Brownsberg Nature Park is one of the best places in Suriname for nature and fresh air. If you enjoy quiet hikes, waterfalls, forest views, and watching animals, this park is perfect for you. It sits high on a mountain, with a wide view over Brokopondo Lake. To enjoy your time there fully, it’s best to rent a car. Our Brownsberg Nature Park travel guide will help you how to get there, what to expect on the road, where to stop along the way, and what to do once you arrive.
Driving to Brownsberg Nature Park gives you control of your trip. You don’t need to wait for anyone or follow a group. You can stop when you want, take photos, or rest without pressure. It's also easier to carry your own gear, such as snacks, a camera, or extra clothes.
Getting to the park without private transport takes a lot of effort. You’d need to find a van driver in a nearby town, around 8 kilometers from the park. After that, you might wait hours for the van to fill up. Then, it's still about two hours of driving from the capital. This makes public travel slow and uncertain. As you get closer to the park, the road turns rough and narrow. A 4x4 vehicle handles these parts better and gets you closer to lodges or cabins near the entrance.
Most travelers start from Paramaribo, and it will take about 2 hours and 10 minutes to cover the 118-kilometer route. You’ll follow Avobakaweg, which takes you south into the heart of Suriname.
Start by heading west on Piscesstraat, then turn left onto Ariesstraat. In just a short while, turn right onto Aquariusstraat and then left again onto Noordwijkweg. These are city streets, so take your time and drive carefully. Next, turn left onto Kwattaweg, then right to join Tweede Rijweg. You’ll continue onto Lalla Rookhweg, then take a left onto Franchepanestraat. Follow this until it turns into Jaggernath Lachmon Straat, and then keep going straight until you're on Willem Campagnestraat. At the roundabout, take the fourth exit to Hernhutterstraat, then turn left onto Kankantriestraat. Stay alert here because it’s easy to miss. Make a slight right onto Calcuttastraat, turn left on Slangenhoutstraat, and then right on Van Het Hogerhuysstraat.
Now you're heading out of the city. Cross Saramaccadoorsteek Bridge and continue onto Martin Luther Kingweg for about 24 kilometers. The road is smoother here, but expect more traffic. After that, you'll stay on Avobakaweg for nearly 55 kilometers. This stretch is long and straight, so relax and enjoy the scenery. Once you reach the end of Avobakaweg, turn right. You’ll then make a slight left, followed by two right turns. These last 10 kilometers take you on narrower, bumpier roads, so slow down. When you see the sign for Brownsberg near Kabelstation, you’ve made it.
As you make the 2-hour drive from Paramaribo to Brownsberg, it’s a good idea to take short breaks along the way. These stops help you rest, enjoy the views, and learn more about the region.
At about 60 kilometers from Paramaribo, you’ll cross the Kraka Bridge, a long wooden bridge over the Suriname River. While you cannot stop right on the bridge, there’s a small clearing just past it where you can pull over. It’s one of the first major landmarks showing you’re leaving city areas behind and heading toward the forest zone.
Around 80 kilometers into your drive, you’ll pass the junction leading to Redi Doti, a small indigenous village near Jodensavanne. About 100 people live here, many still rely on hunting, fishing, and farming. While you won’t enter the village unless you take the turnoff, the junction area offers a peaceful rest stop.
Roughly 120 kilometers into your trip, you’ll reach the village of Brownsweg, just before entering the park zone. It has gas stations, local shops, and roadside stalls. You can refill your tank, grab drinks or snacks, and use the restrooms. This is the last place with basic supplies before reaching Brownsberg Nature Park.
To enjoy your trip fully, you’ll need to rent a car that fits the road conditions. Many rental companies are based in Paramaribo, and some are near the international airport. Most companies offer city cars and off-road vehicles. For Brownsberg, it is highly recommended to rent a 4-wheel-drive car. This type of car has better control on steep or muddy paths and can handle gravel better than small cars.
When renting a car in Suriname, book in advance to make sure you get the type of car you want. Especially during busy travel seasons, good vehicles are taken quickly. Make sure the car has good tires and a spare in case of a flat. It’s also important to ask about the insurance policy, fuel rules, and if roadside help is included.
Most rental companies will ask for a valid driver’s license and a deposit. A license from your home country is usually accepted, but always check first. You’ll also need to fill the tank with fuel before you return the car. Petrol stations are common in Paramaribo but less frequent near the park, so fuel up before you leave the city.
Brownsberg Nature Park is a paradise for nature lovers. You’ll find peaceful trails, rare animals, and quiet spots with unforgettable views. The park gives you many ways to enjoy the rainforest, whether you're here for one day or staying for several.
Brownsberg offers many jungle trails, starting right from the top of the plateau. Some are short and easy. The Mazaroni Top trail only takes about 20 minutes. Others, like the hike to Wittie Creek, which are longer and more difficult with muddy paths and fallen trees. Trails are marked, and ropes are placed at parts for support. You’ll walk through dense rainforest and open areas, with the sound of birds and monkeys all around you.
The park is famous for its idyllic waterfalls, perfect for a break during a hike. You can visit Leo and Irene Falls in a single day. At Irene, water flows into a clear pool where you can take a dip or refill your bottle. Leo is just as beautiful, and the sound of the falls is calming after a long walk. For more adventure, explore Mazaroni and Kombu Falls, though trails there may be slippery and muddy. Wittie Creek is another scenic option, but harder to reach and best suited for experienced hikers.
As you hike, you may see howler monkeys, known for their deep calls that echo through the forest. You might also spot saki monkeys, colorful frogs like the Tiger-Striped Monkey Frog, or even a rare orange-headed snail eater snake. The forest is also rich in birds, with species like the Channel-billed Toucan, Pompadour Cotinga, and Black Curassow. With over 100 mammal species, 60 reptiles, and 1000+ plants, this park is one of the most biodiverse places in Suriname.
At the top of the mountain, you reach the Bauxite Plateau. This spot is 515 meters high, offering wide views of the Brokopondo Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. From Mazaroni Top, you can see Stoneiland in the distance. Sunsets from this plateau are breathtaking, especially as clouds roll in over the lake. Bring your camera—you’ll want to remember this view.
After a day of hiking, it’s nice to sit outside your lodge and just listen. The rainforest comes alive at night with frog songs and monkey calls. There are no busy roads, no loud music, just pure nature. Many visitors say that these quiet moments are just as special as the hikes.
You don’t need a guide to enjoy Brownsberg. The park is safe and marked, and going alone lets you explore without rushing. You can stop wherever you like, take long breaks, or explore hidden corners. But if you prefer help, local guides are available and can tell you about the plants, animals, and even the mining history of the area.
Don’t miss the chance to shower under a waterfall. It’s one of the best parts of the trip. The water is cold, but refreshing after a long walk. You can do this at Leo or Irene Falls, both of which have access to small pools and rocky platforms. It's a simple joy you won’t forget.
With over 300 bird species, the park is a dream for bird lovers. You don’t need a telescope. Just walk slowly, listen, and look. Birds often perch on branches or fly across open trails. Some rare species to watch for include the Guianan Red-Cotinga and the Grey-winged Trumpeter.
Many people visit Brownsberg for a day, but staying longer is worth it. With more time, you can visit harder-to-reach places, watch the weather change over the lake, and connect with locals or other travelers. Staying for three or more nights gives you time to relax, explore fully, and feel the rhythm of the rainforest.
Brownsberg Nature Park gives you an authentic taste of Suriname’s rainforest. You’ll hike on forest trails, cool off in waterfalls, and watch rare animals in the wild. Whether you're here for the views or the peace, this is the kind of place that stays in your memory.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform for road trips in Suriname. You can choose from budget-friendly city cars or strong 4x4 vehicles. With easy online booking, flexible pick-up points, and great daily rates, we make it easier to explore the park safely and comfortably.
