Last weekend was a long weekend. I went with my friend to the Upper Suriname river in the district of Sipaliwini. Her doctor advised her to take some rest, so I brought her to a perfect resting place: Isadou, an island surrounded by rapids. Isadou is three hours away from Paramaribo by car or bus and approximately one hour by boat. Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname. At the end of the road is a landing stage where boats from the 65 maroon village at the Upper Suriname river dock to load and unload goods and passengers. Here at Atjoni the administration center of the Upper Suriname river you catch the boat to visit the villages and resorts in the area. Click here to view video.
Isadou is a holiday resort on one of the islands in Upper Suriname river, the living area of maroons from the Saramaca tribe. Trees on and around the island provide large and cool shady places. Rooms with private bath and toilet for one, two or four persons are around a field where you can play football, volley ball or something else. You can also sleep on the field in a sleeping bag or tent. On the island you are completely safe. There are kitchens where you can sit and eat or just talk with each other. If you don’t want to eat at a table you can bring your food and eat on the rocks in the rapids. The rooms are all around the shady field. Lay down in a hammock to rest or to read a book is also possible.
The Isadou Tour is a perfect vacation destination and it is fascinating. The program includes fishing, caiman spotting, swimming in rapids and village and forest walks. Of course you may eat your own fish after fishing. If you are interested the host may also provide a cultural show ranging from traditional song to fire dance. During the cultural show you can learn about the maroon culture. For slide show click here. Now the tour costs only 150 Euro per person for three days. For contact: rvanderkooye@yahoo.com.
Rachael van der Kooye 