Suriname is a country filled with green forests, winding rivers, and peaceful lakes. It is one of the best places in South America to enjoy a mix of nature and calm road travel. If you are renting a car in Suriname, you are in for a peaceful and exciting trip. Many roads here take you through thick forests and along riverbanks far from city life.
Driving in Suriname is also a good way to reach less-visited places. You will find quiet roads, wooden bridges, and resting spots where the forest meets the water. This guide will take you through five routes that are perfect for a Suriname road trip.
This short drive takes you away from city traffic without going too far. You’ll follow the Suriname River as the road winds through green spaces and peaceful stretches. After about 1 hour on the road, covering around 55.6 kilometers, you’ll reach Overbridge River Resort. This forest resort sits by the water, giving you access to fresh air, nature, and a peaceful, relaxing place.
The drive along the Suriname River becomes more remote and forested the farther you go. Once you leave Paramaribo, the road follows the river for several kilometers. You pass areas near Atjoni, where the road ends and the river becomes the only way forward. This is where travelers board koorjals—long wooden boats used to reach river resorts like Knini Paati. From here, the Suriname River acts as a highway into the jungle.
This stretch offers a direct view into one of the most forested regions in the world. It is part of the Amazon Basin, and the road gives access to villages and eco-lodges deep in the interior. The terrain is shaded and cool, and the river is calm enough that some areas along it are safe for swimming. Locals have used this route for generations to move between jungle settlements and the capital.
As you arrive at Overbridge River Resort, you’ll immediately feel the change. The peaceful jungle setting blends with the calm river, giving you a perfect relaxing space after your drive. The resort sits on the Suriname River and offers a quiet spot with forest views, fresh air, and the sound of birds and frogs in the background.
You’ll find one and two-bedroom bungalows here, designed for comfort and space. Each one has cozy beds, clean bathrooms, and cool air conditioning. You can rest under tall palm trees or by the water’s edge on plush lounge chairs. The resort also features a wide sandy beach, a river pool enclosed with safety nets, and a modern swimming pool. These are great for a swim or just cooling off after exploring. For food, the Overbridge Grill offers riverside dining with Surinamese flavors. Guests love the meals and buffet breakfasts. You can also book a boat tour from the dock and explore the Amazon interior by river.
This is a short and easy drive from Lelydorp, covering about 33.5 kilometers via Indira Gandhiweg. It takes around 40 minutes, passing through a clean forest route with light traffic. If you want a cool swim, fresh air, and a relaxed local spot, this road trip is one of the best options near Lelydorp.
Lelydorp is a small but important town in the south of Paramaribo. It is the second-largest city in Suriname and the capital of the Wanica District. The town is located along a major highway. It is a convenient place to begin road trips heading inland. Lelydorp is known for its multicultural community, with Indian, Javanese, Creole, and Chinese influences in its food, festivals, and local shops. It also plays a role as an agricultural hub, with nearby sites like butterfly farms and orchid gardens. From this starting point, you can explore forest drives, local creeks, and quiet parks within a short distance from the city center.
As you drive from Lelydorp to Colakreek, the forest becomes denser with every kilometer. The road stays shaded thanks to a thick canopy of native trees, many forming a green tunnel above the car. The road has gentle curves and very little traffic. You may hear bird calls from inside your vehicle, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. This stretch gives you a close view of Suriname’s natural lowland forest.
Colakreek Recreation Park is known for its dark, cola-colored water, caused by natural soil and tree roots. Shaded picnic shelters, tables, and a large parking area surround the creek. Families, school groups, and travelers often come here to swim or relax for the day. There is a small entrance fee, which includes access to basic park facilities. Holiday cabins are available for overnight stays, and some areas are used for company outings or team retreats. The park also features a conference room and the Savannah Education Centre, where you can learn about the local woodland ecosystem.
This road trip begins near Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport in Zanderij and leads into the Brokopondo District. The drive takes around 1 hour and 29 minutes and covers about 72.2 kilometers via Afobakaweg. You’ll pass villages like Bersaba and see stretches of dense forest between open farmland. As you move closer to Brownsberg, the road begins to climb. The air feels cooler, and the view widens.
Zanderij is near Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, about 45 km south of Paramaribo. Many travelers land here and head straight toward Suriname’s interior. Leaving Zanderij by car puts you on the Afobakaweg, a significant road deep into the forest. The early part of the drive includes some open stretches and small settlements before the forest becomes thicker.
The road is paved and in good condition for most of the way. In villages like Bersaba and Afobaka, you will see dense trees, small farms, and roadside shops. The drive climbs slowly as you approach Brownsberg, and the air gets cooler. This is a good area to spot local birds, monkeys, or sloths crossing nearby branches.
Brownsberg Nature Park sits high above Brokopondo Lake and gives you one of the best forest views in Suriname. The top of the hill reaches 530 meters, and the park covers about 12,000 hectares of mixed forest. This includes wet, dry, and creek-side areas. You’ll find both primary and secondary forest, with wide trees, narrow trails, and steep slopes.
When you arrive, the road turns into a 12-kilometer bauxite track. It’s a rougher surface but safe for cars. At the top is the visitor center, where you’ll meet local guides. They’ll explain the trail and safety details. Most visitors go on foot to see Leo Falls or Mazaronitop Viewpoint. These hikes are not too long, but you should wear good shoes and bring water.
You may hear or spot monkeys, birds, and frogs along the way. There are eight monkey species living in this forest. After the hike, you return to the top for a short rest and lunch. The park is quiet, green, and cooler than the lowlands. If you want a clean hike and a real forest view, this is one of Suriname’s best road trip stops.
This drive takes you from the edge of the Brokopondo Reservoir toward Brownsweg. The distance is about 34.7 kilometers, and the trip takes around 34 minutes via Afobakaweg. It’s a quiet road that runs through forested terrain, with only a few villages or rest stops.
The Brokopondo Reservoir is one of the largest man-made lakes in South America. As you drive near the shore, the road stays mostly flat and quiet, with forest on one side and open water on the other. The water is still and wide, with tree trunks rising from the surface.
You may see small fishing boats in some areas, especially near local villages. The water reflects the sky on clear days, and the drive feels slow but peaceful. The road follows the lake's edge and gives you a clear look at Suriname’s interior landscape. The area has hundreds of islands and hilltops that became visible when the reservoir was filled in the 1960s. This part of the drive passes near one of Suriname’s most studied ecosystems. The reservoir changed the local fish population, with fewer species living in the water. Even so, the shore remains rich in unique birdlife, plants, and forest cover
The route to Brownsweg gets tighter as you go. Trees come closer to the road, forming a green passage. The air is damp and cool. You may see small wooden homes set deep in the forest. Many trees are old and have wide branches that create full shade.
Brownsweg is a small town deep in Suriname’s interior, close to Brownsberg Nature Park and the Brokopondo Reservoir. It has quiet streets, basic shops, and a few guesthouses. The town feels remote but safe. It’s a common stop for travelers heading to the forest or resting after a day trip.
Most residents in Brownsweg are Maroons, descendants of African slaves who escaped to the jungle and built independent communities. The area also has people of Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and Dutch descent, which creates a mix of cultures. This diversity shows in the local food, events, and daily life. Brownsweg also gives you access to places like Stone Island, known for its calm water and lodge on the reservoir shore. You can plan hikes to Brownsberg’s waterfalls from town, visit Howler Monkey Island, or try local Surinamese barbecue.
This is one of the shortest drives in Suriname for a nature visit. From Meerzorg, it takes just 2 minutes to reach Peperpot Nature Park, covering about 550 meters via Hadji Iding Soemitaweg. The park is located at the edge of urban and forest zones. You’ll find walking trails, shaded paths, and observation spots for birdwatching. Come here early in the morning to see species like toucans, parrots, and woodpeckers.
Meerzorg is just across the Suriname River from Paramaribo. It is part of the Commewijne District and known for its quiet surroundings. The area has homes, schools, parks, and light traffic, making it feel calm and organized. The town is home to people of Javanese, Chinese, Indian, and African heritage. You’ll see residential areas and agricultural land as you drive. You can also use Meerzorg as a starting point for visitors exploring historic plantations, nearby villages, or the Commewijne River.
Once you reach Peperpot, the road narrows and trees close in. This is part of a protected park zone, so the drive becomes slower. You may see birds, butterflies, or monkeys moving through the trees. Peperpot Nature Park covers 26 hectares and sits within a larger 700-hectare protected forest area. It was created to preserve the old Peperpot Plantation, one of the oldest in Suriname, while promoting eco-tourism and education. The plantation once grew coffee and cocoa, and some original plants still grow here, shaded by tall kofi-mama trees.
You’ll spot squirrel and capuchin monkeys, large iguanas, lizards, and colorful insects as you enter. Most visitors come for the birdwatching. You can often see parrots, toucans, and tropical songbirds, especially near the old boat channel filled with moko-moko marsh plants. These plants offer perfect nesting spots, making this area one of the most active bird zones near Paramaribo.
Exploring Suriname by car is a peaceful and exciting way to see forests, rivers, and quiet local towns. These road trips take you into nature, far from busy streets, and closer to birds, trees, and relaxing water spots. You don’t need to rush. Just drive slow, enjoy the view, and stop when you see something interesting. Suriname has many places where forest meets water; driving helps you want them at your own pace.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service that helps you easily start one of the best road trips in Suriname. You can pick up your car at various airports in Paramaribo. Choose a small car for town drives or SUVs or 4×4s for forest routes. Booking is quick, and the rental terms are clear and straightforward.
