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 Americas
- Unique cultural practices like polygamy and menstruation houses in Maroon communities
- Why Suriname is known as the most Asian country outside Asia and the most African country outside Africa
- Incredible food: from roti to Indonesian cuisine — and why Suriname is a hidden foodie destination
- The realities of getting around Suriname, including limited flights, overland routes, and remote access points
- Visiting remote villages via dugout canoe and navigating rivers that cut through untouched rainforest
- Why Paramaribo is worth a short visit — plus tips on markets, accommodation, and cultural etiquette
- An 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
🌐 Explore more episodes + content at voyascape.com
☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com
📺 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...
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