Danpaati River Lodge

Danpaati River Lodge occupies an island in the Upper Suriname River beside the Saramaccan village of Dan. Its own site describes cabanas with river views, a swimming pool among the trees and a yoga deck over the water; the lodge counts ten two-person cabins, seven of them riverside and on electricity.

What separates it from most lodges on this river is that the community relationship is stated rather than implied. Danpaati says it works closely with the neighbouring villages including Dan, runs healthcare and childcare projects there, and that a stay supports the area's social and economic development. Visitors who want to fund those projects directly can do so through a "Friends of Danpaati" membership.

Reservations go through the Paramaribo office at Prinsessestraat 37, on (+597) 471113 or reservations@danpaati.com. Days are built around village visits, walks in the forest, swimming and doing very little.

One housekeeping note for anyone searching: the old danpaati.sr domain is dead. danpaati.com is the current site.