Danpaati River Lodge

Just after sunrise, I enjoyed a coffee on the deck overlooking the river. A short wander around the island gardens, where small monkeys feed in the trees, then a leisurely breakfast, before the first activity.
A boat ride upriver to explore the forest on foot with a guide, explaining about the traditional medicinal uses of the plants here.
Back to the lodge for a little rest before lunch, and later in the afternoon, we went out to visit one of the twelve villages that are affiliated with Danpaati, to learn a little about the customs and culture of the local Maroon groups.
We walked around the school and through the village.
The Maroon people are descendants of former runaway slaves who fled the colonial plantations from the end of the 17th century onwards, for a better life in the interior. Most settled alongside rivers, some crossing into French Guiana, and customs that they had brought with them from Africa remain, largely free from outside influences. This opportunity to visit a Maroon village presented a different side of Latin America, rarely encountered by travellers.
In the evening, after dinner at the lodge, there was a traditional and cultural dance performance by some local people. The guide explained the cultural significance of the different dances, such as the Seketi, Awasa & Bandamba.
An entertaining end to my stay.Read more