MACRO ADVENTURE A PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY THROUGH SURINAME’S JUNGLE
Suriname, often referred to as the “Hidden Pearl of the Amazon,” offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a world brimming with
extraordinary wildlife and lush landscapes. With over 93% of its land covered in pristine forests on the Guiana Shield,
this untouched gem is one of the greenest countries on Earth.
Join renowned wildlife photographer Matthijs Kuijpers, featured in National Geographic and author of Reptiles of the Guianas, on an amazing macro adventure photography tour. Learn the art of capturing the breathtaking details of Suriname’s nature while enhancing your technical skills and creative vision.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this immersive journey promises to inspire and transform your photographic approach.
Next TOUR
November 20th – December 3th, 2025
Itinerary
We will travel in a small, intimate group, consisting of 4 to 6 fellow guests, so that Matthijs Kuijpers and Unlock Nature guide Sandro have plenty of time to give everyone expert instructions and guidance. You will see and experience the Suriname jungle, food and hospitality first hand. While all the time learning about different macro techniques, lighting and composition from professionals that know how to photograph and have first hand knowledge of Suriname’s eco systems inside and out.
DAY 1 - 4
Your adventure begins the moment you step off the plane! We’ll pick you up from the airport and bring you to the peaceful retreat of Sutopia Resort, located in the lush surroundings of Meerzorg, Commewijne, just outside Paramaribo, Suriname’s vibrant capital. Sutopia is the perfect place to kick off your journey, offering a serene environment surrounded by indigenous plants and trees, ideal for acclimatizing to the beauty of the region.
At Sutopia Resort, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations with all the amenities you need: spacious apartments with double beds, air conditioning, WiFi, hot water, private bathrooms, and even a refreshing swimming pool to unwind after a day of exploration.
Peperpot Nature Park
Just a short distance from Sutopia, we’ll venture into Peperpot Nature Park, an extraordinary reclaimed landscape where nature has woven its magic over old plantations. This secondary forest, rich in fruiting trees and dense vegetation, is a haven for wildlife, especially reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Though species diversity here may be slightly less than the deep jungle, the abundance of wildlife is simply breathtaking.
During our day and night excursions, we’ll have the chance to encounter fascinating species like the Bridled Sun Gecko (Gonatodes humeralis), Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia), Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria fera), some crickets, mantis, butterflies, Mock Vipers (Thamnodynastes sp.), the elusive Suriname Toad (Pipa pipa), and vibrant Clown Treefrogs (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus). The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including Common Lancehead snakes (Bothrops atrox), Keelback snakes (Chironius sp.), and the mysterious Tiger-legged Monkey Frog (Pithecopus hypochondrialis). Every step in this unique environment brings new opportunities for stunning macro photography and wildlife encounters.
DAY 4 - 8
After leaving Sutopia Resort around 7 am, we’ll embark on a scenic two-hour drive that leads us to the breathtaking Brownsberg Nature Park. Our ascent takes us up to the Bauxite Plateau, a stunning mountaintop area at 515 meters above sea level, known for its rich biodiversity. This pristine rainforest offers an exciting array of wildlife, making it the perfect location for photography enthusiasts.
At the summit, we’ll settle into our lodge, located next to several well-maintained trails that lead to serene waterfalls, ideal for spotting amphibians, reptiles, and more. The laterite plateau retains water year-round, creating a thriving ecosystem that encourages amphibian activity, especially vibrant Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae) and the Amazon Palm Viper (Bothrops bilineatus). It’s also one of the best locations to encounter the striking yellow Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi) and the elusive Caecilian (Gymnophiona).
But it’s not just reptiles and amphibians that thrive here; the rainforest is teeming with insects and arachnids, making each step an exciting discovery. Whether it’s day or night, our excursions will offer a rich opportunity to explore the hidden gems of this spectacular ecosystem.
Accommodation:
Basic lodge with beds
DAY 8- 12
After a scenic 2.5-hour drive, we’ll arrive at the unique and remote location of Palulu, nestled on the savanna and surrounded by dense jungle and dark-coloured creeks. This pristine habitat is a haven for a diverse range of reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Upon settling into our lodge, we’ll take our first exploratory walk through the area, on the lookout for elusive species such as the Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis), Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), and the powerful Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). The diversity of the landscape and the richness of the ecosystem offer countless opportunities for incredible wildlife encounters.
Palulu’s fascinating array of insects and arachnids is also something we can’t overlook. With both daytime and night-time excursions, we’ll have the perfect opportunity to spot and photograph these hidden gems in their natural habitat.
On the last day, we’ll head back to Sutopia after lunch, reflecting on an unforgettable adventure.
Accommodation:
Lodge with comfortable beds
DAY 12 - 14
After an incredible journey through Suriname’s wild beauty, your last nights will be spent at Sutopia Resort. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your adventure. Imagine relaxing in a hammock with a local beer in hand, overlooking the serene Suriname River, and enjoying a delicious, freshly prepared Surinamese meal. It’s the ideal way to close out your trip, surrounded by nature and the memories of your unforgettable encounters.
On day 14, we’ll take you back to the airport, bringing your incredible photography tour to a close, leaving you with not just stunning images but lifelong memories of your time in Suriname.
MAIN TARGET SPECIES OF THIS PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
Hoogmoed’s Harlequinfrog
(Atelopus hoogmoedi)
This small, colourful frog is a favourite among wildlife photographers for its vivid patterns and unique look. It’s usually found near clear forest streams, where it stays active during the day. Because of its bright colours and calm behaviour, it makes a great subject for macro photography.
It is usually found near fast-flowing streams, often resting on rocks or leaves. Close-up shots can highlight its vivid patterns, while a wider angle can capture it in its natural habitat. Soft, natural lighting works best to bring out its true colours.
Emerald Tree Boa
(Corallus caninus)
A stunning subject for wildlife photography, the Emerald Tree Boa stands out with its bright green scales and white markings. Often found coiled on branches, it stays still for long periods, making it ideal for close-up shots.
Soft, natural lighting brings out its colours and textures, while night photography with a flash can highlight its golden eyes. Its coiled body creates interesting shapes, adding depth to any photo. A perfect reptile to capture in the wild!
Amazon Basin blunt-headed tree snake
(Imantodes lentiferus)
The Amazon Basin Blunt-headed Tree Snake is a slender, nocturnal snake known for its camouflage skills. It has large eyes and an elongated body, making it a great subject for macro and low-light photography.
Its delicate shape and detailed scales create beautiful close-up shots. Soft lighting helps bring out its subtle colours and textures, while focusing on its wide-set eyes adds depth to photos. This tree-dwelling snake can be hard to spot, so keep an eye out for it resting on branches or in dense foliage during night walks.
Pinktoe Tarantula
(Avicularia avicularia)
The Pink-toed Tarantula is a tree-dwelling spider with velvety black fur and distinctive pink tips on its feet. Found in the humid rainforests, it moves with surprising agility, often climbing trees or resting on leaves.
For photographers, this tarantula makes a striking subject, with its dark body and vibrant foot pads offering a great contrast. Soft lighting or a flash diffuser can help highlight its fine details without causing harsh reflections. Patience is key, wait for it to stretch its legs or spin silk to capture the most dynamic shots.
Giant monkey frog
(Phyllomedusa bicolor)
The Giant Monkey Frog is a dream subject for wildlife photographers, known for its vibrant green body, creamy-white underside, and large, striking eyes. This tree-dwelling frog, found in the rainforests, is most active at night when it clings to branches with its strong, webbed feet. A macro lens is perfect for capturing its textured skin and the beautiful patterns in its eyes.
For the best photos, look for these frogs near water, where they call out with a deep, resonant tone. Their calm nature allows for close-ups, and their slow movements offer great opportunities for long exposure shots against the jungle’s dark backdrop.
Macro adventure details
Lodging
Lodge with beds
Double room apartment
Duration
14 days
Group size
Minimum 4
Maximum 6
Price per person
(14 days)
€5595
Included in the price
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Professional photography guide and Unlock Nature wildlife guide
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner 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
- 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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