South America’s Best Kept Secret: Why A Visit To Suriname Needs To Be On Your Travel Radar
With over 97 per cent of its land covered in lush green forest, Suriname is the greenest country in the world – and you may just be hearing about it for the first time
It’s time to share a little secret – tucked away on the northeastern coast of South America lies the ‘Greenest Country on Earth’, Suriname. With nearly 97 per cent of its landscape cloaked in lush, dense forest, this tropical paradise offers a wealth of natural wonders and cultural gems to explore. The tiny gem of a nation boasts a vibrant mosaic of cultures, with influences ranging from Indigenous communities to African, Indian, Indonesian, and Dutch heritage showcasing a unique, nuanced identity.
Having been one of the lucky few to have grown up in Suriname – it has a population of just 620,000 in total – I can confidently confirm that visiting feels like you are strolling amid unspoilt nature. It’s the kind of place that evokes a deep sense of belonging; when the plane touches down every December, which is when most expats generally head home, we all clap in unison, happy to be back. From the moment the airplane doors open, you breathe in the fresh air, feel the 30-degree warmth, and are surrounded by the musky scent of a tropical rainforest. It feels different. Here, nature is undisturbed, untouched, and truly magical in its purest form. Sounds like paradise? Well, most would argue that it truly is.
Green Scene
City slickers wanting to stay in the heart of Paramaribo – which doubles as the nation’s primary port, and largest city – should make the Houttuyn Wellness River Resort their base. Once a sugar plantation in the 1600s, it’s now been transformed into an upscale property, with an emphasis on wellness. It may be just a few minutes from the city centre, but it is enveloped in greenery; you’ll find an array of accommodation options, from cosy cabanas to rustic bamboo tents, seamlessly blending luxury and comfort with the surrounding environment.
Jungle Encounters
Ornithophiles should make their second stop at the award-winning Kabalebo Nature Resort. Located deep within the Amazon rainforest, you jet in on a small propeller aircraft. Overseen by descendants of the original Amerindian and African Maroon communities that inhabited this land, sustainability is at the heart of this experience. While hiking past waterfalls, you may even spot a jaguar in its own habitat if you’re lucky. And don’t miss a kayaking excursion on the rapids. A top tip? Book one of the six Inspiration Point rooms – the views over Misty Mountain are guaranteed to be soul-soothing.
Waterworld
A highlight of any visit to Suriname is a visit to your own private escape, Matu Island, located in the middle of Stuwmeer. The history behind this area is fascinating – 50 years ago, the island didn’t exist at all; back then, it was a tall standing van Blommestein mountain. When the large Afobakka dam was built, the area was entirely flooded, and Matu Island now remains as the highest point of what was once a thriving forest, offering a unique and special window into the not-so-distant past.
The journey there is nothing short of breath-taking, a roughly 2-hour drive from Paramaribo followed by a scenic hour-long boat ride. En route, you see the tops of submerged tree trunks that were once part of the landscape, now hidden in the depths of the water. Navigating requires a skilled boat driver who knows the way almost instinctively. Once you’re there, swim in the pristine waters, relax and perhaps even try your hand at catching a piranha or two.
Off Beaten Track
There are a host of activities you can embark on in Suriname, but there are some bucket-list highlights that shouldn’t be missed. Visit one of the most breath-taking waterfalls in the world, the Blanche Marie; it stretches over 120 metres, and from there you can amble towards the aptly named Eldorado and Eden Falls. Let Orange Travel Suriname, known for their expertise in this field, organise your whole itinerary and you’re guaranteed an adventure of a lifetime.
A tour to Fredberg – a 380-metre mountain – is a very special outing too. Time it carefully, and once you get to the summit, you’ll witness awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets. As night falls, enjoy the brilliance of the moon and stars in the clear sky.
Another favourite Suriname spot is Brownsberg Nature Park, a sanctuary of rich flora and fauna. With over 200 species out of the country’s total of 650 in one small vicinity, it’s a haven for birdwatchers. And, your trip will only be complete if you’ve taken a dip in Palula’s cola-coloured creek. This sanctuary, set in a 24-hectare savannah forest, is much-loved as a verdant place to soak and refresh, in the wild. Make a night of it and sleep in the atmospheric cabins on-site, or head back to the capital as night falls – you’ll find yourself rejuvenated either way.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2023 Issue.