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 in Palulu, 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 Kumalu en Kosindo. During the long boat ride, we will eventually pass all Maroon villages at the Suriname River. From Kosindo we will be able to visit several pristine places in the area by boat or by foot.
From Kosindo we make our way to The Afobaka Resort. Situated alongside the Brokopondo reservoir. One of the islands on the lake is home to a population of the endemic Atelopus hoogmoedi nassaui.
Afterward, we move on to Seliba, 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).
Palulu Savanna & Jungle Explorati
Day 1 – 3
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 14-day herping adventure!
Accommodation: Lodge with beds
Brownsberg Herping with a beautiful scenery
Day 3 – 5
Leaving Palulu behind, we’ll embark on a scenic 1,5-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*
*Lodge is very basic and dilapidated. Cleanliness may also vary.
Kumalu en kosindo Search for the Dendrobates Tinctorius
Day 5 – 9
In the morning on day 5 we will leave Brownsberg to go to Atjoni. The drive will take us about two hours. At Atjoni we will take a boat to Kumalu.
During the long boat ride, we will eventually pass all Maroon villages at the Suriname River. We will stay the first night near one of the maroon villages at Kumalu. The following day we’ll depart early to Kosindo lodge in the very last maroon village. An impressive route, passing many rapids and with luck even see a big anaconda along the way. From Kosindo we will be able to visit several pristine places in the area by boat or by foot. This is one of the best places for Dendrobates tinctorius, and the surrounding creeks will possibly reveal us some beautiful Emerald tree boas!
Accommodation: lodge with beds.
Afobaka Search for the Atelopus Hoogmoedi
Day 9 & 10
Early in the morning we will leave Kosindo. After a long boat ride we will arrive at Atjoni again and from here we will take a car to Afobaka.
The Afobaka Resort is situated alongside the Brokopondo reservoir. This massive lake was made in 1964, changing all the mountain tops into and endless amount of islands. One of these islands has a population of the endemic Atelopus hoogmoedi nassaui, a purple atelopus that previously was only known to a single mountaintop in Suriname.
Accommodation: lodge with beds.
Seliba More exploring awaits!
Day 10 – 12
On day 10 we’ll take a three-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*
*When the sun rises it gets hot in the tents. There are also hammocks available.
Sutopia Exploring Peperpot nature Park
Day 12 – 14
As our herping adventure winds down, we’ll head back toward civilization, spending our final night 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!
After coming back from Maratakka we will do a night excursion at Peperpot Nature Park. We’ll have great chances of spotting:
Snakes
Mock vipers (Thamnodynastes sp.), Common lancehead (Bothrops atrox), Amazon Palm Viper (Bothrops bilineatus), yet undescribed snail eater (Sibon sp.1), Keelback snakes (Chironius sp.).
Amphibians
Suriname Toad (Pipa pipa), Clown Treefrog (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus), Tiger-legged Monkey Frog (Pithecopus hypochondrialis).
Accommodation: Apartment with modern amenities at Sutopia Resort.
On the final day, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport, wrapping up an unforgettable 14-day herping tour through the wild heart of Suriname!
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
PRIVATE TOUR EXPLORE AT YOUR OWN PACE
Enjoy a fully private 14-day herping adventure tailored to your group, available for only €350 per person.
You can add this option during your booking.
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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