and an immersive environment.

Accommodation: Beds in tipi tents.

Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis)

DAY 4 & 5

On Day 4, we’ll embark on a scenic 2-hour drive from Seliba, followed by a thrilling hour-long climb up the mountain to the top of Brownsberg, a nature reserve located in the Brokopondo district. At 515 meters above sea level, the top offers panoramic views and is home to various trails, many of which lead to stunning waterfalls. The laterite plateau at the summit acts like a sponge, retaining water throughout the year and encouraging amphibian activity. This area is perfect for spotting species such as the first Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae) and Amazon Palm Viper (Bothrops bilineatus). It’s also the best spot to see the yellow Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi) and potentially discover caecilians. As humidity rises, fossorial snakes like Coral snakes (Micrurus sp.), Pipe snake (Anilius scytale), and Blind snakes (Leptotyphlops sp.) become more active and easier to find on the surface due to the rocky terrain.

Accommodation: Lodge with beds.

DAY 6, 7 & 8

For the final days of your herping adventure, you’ll stay at Sutopia Resort, located in Meerzorg, Commewijne, just outside the city of Paramaribo. Surrounded by indigenous plants and trees, Sutopia offers a peaceful retreat to relax and unwind after days of exploration. The resort features comfortable apartments with double beds, air conditioning, electricity, running (hot) water, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and access to a refreshing swimming pool.

During these days, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Peperpot Nature Park, located close to Sutopia. This park, once home to several old plantations, has been reclaimed by nature and transformed into a rich secondary forest. With a variety of fruiting trees, dense vegetation, and numerous waterways, the park is teeming with life. While the diversity of herpetofauna may be slightly lower than in the interior, the abundance of species here is remarkable. You’ll have the chance to encounter Mock vipers (Thamnodynastes sp.), Common lancehead (Bothrops atrox), Yet undescribed snail eater (Sibon sp.1), Keelback snakes (Chironius sp.) species, as well as Suriname Toad (Pipa pipa), Clown Treefrog (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus), and Tiger-legged Monkey Frog (Pithecopus hypochondrialis).

On your final day, we’ll transport you to the airport for your departure.

Accommodation: Apartment with a double bed, air conditioning, electricity, running (hot) water, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, swimming pool and a restaurant on site.

Clown-Treefrog-(Dendropsophus-leucophyllatus)

MAIN TARGET SPECIES OF THIS HERPING TOUR

Bushmaster

(Lachesis muta)

Spotting a Lachesis muta, or bushmaster, is one of those rare, heart-racing moments in the jungle. This massive, venomous snake, with its thick body and distinctive triangular head, can reach lengths of up to 3 metres. It’s a master of camouflage, blending perfectly with the forest floor, making it a truly elusive creature. When you do happen to catch a glimpse of one, it’s a reminder of just how wild and untamed this place really is. Though it’s more likely to stay hidden than confront you, the sheer power and presence of the bushmaster leave a lasting impression, a truly unforgettable encounter in Suriname’s wilderness.

Emerald Tree Boa

(Corallus caninus)

Catching sight of a Corallus caninus, or Emeral Tree Boa, is like finding a living jewel in the jungle. Its bright green scales blend perfectly with the lush surroundings, making it one of the best camouflaged snakes in the rainforest. Often coiled high in the trees, this calm, non-venomous snake moves slowly and deliberately, making its presence almost mystical. When it does strike, it’s a sudden flash of speed and precision. Spotting one in the wild is a rare and exhilarating experience, a reminder of the incredible wildlife that Suriname’s jungle holds.

Amazon palm viper

(Bothrops bilineatus)

This strikingly beautiful yet deadly snake, with its vivid green scales and golden eyes, coils effortlessly among the branches, nearly invisible against the foliage. Reaching up to a metre in length, it’s an arboreal predator, waiting patiently for unsuspecting prey. Its presence is a testament to the rainforest’s delicate balance, silent, lethal, and perfectly adapted. While it prefers to remain unseen, the rare sight of one is a mesmerizing reminder of nature’s raw and untamed elegance.

Suriname Aquatic Coral

(Micrurus surinamensis)

Seeing a Suriname aquatic coral snake is a rare treat in the jungle. With its bold black, red, and yellow bands, it stands out from the usual muted tones of the rainforest, if you manage to spot it. Unlike most coral snakes, this one is semi-aquatic, gliding easily through slow-moving streams and flooded forests. It’s highly venomous but not aggressive, more likely to slip away than confront anything larger than its usual prey of fish and amphibians. Still, its presence is a good reminder to watch where you step, even in the water.

Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad

(Atelopus hoogmoedi)

This species of toad is native to the highland areas of Suriname and French Guiana in South America. Known for its striking yellow, orange, and red patterns, this toad is typically found in stream habitats at higher elevations. Unfortunately, it is endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and the spread of chytrid fungus. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this unique species, which plays an important role in its ecosystem.

Suriname Toad

(Pipa pipa)

The Suriname toad is one of the strangest creatures you can come across in the jungle. Flat and almost leaf-like, it spends nearly its entire life underwater, perfectly camouflaged in muddy streams and ponds. Instead of hopping, it shuffles along the bottom, using its long fingers to sense prey. But its most bizarre trait? Females carry their eggs embedded in the skin of their backs, where they develop into tiny toads before emerging fully formed. It’s an eerie but fascinating sight, one that makes you appreciate just how weird and wonderful the rainforest can be.