Brownsberg & Stone Island 2-Day Tour
Hike Brownsberg's rainforest to Leo Falls, then descend to a private peninsula inside the Brokopondo Reservoir for hammocks, campfire stories, and a sunrise you won't get near a hotel.
Discover Brownsberg and Stone Island
Ninety minutes past the last paved road, the rainforest closes in and the Brokopondo Reservoir opens up beneath you — a flooded forest of bone-white treetops stretching to the horizon. This is Brownsberg: 12,000 hectares of protected rainforest, home to all eight of Suriname's monkey species, hiking trails to two waterfalls, and a viewpoint most visitors call the best in the country. Hike it in the morning, cool off under Leo Falls by midday, then descend to Stone Island — a quiet peninsula inside the reservoir itself — for a night of hammocks, open water, campfire stories and a sunrise you won't get anywhere near a hotel.
Guided personally by an experienced naturalist tour guide with 15+ years exploring this exact stretch of forest. This isn't a bus tour with a script. It's a slow, well-paced two days built around what's actually in front of you: the birdsong that tells you a species before you see it, the reason the drowned trees haven't rotted in 60 years, the spot on the mountain where the howlers are loudest at dawn.
Protected rainforest on the Brownsberg plateau
All of Suriname's monkey species live on this mountain
Recorded plant and bird species — among the richest concentrations in South America
Two days, built around what's actually in front of you
Rainforest hike, waterfalls & the reservoir at dusk
Pickup in Paramaribo
Comfortable SUV transport heads south on the road to Brokopondo. About an hour in, a stop in the open savanna for coffee, tea and a sandwich, with talk of the bauxite mining history and the transmigration villages you're passing.
Arrival at Brownsberg Nature Park
The final stretch climbs onto the plateau — expect a bumpy, scenic finish. First stop: the Mazaroni Plateau viewpoint, 500 metres up, looking straight out over the rainforest canopy and the reservoir. This is the photo everyone comes for.
Guided rainforest hike
A moderately intensive walk down through primary and secondary rainforest toward the lower falls, reading alarm calls, fruiting trees and tracks along the way.
Leo Falls (or Irene Falls, trail-dependent)
Step under the falls and cool off — the best natural shower in Suriname, and the reward at the bottom of the descent.
Hike back up to the plateau
The return climb takes more effort than the way down — a relaxed, guided pace with stops for water and wildlife.
Lunch on the mountain
The reservoir view still in front of you.
Depart for Stone Island
Descending toward the shore of the reservoir.
Arrival at Stone Island (Ston Eiland)
A peninsula inside the Brokopondo Reservoir, reachable by boat. Settle into simple accommodation — beds or hammocks with mosquito nets — then swim, fish, or watch the drowned treetops turn gold as the sun drops.
Dinner & stargazing
Sunrise, the reservoir & return to Paramaribo
Wake to the howler monkeys
Between 5:30 and 6:30 AM, watch the sunrise break over the water — genuinely one of the best reasons to do this trip as two days instead of a rushed day trip.
Breakfast
Free morning on the water
Swim, fish, or take an optional dugout-canoe trip across a section of the reservoir to get close to the flooded forest.
Depart for Paramaribo
Estimated arrival back in the city
Included
- Licensed guide throughout
- Brownsberg park entrance
- Transport Paramaribo–Brownsberg–Stone Island–Paramaribo
- 1 night accommodation on Stone Island (bed or hammock, mosquito net)
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, coffee/tea stop
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes + sandals for the island
- Swimwear, towel & a change of dry clothes
- Light rain jacket, insect repellent, sun protection
- Flashlight, refillable water bottle, small daypack
- Passport or ID (checkpoint en route), cash in SRD for extras
Frequently asked questions
Where are Brownsberg and Stone Island?
Both are in the Brokopondo district, roughly 130 km / 2.5–3 hours south of Paramaribo. Brownsberg is a mountain-plateau nature park overlooking the Brokopondo (Van Blommestein) Reservoir; Stone Island is a peninsula inside that same reservoir.
Is the hike to the waterfalls difficult?
It's a moderate hike — about an hour down and an hour back up on uneven jungle trail, with some steep sections. A reasonable fitness level helps, but it's guided at a relaxed pace and manageable for most active travelers, including many families.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes, families join regularly. The main thing to plan around is the waterfall hike, which does require some stamina and sure footing.
What's the accommodation like on Stone Island?
Simple and comfortable — a bed or hammock with mosquito net inside basic island housing, not a resort. It's the trade-off for waking up on a private peninsula inside the reservoir instead of a hotel room.
What if it rains?
Tours proceed through light rain, which is normal in Suriname's climate and rarely lasts long. Heavier rain may adjust the day's timing, decided on-site by your guide.
Can this be combined with other tours?
Yes — this trip pairs well with a stay at Afobaka Resort, a visit to Jodensavanna, or as the first leg of a longer expedition into the Upper Suriname or toward Fredberg. Ask when booking.
Ready to wake up on the reservoir?
Send us your preferred date and number of travellers, and we'll confirm your spot on the next departure.