HERPING IMMERSION Dive deep into Suriname’s wild ecosystems
Join us for 14 days of adventure in the wild heart of Suriname, where every day brings a new discovery!
Get ready for an unforgettable 14-day herping adventure in Suriname, where you’ll explore everything from vast savannas and misty mountaintops to lush rainforests and pristine riverbanks. This trip offers a perfect mix of comfort and wild adventure, think luxury lodges, glamorous camping, and the unique experience of sleeping in hammocks under the rainforest canopy.
Each day brings something new, off-roading through remote landscapes, gliding down hidden waterways by boat, and hiking deep into the jungle in search of Suriname’s incredible reptiles and amphibians. Whether it’s the striking Suriname aquatic coral snake (Micrurus surinamensis), the quirky Suriname toad (Pipa pipa), or the legendary Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), you’ll get up close with the stars of the herping world.
You’ll also have the chance to spot rare gems like the Nassau harlequin toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi nassaui) and the vibrant dyeing poison dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius). Along the way, you’ll also immerse yourself in the culture of the Maroon communities, staying in their villages and learning about their deep connection to the rainforest.
Whether you’re a seasoned herper, a wildlife photographer, or just someone who loves nature,
this trip is packed with incredible moments and expert insights.
Itinerary
We begin our adventure near the airport and savanna, where we’ll look for the Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis), Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), and Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). After this, we head to Brownsberg Nature Park, renowned for its Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi), fossorial snakes, and other amphibians, alongside the Emerald Tree Boa.
Next, we explore Fredberg, a remote location where we have the possibility to hike up Fredberg and sleep in hammocks for a unique experience. Here, we’ll have a chance to see large colubrids, including the Yellow-tailed Cribo, and the elusive Bushmaster (Lachesis muta).
Afterward, we move on to a glamping site along the Suriname River, an excellent spot to observe species like the Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria), and various Coral snakes (Micrurus sp.).
Our journey concludes at Sutopia Resort, where we’ll relax before exploring Peperpot Nature Park, a hotspot for observing Keelback snakes (Chironius sp.) and tree frogs like the Clown Treefrog (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus).
DAY 1 - 3
Upon arrival at Zanderij International Airport, we’ll greet you and transport you to your first accommodation. We’ll head to a location just a few minutes from Zanderij International Airport. Nestled on the savanna and surrounded by jungle and small, dark-coloured creeks, this spot offers an excellent opportunity to observe a range of fascinating reptiles and amphibians.
We’ll have chances to spot the Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis), South American Coral Snake (Micrurus lemniscatus), Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), and Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). There’s also a chance to see the unique Suriname Toad (Pipa pipa).
Accommodation: Lodge with beds
DAY 3 - 5
We will be picked up at Sutopia in the morning and begin our journey to Brownsberg, which will take approximately two hours by car. From there, we will continue the ascent, which will take an additional hour and a half by car.
Brownsberg is a nature park located in the Brokopondo district. The summit stands at 515 metres, and we will drive all the way up to the bauxite plateau. Our accommodation is situated at the top of the mountain, where several trails begin, most of which lead to waterfalls. The laterite plateau acts like a sponge, retaining water throughout the year, which stimulates amphibian activity.
This is a great location to encounter Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae), Amazon Palm Viper (Bothrops bilineatus), and the yellow Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi). It’s also the best spot to find caecilians and a range of fossorial snakes like Pipe snake (Anilius scytale), and Blind snakes (Leptotyphlops sp.), especially with the increase in humidity.
Accommodation: Lodge with beds
DAY 5 - 9
On the morning of day 5, we’ll leave Brownsberg and head towards Atjoni with a 2-hour drive. From Atjoni, we’ll take a boat ride along the Suriname River, passing through Maroon villages on our way to Kumalu, where we’ll stay for the night. The next day, we’ll depart early for Kosindo Lodge, located in the last Maroon village. The boat ride through rapids will offer us a chance to spot wildlife, including the possibility of a Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus). At Kosindo, we’ll explore the surrounding pristine areas, by foot or boat, in search of the Dyeing Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) and Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) along the creeks.
Accommodation: Lodge with beds
DAY 9 & 10
On the morning of day 9, we’ll leave Kosindo and begin our journey back, starting with a long boat ride to Atjoni. From there, we’ll travel by car to Afobaka, situated alongside the Brokopondo Reservoir. Explore this unique location before winding down at the lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge with beds
DAY 10 - 12
On day 10, we’ll head to Seliba, a glamping site located alongside the Suriname River, just about an hour’s drive from Afobaka. This beautiful area, partially covered with savanna forest and small creeks, is an excellent spot for encountering a range of fascinating species. Here, we’ll search for the Green Anaconda (Eunectes marinus), Coral Snakes (Micrurus sp.), Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria), and the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus). You’ll stay comfortably in tipi tents, ensuring a memorable experience in this tranquil, wildlife-rich environment.
Accommodation: Beds in tipi tents
DAY 12 - 14
For the final stretch of your adventure, we’ll return to Sutopia Resort, a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the unforgettable journey. After days of exploring, it will feel like coming home as you unwind with a local beer in a hammock, overlooking the Suriname River. Enjoy a delicious Surinamese meal and share your experiences with fellow travellers.
The resort is conveniently close to Peperpot Nature Park, where we’ll explore in our last days. This park, formerly plantations now reclaimed by nature, is a haven of secondary forest, fruiting trees, dense vegetation, and waterways teeming with wildlife. While the diversity of herpetofauna is slightly lower than in the interior, the abundance of species is remarkable. We’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.), as well as Suriname Toad (Pipa pipa), Clown Treefrog (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus), and Tiger-legged Monkey Frog (Pithecopus hypochondrialis).
On the final day, we’ll bring you to the airport, marking the end of this incredible herping adventure.
Accommodation: Apartment with a double bed, air conditioning, electricity, running (hot) water, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, swimming pool
MAIN TARGET SPECIES OF THIS HERPING TOUR
Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad
(Atelopus hoogmoedi)
Emerald Tree Boa
(Corallus caninus)
Catching sight of an 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. Spotting one in the wild is a rare and exhilarating experience, a reminder of the incredible wildlife that Suriname’s jungle holds.
Dyeing Poison Dart Frog
(Dendrobates tinctorius)
An extraordinary looking species endemic to the Guyana shield. Its electric blue skin, marked with black patterns, warns predators of its toxicity. Suriname alone is home to 23 colour variations. They are very large compared to many other poison dart frog species, and their variety makes them almost addictive. All the varieties occur in a limited range and each requires an adventure of its own to reach.
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.
Amazon palm viper
(Bothrops bilineatus)
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.
Bushmaster
(Lachesis muta)
HERPING IMMERSION DETAILS
Included in the price
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Professional herping guide
- Breakfast, lunch and diner during the tour
- Snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic)
Not included in the price
- International airline ticket to and from Suriname
- Entry Fee for entering Suriname (apply here before you travel)
- Personal expenses, optional activities and tips
- Snake hooks and tongs
- Meals and snacks other than those offered
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks other than those offered
- Medical insurance, travel insurance, and cancellation insurance
- Vaccinations and medical expenses
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