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Brokopondo Reservoir in Suriname offers flooded rainforest, Afobaka Dam, boat trips, river islands, Brownsberg views and a remarkable interior landscape.

Water Among the Trees

Brokopondo Reservoir lies in the forested interior of Suriname, where the Suriname River broadens behind the Afobaka Dam into one of the country’s defining landscapes. Known officially as the Professor Doctor Ir. W. J. van Blommestein Meer, the reservoir was created in the 1960s to supply hydroelectric power for Suriname’s bauxite industry. Its most recognisable feature is the drowned forest: tree trunks and still-standing branches rise from the water, creating a landscape that is at once monumental, quiet and unmistakably shaped by modern development.

Exploring the Reservoir

The reservoir is not a conventional resort area, and facilities are concentrated in a small number of riverside and lakeside locations rather than spread across a developed shoreline. Boat travel is the most revealing way to understand its scale, taking visitors between forested margins, open water and islands formed by the flooded landscape. Afobaka is the principal access point, while Ston Eiland provides a recognised recreational and accommodation base on the reservoir. The nearby Brownsberg Nature Park, although a separate protected area rather than part of the reservoir itself, offers forest trails and elevated views towards the water from its plateau.

Landscape, Memory and Conservation

Brokopondo’s scenery carries a complicated history. The reservoir displaced settlements and transformed riverine life, while its creation supported the industrial expansion that helped shape modern Suriname. Today, excursions combine landscape observation with an appreciation of the interior’s rainforest ecology and the communities connected to the reservoir. Warm, humid conditions, remote distances and limited infrastructure make careful planning important, particularly for visitors travelling beyond established accommodation and boating facilities.

When is the best time to visit Brokopondo Reservoir?

Best: May–July · 31°C

31° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 23.5°C, High: 31.2°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm J

31° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 23.7°C, High: 31.3°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm F

31° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 23.6°C, High: 31.3°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm M

31° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 23.5°C, High: 31.2°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm A

Best 31° Temperature Range for MayLow: 23.3°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm M

Best 31° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 23.1°C, High: 30.8°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm J

Best 31° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 23°C, High: 30.8°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm J

31° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 23.1°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm A

31° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 23.3°C, High: 31.1°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm S

31° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 23.4°C, High: 31.2°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm O

31° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 23.5°C, High: 31.2°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm N

31° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 23.5°C, High: 31.2°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 150.5 mm, High: 250.5 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	31	200
February	31	200
March	31	200
April	31	200
May (best)	31	200
June (best)	31	200
July (best)	31	200
August	31	200
September	31	200
October	31	200
November	31	200
December	31	200

Getting to and around Brokopondo Reservoir

How to get there

Brokopondo Reservoir is reached overland from Paramaribo, usually via the road south towards Afobaka and the Brokopondo area. The route passes through increasingly rural landscapes, and some reservoir access points are reached by turning off the main road or continuing towards local settlements and accommodation sites. Afobaka is the key access point associated with the dam, while Ston Eiland is a recognised base on the reservoir. Brownsberg Nature Park is nearby but separate, with its own access arrangements. Organised excursions may include transport from Paramaribo, but visitors should confirm the exact route, road condition and boat departure point in advance.

Transportation

A car or organised vehicle is the most practical way to reach the reservoir and move between its dispersed access points. Road conditions can vary, particularly away from the main route and during heavy rain, so journey planning should allow flexibility. Boat travel is central to exploring the flooded forest and open water, but it should be arranged locally rather than attempted without knowledge of channels, submerged trees and landing places. Walking is possible around accommodation areas and on established trails near nearby Brownsberg, but the reservoir itself is too extensive and fragmented to explore on foot. Public transport options in the interior are limited and should not be assumed.

Best attractions in Brokopondo Reservoir

The principal attraction of Brokopondo Reservoir is the flooded forest itself, where tree trunks rise from broad stretches of water and create a distinctive landscape visible most clearly from a boat. Afobaka Dam provides the destination’s major human-made point of interest and explains the reservoir’s industrial origins, although access to operational infrastructure may be restricted. Ston Eiland, on the reservoir, is a recognised base for recreation, accommodation and water excursions. Boat journeys reveal forested shores, islands and secluded inlets that are difficult to understand from the road. Nearby Brownsberg Nature Park is not part of the reservoir but is commonly combined with a visit, offering rainforest trails and views towards the lake from the Brownsberg plateau. The Brokopondo area also includes communities and riverside settings where visitors can gain a more grounded sense of life in Suriname’s interior, provided visits are arranged respectfully and locally.

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Brokopondo Meer Viewpoint

Experience the stunning vistas of Brokopondo Meer Viewpoint in Suriname, where nature and tranquility meet for an unforgettable escape.

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Best landmarks in Brokopondo Reservoir

Afobaka Dam is the defining built landmark of the area, marking the engineering project that transformed the Suriname River valley into Brokopondo Reservoir and powered a major phase of the country’s bauxite industry. The reservoir itself is the principal natural-seeming landmark: its drowned tree trunks, forested margins and scattered islands record the former landscape beneath the water. The Professor Doctor Ir. W. J. van Blommestein Meer name commemorates the engineer associated with the planning of the hydropower scheme. Nearby Brownsberg plateau, although outside the reservoir’s formal identity, is an important regional viewpoint and landscape landmark because it overlooks part of the lake and places the flooded lowland within a wider rainforest setting. Former settlements and relocated communities are also central to the area’s cultural geography, even where their physical traces are no longer readily visible.

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Best restaurants in Brokopondo Reservoir

Dining around Brokopondo Reservoir is limited and closely linked to accommodation sites, local communities and organised excursions rather than to a concentrated restaurant scene. Visitors typically eat at their lodge or guesthouse, arrange meals in advance or carry provisions from Paramaribo and larger settlements on the route. Meals may reflect Surinamese home cooking, with rice, vegetables, chicken, fish and spicy or richly seasoned sauces common in the country’s broader food culture, while river communities may offer locally sourced fish when available. Ston Eiland is one of the more established visitor bases, but food provision should still be confirmed before arrival. Small roadside shops and local sellers may provide basic drinks or snacks, although selection and opening times are not dependable. Visitors staying in or passing through nearby towns should expect more choice than at the reservoir itself.

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Best bars in Brokopondo Reservoir

Brokopondo Reservoir has no developed nightlife district and should be approached as a quiet interior destination rather than an evening entertainment centre. Evenings are generally shaped by lodge hospitality, conversation, the sounds of the forest and the dark expanse of the water, with drinks sometimes available through accommodation providers or local facilities. Ston Eiland offers the most recognisable visitor setting for a relaxed evening, but entertainment remains modest and availability can be seasonal or dependent on the property. In nearby settlements, visitors may find local shops or informal social venues, though these are not comparable with the bars and clubs of Paramaribo. Anyone planning a remote stay should bring suitable personal supplies where permitted and confirm meal and drink arrangements before travelling, rather than expecting late-opening services.

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Best nightclubs in Brokopondo Reservoir

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Best shops in Brokopondo Reservoir

Shopping opportunities at Brokopondo Reservoir are sparse, with no extensive commercial centre, permanent tourist market or established retail district serving the shoreline. Small shops in nearby settlements may sell basic food, drinks and household supplies, while accommodation providers may offer limited locally made items or arrange contact with community producers. Visitors should buy specialist provisions, toiletries, batteries and other essentials before travelling from Paramaribo or a larger town. In the wider interior, locally produced food, small craft items and handmade goods may be available through informal or community-based channels, but stock and availability cannot be assumed. Purchases are best made respectfully and directly, with permission when visiting villages or community spaces. Outdoor equipment and technical supplies are more reliably found in Paramaribo than around the reservoir.

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Brokopondo Reservoir essentials

Currency and Payment

Suriname uses the Surinamese dollar, abbreviated SRD. Cards may be accepted by some established hotels, lodges and businesses serving visitors, but acceptance is not universal, particularly in rural areas and for small local services or boat arrangements. Cash is therefore useful for transport, meals, guides and incidental purchases. Obtain money in Paramaribo or another substantial settlement before travelling deep into the interior, as cash machines and banking services are not reliable features around the reservoir. Visitors should also clarify payment arrangements for accommodation and excursions before departure.

Safety

The reservoir combines remote roads, tropical heat, sudden rain, dense forest and water routes with submerged tree trunks and changing local conditions. Use a reputable local boat operator, wear a properly fitted life jacket when on the water and follow instructions about where swimming or landing is appropriate. Avoid travelling alone into unfamiliar forest or waterways, and do not rely entirely on mobile-phone coverage. Near Brownsberg, trails may be steep, muddy or slippery after rain. Protect yourself from sun and insects, carry sufficient water and respect local advice about weather, boating and wildlife.

Emergency Situations

Suriname’s commonly used emergency numbers are 110 for fire, 115 for police and 113 for ambulance assistance; visitors should verify these numbers with their accommodation or local host on arrival because procedures and coverage can vary. In a remote reservoir setting, emergency response may take time, particularly if a precise road, shoreline or water location is unclear. Carry identification, keep your accommodation’s contact details available and record the name of your boat operator or guide. For serious incidents, provide clear information about the nearest landing point, settlement, road or marked facility.

Do's and Don'ts

Do follow local guidance when entering villages, travelling by boat or visiting forest areas, and ask permission before photographing people, homes or community activities. Do keep rubbish with you, avoid disturbing birds and wildlife, and remain on established paths where they exist. Do treat the reservoir as a working landscape rather than an empty recreational lake. Do not climb on unstable tree trunks, approach unfamiliar boats or enter private land without consent. Avoid loud behaviour near settlements and never assume that fishing, camping, swimming or collecting plants is permitted at every location.

Local Tips

Ston Eiland is useful for visitors seeking a recognised reservoir base, while Afobaka is important for understanding the dam and arranging access to the water. Brownsberg is best treated as a separate excursion with its own terrain, road conditions and nature experiences. Travellers who want to see the drowned forest should allow time for an unhurried boat trip rather than relying only on roadside viewpoints. Dry and wet seasons can change road surfaces, water conditions and the character of forest travel, so local advice is more valuable than a rigid itinerary.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Hallo	[ha-lo]
Goodbye	Ayo	[a-yo]
Yes	Ya	[ya]
No	No	[no]
Please/You're welcome	Mi olobi yu	[mi o-lo-bi yu]
Thank you	Mi abi tangi	[mi a-bi tan-gi]
Excuse me/Sorry	Mi e begi sori	[mi e be-gi so-ri]
How are you?	Fa yu de?	[fa yu de]
Fine. And you?	Mi de bun. En yu?	[mi de bun. en yu]
Do you speak English?	Yu e taki Ingles?	[yu e ta-ki in-gles]
I don't understand	Mi no sabi	[mi no sa-bi]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Mi wani si a menu, bika	[mi wa-ni si a me-nu, bi-ka]
I don't eat meat	Mi no e nyan meti	[mi no e ny-an me-ti]
Cheers!	Proost!	[proost]
I would like to pay, please	Mi wani pai, bika	[mi wa-ni pai, bi-ka]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Boip!	[boip]
Go away!	Go na yu kba!	[go na yu kba]
Call the Police!	Bri polisi!	[bri po-li-si]
Call a doctor!	Bri wan dokter!	[bri wan dok-ter]
I'm lost	Mi de kwijt	[mi de kwijt]
I'm ill	Mi e kba	[mi e kba]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Mi wani bai...	[mi wa-ni bai]
I'm just looking	Mi de kweki	[mi de kwe-ki]
How much is it?	Fa mofo?	[fa mo-fo]
That's too expensive	Dat e furu kostu	[dat e fu-ru kos-tu]
Can you lower the price?	Yu man saka prijs?	[yu man sa-ka prijs]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Fa ten de?	[fa ten de]
It's one o'clock	Na wan de	[na wan de]
Half past (10)	Half ten	[half ten]
Morning	Mowning	[mow-ning]
Afternoon	Middew	[mid-dew]
Evening	Afu	[a-fu]
Yesterday	Gisteren	[gis-te-ren]
Today	Vandag	[van-dag]
Tomorrow	Morgen	[mor-gen]
1	Wan	[wan]
2	Tu	[tu]
3	Dri	[dri]
4	Fowru	[fow-ru]
5	Fayfu	[fay-fu]
6	Siksi	[sik-si]
7	Sebi	[se-bi]
8	Aiti	[ai-ti]
9	Nain	[nain]
10	Ten	[ten]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Fa a...	[fa a]
What's the address?	Fa a adres?	[fa a adres]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Yu man sori mi (na a mepi)?	[yu man so-ri mi (na a me-pi)]
When's the next (bus)?	Fa a neti (basi)?	[fa a ne-ti (ba-si)]
A ticket (to ....)	Wan tiketi (gi ....)	[wan ti-ke-ti (gi)]

History of Brokopondo Reservoir

River Basin Before the Reservoir

Before the reservoir was built, the Suriname River ran through a heavily forested interior inhabited by Indigenous communities and Maroon communities whose lives were closely connected with river transport, fishing, hunting and small-scale cultivation. The river valley was not an empty wilderness: settlements, paths and customary connections to the landscape formed part of a living geography. The interior was also increasingly linked to Suriname’s extractive economy, particularly through the expansion of bauxite mining and the need for reliable industrial power.

The Afobaka Dam Project

The reservoir was created during the construction of Afobaka Dam on the Suriname River in the 1960s. The dam was associated with the Suriname Aluminum Company, commonly known as Suralco, and its parent company Alcoa, whose bauxite operations required substantial electricity. Named after Dutch engineer Professor Doctor Ir. W. J. van Blommestein, the project became one of the largest infrastructure schemes in Suriname. The flooding of the river valley produced a vast artificial lake and left many tree trunks standing above the new waterline.

Displacement and New Settlements

The formation of the reservoir altered established settlement patterns and displaced communities, including the former village of Ganzee. Residents were relocated, and new settlements developed in response to the changed geography. The transformation also affected travel, fishing grounds, agricultural practices and access to ancestral landscapes. The history of Brokopondo is therefore inseparable from questions about development, compensation, community continuity and the unequal effects that major infrastructure projects can have on interior populations.

Hydropower, Industry and a Changing Interior

For decades, electricity from the hydroelectric scheme supported Suriname’s bauxite-processing industry and became closely associated with the country’s industrial modernisation. Economic and political changes later altered the role of bauxite and aluminium production, but Afobaka Dam and the reservoir remained important features of the national landscape. At the same time, the waterway gained a modest recreational and tourism presence, with locations such as Ston Eiland serving visitors interested in boating, fishing and forest scenery.

Conservation and Contemporary Tourism

Modern interest in Brokopondo focuses on the meeting of rainforest, open water and human history. The reservoir lies within a wider interior environment of high ecological value, although its waters and shores should not be confused with nearby protected areas such as Brownsberg Nature Park. Tourism remains relatively small-scale, relying on road access, local knowledge and organised boat travel rather than extensive visitor infrastructure. Responsible travel is important because villages, forests and waterways continue to support communities as well as wildlife.

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