I recently returned from an amazing trip to Mount Kasikasima in Suriname, and it was one of the most unique journeys I’ve ever experienced. This expedition is more than just a hike; it’s a complete jungle adventure that includes a flight in a small bush plane, a canoe ride deep into the rainforest, and a hike to one of the middle peaks of the mountain.

Along the way, we visited remote indigenous villages, slept in hammocks, swam in jungle creeks, spotted wild animals and colorful birds, and enjoyed sweeping views of the Amazon rainforest stretching toward the Brazilian border.

You can choose to do the Kasikasima expedition in either 5 or 8 days, and it comes with a full support crew consisting of Amerindian boatmen, a cook, and a guide, who handle everything for you. I opted for the 5-day option and traveled with a small group of European tourists. We all had an incredible time.

In this post, I’ll share my experience and offer some useful tips if you’re thinking about taking on this adventure yourself.

Where to Stay in Paramaribo

Before heading into the jungle, you’ll want a comfortable place to stay in Paramaribo. Here are a few good options:

- Eco Torarica – Comfortable, eco-friendly, and close to nature.

- Ramada by Wyndham Princess Paramaribo – A modern hotel with city views.

- Hotel Palacio – A budget-friendly option that’s centrally located.

- Guesthouse Albergo Alberga – Cozy and affordable with a local feel.

My Recommended Tour Company

I booked my Kasikasima trip through a local company called Orange Travel, and I can confidently recommend them.

Even though I booked on short notice, they were very helpful and organized everything quickly. Communication was easy through WhatsApp, and their staff speaks good English. They also arranged transportation from my hotel to the local airport, and their prices were comparable to other tour companies in Suriname.

Orange Travel offers many other tours as well, so they’re worth checking out if you’re planning a trip around the country.

The Kasikasima Expedition: Day by Day

Day 1: Flying to Palumeu

The journey starts at Zorg & Hoop Airport in Paramaribo. After meeting the rest of the group and getting a brief overview, we boarded a small bush plane for a one-hour flight into the jungle.

We landed in Palumeu, an indigenous village with a small airstrip and a tourist lodge. The cabins at Palumeu Jungle Lodge were surprisingly comfortable with clean rooms, flush toilets, showers, and mosquito screens. While there’s no air conditioning, the jungle cools down nicely at night.

Each cabin has a balcony overlooking the Tapanahony River, and birds visit the lodge every morning, making the setting feel extra special.

In the evening, we visited the nearby village, learned about local life, browsed handmade crafts, and met some of the Amerindian crew members who would later guide us upriver.

Day 2: River Journey to Kasikasima

Day two was long but incredibly scenic. We spent most of the day traveling upriver by motorized canoe toward a remote jungle camp near Mount Kasikasima.

We stopped frequently to swim in the river, which turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip. Floating in the cool jungle water after hours on the boat was pure bliss.

We also spotted plenty of wildlife from the canoe, including otters, wild pigs, spider monkeys, toucans, and macaws. Our guides were great about stopping whenever we saw something worth photographing.

We left Palumeu around 10:30 AM and didn’t arrive at the river camp until about 6:30 PM. The camp itself is very basic, with just a shelter for hammocks, a table for meals, and a small wooden toilet, but it sits right on the river with a beautiful white sand beach.

That night, after a quick dinner by headlamp, we fell asleep in our hammocks to the sounds of howler monkeys echoing through the jungle.

Day 3: Hiking Mount Kasikasima

This was the toughest and most rewarding day of the trip.

We started hiking around 9 AM, carrying light packs and skipping a proper lunch, except for some boiled eggs. The trail is no joke; thick jungle, mud, thorns, aggressive insects, and intense humidity make it challenging.

That said, it’s doable if you’re reasonably fit. Some people in our group were in their 60s and 70s and still completed the hike, though it was clearly exhausting.

After about 1.5 hours, we caught our first glimpse of Mount Kasikasima, a massive granite formation with several towering peaks. No one has ever reached the true summit because it’s far too steep and technical, so the hike takes you to one of the middle peaks instead.

At the base of the mountain, we saw bright orange cock-of-the-rock birds, which were a highlight of the entire trip.

Reaching the peak took more than three hours, and we spent about an hour enjoying the views. From the top, you can see endless green rainforest stretching all the way toward Brazil. A cool breeze at the summit was a welcome relief after hiking in the heat.

Hike stats (roundtrip):

- Distance: ~11 km (6.8 miles)

- Elevation gain: ~800 meters (2,625 feet)

- Time: 5–9 hours

- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Day 4: River Journey Back to Palumeu

The fourth day was mostly spent boating back downstream toward Palumeu. The return trip was faster, though we swam less since many of us were already sunburned.

Around lunchtime, we stopped while the boatmen tried to catch anjumara fish. They caught nearly a dozen, including some massive ones. Even though the fish went to the village instead of our plates, it was fun to watch and take photos.

We arrived back in Palumeu by late afternoon and enjoyed a final night at the lodge, which felt luxurious after sleeping in hammocks.

Day 5: Flying Back to Paramaribo

On our final morning, some people visited the village again, while I relaxed at the lodge and looked for wildlife. After breakfast and lunch, the bush plane picked us up around noon and flew us back to Paramaribo.

It was the perfect ending to a truly memorable adventure.

Packing List Essentials

Some key items you’ll want to bring:

- A wide-brimmed hat (the boat rides are rough without one)

- Sunscreen

- Swimsuit

- Power bank

- Waterproof bag

- Headlamp

- Bug spray

- Sandals

- Snacks (especially for hiking day)

Extra Tips

- Cell service exists in Palumeu but disappears afterward.

- Check yourself carefully for ticks.

- Mosquitoes were minimal, and all sleeping areas have nets.

- Suriname was declared malaria-free in 2025, but it’s still wise to avoid bites.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to hike Kasikasima is during the early dry season (August–February). I went in September, which was ideal. Later in the season, low river levels can make boat travel more difficult.

Is It Worth It?

The Kasikasima expedition costs close to $1,000 USD per person, but that includes flights, boats, lodging, meals, guides, and equipment, which makes it a solid value.

The long boat rides can be uncomfortable, and personally, I felt the first night in Palumeu could have been skipped. That said, people who enjoy slow travel might prefer the longer 8-day option.

Overall, while there’s room for improvement, I had a great time. If you’re looking for a unique jungle adventure in a non-touristy part of the world, Mount Kasikasima is definitely worth considering.