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All of the accommodation on the trip was good. I thought that the tour was excellent with a good amount of variety between birding and other wildlife. All of the guides were excellent. Both Sandro and Ash had an immense knowledge about all of the different flora and Fauna that we encountered. Ralf was an extremely good bird guide. Sandro and Ash were both very attentive to the group and provided good information regarding the plans for each day. Kabalebo was a highlight!
N. D, South Lanarkshire, Oct '25
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Suriname - South America's Hidden Gem
Tour Code: SUR01A pioneering 13-day holiday to one of South America's lesser-known regions, searching for a wealth of birds, mammals and herpetofauna among some of the world's last remaining untouched rainforests.
13 days
from
£7,395
£7,395
Land only price
from
£6,495
£6,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Suriname, nestled within the Guiana Shield biodiversity hotspot of north-east South America and bordered by Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil, is a true hidden gem. Despite its small size, Suriname boasts an astonishing 93% forest cover – the highest on Earth – offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife exploration. Among the expanses of pristine rainforest, such mouth-watering possibilities include Harpy Eagle, Lowland Tapir, Giant Otter, eight species of primate, and even Jaguar, alongside a vast array of invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians. This tour aims to capture the essence of this underexplored wilderness, covering a broad range of habitats to seek out some of the region’s most iconic natural treasures.
- Wildlife exploration off the typical tourist trail!
- Suriname hosts more than 700 bird species, including Guiana Shield endemics and chances for Harpy Eagle
- Colourful parrots, macaws, toucans and trogons
- Up to eight species of primate possible
- Searching for Lowland Tapir, Giant Otter, Pale-throated Sloth and more
- Spectacular charter flight over pristine Amazon rainforest
- Spotlighting for nocturnal mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians
- Witness thousands of roosting birds at sunrise and sunset
Our journey begins with an overnight in Amsterdam before a flight to Paramaribo, set within Suriname's savannah belt, from where we will transfer to our comfortable first base in the suburbs of the capital for a 2-night stay. From here, we will explore a number of different wildlife hotspots, including a nearby reserve home to more than 40% of the country's bird species, and a remarkably diverse assemblage of mammals, insects and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). Key targets here include the localised Blood-coloured Woodpecker, the endemic Arrowhead Piculet, Green-tailed Jacamar, Crimson-hooded Manakin, Black-spotted Barbet, Green-backed Trogon and Great Potoo, while diurnal mammals might include Guianan Brown Capuchins and Pale-throated Three-toed Sloths. Night walks may reveal a Long-tailed Porcupine while, with luck, we may also catch sight of a more elusive forest dweller, such as Giant Anteater, Margay or Jaguarundi. With so many different localities to explore — including a boat excursion on the estuary in search of Guiana Dolphin — we will return to this base several times throughout our holiday.
Once we have familiarised ourselves with the local fauna and flora, we will head westwards towards Suriname's border with Guyana for a 2-night stay at Akira Overwater Resort, set in the middle of Bigi Pan ('Big Lake'). Here, we hope to witness a most impressive wildlife spectacle: the evening arrival (and dawn departure) of thousands of roosting waterbirds. Colourful clouds of Scarlet Ibises, Roseate Spoonbills and American Flamingoes will be accompanied by swirling flocks of waders, while Black Skimmers and Brown Pelicans cruise in to add to the scene. Raptors are ubiquitous too and will likely include Osprey, Snail Kite, Rufous Crab-Hawk, Black-collared and Great Black Hawk.
We will next turn our attention to a remote river, with the aim of encountering Giant Otter, West Indian Manatee and some spectacular birdlife, including a bewildering array of parrots, toucans and kingfishers. The highlight of our journey, however, is likely to be our three nights at the Kabalebo Nature Reserve, nestled deep within the heart of the Surinamese Amazon. With the nearest road more than 150 miles away, our lodge is only accessible via a spectacular charter flight over vast tracts of unbroken jungle. Due to its isolated position and lack of human habitation, the forests here have remained untouched. Consequently, not only are otherwise elusive megafaunal species present in their original numbers, but they also exhibit a remarkable tolerance of humans. Birding highlights might include Crimson Topaz, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Black Curassow, Blue-throated Piping Guan, Marail Guan, White-plumed Antbird, Red-throated Caracara, Guianan Trogon, Guianan Toucanet, Amazonian Motmot and Paradise Jacamar, whilst spotting a Harpy or Crested Eagle is not out of the question either! Although typically elusive across the Amazon, big cats are seen with some regularity here. Indeed, this is perhaps the top spot to look for Jaguars in Suriname, although, of course, sightings are far from guaranteed! Lowland Tapir can also be quite confiding, while primates and macaws thrive in the lodge grounds. The insect and herpetofaunal diversity are astonishing, and we can enjoy watching colourful butterflies flit between the trees, while keeping our eyes peeled for a number of spectacularly coloured poison frogs.
We will end our time in Suriname with a final two nights in Paramaribo, from where we will explore a nearby tract of savannah-forest mosaic, searching for a range of open-country birds and mammals which may not have been present in other areas during this tour. These may include such specialities as Cayenne Jay, Red-shouldered Macaw, Saffron-crested Tyrant-manakin, Golden-headed, White-crowned and Black Manakins and Red-shouldered Tanager.
There will be plenty of opportunity to undertake night walks throughout the holiday. Indeed, these nocturnal forays are essential if we are to maximise our chances of finding some of the rarer denizens of the forest. We will also enjoy spending time with a local herpetologist, who will help us to find some of Suriname's incredible diversity of snakes, lizards, crocodilians, turtles and frogs.
For those looking to extend their holiday, we offer a 4-night extension to Fredberg — another of Suriname's premier birding sites — for the chance to see such enigmatic Guiana Shield endemics as Crimson Fruitcrow, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Blue-backed Tanager, all eight of Suriname's primate species and much more.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Amsterdam and overnight
Day 2
Fly Paramaribo
Day 3
Peperpot Nature Park & Commewijne River
Day 4/5
Bigi Pan
Day 6
Maratakka River
Day 7/9
Kabalebo Nature Reserve
Day 10/11
Explore a savannah-forest mosaic
Day 12
Depart Paramaribo
Day 13
Arrive UK
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
A mix of comfortable wildlife lodges, all rooms having private facilities. Accommodation on the extension is more basic.
- Food:
All included in the price.
Reviews
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I saw the most beautiful wildlife. The Harpy Eagle for some was a triumph but I could never tire of watching the Scarlet Ibis, drenched in the most vivid colour. Beautiful birds, humorous Macaws, captivating monkeys, stealth of the Spectacled Caiman, tiniest prettiest frogs with the loudest song. Wonderful forest walks and numerous peaceful boat rides. This tour was a triumph and I am still digesting it all.
B. C, London, Feb '25 -
Although I'm primarily a birder, the huge variety of other wildlife on this tour was just amazing. Our two guides were excellent, answered our endless questions, ensured we all had what we needed, looked after us brilliantly and were great company. Top marks! The birds were fantastic, I saw all the key birds I had hoped to see, and we had a superb close view of a Harpy Eagle. The night walks with the herpetology expert were exciting, and the variety of non-avian creatures seen on this tour was just incredible.
R. F, East Lothian, Feb '25 -
I am very glad to have done the Fredburg extension as the three main locations plus Sutopia really contrasted with each other and enabled an overall view of the country I wouldn't have had without the extension. I absolutely loved Kabalebo. The experience of going upstream and downstream in the canoes and the amount of wildlife we saw was fabulous. Bigi Pan was a unique experience and thoroughly enjoyable and the visit to the Peperpot observation tower at the beginning and end of the trip was a major highlight. Sandro and Jordy were both great. Sandro's birding skills are excellent and I have no idea how Jordy sees tiny frogs in the night at a distance. Coming out of Fredburg the single track logging road was blocked by a fallen tree and they both calmly found people to assist and sorted it out.
D. L, West Midlands, Feb '25
Extensions
Fredberg Extension
Fredberg boasts Suriname's finest birding, with excellent chances for sought after Guiana Shield endemics including Crimson Fruitcrow, Guianan Red Cotinga, Blue-backed Tanager and more. We'll visit lekking sites for the iconic Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, search for Suriname's 8 primate species and seek out some superb herpetofauna.
5 days from £1,995
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 1st Feb – Fri 13th Feb
FULL
£7,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Sandro Perez-Veltman
Tour Leader: Sandro Perez-Veltman
Sandro has been an avid naturalist from a young age, having developed his love for wildlife while birdwatching with his father, first in Belgium and later across Europe and beyond.
In 2021, Sandro moved to Costa Rica to further pursue his interest in wildlife by interning, and later working with Global Vision International as a Program Coordinator across multiple locations. In this role, he was responsible for conducting wildlife surveys across a range of taxa, as well as leading groups of volunteers and mentoring new interns.
During this time, Sandro developed his skills in wildlife photography and now enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for nature with others through his work as a wildlife guide. While his early focus was primarily on birds, his interests have since expanded to include herpetofauna and mammals, and his interests keep growing day by day.
Following an internship with Fauna Forever in Peru in mid-2024 – where he gained further experience in a range of scientific research methods – Sandro was fortunate enough to move to Suriname, where he now works as a nature guide, specialising in birding and wildlife photography tours.
Sun 1st Mar – Fri 13th Mar
1
£7,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Sandro Perez-Veltman
Tour Leader: Sandro Perez-Veltman
Sandro has been an avid naturalist from a young age, having developed his love for wildlife while birdwatching with his father, first in Belgium and later across Europe and beyond.
In 2021, Sandro moved to Costa Rica to further pursue his interest in wildlife by interning, and later working with Global Vision International as a Program Coordinator across multiple locations. In this role, he was responsible for conducting wildlife surveys across a range of taxa, as well as leading groups of volunteers and mentoring new interns.
During this time, Sandro developed his skills in wildlife photography and now enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for nature with others through his work as a wildlife guide. While his early focus was primarily on birds, his interests have since expanded to include herpetofauna and mammals, and his interests keep growing day by day.
Following an internship with Fauna Forever in Peru in mid-2024 – where he gained further experience in a range of scientific research methods – Sandro was fortunate enough to move to Suriname, where he now works as a nature guide, specialising in birding and wildlife photography tours.
Sun 11th Oct – Fri 23rd Oct
1
£7,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Sandro Perez-Veltman
Tour Leader: Sandro Perez-Veltman
Sandro has been an avid naturalist from a young age, having developed his love for wildlife while birdwatching with his father, first in Belgium and later across Europe and beyond.
In 2021, Sandro moved to Costa Rica to further pursue his interest in wildlife by interning, and later working with Global Vision International as a Program Coordinator across multiple locations. In this role, he was responsible for conducting wildlife surveys across a range of taxa, as well as leading groups of volunteers and mentoring new interns.
During this time, Sandro developed his skills in wildlife photography and now enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for nature with others through his work as a wildlife guide. While his early focus was primarily on birds, his interests have since expanded to include herpetofauna and mammals, and his interests keep growing day by day.
Following an internship with Fauna Forever in Peru in mid-2024 – where he gained further experience in a range of scientific research methods – Sandro was fortunate enough to move to Suriname, where he now works as a nature guide, specialising in birding and wildlife photography tours.
Thu 5th Nov – Tue 17th Nov
2
£7,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Sandro Perez-Veltman
Tour Leader: Sandro Perez-Veltman
Sandro has been an avid naturalist from a young age, having developed his love for wildlife while birdwatching with his father, first in Belgium and later across Europe and beyond.
In 2021, Sandro moved to Costa Rica to further pursue his interest in wildlife by interning, and later working with Global Vision International as a Program Coordinator across multiple locations. In this role, he was responsible for conducting wildlife surveys across a range of taxa, as well as leading groups of volunteers and mentoring new interns.
During this time, Sandro developed his skills in wildlife photography and now enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for nature with others through his work as a wildlife guide. While his early focus was primarily on birds, his interests have since expanded to include herpetofauna and mammals, and his interests keep growing day by day.
Following an internship with Fauna Forever in Peru in mid-2024 – where he gained further experience in a range of scientific research methods – Sandro was fortunate enough to move to Suriname, where he now works as a nature guide, specialising in birding and wildlife photography tours.
2027
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 28th Feb – Fri 12th Mar
SPACES
£7,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495
Mon 11th Oct – Sat 23rd Oct
4
£7,595
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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Tailormade Consultant, George Vincent, recently travelled to Suriname and here outlines comprehensive, wildlife-focused itineraries to this lesser-known country tucked away on the north-eastern edge of South America!
Video
