Local history and culture Suriname

This village, located right next to the lodge, was created in the late 1950s with the construction of the airstrip known as Vincent Fayks Airport. This provided plenty of work for the area's native and black-brown peoples. These two peoples joined forces to build the runway, and congregated on the site, which eventually became a village. In October 1959, Vincent Faijks and his co-pilot Ronald Ellwin Kappel, who were resupplying the airstrip workers, crashed and became local heroes. In their honor, the runway is named after the first pilot to die in the line of duty.

Between 250 and 300 natives live in this small village, from three different communities: the Trio, the Akurio and the Wayana, who live together peacefully despite their language differences. The village has a chief and assistants(basja). Like their ancestors, the inhabitants depend on the forest for survival. Food is obtained through fishing, hunting and agriculture (tubers, fruit...) Vegetables are not really part of their diet, cassava being their main staple. Many tools and materials still come from the forest (bows, handicrafts, etc.), even if some things are bought in town, such as clothes, cooking equipment, gasoline, etc. Thanks to the tourist activity, several infrastructures have even been created for the villagers (infirmary, housing for teachers, solar panels...).

The Jewish settlement chose the Jodensavanne site for its 4 natural springs, one of which is considered to be medicinal: its curative virtues were already described by the first settlers as well as the natives living in the vicinity. For centuries, the spring is said to have provided a small but constant supply of healing water. This hilltop water has even been tested and found to combat constipation. Today, people still go there just to pick up a bottle of this miraculous water.

Frederiksdorp is a former coffee plantation dating back to 1700, where police stations were set up at the abolition of slavery to punish crimes and misdemeanors committed by both workers and employers. Today, the military posts built in 1863 have been restored and converted into small residences for up to 4 people. The resort also boasts a swimming pool and a beautiful garden, with many birds and orchids. Finally, the bar-restaurant is atypical: it's a former prison!

The town of Marienburg boasts a special tourist attraction: the Katwijk plantation, which has been open to the public since 2013. This coffee and citrus plantation is the only one still in operation in Suriname. Founded around 1746 during Suriname's colonial era, its main purpose was to produce coffee. Located on the Commewijne River between the Welgelegen and Wederzorg plantations, it is managed by NV Katwijk (1954), which produces its own coffee under its own brand: KW. Production amounts to around 10 to 15 tonnes a year: the coffee is sold only in Paramaribo, not for export - a rare find for coffee lovers! The owner is Hindustani and knows the plantation like the back of his hand, having worked there all his life. He'll be delighted to explain all the details of the plantation to you on a guided tour lasting around 2 hours.

At Katwijk Plantation, you'll find plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Many other activities are offered around the coffee plantation. Of course, there's also the possibility of spending a quiet night here. This vacation home on the banks of the Commewijne River is the perfect place for your family, children, friends or simply anyone in need of relaxation and rest. Coffee from the plantation is also on sale at the ReadyTex boutique in Paramaribo.

Parabello is the ideal place for a swim and for buying local handicrafts: the native pottery is well worth a visit. There's also a carbet by the river, for protection from the rain or a quiet picnic. It's also possible to go ziplining in the forest, by booking through an agency for example. Not far from Parabello, you can also take a guided tour of the Paraflor exotic garden. This botanical garden and nursery is famous for its rare and beautiful tropical flowers.