Kasikasima Expedition

8 days / 7 nights
€ 719, - per person

General information

The impressive Kasikasima mountains lay 65 kilometers from Palumeu. You fly from airport Zorg en Hoop in Paramaribo to Palumeu. Palumeu is at the beginning of the Tapanahony River, where the Palumeu and Upper Tapanahony River come together, at about 270 kilometers from Paramaribo. At this place, you find six huts built according to the traditional style. Each hut has two separate rooms and each room has two single beds with mosquito nets.

The huts are lit by a kerosene lamp and have their own shower and toilets. From the balcony, you have a magnificent view over the river. Besides the huts, there is a common room, where the meals are served. In the same room there is a bar where you can buy alcoholic- and soft drinks, as well as a recreation area.

During the eight day Kasikasima Tour you will spend three nights in huts at the Palumeu resort. The other four nights are spent in very primitive camps in the jungle

The environment

Palumeu is nestled in the unspoilt rain forest in one of the southernmost accessible places of Suriname. In the village Palumeu live about 200 Indians. There are two different tribes, the Trio's and Wajana's. Despite differences in language, the tribes live peacefully together. There is a school and a clinic in the village. The head of the community is the captain. Together with a few assistants (basjas) he runs the village.

The village inhabitants get their food through hunting, fishing and farming (kostgrondjes = small plots of land used to grow food). They eat turnip, fruit, fish and game, but no vegetables. Cassava is the main type of food of the Indians and is prepared in many different ways. Many building material and consumer products come from the forest. The Indians are also known for their beautiful wickerwork. Still, the Indian purchase a lot of products in Paramaribo, such as kitchen utensils, clothes, tools, toiletries, music, outboard motors and petrol.

To a great extend the village depend on tourism. Therefore many people of the village work at the resort. And during a visit to the village you will be guided by the local residents.

Day 1

Departure from the airport Zorg en Hoop to the airstrip at the Indian village Palumeu, located at about 75 minutes flying, south of Paramaribo. On arrival you will be welcomed by the staff of the holiday resort Palumeu. In the afternoon there is a trip to the beautiful Palawa island for a picnic lunch. Here it is lovely to swim in the cool water of the river. In the afternoon there is a visit to the Indian village Palumeu where you bring a courtesy visit to the village chief or his deputy. Here, everyone is introduced and you will be invited to share a toast with a sip of "casiri" or "peprewatra" to seal the newly closed friendship. The meals are prepared the local way with primarily local ingredients. After dinner the guide will tell more about the Indian culture.

Also on this first evening the guide will prepare you on the upcoming expedition, with tips for your safety and comfort.

Day 2

The expedition - and team spirit is strengthened already at departure where everyone helps loading the korjaal with all the equipment needed for the trip. The trip across the Tapahony River and Palumeu River, to the first overnight stay at the camp Kamakabari lasts, depending on the water level, 3 to 7 hours.

Once arrived at the camp, the accompanying cook prepares a delicious and nutritious meal while the guide explains how to hang the hammocks and mosquito nets in the hammock camp. For those who have never slept in a hammock before, he has a few good tips. The rest of the late afternoon there is time to bathe, fish and enjoy the beautiful nature during sunset.

Day 3

After a thrilling night in the middle of the jungle and breakfast it's time to break up the camp and load the boat for the next stretch: the Kasikasima base camp, located at the foot of the Sawaniboto waterfall. The tour continues by korjaal through the Trombakasula, a rapid which consists of several parts.

On route you will be asked to help the boatmen regularly to pull the korjaal through the rapids. At the Trombakasula the entire boat needs to be unloaded and everything needs to be carried over the hill to the top of this sula. After this strenuous day it is time to rest in the hammocks. After dinner the guide prepares you on the trip and the climb to one of the peaks of the Kasikasima Mountains, which takes place the next day.

Day 4

A good hike through the beautiful rainforest ultimately leads to the foot of the Kasikasima Mountains. Along the way the guide explains about the flora and fauna, he teaches to recognize sounds and footsteps, and tells about the environment.

At the foot of the mountain, before the climb starts, there is a chance to see a Guianan cock-of-the-rock. These rare orange birds live in the vicinity of the granite rocks. At the top you will be awarded with a breathtaking and broad view on the "roof" of the jungle. On top of the mountain we will have our lunch we brought along. In total the tour will take about seven hours. Late in the afternoon after returning to the base camp, you can bathe in the river in cool water that comes directly from a waterfall. Meanwhile the cook assures a nice dinner is ready.

At night at the campfire it is time to share stories.

Day 5

Departure in the morning for a good jungle walk to the Kriki-Kodebaku waterfalls. During this tour you will be informed about the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. On return to the base camp we will have our lunch. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you like. You might want to accompany the boatmen when they go fishing or paddle or simply relax in a hammock and enjoy the serenity of the Amazon rainforest.

In the evening, the guide will take you along for a trip on the river and who knows you spot red caiman eyes in the light of the torch.

Day 6

Early in the morning we break up the camp and sail back to Palumeu. This time we sail downstream the river, which means travelling through the different sulas is much easier and there is now more time to pay attention to spot animals; you might see a howler monkey in the top of the trees or caimans in little bays along the river, or even spot a giant otter in this area.

Lunch will be served at the Kamakabari camp and in the afternoon you will arrive at Palumeu, where you can enjoy a cold Parbo beer in the bar.

Day 7

This is a good day to recover, relax or go bow and arrow shooting, swimming, paddling, fishing, or play volleyball or soccer. After dinner, the guide will take the group apart for a farewell to the cook and boatmen.

Day 8

After breakfast you will go to the village where there is a traditional farewell ceremony and you have the opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs, offered by the Indians. Depending on your return flight, you have lunch at the resort before leaving to Paramaribo.

Additional information:

Departure: Monday or Friday
Number of Persons: at least 4 - up to 12 persons
Transport: by plane from airport Zorg en Hoop in Paramaribo, the trips through the interior are by korjaal with outboard motor
Meals: full board, incl. coffee and tea
Accommodation: 3 nights in simple huts with beds and mosquito nets and private sanitary facilities at Palumeu. 4 nights in a very primitive base camp in open huts in hammocks
Staff: Dutch-speaking guide
Physical fitness: (very) good
What to bring? you receive a detailed packing list at your booking.

For questions, comments and more information please email us through the contact form here

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