This full-day guided tour explores Brownsberg Nature Park, a 12,000-hectare forested mountain reserve in central Suriname approximately 130 kilometers south of Paramaribo. The park sits at 520 meters elevation on a plateau with views over the Brokopondo Reservoir, one of the largest artificial lakes in South America.
The day combines a 10-kilometer drive on bauxite road to the summit area, guided rainforest hiking with focus on wildlife and ecology, and visits to Leo Falls where swimming is possible. Irene Falls is reserved for overnight stays, not day tours.
What to expect
7:00 AM departure from Paramaribo. Three-hour drive south to Brownsberg base. From the base, a 10-kilometer climb on unpaved bauxite road brings you to the summit area at approximately 520 meters. Drive may be jolting, vehicle is 4WD.
Arrival at the visitor center followed by guided forest hike. Standard route descends to Leo Falls, approximately 45 minutes each way on uneven trail. The pool at the base of the falls is shallow, around 30 centimeters at the deepest, with no lifeguard on duty. Your guide stays with the group throughout and gives direction on where it is safe to swim, where it is not, and which sections of rock to avoid. After lunch (packed or local meal at park canteen), wildlife observation continues on shorter primary forest trails near the summit, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots, occasionally agouti or peccary. Irene Falls is not included on day tours, only on overnight stays.
Return to summit area, brief stop at Brokopondo viewpoint, then descent and three-hour drive back to Paramaribo. Arrival by approximately 6:00 PM.
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- Round-trip transportation from Paramaribo (4WD vehicle)
- English-speaking guide throughout
- All park entrance fees
- Lunch (packed or canteen meal)
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snacks beyond what's provided
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
Can be extended to overnight at Brownsberg with additional treks (full park network includes 30+ kilometers of trail). Contact us for multi-day options or specialized birding/herping focus.
What makes this tour
12,000 hectares of primary rainforest, Suriname's most accessible mountain rainforest with established trail network
Leo Falls, swimmable waterfall accessible from summit (Irene Falls reserved for overnight stays)
Brokopondo Reservoir views, panoramic outlook from the plateau over the 1,560 km² reservoir created in 1964
Wildlife observation, multiple monkey species, toucans, parrots, occasional sightings of larger mammals
Mid-elevation ecosystem, 520m altitude creates cooler microclimate with distinct flora compared to lowland forests
Practical information
- Long day, expect 11 hours total including drive time
- Leo Falls pool is shallow (around 30 cm at the deepest) with no lifeguard. Your guide stays with the group and gives safety direction on the rocks and water.
- Weather: Tour operates year-round. Trails can be muddy in wet season (April to August, December to January). Dry season trails firmer.
- Wildlife sightings depend on time of day and forest conditions; not guaranteed.
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