Maratakka Back to basic in a beautiful remote area
Nestled in the district of Nickerie, the Maratakka river remains a hidden gem, largely unknown to most tourists.
This pristine waterway offers a rare opportunity to encounter remarkable wildlife, including manatees, giant otters,
and the vibrant blue-and-yellow-winged macaws, drawn to the abundance of Mauritius palms in the area.
You can choose to sleep in a bed in the village Wageningen or you can choose to stay in a nice hammock camp
next to the river which is a 5 minute boat ride from the village Wageningen.
This tour will be guided by a professional Unlock Nature wildlife guide.
Itinerary Day 1
Around 8 o’clock we leave Paramaribo to start driving in to Wageningen in the district of Nickerie. While on the road we can already spot some wildlife! We will have lunch somewhere on the way and we aim to arrive around 2 in Wageningen. Near Wageningen flows the small and beautiful Maratakka river. When the sun goes down and we had some nice dinner cooked and we go out by night and search for the animals that awaken at night! Hopefully we will find snakes, frogs, caiman etc.
DAY 2 & 3
There is no better place to wake up than lying in your hammock and hear the animals in the jungle start there day! Early in the morning we can spot some birds, especially the blue/yellow winged macaw. After breakfast we have a whole day to explore the river and see if we can encounter some giant otters and manatees! During this day we are flexible in what we want to do, it is up to you and the group how we are going to plan the day!
OPTIONAL EXTRA NIGHT
Big Pan, meaning Great Lake, is an area formed of creeks, mangroves, wet and dry swamps. Many bird species live in this area, the most famous of which is the Scarlet Ibis. In addition to birds, the area is also rich in fish and reptiles. You spend the night in a lodge with beds and there are also options to sleep in a hammock. The following activities are planned during your stay; spot birds, caimans and snakes, kayak and possibly a mud bath. We stay at the Mantje lodge and the trip will be guided by the same wildlife guide you had in Maratakka.
WILDLIFE YOU CAN ENCOUNTER AT MARATAKKA
Blue & yellow Macaw
The Blue-and-yellow macaw is a large South American parrot. Such large and colourful birds never get boring and rarely fly by unnoticed as their flight is usually paired with loud screeches. They mate for life so they’re often seen flying in pairs or multiple pairs. This typical macaw is often seen in swampy savannas where they nest almost exclusively in dead palms and most nests are in Mauritia flexuosa palms. If you’d like to see these colourful birds, join one of our trips not to far from the coast such as the Maratakka trip.
Giant river Otter
This species is usually encountered with just their heads above water. In the water they are most definitely the apex predators; preying on fish like piranhas but also feed on snakes and even caiman! Most people think they’re cute, but when observed this close you can see their full size, muscular bodies and scar tissue. Beautiful and impressive animals to witness.
Lodging
Your choice of
hammocks or a bed.
The beds are in a house in the village and are an additional €25 per night.
Duration
3 days
If you are interested in either 2 or 4 days or would like to combine this tour with other tours, please
contact us.
Group size
Minimum 2
Maximum 10
Price per person
(3 days)
2 persons – €550
3 persons – €425
4+ persons – €350
Included in the price
- Accommodation in a hammock
- Transport (car and boat)
- Professional Unlock Nature wildlife guide and captain
- Breakfast, lunch and diner
- Snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic)
Not included in the price
- The beds are in a house in the village and are an additional €25 per night.
- Breakfast on the first day of the tour and dinner on the day of departure.
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks other than those offered
- Medical insurance, travel insurance, and cancellation insurance
- Vaccinations and medical expenses
READY FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? EXPLORE THE BEST OF NATURE
Explore some of the world’s most unspoiled wilderness.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable moments.
Book your tour or expedition today and start your adventure!
Copyright © Unlock Nature 2025. All rights reserved.