Maroons are descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped the plantations and built free communities in the forest. Today groups such as the Saamaka, Matawai, Ndyuka and Aluku keep their own languages, religion, woodcarving and textile traditions.
The closest villages are Santigron, about 30 km from Paramaribo, and Drepada, both reachable on a day trip. For a deeper visit, travel up the Suriname River from Atjoni to the Saamaka villages and riverside lodges of Upper Suriname.
Good to know
- Getting there
- Santigron and Drepada are about 2 hours or less by road from Paramaribo. For Upper Suriname, drive about 4 hours to Atjoni, then continue by motorised dugout canoe.
- Time needed
- A day trip to Santigron or Drepada, or 2 to 4 days staying at a lodge on the Upper Suriname or Saramacca River.
- Entry and permits
- Day trips cost about 85 to 100 euro per person. Multi-day lodge trips on the Upper Suriname usually cost a few hundred euro including transport and meals. Check with the operator.
- Tips
- Ask before taking photos, follow your guide on village customs and do not enter shrines or sacred places. Bring cash in SRD for crafts.
- Best time to go
- Possible all year. River trips are easiest when water levels are moderate; swimming in the sulas depends on the water level.
Operators that offer this
Tour operators listed on Explore Suriname, with a direct link to their own tour page.
Prices and dates change. Check with the operator before you book.
Where to stay nearby
Sipaliwini
Sipaliwini
Sipaliwini
Sipaliwini
Sipaliwini
Sipaliwini
Sipaliwini
Location
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