BROKOPONDO
Reservoir Adventures & Mountain Wilderness
Brokopondo is a district of sweeping landscapes, towering forests, and remarkable history. Established in 1958, with Brokopondo Centrum as its main town, the district borders Para and Sipaliwini and is home to a predominantly Maroon population. Today, Brokopondo is best known for its vast reservoir, lush rainforest, and breathtaking Brownsberg plateau.
The Brokopondo Lake – Stories Beneath the Water
Sail across the Professor van Blommestein Reservoir—popularly known as the Brokopondo lake—and you’ll glide over what were once thriving villages. Boatmen share stories of families who, before the hydroelectric power station was built in 1964, had to leave their ancestral lands and rebuild their lives elsewhere.
Though relocated, these communities preserved their deep knowledge of medicinal plants, forest life, and traditional healing.
The reservoir was created after the Brokopondo Agreement of 1958, in which the Surinamese government and the Suriname Aluminum Company agreed to construct a dam for electricity generation. As the land flooded, a 1,500+ km² lake emerged—one of the largest reservoirs in the region.
The tall, bare tree trunks rising from the water are the remains of once-mighty forest giants. On a clear day, the lake appears deep blue from above, reflecting the sky above its 40-meter-deep waters.
Small islands dot the lake, hosting cozy resorts and offering fishing trips, boating adventures, and panoramic views directly from the water or shoreline.
Brownsberg – Wildlife, Waterfalls & Mountain Views
The Brownsberg Nature Reserve is Brokopondo’s most iconic attraction—12,200 hectares of untouched rainforest, hiking trails, waterfalls, and sweeping vistas over the reservoir.
Staying overnight on Brownsberg is highly recommended. At dawn, you’ll wake to the powerful roar of howler monkeys echoing through the forest. On the trails to the waterfalls, you may encounter:
- curious troops of monkeys
- toucans and exotic birds
- brightly colored (sometimes poisonous) frogs
- green boas and forest rabbits
- and with luck — a shy forest deer
Do note: walking deep into the jungle at night isn’t advisable. Jaguars roam these forests, and their tracks (and droppings) are often found near the guest houses in the early morning.
Getting Around
Brokopondo is best explored by car, with easy access to lake resorts, boat tours, and Brownsberg. It’s a dream destination for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers seeking nature, history, and adventure all in one district.
