Suriname - The Kasikasima 8 day Expedition Tour

Day 1
Flight from Paramaribo to Palumeu, approx. 75 minutes south from Paramaribo. Our staff welcomes you at our jungle lodge, close to the village of Palumeu of the Trio and Wajana Amerindians. After check-in, you depart to Palawa Island for a picnic lunch. Here you can enjoy swimming in the refreshing river water. In the afternoon visit the Amerindian village Palumeu. The most ancient inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest managed to maintain their ancient-old traditions in their lifestyle and handicrafts. Our staff consists of skilled Trio and Wajana Amerindians.
Solar energy is used for lighting at night and the meals are prepared on a wood fire with primarily Surinamese ingredients. The cool nights mean fans are not required but the mosquito net is essential. At night, the guide prepares you for the expedition. You will receive tips on safety, comfort and the respectful use of this untouched part of the jungle.

Day 2
Everyone will lend a helping hand with loading of provisions in the dug-out canoe. Everyone will have to make do with what is taken along, so nothing can be left behind. You will live a few days without the luxury you are accustomed to, without telephone or radio contact with the rest of the world. Experience life as a true explorer and the dug-out canoe on the Tapanahony and Palumeu River takes you to camp Kamakabari. The boat trip takes 3 to 7 hours depending on the water level. Upon arrival in the camp, our accompanying cook prepares a delicious lunch. In meantime everyone joins in to set up the hammock camp. The guide explains how to tie the hammocks and mosquito nets and the best way to sleep comfortably in the hammocks, as well as details on the sanitary facilities in the jungle. Late afternoon whilst the cook is busy preparing dinner, you have leisure time to swim or go fishing.

Day 3
After the first night in the jungle and breakfast next day, we break down the camp together. Everything is loaded back into the boat for the trip to the next destination, base camp Kasikasima at the Sawaniboto waterfall. The boatmen must pull the dug-out canoe through various rapids. At low tide, you will be asked to lend a hand at pulling the dug-out canoe over the shallow end of the water. One rapid is impossible to cross: the Trombakasula, so we unload the boat at this point. All provisions must be carried on foot over a hill. The action here of walking to and from the boat is good preparation for the hike to Kasikasima. Upstream, the dug-out canoe and boatmen are ready to take us to the base camp. Your arrival at the camp is late in the afternoon. After tying up the hammocks, you have leisure time to relax. After dinner, the guide tells you more about the highlights of this expedition: the climb to one of the peaks of Mount Kasikasima.

Day 4
After a sturdy jungle hike over various small hills, you reach the foot of Mount Kasikasima. On the way, your guide will point out animal sounds and tracks and tell you about the mythical powers attributed to this mountain by the indigenous people. With a bit of luck you will see cock-of-the-rock, a rare bright orange colored bird, at the foot of the mountain. The trip to and from takes approximately 7 hours. One hour is spent at the top where you will enjoy a magnificent view over the Amazon rainforest from the plateau. In clear weather, you can see as far as the border with Brazil. On the plateau you will enjoy lunch amidst the tropical rock plants. Upon arrival back at the base camp it is time for a well-deserved massage in the refreshing waters of the rapids. In the meantime the cook prepares a good dinner. Later there is plenty to talk about around the campfire.

Day 5
Early in the morning, you depart for a sturdy jungle walk to Kodebaku Falls. During the jungle walk, the guide gives you information about various interesting aspects about the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. Enjoy the Kodebaku waterfalls and also visit a small Indian camp belonging to two families. Back in the base camp, lunch is ready. After lunch you can enjoy some leisure time. You can go fishing with the boatmen or just relax peacefully in this pristine part of the Amazon rainforest. After dinner you make a boat trip on the river to enjoy the jungle sounds at night.

Day 6
In the early morning, at dawn, we float downstream a while on the river in the dug-out canoe, to enjoy the awakening of the jungle in all peace and quiet. The remainder of the day is kept free for leisure activities. Perhaps enjoy a forest walk. Or you can just relax, swim, practice bow and arrow shooting or go fishing.

Day 7
After breaking up camp, we begin the return trip to Palumeu. Going downstream is a lot faster than moving upstream on the way there. You once again have a chance to see animals such as howler monkeys in the tree tops, caiman lying on the river banks and maybe even a giant otter. Lunch is served along the way. Upon arrival in the afternoon, after enjoying a satisfying trip, you will truly appreciate the welcoming refreshing drink being served. After dinner, you say goodbye to the cook and boatmen.

Day 8
In the morning, the guide gives you a tour through the village. Along the way, you can purchase traditional handicraft souvenirs from the villagers themselves. After lunch, departure for the return flight to Paramaribo.

• Flight Paramaribo - Palumeu - Paramaribo
• Overnight stay in the lodges
• Meals and juice (served during meals)
• Trips as included in the program
• Professionally trained English speaking tour guide

• Services in Paramaribo pre and post trek
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks which are available at the bar
• Purchase of souvenirs and extra activities
• Tour activities not included in the standard tour program
• Accident- and cancellation insurance