HERPING ADVENTURE EXPLORING SURINAMES reptiles and amphibians
10-Day Herping Adventure
Join us on a 10-day herping journey through Suriname’s diverse ecosystems, from savannas and rainforests to riverbanks and secondary forests.
This tour offers a great opportunity to observe a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats, guided by experienced herping guides.
Whether you’re a dedicated herpetologist, wildlife photographer, or nature enthusiast, this immersive experience offers unparalleled opportunities for close-up encounters with Suriname’s fascinating cold-blooded creatures. With small group sizes and local expertise, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Suriname’s jungle, a herping tour like no other!
Itinerary
We start near the airport and savanna, where species like the Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis), Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), and Bushmaster (Lachesis muta) can be found. From there, we continue to Brownsberg Nature Park, known for its Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi), Emerald Tree Boas, and fossorial snakes.
Next, we visit Fredberg, a remote area where we’ll spend a night in hammocks on the mountain, with chances to see large colubrids and Bushmasters. Afterward, we head to a glamping site along the Suriname River, where we may encounter species like the Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria), and various Coral snakes (Micrurus sp.).
The trip ends with a stay at Sutopia Resort, offering comfortable accommodation near Peperpot Nature Park, a great place to observe Keelback snakes (Chironius sp.) and tree frogs like the Clown Treefrog (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus).
DAY 1 & 2
Upon arrival at the international airport, we’ll pick you up and head straight to Palulu, our first herping destination. Just a short drive away, this unique location sits on the savanna, surrounded by dense jungle and small, dark-coloured creeks, the perfect habitat for a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians.
After settling into our lodge, we’ll take our first exploratory stroll through the area, scanning for Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis), Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), and Bushmaster (Lachesis muta) among other fascinating species.
With both daytime and night-time excursions, we’ll maximise our chances of spotting these incredible creatures in their natural environment. This is just the beginning of an unforgettable 10-day herping adventure!
Accommodation: Lodge with beds
DAY 2 & 3
Leaving Palulu behind, we’ll embark on a scenic two-hour drive before beginning our ascent up Brownsberg. This one-hour climb by car takes us to the Bauxite Plateau, a stunning mountaintop area within the Brownsberg Nature Park, located in the Brokopondo district. At 515 metres above sea level, this biodiverse rainforest offers incredible herping opportunities.
Our lodge sits at the top of the mountain, right next to several trailheads leading to waterfalls, perfect spots for encountering amphibians and reptiles. The laterite plateau acts like a sponge, retaining water year-round, which keeps amphibian activity high. Here, we’ll have our first chances to spot Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae) and Amazon Palm Viper (Bothrops bilineatus). This is also the best location to find the striking yellow Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi) and the elusive caecilians.
With increased humidity, fossorial (burrowing) snakes such as Coral snakes (Micrurus sp.), Pipe snake (Anilius scytale), and Blind snakes (Leptotyphlops sp.) become more active, often surfacing due to the rocky terrain. Day and night excursions will give us the best chances to spot these hidden gems of the rainforest!
Accommodation: Lodge with beds
DAY 4, 5 & 6
Leaving Brownsberg behind, we’ll embark on a three-hour drive deep into the Surinamese wilderness to reach Fredberg, a hidden gem discovered by our close partner, Fred Pansa. This remote area is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the striking Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock and the elusive Bushmaster (Lachesis muta).
Upon arrival at Zintete Lodge, our basecamp, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch before preparing for an exciting trek to the top of the mountain. The three-hour hike takes us through pristine rainforest, offering incredible scenery and plenty of herping opportunities along the way. If you prefer, we can even make the ascent at night, increasing our chances of spotting nocturnal species!
At the summit, we’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view, a perfect backdrop for our first night sleeping in hammocks under the stars. A delicious cooked dinner awaits, followed by night herping in search of species like the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), Yellow-tailed Cribo (Drymarchon corais), and Puffing Snakes (Spilotes spp.).
The next day, we’ll descend back to the lodge, where we’ll have another full day to explore the surrounding jungle, searching for hidden reptiles and amphibians before settling into comfortable beds for the night.
Accommodation: First night in hammocks on the mountain, second night in beds at Zintete Lodge
DAY 6, 7 & 8
After our adventure on Fredberg, we’ll take a four-hour drive to Seliba, a stunning glamping site nestled along the Suriname River. This unique location is a mix of savanna forest and small creeks, creating the perfect habitat for a variety of incredible reptiles and amphibians.
Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our tipi tents, offering a relaxing stay in the heart of nature. From here, we’ll embark on daytime and night-time herping excursions, searching for some of Suriname’s most fascinating species, including the Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Coral snakes (Micrurus sp.), Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria), and Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus).
The combination of river, forest, and creeks makes this an excellent spot for spotting both aquatic and terrestrial species, as well as enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Suriname wilderness.
Accommodation: Glamping with beds in tipi tents
DAY 8, 9 & 10
As our herping adventure winds down, we’ll head back toward civilization, spending our final nights at Sutopia Resort, located in Meerzorg, Commewijne, near Paramaribo. After days of trekking through remote jungles, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind, surrounded by indigenous plants and trees.
At Sutopia Resort, you’ll enjoy comfortable apartments with double beds, air conditioning, electricity, hot water, private bathrooms, WiFi, and even a swimming pool, a well-earned luxury after our wild adventures.
Exploring Peperpot Nature Park
Just a short distance from Sutopia Resort resort lies Peperpot Nature Park, a unique area reclaimed by nature from several old plantations. This secondary forest is rich in fruiting trees, dense vegetation, and a vast network of waterways, creating a hotspot for wildlife. While species diversity here may be slightly lower than in the deep interior, the sheer abundance of reptiles, amphibians, monkeys, and birds is incredible!
During our day and night excursions, we’ll have great chances of spotting Mock vipers (Thamnodynastes sp.), Common lancehead (Bothrops atrox), Amazon Palm Viper (Bothrops bilineatus), yet undescribed snail eater (Sibon sp.1), Keelback snakes (Chironius sp.) as well as the Suriname Toad (Pipa pipa), Clown Treefrog (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus) and theTiger-legged Monkey Frog (Pithecopus hypochondrialis).
On the final day, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport, wrapping up an unforgettable 10-day herping tour through the wild heart of Suriname!
Accommodation: Apartment with modern amenities at Sutopia Resort.
MAIN TARGET SPECIES OF THIS HERPING TOUR
Bushmaster
(Lachesis muta)
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)
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)
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.
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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