Saramacca between Coastal Reserves and History

The Coppename Mouth Nature Reserve lies on the coast of Saramacca District and covers around 50 kilometers of coastline between the mouths of the Coppename and Suriname rivers. It was established in 1961 and expanded in 1969. For travelers who focus on coastal landscapes, the approximate length and the two named river mouths help convey the character of the protected area. The dates also tell the story of two stages in its development.

Coastal Conservation Areas in the District

The Noord Saramacca MUMA offers a point of comparison: this coastal conservation area is also in Saramacca District and was established in 2001. The descriptions emphasize different aspects. For the Coppename Mouth Nature Reserve, the roughly 50 kilometers of coastline and the two river mouths are part of its geographic context; for the Noord Saramacca MUMA, its designation as a coastal conservation area and its establishment year take center stage. Those interested in the district’s landscape can distinguish between the two named areas and the features described for each.

Groningen: History and Life by the River

In Groningen, visitors picnic by the river on weekends. If this activity is important to your visit, check in advance whether it will be taking place on your visit date. Fort Groningen is part of the town’s history: the pentagonal fort was built in 1790 as part of a line of defenses intended to protect the plantation colony from raids by Maroons.

Another place of remembrance is the Monument van de Boeroes. It commemorates the perseverance and early settlement of the descendants of Dutch farmers, known in Suriname as “boeroes.” The fort and the monument offer different historical perspectives: one represents the defense of the plantation colony, while the other commemorates a community and its settlement. Both the colonial history and the history of the boeroes are therefore among the themes that shape Groningen.

Culinary Influences

The culinary offerings in Saramacca District also tell the story of its communities: they reflect the Hindustani and Javanese communities. Alongside the coast and historic sites, the cuisine offers another way to experience the character of the district. When planning your trip, you can consider the landscape, history, and culinary influences as distinct points of interest, without reducing them to a single experience.

More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Suriname

In the wider destination of Suriname, Paramaribo’s historic center adds a perspective on urban history and architecture. Its original street plan has been preserved. The buildings illustrate the combination of Dutch architectural influences with traditional local techniques and materials.

Another landscape attraction in the wider destination of Suriname is the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. The protected area covers 1,592,000 hectares, mostly primary tropical forest, and spans around eleven percent of the country. It protects the upper Coppename River watershed as well as the headwaters of other rivers. Its size and share of the country show the scale of this protected area; it is a distinct regional natural setting alongside the coastal conservation areas of Saramacca District.

The history of Jodensavanne is also part of the wider destination of Suriname: the settlement was founded in the 1680s. Its remains include cemeteries, foundations of brick buildings, boat landings, and a military post. The ruins of a synagogue are also located there, considered possibly the earliest synagogue of architectural significance in the Americas.

The Cassipora Creek Cemetery points to an earlier settlement history in the wider destination of Suriname. It is a remnant of a settlement founded in the 1650s and abandoned about three decades later. Its residents moved two kilometers downstream to Jodensavanne. This chronological and geographic connection links the two historic settlements without equating their distinct founding histories.

Discover more destinations: Jarikaba, Commewijne, Sipaliwini, Wanica.

Back to the wider travel guide: Suriname.