|
About the Tour
Flying route - print
The flight to Palumeu takes you from “Zorg en Hoop” airport in Paramaribo over Suriname river basin. If there are no clouds you see the aluminum company at Paranam, to your left. Here, bauxite is processed into aluminum for export. After 10 minutes, you fly over the Johan Adolf Pengel international airport, popularly called ‘Zanderij’. 18 minutes afterwards you see the enormous Brokopondo hydro-lake beneath (1,600 km2) and before that Brownsberg nature park. The ‘gaps’
in the rainforest are the result of gold panning activities. South of the hydro-lake, along the Upper Suriname river, lie several Saramaccan villages. You can clearly see where all roads end. From Pokigron and Atyoni transportation is only possible by dug-out canoe or by airplane. The airstrips at Laduani, Botopasi and Dyumu respectively can easily be spotted from the air. The remaining 10 minutes of the flight you loose sight of the Suriname river but you see a few mountain tops of which the sharp Roosevelt peak (to your left) is the most striking. Just before landing, you can spot the impressive Kasikasima mountain in the south. After well over an hour, you arrive at Palumeu, 270 km south of Paramaribo.
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. The river gets its water from rainfall 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 north-eastwards and flows, together with the Lawa river, after approx. 175 km, into the Marowijne river, the natural border with French Guiana. Another 135 km northwards, the Marowijne river flows out into the Atlantic Ocean, passed the border city Albina. The trip on the river by boat from Paramaribo to Palumeu takes 8 to 12 days due to the many large rapids in the rivers. The trip is shorter if the water level is high and heavier and longer at low water level. METS takes you Palumeu in 65 minutes by airplane. A luxury indeed!The lodge
Our lodges (2 cabins under one roof) are built in traditional style and have balcony with a beautiful view on the river. The building material is taken from the surroundings so that you do not loose the ‘jungle feeling’. Each lodge has separate sleeping facilities with single beds with mosquito nets, private shower and toilet with cold water. For atmospheric lighting, oil lamps are used and solar energy. The group accommodation, offers 5 two-person bedrooms with 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 ‘restaurant’ at the lodge. You can also relax in the jungle bar-lounge.
The village
Palumeu village has approx. 200 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 and 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 things 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 to welcome our guests and are closely involved in the tour program. The village has its own school and poli clinic.
Activities and excursions
The tour groups often consist of people with different interests. Your will 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 vest because we keep safety high in our banner. A boat trip takes you to the beautiful Palawa island where you can swim and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trip to Poti Hill also starts with a boat trip. After a sturdy walk through the pristine Amazon rainforest, the climb to Poti Hill begins. On the way, the guide gives information about the local use of various plants and with a little luck you will even spot some mammals in the forest (or along the river). The Mabuka- and possibly, the Mankodebaku rapids, are reached after 75 minutes. An enjoyable trip. You will visit the Amerindian village Palumeu twice to learn more about their traditional music, arts and crafts and you even get a chance to try your hand at traditional Amerindian ‘bow and arrow’ shooting. On the last day you have the opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs. If the (weather) conditions allow, you will enjoy a boat trip by night. The guide provides more information about the tour program. You can also participate in activities not included in the standard program.
If you prefer a walk individually, go 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 a small compensation.
What to bring along
2 bath towels, 2 shirts (with long sleeves), 2 long trousers, T-shirts, short trousers, socks, a raincoat, cap or sunhat, swimwear, toiletries, suntan lotion, insect repellent, sturdy hiking shoes (grip sole), flip-flops, rolls of film/batteries (not available at the lodge and limited opportunity to charge batteries), flashlight, sunglasses, small back-pack (for the jungle trips), malaria prophylaxis, Surinamese cash (small bank notes) for purchase of local handmade souvenirs and/or your bar consumptions.
Your luggage
6 kg luggage per person is allowed to Awarradam and Palumeu. For Kasikasima, the maximum luggage is 8 kg. During transportation it is most handy to take along a waterproof weekend bag.
You can leave your luggage and other valuables such as jewelry, travel documents and cash not needed during the tour, in Paramaribo.
Taking photos/ filming
Taking photos of or filming persons and their belongings is not always appreciated by everyone. Always ask permission first via your guide.
Friends of Palumeu
You can support the development of the village community via various projects. In the village, for example, there is a need for material and financial support for the school. METS takes care of the contact between you and the coordinating institution. The Tukui Palumeu Foundation sees to the interest of the villagers and functions as intermediary between METS and the local community.
Contact us
Did you book your trip from abroad? Contact METS immediately upon arrival in Paramaribo for the departure time of the flight and other information. Call during office hours (Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 16:00 hrs, tel. 477088). After office hours and in the weekend: mobile tel. 088 28647.
Nature of the tour
This tour is suitable for all those who wish to learn more about the pristine tropical Amazon rainforest, the current lifestyle of the original inhabitants, the Amerindians, and enjoy the beautiful, untouched nature, in a reasonably comfortable manner. Due to the somewhat adventurous nature of the tour we do not recommend participation of children under 8 years. For the walk to Poti Hill
(6 km and a 20 minutes climb), a reasonable condition is required.
Included in the tour - Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Juice or lemonade are served during meals, coffee/tea room
service in the morning. Coffee and tea are also available at the lodge throughout the day.
drinks in the bar and other personal expenses such as purchase of souvenirs. - The trips as included in the standard program.
- A professional Dutch/English speaking guide, often of indigenous descent.
- Overnight stay in the lodges is based on double occupancy.Do you want a single room? This is available, if the tour capacity allows, at payment of a single surcharge. Please indicate this at your booking.
Not included in the tour - Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, these are available at the bar.
- Other personal expenses such as purchase of souvenirs, extra activities, if desired.
- Tour activities not included in the standard tour program.
- Malaria prophylaxis. Consult your physician.
- Transportation from and to Zorg en Hoop airport unless included at your booking.
- Accident- and cancellation insurance.
Other information
- Do you have a special diet or do you want single accommodation? Please indicate this
immediately at your booking. There are limited and often no possibilities at the lodge
to cater to these needs. - A sound system is not allowed unless you make use of an earphone.
- You are not allowed to take plants and/or animals from the area.
- Put your photo/film camera and other valuables safely away in a waterproof bag/sack
during the boat trips. They can get wet, even if it is not raining, by the splashing water.
Rates (including sales tax) | Palumeu Tour
| Monday till
Friday | € 535,- p.p. |
| Friday till
Monday | € 535,- p.p. |
|
Combi Tours | Destination | Days | Nights | min/max number of persons | Rates | Palumeu & Awarradam | 8 | 7 | 1-20 | € 1070.00 | Kasikasima 5 days & Awarradam | 8 | 7 | 4-12 | € 1237.00 | Kasikasima 8 days & Awarradam | 11 | 10 | 4-12 | € 1264.00 |
|
