Ep 182 w/ Dave Seminara - Why Suriname Should Be Your Next Adventure Travel Destination
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Show notes
This week, I’m joined once again by travel writer, YouTuber, and author Dave Seminara to explore a country rarely found on bucket lists — Suriname. Tucked between Guyana and French Guiana on South America's northern coast, this former Dutch colony is bursting with untouched jungle, rich multicultural heritage, and wildly underrated adventure experiences.
Dave recently spent eight days solo travelling across Suriname, from the capital, Paramaribo, to the remote Maroon villages deep in the rainforest. He shares everything — how to get there, where to stay, why the Upper Suriname River is a must-do journey, and why it may just be the friendliest country in the world.
We dive into:
The colonial history and ethnic diversity that make Suriname one of the most culturally layered countries in the AmericasUnique cultural practices like polygamy and menstruation houses in Maroon communitiesWhy Suriname is known as the most Asian country outside Asia and the most African country outside AfricaIncredible food: from roti to Indonesian cuisine — and why Suriname is a hidden foodie destinationThe realities of getting around Suriname, including limited flights, overland routes, and remote access pointsVisiting remote villages via dugout canoe and navigating rivers that cut through untouched rainforestWhy Paramaribo is worth a short visit — plus tips on markets, accommodation, and cultural etiquetteAn honest take on safety, infrastructure, friendliness, and why the locals are genuinely curious about travellers
This episode is full of inspiration for anyone dreaming of a more authentic, remote, and meaningful travel experience. Dave’s storytelling is full of insight, humour, and practical tips — and by the end, you might be planning your own trip to Suriname.
Thanks to Dave for coming on again, and he is welcome back anytime, as he is a much-loved guest on the podcast.
🎙️ Hosted by James Hammond | Part of the Voyascape Network
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📺 Watch Dave's Suriname vlogs on YouTube: Mad Traveler
🌐 Visit Dave's website to buy his books or read his work: website
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Where is Suriname?
02:30 – Dave’s travel style and why he chose Suriname
04:45 – Suriname’s location, Dutch colonial past & unique geography
06:55 – The most diverse small country in the world
09:00 – Maroon tribes, escaped slavery & cultural preservation
11:30 – Polygamy, menstruation houses & village customs
13:45 – Food in Suriname: Caribbean, Indian, Indonesian & more
15:50 – Is Suriname the world’s friendliest country?
17:00 – Can white travellers visit every village? The Dahomey debate
19:20 – How to get to Suriname (flights from the US & Europe)
21:30 – Suriname’s surprising lack of tourism infrastructure
23:00 – Visa tips, borders with Guyana & French Guiana
25:00 – Safety, yellow fever, currency & costs
27:30 – Paramaribo: What to do in the capital
30:15 – Maroon Market & cultural etiquette with cameras
32:00 – Languages spoken & how much English is used
34:40 – Upper Suriname River journey begins
37:10 – Dugout canoe rides, jungle breeze & remote villages
40:00 – Organised trip logistics: where to stay & how far to go
42:15 – Meeting locals, learning traditions & polygamy explained
45:30 – Funeral customs, marriage symbols & menstruation rules
48:10 – Do locals ask about your life? Curious about the US
50:00 – Dave visits a village school & shares what happened
52:10 – Booking info: Kanini Paatie, tour companies & great guesthouses
54:30 – Excursion to Jodensavanne: Jewish history in Suriname
58:10 – Why day trips from Paramaribo are ideal
59:50 – A visit to a former plantation and jungle cycling paradise
1:02:00 – Hard truths about slavery, resistance & Suriname’s past
1:04:00 – Off-topic but relevant: Safety in El Salvador
1:08:00 – Final thoughts: Is Suriname safe to travel to?
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Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
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