Region: South America
Location: Island in the Upper Suriname River, near Dan village, Sipaliwini District, Suriname (approx. 200 km south of Paramaribo)
Type: Jungle Lodge
Established: Around 2012 (approximately 13 years of operation as of 2026)
Accommodation inventory: Standard cabins (2–3 persons), Comfort cabins (10 two-person cabins), Deluxe cabins (3 luxury cabins), Family/Multi cabin (up to 6 persons). All with private bathroom and toilet.
Connectivity: Internet and mobile coverage are limited or unavailable. This is a deliberate off-grid destination.
Access: Road & Boat, or Plane & Boat (bus/car 3 hours from Paramaribo over the Afobaka and Bronsweg roads to Atjoni, then 2.5–3 hour motorized canoe; or fly to Botopasi airstrip then 10 minutes by boat)
Best season: Year-round. Dry season (roughly Sep–Nov) for easier travel and lower water; rainy season for lush scenery and higher water levels.
Languages: English, Dutch, Saramaccan (Maroon language). Staff primarily speak Saramaccan with some Dutch; communication is largely non-verbal and warm.
Dining: Meals included in packages. Local and international cuisine. Guests consistently praise the food as delicious and plentiful. Vegetarian options available on request.
Chef: Not a private-chef venue. Lodge kitchen staff.
Dietary: Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Conservation: The lodge is deeply integrated with the local Maroon community and coordinates projects with 12 surrounding villages, including a media centre for children and support for elderly home care. Eco-tourism and sustainability are core, with respect for nature and Maroon culture central to the experience.
Community: The team is predominantly Saramaccan (8+ local staff). The lodge supports village projects through its profits and involves the local population intensively in its policies. A visit to the Maroon village of Dan is included in packages.
Notable Experiences
- Wildlife & Biodiversity: Monkeys, birds, and caiman (night boat excursions for caiman spotting). Paved walking paths on the island for independent wildlife observation.
- Avian & Special Interest: Forest walks with guides explaining the therapeutic properties of Amazonian plants.
- Adventure & Waterways: Boat excursions to rapids and “sulas” (rapids), canoe trips, traditional fishing, safe river swimming (one of the few spots on the Suriname River where it is safe), jungle and rapids expedition (extension package, 4 days, from €800).
- Cultural & Immersion: Saramaccan Maroon culture is central. Village walk to Dan, Maroon museum (Pikin Slee), cultural performances with traditional songs and dances, workshops, and interactions with the local community.
- Wellness & Luxury: Riverside swimming pool with sun terrace, yoga and meditation deck (yoga on request), traditional massage, hammocks on cabin verandas, riverside beach at low water. Not a luxury property — simple, comfortable, and authentic.
Important Visitor Notes
- This is a community-integrated lodge, not a luxury resort. Cabins are simple wooden structures with private bathrooms (cold water only). There is no air conditioning; fans are limited to some room types. The charm is in the authenticity, not the amenities.
- Access is an adventure. The journey involves a 3-hour drive followed by a 2.5–3 hour boat ride (or a flight to Botopasi plus a short boat ride). The boat ride is part of the experience and is often highlighted by guests.
- Internet and mobile coverage are limited or unavailable. This is a deliberate off-grid destination.
- Payment note: Direct bookings by wire transfer can add significant fees (one guest reported almost 20% extra). Consider booking through an agency to avoid this, or confirm payment methods before booking.
- Standard packages include 3 excursions (forest walk, village walk, caiman spotting). Additional excursions can be booked at the lodge.
Contact
danpaati.com · Phone: +597 810 9727 · Email: reservations@danpaati.com
Coordinates: 4.188158785250174, -55.434728709817364