T he Table mountain; A spectaculair mountain in the green hearth of Suriname. This mountain is a geological phenomina which is called a Tepui. This kind of mountain consist of a relatively flat plateau encompassed by steep cliffs. Therefore the ecosystem on top of this mountain is mostly isolated by the surrounding forest. The plateau of the Surinamese Table mountain can be found on a height of 1000 meters. The largest part of the day this mountain is surrounded by clouds. The isolation, the height, the humidity and the geology give the impression that this unique location is not in Suriname anymore. This beautiful and pristine location is almost only accessible by helicopter, therefore only few people are able to visit this area. Dick Lock and Steven Oldenstam departed in April 2021 with 6 other expeditioners to the plateau by helicopter. For years they have dreamt of visiting this place. But not only to visit, but really experience it! They decided to stay for 12 days. With dried food, a hammock and a tarp, they started to explore the plateau. The flight towards the mountain itself already was an amazing experience. Flying like a bird over the vast green Surinamese rainforest, seeing the edges of the mountain from the helicopter and hearing the waterfalls tumbling down hundreds of metres. The first couple of days of the expedition were intense exploratory days. The days were long but beautiful in the pristine and highly bushy forest. While exploring the area, we had some time to recharge at one of the highest waterfalls of Suriname and enjoy the beautiful creeks and the unique wildlife. There seemed no end to all the beauty we discovered. After a week, the place felt like our second home… The trip was amazing; the sounds, the temperature, the uniqueness and virginity of the area, being one with nature and to share all of it with 8 amazing adventurers. Marloes van Elderen, Bloem van Rooij, Lieke Verwoerd, Nalini Mahesh, Lisa ten Kate and Randy Pinas. After this expedition, Dick Lock and Lieke Verwoerd, both living in Suriname, started the company “Unlock Nature”. This company is set up for and by real nature lovers and adventurers! 45 I I su magazine su magazine 45 Wildlife of Suriname Imkerij Fabian Esajas Brantimakaweg Weg aan Zee Foto: Jap Smits
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