Palumeu
Palumeu Jungle Lodge, a Resort near the Wayana and Trio Amer indian village, on the upper-Tapanahony river in prestine Suriname jungle.
Price p.p
€ 665,-
Location
Palumeu lies at the beginning of the Tapanahony River, at the confluence of the Palumeu- and Upper Tapanahony River, approx. 170 m above sea level and in the rainy season, the water level can be as much as 6 meters higher than in the dry season. The Tapanahony river flows northeastwards and merges with the Lawa river, after approx. 175 km, flows into the Marowijne river, the natural border with French Guiana. Another 135 km northwards, the Marowijne River flows out into the Atlantic Ocean, past the border village Albina. The trip by boat from Paramaribo to Palumeu takes 8 to 12 days due to the many large rapids in the rivers. The trip takes less time if the water level is high and is very intensive and is longer at low water level. The flight to Palumeu takes about 65 minutes by airplane. A luxury indeed!
Flying route
The flight to Palumeu takes you from Zorg en Hoop airport in Paramaribo over the Suriname River basin. After five minutes, if there are no clouds, you can see the aluminum company at Paranam in the distance to your left. Here, alumina is being extracted from bauxite for export. After that, you fly over the Johan Adolf Pengel international airport, popularly called ‘Zanderij’. Next, you will soon see the enormous Brokopondo hydro-lake beneath (approx. 1,600 km2), as well as Brownsberg Nature Park. The ‘gaps’ in the rainforest are the result of gold panning activities. South of the hydrolake, along the Upper Suriname River, lie several Saramaccan villages. The road endings are clearly visible from above. From Pokigron and Atyoni, transportation is only possible by dug-out canoe or by airplane. The airstrips at Laduani, Botopasi and Dyumu respectively, are easily spotted from the air. The last 10 minutes of the flight, the Suriname River gets out of view but you can still see a few mountain tops of which the pointed Roosevelt peak (on your left side) is most remarkable. Just before landing, you can see the extensive Mount Kasikasima, in the south. After just over an hour, you arrive at Palumeu, 270 km south of Paramaribo.
The Villages
Palumeu village has approx. 300 inhabitants, the Amerindians. Two tribes, the Trio and Wajana, live peacefully together in this village despite their difference in language. The village is governed by a Captain and a few assistants (basja’s). Just like their ancestors, the villagers’ means of sustaining life is based on what the jungle has to offer. Their food is obtained from hunting, fishing and agriculture (agricultural plots) and consists of root vegetables, fruit, fish and animals. Greens are not on the Amerindian menu while manioc is their main food. Many building materials and utensils are still obtained from the forest. In addition, the local people nowadays also buy many items in Paramaribo such as kitchenware, clothing, tools, music, outboard engines, fuel etc. Tourism provides them with an extra source of income. The villagers are happy with our guests and are closely involved in the tour program. The village has its own school and medical centre.
The lodge
Our lodges (2 cabins under one roof) are built in traditional style and have a balcony with a beautiful view of the river. The building material is mostly taken from the surroundings so that you can experience the ‘jungle feeling’. Each lodge has separate sleeping facilities with two beds with mosquito nets, private shower and toilet with cold water. For atmospheric lighting we use solar energy. The group accommodation offers 5 double bedrooms and shared shower- and toilet facilities. This lodge is used by the participants of the Kasikasima tour for their overnight stay at Palumeu. The meals are served in the dining room at the lodge. You can also relax in the jungle bar-lounge.
Activities and excursions
The tour groups often consist of people with different interests. You stay 3 or 4 nights in Palumeu and the program which may change depending on the water level is kept as varied as possible. During the trips by dug-out canoe we offer you a life-jacket because your safety is our priority. A boat trip takes you to the beautiful Palawa Island where you can swim and enjoy a picnic lunch. The walk to Potihill also starts with a boat trip. After a sturdy walk through the pristine Amazon rainforest, the climb to Potihill begins. On the way, the guide gives information about the local use of various plants and with some luck you may spot some mammals in the forest or along the river. The Mabuka- and possibly, the Kodebaku rapids, are reached after 75 minutes. A truly enjoyable trip. You will visit the Amerindian village Palumeu twice, learn more about their traditional music, arts and crafts. Also you can try your hand at traditional Amerindian ‘bow and arrow’ shooting. On the second visit you can buy handmade souvenirs. If the weather is fine, you will enjoy a boat trip by night. The guide provides more information about the tour program. You can also undertake activities not included in the standard program. If you prefer an individual walk, bird watching, fishing, peddle in a dug-out canoe or visit an agricultural plot with the villagers, the guide can arrange this. If an extra guide and/or special provisions are needed, you will be asked to pay for any additional costs locally.
Tour Schema
1Day 1
You fly from local airport Zorg en Hoop to the airstrip near the Amerindian village Palumeu, approximately 75 minutes by small airplane, south from Paramaribo. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the local employees. Jungle lodge Palumeu has the same name as the adjacent village of the Trio and Wajana Amerindians.
After settling into your cabin, you will be taken to the beautiful Palawa Island for a picnic lunch. Afterwards, you can enjoy swimming in the refreshing river water. In the afternoon, we visit the Amerindian village Palumeu with the guide. We meet a few families in the village and learn more about the current lifestyle and handicrafts of the ancient old inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest. The locals are proud of the traditional and sustainable aspects of the lodge.
All local employees are skilled Trio and Wajana Amerindians. Your jungle cabin is built in traditional style and the cool evenings make air-conditioning or a fan unnecessary but you do enjoy the comfort of a mosquito net. The meals are prepared on wood fire with primarily Surinamese ingredients. For atmospheric lighting at night, solar energy is used. After diner, the guide gives you more information about the oldest inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest, the Amerindians.
All local employees are skilled Trio and Wajana Amerindians. Your jungle cabin is built in traditional style and the cool evenings make air-conditioning or a fan unnecessary but you do enjoy the comfort of a mosquito net. The meals are prepared on wood fire with primarily Surinamese ingredients. For atmospheric lighting at night, solar energy is used. After diner, the guide gives you more information about the oldest inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest, the Amerindians.
2Day 2
The call of the howler monkeys was most likely your natural morning alarm. Today you learn more about the tropical rainforest. Before sunrise, we go downstream by boat on the river with the outboard engine turned off so you can enjoy the awakening of nature in all peace and quiet while we search for a nice spot to have breakfast.
We continue our trip to the starting point of the forest trail to Potihill, a granite hill which you will climb at the end of the forest walk. During the trip on the Tapanahony River in the dug-out canoe and the walk in the forest, you will surely see various types of birds such as macaws flying over or parrots and toucans and maybe even apes or an otter. At the top of Poti hill, you are rewarded with a magnificent view over the jungle. Lunch is served at Palumeu.
In the afternoon, an experienced bow and arrow shooter will show you the tricks of the trade. It looks easy but hitting the target appears to be a real skill. Try it out and see if you are a natural talent. Late afternoon, at sunset, we walk up a forest trail, close to the lodge, to spot birds and caimans. After dinner, the guide gives you more information about the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest.
3Day 3
In the early morning, at dawn, we float downstream a bit on the river in the dug-out canoe to enjoy the awakening of the jungle in all peacefulness. After breakfast, we take you to the Mabuka rapids by dug-out canoe for a day of true relaxation. You have the opportunity to swim in the river, enjoy a natural massage in the waterfall and relax in a hammock. For active participants there is a walk through the jungle with information about trees, plants and animals on the way. The surroundings make the barbecue lunch an unforgettable experience. Late afternoon, at sunset, we return by dug-out canoe to the jungle lodge. After dinner, our guide takes you along a night trip on the river to enjoy the jungle sounds at night.
4Day 4
At dawn, we float downstream with the boat on a part of the river while you can enjoy the early morning jungle sounds.
After breakfast, we go for an extensive walk in the village. Along the way, you have the opportunity to purchase traditional handicraft. After lunch, you depart for the return trip to Paramaribo.
For travelers who choose the 5 day / 4 night programme (Monday - Friday):
For travelers who choose the 5 day / 4 night programme (Monday - Friday):
5Day 5
At dawn, we float downstream with the boat on a part of the river while you can enjoy the early morning jungle sounds.
After breakfast, we go for an extensive walk in the village. Along the way, you have the opportunity to purchase traditional handicraft. After lunch, you depart for the return trip to Paramaribo.