Kasikasima Mountains

Tour description

Unfortunately, the operator of this tour has not yet recovered from the COVID pandemic, and so far we have heard nothing about a restart. We remain hopeful, because it's a great tour, but for now it cannot be booked.

In the deep south of Suriname, close to the border with Brazil, in almost untouched rainforest, lies the challenge of this tour: the mysterious 718-metre Kasikasima Mountains, with no fewer than 12 peaks!
The Kasikasima jungle tour is a unique trip where you get to know the unspoilt rainforest, brave several impressive rapids and sleep in simple hammock camps, with the goal of climbing one of the peaks of this granite range.
If you're an adventurous nature lover who doesn't shy away from a challenge, this tour is exactly right for you!

Highlights

• Climbing the Kasikasima Mountains
• Adventurous overnight stays
• Exhilarating trips by korjaal and on foot through the jungle
• Getting to know indigenous culture

Good to know
The tours to the Kasikasima Mountains are fairly intensive, so you need to be in good health and good shape to take part.
For the same reason, the tour is not recommended for children under 8.

Kasikasima
8 days / 7 nights or 5 days / 4 nights
(Monday – Friday or Friday – Friday)

Day 1
Departure from the local Zorg en Hoop airport to the airstrip at the indigenous village of Palumeu, about 75 minutes' flight south of Paramaribo.
The resort is a stone's throw from the village of Palumeu, where Trio and Wayana people live.
The jungle lodges are built in traditional style, with atmospheric lighting powered by solar energy.
Meals are cooked over a wood fire using mainly Surinamese ingredients,
and the staff are well-trained Trio and Wayana people with a wealth of knowledge.

After checking in to your lodge we head to beautiful Palawa Island for a picnic lunch,
where you can also enjoy a swim in the cool river water.
In the late afternoon we visit the indigenous village of Palumeu and meet the very oldest inhabitants of the Amazon forest, who have preserved centuries-old traditions in their way of life and crafts.
In the evening the guide prepares you for the expedition, with tips on safety, comfort and the respectful (responsible) use of this piece of unspoilt jungle.

Day 2
The group spirit forms straight away as we load the korjaal together.
Nothing can be forgotten: everyone has to make do with what we take along.
For a few days you live in the simplicity of the jungle, without phone or radio contact with the rest of the world, like a true explorer. The korjaal takes us along the Tapanahony and Palumeu rivers to Kamakabari camp.
Depending on the water level, this boat trip takes 3 to 7 hours.
At the camp the travelling cook prepares a tasty lunch,
while we set up the hammock camp together under the guide's supervision.

The guide explains how to sleep comfortably in a hammock and how the toilet facilities work in the jungle.
In the late afternoon, while the cook is busy with dinner, you have time to swim, let the water in the rapids massage your back (if the water level allows), or fish.

Day 3
After the first night in the jungle and breakfast, we break camp.
Everything goes into the boat on the way to the next destination, the Kasikasima base camp at the Sawaniboto waterfall.
The boatmen have to steer their korjaal through several rapids.
At low water they will ask for your help to pull the korjaal over the shallows.
One stretch of rapids cannot be navigated: the Trombakasula. Here the boat is unloaded
and everything has to be carried over a hill on foot. Many hands make light work!
Upstream, the korjaal is waiting to take you on to the base camp,
where we arrive late in the afternoon.
Once the hammocks are hung again, we can relax.
After dinner the guide tells you more about the highlight of this expedition: the climb to one of the peaks of the Kasikasima Mountains.

Day 4
After a solid jungle trek over several small hills we reach the foot of the Kasikasima Mountains.

Along the way the guide points out sounds and tracks and tells you about the mythical power the indigenous people attribute to these mountains.
With a bit of luck we'll see the cock-of-the-rock, a rare orange bird, at the foot of the mountain (during the breeding season).
The trek takes about 7 hours there and back,
one of which we spend at the top, with a magnificent view over the Amazon forest from the plateau.
In clear weather you can see the border with Brazil.
We have lunch on the plateau, surrounded by tropical rock plants.
The descent is at least as adventurous.
Back at base camp it's time for a well-earned, relaxing massage in the cool water of the rapids, while the cook prepares a good meal.
Later (around a campfire, weather permitting) there's plenty to talk about.

Day 5
Early in the morning we set off on a good forest walk to the Kodebaku Falls.
Along the way the guide shares all kinds of facts about the flora and fauna you see.
At the Kodebaku Falls you can enjoy the spectacle of the water.
We also visit the small indigenous camp further on, if the two families who live there are at home.
Back at base camp lunch is ready, after which you have free time.
Perhaps you'd like to go fishing with the boatmen, or simply enjoy this piece of unspoilt Amazon rainforest in silence.
After dinner we take a trip on the river to enjoy the night-time sounds of the jungle.

Day 6
In the early morning, at dawn, we drift a stretch down the river by boat and experience the jungle waking up in complete silence.
After breakfast you can spend the day as you wish.
If others are keen, you can take another forest walk. Or simply do nothing, swim a little, practise archery, paddle or fish.

Day 7
After breaking camp we begin the journey back to Palumeu,
downstream, so faster than on the way out.
Again we have a chance to see animals, such as howler monkeys in the treetops, caimans on a little beach by the river, and perhaps even a giant otter.
Lunch is served along the way.
When you arrive back at the Palumeu resort in the late afternoon, satisfied, you'll appreciate a cold drink like never before.
After dinner we say goodbye to the cook and the boatmen.

Day 8
In the morning the guide gives you a tour of the village, where you can buy traditional handmade souvenirs along the way.
After lunch we fly back to Paramaribo.

The itinerary depends on the weather; it and the times may be adjusted.
Parts of the programme are flexible.

A special menu is available for vegetarians, provided this is explicitly requested in advance.

On request from 4 people.

You can find the scheduled departure dates in the tour overview.