Our trip begins and ends in Paramaribo, the capitol of Suriname, known for its magnificent architecture. We travel to Brownsberg Nature Park, characterized by a flat-topped mountain with heavily forested, steep slopes. At an elevation of 500 meters, the climate is comfortable and the park's extensive trail system offers an excellent introduction to the flora and fauna of Suriname. We continue overland to the Zanderij savanna and visit the Arowak Indian settlement. Upon arriving at the beautiful Coppename River we travel by boat to Raleigh Falls Nature Reserve, visually dominated by gigantic granitic domes that protrude beyond the canopy jungle.
Accommodations are in double occupancy rooms with shared facilities.
Traveling to the coast, we visit the Oceanic Society's research facilities at the Galibi Sea Turtle Nature Reserve. Working in cooperation with the Surinam Nature Foundation, Oceanic Society researchers are monitoring sea turtle reproductive success. We can expect to see nesting leatherback and green sea turtles, and learn about sea turtle biology first hand. Leatherback sea turtles reach six feet in length and weigh 1,000 pounds, and seeing these ancient ocean dwellers offers a view into our prehistoric past. We stay in a newly built small lodge situated adjacent to the beach.