Suriname - South America's Hidden Gem

All of the accommodation was as described. Sutopia Resort made a perfect central base to which we returned on three occasions. In hindsight we could have packed a little lighter, thanks to the excellent laundry service provided in between our trips out into the wider country. Kabelebo Nature Resort in the Amazon rainforest, accessible only by light aircraft was, as predicted, the highlight of the tour. Fredberg (the optional extension) was fairly basic but perfectly comfortable and exactly as described. The remote rainforest setting, the welcoming staff and the fantastic wildlife more than made up for any lack of luxury - who needs hot showers in the tropics anyway? Naturetrek always manage to source top class guides for their tours and our two guides on this trip made an exceptional team - extremely knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and enthusiastic. Sandro’s encyclopaediac natural history knowledge was highly entertaining as well as informative, whilst Dick’s experience of the Suriname rainforest and his irrepressible enthusiasm gave us all a real sense of adventure. Together they made us feel so welcome in their adopted country and worked tirelessly to provide the best experience of all that Suriname has to offer. They always showed total respect to us, to the lodge and hotel staff and to the local guides. The wildlife did not disappoint, with several sightings of capybara, tapirs, various monkeys, multicoloured macaws and toucans. We really enjoy the jungle treks (day and night) and the boat trips - there were plenty of both, with fantastic sightings including Guyanan Cock of the Rock (after four attempts!), mouse opossum, porcupines and other nocturnal mammals, various nightjars, multiple raptors, hummingbirds, flamingos, scarlet ibis, frogs and venomous snakes.

Good mix of habitats to increase variety of wildlife. Some excursions by minibus, some by boat and some on foot. Many excellent night walks. We packed a lot into our 2 week trip! Dick and Sandro were both excellent leaders. They are both great naturalists and Sandro has the best ear for birdsong and calls that I have ever encountered. We were fortunate that on this trip we had Naturetrek’s Dan Lay accompany us and, as an experienced wildlife guide himself, he effectively became a third leader for our group.

All accommodations were brilliant, especially Sutopia! Boat trips, canoe or skiff, were exceptional. The crews, all rather young, are blessed with hearing and eyesight that leads to very fruitful excursions. Sandro and Dick were very amicable guides/leaders. They managed to mix humour and "serious" birding, with aplomb. Helpful, empathic, supportive.

A very wide range of birds, snakes, frogs, lizards, spiders and mammals seen. Both leaders had a very wide range of knowledge and were very helpful, working hard to ensure that everyone had their wishes accommodated wherever possible. Monkeys, Parrots, Macaws, Tapirs, Burrowing owl, butterflies and other insects, night walks, dolphins on the first river trip, sloths and Tree porcupine. 

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!

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.

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.

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.