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Maratakka River
Country: Suriname

The Maratakka River is a narrow, winding jungle river in the district Nickerie in western Suriname. Both banks of the Maratakka are densely covered with diverse rainforest vegetation.

The end destination, an isolated Amerindian-style jungle camp, is approximately 100 km upstream. The camp is located in the middle of the forest and is built to accommodate at most 12 guests. The facilities are consequently elementary and in fact no more than a roof over the head, hammocks, a primitive 'hole in the ground' toilet and a 'dip in the river bathtub' or 'scooping river water from a bucket' shower.

In general the Maratakka River offers good opportunities for sightings of various bird species among which parrots and macaws, toucans, herons and egrets as well as birds of prey. Caiman are not uncommon on the river and a night boattrip will offer exciting sightings. Among the types of monkeys common to the area is the lively squirrel monkey and also capuchin, red howler, blackspider monkeys and red-handed tamarin may be seen on the river and in the vast forests of the area. Other animals that inhabit the forest are tapir, jaguar, ocelot, agouti, peccary and various reptiles such as green iguana, lizards, teju and snakes. On the river it is also possible to meet a family of river otters, a solitary manatee or even an anaconda.

Approximately 50 kilometers further upstream is perhaps one of the most surprising areas of the Surinamese rainforest, Mauritie Sabana. Here the Marataka River flows through an area of alternations of Savanna grassland with Mauritius palms and Walaba rainforest. The vegetation alone is sufficiently breath-taking. The sudden cries of macaws and parrots, that feed and breed on the mauritius palms, add to the wonder of this amazing scenery.

The only way to get there is by guided tour. A five day tour, starting from Paramaribo will cost € 242 or $ 275 (USD).

All seasons have their advantages depending on what one wishes to experience. The rainy season is June - August, December-January is also wet. The best season for the parrots and macaws is February - April/May. The best season for various mammals and caiman is the dry season February-April and September-November.

Other than some isolated small scale logging camps, the river is uninhabited by people. Mauritie Savanna is nominated as a probable nature reserve.

For further information contact Roberto Plomp at www.sur-vive-it.com

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Suriname: Natural Areas
	Maratakka River Country: Suriname The Maratakka River is a narrow, winding jungle river in the district Nickerie in western Suriname. Both banks of the Maratakka are densely covered with diverse rainforest vegetation. The end destination, an isolated Amerindian-style jungle camp, is approximately 100 km upstream. The camp is located in the middle of the forest and is built to accommodate at most 12 guests. The facilities are consequently elementary and in fact no more than a roof over the head, hammocks, a primitive 'hole in the ground' toilet and a 'dip in the river bathtub' or 'scooping river water from a bucket' shower. In general the Maratakka River offers good opportunities for sightings of various bird species among which parrots and macaws, toucans, herons and egrets as well as birds of prey. Caiman are not uncommon on the river and a night boattrip will offer exciting sightings. Among the types of monkeys common to the area is the lively squirrel monkey and also capuchin, red howler, blackspider monkeys and red-handed tamarin may be seen on the river and in the vast forests of the area. Other animals that inhabit the forest are tapir, jaguar, ocelot, agouti, peccary and various reptiles such as green iguana, lizards, teju and snakes. On the river it is also possible to meet a family of river otters, a solitary manatee or even an anaconda. Approximately 50 kilometers further upstream is perhaps one of the most surprising areas of the Surinamese rainforest, Mauritie Sabana. Here the Marataka River flows through an area of alternations of Savanna grassland with Mauritius palms and Walaba rainforest. The vegetation alone is sufficiently breath-taking. The sudden cries of macaws and parrots, that feed and breed on the mauritius palms, add to the wonder of this amazing scenery. The only way to get there is by guided tour. A five day tour, starting from Paramaribo will cost € 242 or $ 275 (USD). All seasons have their advantages depending on what one wishes to experience. The rainy season is June - August, December-January is also wet. The best season for the parrots and macaws is February - April/May. The best season for various mammals and caiman is the dry season February-April and September-November. Other than some isolated small scale logging camps, the river is uninhabited by people. Mauritie Savanna is nominated as a probable nature reserve. For further information contact Roberto Plomp at www.sur-vive-it.com