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HERPING SURINAME EXPLORING SURINAMES MOST WANTED HERPS

8-Day Herping Journey

From the savanna to mountain reserves, this tour offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats.
With expert guidance, you’ll encounter species such as Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), Suriname Aquatic Coral (Micrurus surinamensis), Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi), and many more. Whether you’re an avid herpetologist or simply fascinated by wildlife, this immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for Suriname’s rich biodiversity.

Itinerary

Starting with exploration near the airport and the savanna, where you’ll have the chance to see the Suriname Aquatic Coral (Micrurus surinamensis), Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), and Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). Continue your journey with glamping in Seliba along the Suriname River, offering encounters with Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), and more. Next, explore the Brownsberg Nature Park, home to unique species like Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad (Atelopus hoogmoedi) and fossorial snakes. End your adventure with a relaxing stay at Sutopia Resort, while exploring Peperpot Nature Park, teeming with reptiles, amphibians, and incredible wildlife.

Herping-8-days-Map
8-days

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 8-day herping adventure!

Accommodation: Lodge with beds

Seliba More exploring awaits!

Day 3 – 5

After our adventure at Palulu, we’ll take a 2,5-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.

Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis)
Amazon-Palm-Viper-(Bothrops-bilineatus)

Brownsberg Herping with a beautiful scenery

Day 5 – 7

Leaving Seliba behind, we’ll embark on a scenic 2-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.

Sutopia Exploring Peperpot nature Park

Day 7 & 8

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 Brownsberg 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.

Clown-Treefrog-(Dendropsophus-leucophyllatus)

On the final day, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport, wrapping up an unforgettable 8-day herping tour through the wild heart of Suriname!

MAIN TARGET SPECIES OF THIS HERPING TOUR

Bushmaster-(Lachesis-muta)

Bushmaster

(Lachesis muta)

Spotting a Lachesis muta, or bushmaster, is one of those rare, heart-racing moments in the jungle. This massive, venomous snake, with its thick body and distinctive triangular head, can reach lengths of up to 3 metres. It’s a master of camouflage, blending perfectly with the forest floor, making it a truly elusive creature. When you do happen to catch a glimpse of one, it’s a reminder of just how wild and untamed this place really is. Though it’s more likely to stay hidden than confront you, the sheer power and presence of the bushmaster leave a lasting impression, a truly unforgettable encounter in Suriname’s wilderness.

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.

Emerald-Tree-Boa-(Corallus-caninus)
Amazon-Palm-Viper-(Bothrops-bilineatus)

Amazon palm viper

(Bothrops bilineatus)

This strikingly beautiful yet deadly snake, with its vivid green scales and golden eyes, coils effortlessly among the branches, nearly invisible against the foliage. Reaching up to a metre in length, it’s an arboreal predator, waiting patiently for unsuspecting prey. Its presence is a testament to the rainforest’s delicate balance, silent, lethal, and perfectly adapted. While it prefers to remain unseen, the rare sight of one is a mesmerizing reminder of nature’s raw and untamed elegance.

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.

Suriname Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis)
Hoogmoed-Harlequin-Toad-(Atelopus-hoogmoedi)

Hoogmoed Harlequin Toad

(Atelopus hoogmoedi)

This species of toad is native to the highland areas of Suriname and French Guiana in South America. Known for its striking yellow, orange, and red patterns, this toad is typically found in stream habitats at higher elevations. Unfortunately, it is endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and the spread of chytrid fungus. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this unique species, which plays an important role in its ecosystem.

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.

Suriname-Toad-(Pipa-pipa)

HERPING SURINAME DETAILS

Lodging

Lodging

Lodge with beds
Beds in tipi tent
Double room apartment

Duration

Duration

8 days

Our Herping tours are also available as 10-day and 14-day experiences.

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Group size

Minimum 2
Maximum 8

€

Price per person
(8 days)

1 person – €3675
2 persons  – €2125
3 persons  – €1750
4+ persons – €1650

PRIVATE TOUR EXPLORE AT YOUR OWN PACE

Enjoy a fully private 8-day herping adventure tailored to your group, available for only €200 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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