Story time: Visiting Tio Boto eco-lodge and                                  Tap a watra falls

    Traditional Saramacaans ( culture established in Suriname by Marron descendants) lodges

Hello, Storytime readers from around the world. Today I want to tell you about this wonderfully relaxing experience I had in Sipaliwini. Suriname is indeed a beautiful and diverse country as I explained before in my previous articles. I have a lot to tell you about Sipaliwini so I will break down my Sipaliwini adventures into different story parts. Because it is a lot to tell and show in one story. Be sure to subscribe so you can stay updated on more stories.

                                                 Where is Sipaliwini?

Some of you might be wondering where is Sipaliwini? Sipaliwini is the biggest district in Suriname and also the greenest if you ask me.  This district (state) makes up 80 percent of the Surinamese land. Home to many mountains, it also contains diverse flora and fauna. My home country Suriname has 10 districts ( a district is comparable to a state). 

                                   

       The 10 districts in Suriname are :

1.  Paramaribo ( The capital)
2.  Commewijne ( Home to Tamanredjo, a Javanese food haven)
3. Saramacca 
4. Para ( Our international airport Johan Adolf Pengel Luchthaven is located in Para)
5. Wanica 
6. Nickerie ( Famous for rice production, from here you could cross over by boat to Guyana)
7. Coronie  ( Well known for its 100 percent pure Surinamese Coconut oil)
8. Marowijne ( From here you can cross over to French Guyana by boat)
9. Brokopondo ( Brokopondo is home to many resorts as well, located in the south)
10.  Sipaliwini ( Sipaliwini is located deep in the south and borders Brazil)

From Paramaribo the capital of Suriname it's a 3-hour drive to Atjoni. Once you arrive in Atjoni you will have to take a boat to go deeper into the interior of Suriname. Be sure to wear fitting shoes for climbing into the boat and have a hat and/or jacket available to prevent getting sunburnt. I would also recommend packing some sunscreen lotion because it can get very hot during the day. There are some stores with a limited assortment available in Atjoni. That's always handy in case of some last-minute purchases. If you're looking for a good tour guide that really keeps safety in mind and provides professional services be sure to contact Mr. Thomas Poeketie. He introduced me to Tio Boto eco-lodge.   

Be sure to wear a swimming vest for your own safety. Since it can be a very bumpy ride. You have to pass a lot of rapid parts of the river before you arrive at Tio Boto eco-lodge. It's a beautiful sight to enjoy. As you travel upstream you will notice a lot of yellow butterflies fluttering above the river. Take the time to admire the breathtaking view nature has to offer in this part of the Amazon forest as you pass many villages on both sides of the river. You will notice that even in these deep parts of the Surinamese interior there is a lot of life. It's almost a 4-hour trip by boat from Atjoni to Tio Boto eco-lodge.

              Arriving at Tio Boto Eco Lodge

Make sure you book in advance to reserve a lodge. There are different packages available. If you want to book or just want to gather more specific information about bookings for Tio Boto eco-lodge I suggest visiting the following sites:  Tio Boto eco-lodge official website

                                                                          Official Tio Boto eco-lodge Facebook page

There are different packages available because it's a long trip I would recommend at least staying for 3 days to get the most out of the experience. Packages include transportation from Paramaribo all the way to Tio Boto. Accommodation, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, a tour guide, and activities, for example, visiting Ananas gebergte ( a mountain where you can hike, Ananas gebergte translates to pineapple mountain in English. There are pineapples naturally growing on the top of this Surinamese mountain ) and visiting Djumu ( a nearby village) are included. Be sure to ask your guide for more options.

Once you arrive at Tio boto eco-lodge you will immediately notice the great view of the river from your lodge, since most lodges are located alongside the river bed. It's a peaceful place, if you wake up early you can get a fantastic view of the sun rising. Even during the night, you get to enjoy an awesome view of the stars in the sky. Electricity is only available at night between the hours of 7 pm and 11 pm . 

The lodges have their own toilets and bathrooms, which is definitely a plus point for those who enjoy their privacy. The lodges also have mosquito nets available, and during my stay, I didn't even feel a mosquito bite while sleeping and that's coming from someone who has allergies. I still recommend bringing some mosquito lotion for outdoor adventures. The lodges are very cool during the day and night. I could easily fall asleep in my lodge while the sun was cooking up a heatwave outside.

         Why should you visit Tap a watra falls?

If you're making this long trip I would certainly recommend visiting Tap a watra falls. Put that as an option in your package, it is something you won't regret. It might be a long journey from Tio Boto eco-lodge but you certainly will not regret it. The deeper you go into the interior of Suriname the more nature shows its gorgeous side. You get to enjoy a great view of the waterfall and it's an awesome location to take Instagram pictures.  Sitting in the water feels like getting a massage. It's relaxing and you will leave feeling rejuvenated and a little bit tired. But even that is a part of the adventure. If you love adventures as much as I do I am certain that you will enjoy them.

A waterproof camera is always handy for adventures like these. But even with a regular camera, you can make great pictures of your adventures in Suriname. If you plan on staying dry, this is not something for you. Because even in the boat on your way to Tap a watra falls you will get a little wet. I made some amazing videos and photos I will share in the future. Subscribe to stay updated.  I will be sharing some video content of my adventures in Sipaliwini soon. Because no matter how many words I type down, they could not compare to the beauty of my country. This is a bucket list item when you visit Suriname. One to remember when planning your trip to Suriname and for the locals, you can go on a breathtaking adventure in the backyard of your own country. It is something you have to experience in order to appreciate how magnificent mother nature can be. If you want to drop those cortisol levels, Tio boto eco-lodge and a visit to Tap a watra falls are just what you need.