The Central Suriname Nature Reserve covers about 1.6 million hectares of untouched rainforest in the west of the interior. It was formed in 1998 from three older reserves and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. It protects granite domes such as the Voltzberg, the Tafelberg table mountain and Julianatop, the highest point in Suriname.
Almost all of it is roadless wilderness. Most travellers visit Raleighvallen, on the Coppename River, for rapids, the Voltzberg climb, monkeys and the Guianan cock-of-the-rock. Tafelberg can only be reached on rare expeditions.
Larger than some entire countries
Good to know
- Distance from Paramaribo
- Raleighvallen, the main visitor area, is about 5.5 hours by road from Paramaribo to Witagron, followed by 2 to 4 hours by boat on the Coppename River
- Getting there
- Visits are by organised tour, by road and dugout boat or by charter flight to the Raleighvallen airstrip. Tafelberg is reached only on special expeditions by helicopter or small plane
- Time needed
- At least 4 days for Raleighvallen and the Voltzberg; Tafelberg expeditions take longer
- Entry and permits
- Reserve fees are normally included in tour prices; check with the operator
- Tips
- Lodging at Raleighvallen on Fungu Island is basic, with hammocks or simple bunk beds
Tours that go here
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.
Location
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