Palumeu

From the Zorg en Hoop airport in Paramaribo you fly over the basin of the Surinam river. After five minutes, when the weather is clear, you see the Paranam alum factory at your left-hand side. In this factory alum is produced from bauxite for export. Some minutes later you pass the Johan Pengel international airport (Zanderij). After a little while you get a great view over the Brokopondo reservoir. This reservoir covers an area of 1600 km². Also the nature reserve Brownsberg comes into view. The empty spots in the forest show the gold mining areas. South of the reservoir lie dozens of Saramaccan villages along the Upper Surinam river. You can even see up to where the roads run. From Pokigron and Atjoni the only means of transport are by korjaal and by plane. The airstrips at Laduani, Botopasi and Djumu are easy to recognize. For the last ten minutes of your flight you will see several mountain tops of which the pointed Rooseveltplek (at your left-hand side) stands out the most. To the south, just before landing, you will see the widespread Kasikasima mountain area.

The Lodge

Our semi-detached lodges are built in traditional style with a porch from where you have a wonderful river view. The building materials are all from the region, so you will have a real jungle feeling. Every lodge has a separate bedroom with twin beds, mosquito nets and own bathroom with cold running water. Oil lamps and lamps on solar energy provide for an intimate lighting. The group accommodation is located in a separate building and has five 2 persons bedrooms with shared toilet and bathroom. Here the guests will stay who do the Kasikasima tour. Meals are served in the “restaurant”. You can chill out in the cozy jungle bar/lounge.

The village

The village Palumeu is home to some 200 Indians. Two tribes, the Trios and the Wajanas, live together in harmony although there are differences between the languages. The village is governed by a Captain and several assistants (Basjas). Just as their ancestors the villagers live from what the jungle offers them. By hunting, fishing and working the vegetable gardens (kostgrondjes) they provide for their food that consists of tubers, fruits, fish and game. Vegetables are not on the menu. The staple food is cassava. The forest still provides for building materials and tools. Nowadays the local people buy more and more consumer articles like kitchen utensils, clothing, tools, music, outboard motors and gasoline, in Paramaribo. Tourism is an additional source of income. The villagers are happy with our guests and are closely involved in the tour program. The village has its own school and medical post.

Activities and trips Palumeu

Our Palumeo tour groups are often very diverse. You will stay 3 or 4 nights in Palumeu. The program, depending amongst others of the water level, is very varied. While doing trips by korjaal everyone wears a life vest: safety first! A Korjaal takes you to the beautiful Palawa island where you can swim and have a picnic. The tour to Potihill also starts with a boat trip. After a brisk walk through primary Amazon forest you will climb the top. On the way the guide will give you all kinds of information about the use of plants and with some luck you will see some wildlife in the forest or along the river. A boat trip of 1 hour and 15 minutes takes you to the Mabuka rapids and, if possible, to the Mankodebaku rapids. You certainly will enjoy it! During the trip we will visit the Indian village of Palumeu twice. You will get acquainted with their traditional music and their crafts. Also you have the possibility to practice how to shoot with a crossbow. On your last day you may buy some locally made souvenirs. Weather permitting, you can take a night time boat tip. The guide will give you detailed information about all the activities. It is not obligatory to join the activities. When you prefer to hike on your own or to go bird watching, fishing, kayaking or visiting the “kostgrondjes”, you simply ask the guide for information. When you need an extra guide and/or facilities a fee will be charged.

What to take:  
2 shirts (long sleeves), 2 pair of trousers, T-shirts, shorts, rain coat, cap or sunhat, swimwear, toiletries, suntan lotion, insect repellent, hiking boots (with profile), flip-flops, camera, batteries (not available at the lodge and limited possibility to charge batteries), torch, sun glasses, day pack (for jungle treks), malaria prophylaxis, Surinam currency (small denomination banknotes) for buying local handmade souvenirs and paying your bar bills if applicable.

Your luggage
To Awarradam and Palumeu you are allowed to take 6 kg per person. To Kasikasima it is limited to 8 kg. While travelling it is convenient when you pack your hand luggage in a watertight overnight bag. We advise you to leave your suitcase and valuables, travel documents and money in a locker room at your accommodation in Paramaribo.

Prices (taxes included):
Monday up to Friday US $645, €570
Friday up to Monday US $645, €570

This resort is closed until further notice. Reservation only on request.