Unlock Nature

After months of intense preparation, we are thrilled to embark on this record-breaking expedition in our beloved Suriname! Our journey will aim to set 3 world records: the fastest ascent of Suriname's two highest peaks, and a world-first source-to-sea expedition, traveling from the source of the Coppename River all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. In the lead-up to our departure, we had the chance to share our story and mission in a recent interview from ABC Radio & TV with Dick Lock and Matthew Wallace.

Check it out to learn more about this incredible adventure!
You can listen to the entire interview with the link below:
https://on.soundcloud.com/ASWW2r2N1ZgD8bRHA

Or listen to a short version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTYKzDuLSB8

𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲!
Can you name this Suriname animal?

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁!
An extraordinary hidden treasure with incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. Listen to captivating stories from travellers who have witnessed its magic up close.

Ready for your next big adventure? Reach out for a tailored expedition: https://unlocknature.tours/

Don't forget to 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 to our YouTube channel for more adventures!

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀:
A massive shout-out to the phenomenal team ‪‪from Herpetological Education & Research Project for the their incredible narration throughout this video. Their enthusiasm and knowledge truly bring the wonders of Suriname to life. Make sure to check out their channel for more amazing wildlife and nature content!

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸:
https://youtu.be/AIrN0_B_9AU?si=6IBGvOsNTypuuORp

Suriname Revealed: Untouched Wilderness and Diverse Wildlife Embark on a journey to explore the untouched wilderness of Suriname, a hidden gem filled with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Narrated by travellers wh...

𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲!
Can you name this Suriname animal?

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲!
Can you name this Suriname animal?

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🐍
Today, we celebrate these incredible reptiles! Have you ever encountered a snake? Share your story with us! Post your experiences and photos using and join the conversation.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Witness the beauty of Suriname's rainforest inhabitants up close.

𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝘆𝗴𝗺𝘆 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿
Watching a kingfisher dive into the water to catch a fish with pinpoint accuracy is a captivating sight. Their skill and precision in hunting are remarkable. Kingfishers are often considered indicators of a healthy environment. Their presence can signal clean water and a robust aquatic ecosystem, making them important for ecological studies. This species is one of the smallest kingfishers, measuring about 13 cm in length and weighing around 10-15 grams! It plays a vital part in maintaining the balance of the Amazon's complex food web. By controlling insect populations, they help keep the ecosystem healthy and vibrant.

There are many more kingfisher species of different sizes and colours in Suriname. You can find them in many location but mostly close to small streams and ponds.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁
Unlike many birds that build nests in trees, kingfishers typically dig burrows in riverbanks or sandy soils. They use their strong bills to create tunnels that can be several feet long, ending in a small chamber where they lay their eggs.

𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹
Peperpot Nature Park

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Expeditioner .goes_fotografie

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘀! Three WORLD RECORDS being attempted on this one expedition and documented by Guinness World Records.

We are thrilled to announce that explorer Ash D***s is embarking on an epic journey with Unlock Nature. The 40 day journey will start in September this year.

Dropped off by helicopter near the base of Julianatop, Ash will conquer this majestic peak before embarking on a ground-breaking source-to-sea kayak expedition. But that's not all! Along the route, Ash will also be climbing the stunning Table Mountain, marking a series of firsts in the heart of the Surinamese wilderness.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺
Ash D***s (explorer)
Jacob Hudson (cameraman and producer)
Dick Lock and Matthew Wallace (wildlife and logistics experts)

Stay tuned for updates on this incredible adventure and join us in cheering Ash, Jacob, Dick and Matthew on as they push the limits of exploration and adventure!

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆:
https://youtu.be/TwCpXuq4MqM

***s

My Next WORLD FIRST Expedition: Suriname BREAKING NEWS: ANNOUNCEMENT 📣My next WORLD FIRST RECORD attempt will take place in the AMAZON!This September, I set off for something that has never been do...

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Witness the beauty of Suriname's rainforest inhabitants up close.

The 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗵𝗮𝘄𝗸 𝗲𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲 is a fascinating species known for its formidable hunting skills. It preys on a variety of animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. One of its remarkable hunting techniques is soaring above the forest canopy and then executing a swift, stealthy dive to catch its prey.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁
The Black Hawk-Eagle has a distinctive, loud whistling call that we can often hear before we see the bird. We can describe its call as a high-pitched, piercing "wheee-wheee," which can be quite striking when heard echoing through the forest.

𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹
Maratakka and Lucie River

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲!
Can you name this Suriname animal?

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗶 𝗣𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻! After a long period of being dried up, our beloved Bigi Pan is now open and full of life again. Book your tour online and experience the stunning views, serene waters and vibrant wildlife like 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝘀, 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀, and 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀!

Great in combination with the 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗸𝗮 tour. The two locations are perfect to combine due to their location.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
https://unlocknature.tours/tours/bigipan/

WeTravel

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Witness the beauty of Suriname's rainforest inhabitants up close.

The 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗮𝗱 (𝘗𝘪𝘱𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘱𝘢) has a remarkably flat and leaf-like body, which helps it blend into its muddy, aquatic environment. This flat shape aids in its camouflage, making it difficult for predators to spot them.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁
The P**a p**a has one of the most unusual reproductive methods among amphibians. During mating, the female lays her eggs, and the male fertilizes them before embedding the eggs into the skin on her back. The skin grows over the eggs, forming a honeycomb-like structure. The eggs develop in these pockets, and the young toads emerge fully formed after completing their development.

𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹
Peperpot Nature Park

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

**aP**a

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?🌿🦜
Dive into 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀 on Netflix and witness the spectacular courtship dances of nature's most colourful birds.

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱, 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄. 𝗪𝗲'𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀!

In 2018, when Dick Lock had just recently arrived in Suriname, he worked with Fred Eco Tours to accommodate the recordings of the Netflix series; Dancing with the Birds. Being able to work with inspirational people such as Huw Cordey (producer of e.g. planet earth) is a major honour. Fred and Dick worked together lacking sleep whilst they were functioning as guides, cooks, carriers, drivers and in some cases even camera man or sounds man! Together with two camera man, they spent 23 days on the lek (dancing site) of the Guianan C**k of the Rock. All this for about 3.5-minute screen time! A challenging, but amazing experience!

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Peter Grobben

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🌍🌿

Today, we celebrate the natural beauty and biodiversity that make our planet and country a true gem. From the lush rainforests to the winding rivers, Suriname is a haven for wildlife and a testament to the wonders of nature. It is important that we are aware of the changes that are happening. Bigi Pan for example has been very dry for a long time, highlighting the effects of environmental changes.

We will continue our efforts in preserving and protecting Suriname's natural wonders.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
Small actions can make a big difference—whether it's reducing plastic use, supporting conservation initiatives, or spreading awareness about the importance of our environment.

Together, we can make a difference! 🌿💚

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Witness the beauty of Suriname's rainforest inhabitants up close.

𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼
The vibrant coloration of the flamingo comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet, primarily derived from algae and crustaceans like shrimp. These social birds often gather in large colonies along the coastal mudflats and mangroves, where they use their specialised beaks to filter-feed on small organisms in the water. The flamingo's unique feeding behaviour, and their communal nesting habits make them a captivating subject for birdwatchers and biologist.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁
Flamingos often sleep standing on one leg, tucking the other leg under their body. Scientists believe this behaviour helps to conserve body heat and maintain balance while resting. The exact mechanism is still not fully understood.

𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹
Bigi Pan without a doubt!

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Witness the beauty of Suriname's rainforest inhabitants up close.

The 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗲𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗗𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻 (𝘗𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴) can often be seen "sunning" themselves on riverbanks with their mouths wide open. This behaviour, known as "mouth gaping," is a way for them to regulate their body temperature, similar to how humans sweat. By opening their mouths, they release excess heat from their bodies, helping them stay cool under the hot tropical sun.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁
Females lay up to 15 eggs at a time in a nest made from vegetation and soil. Warmer temperatures produce female caimans and colder temperatures males.

𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹
The more remote, the more you see!
Kabalebo, Sintiadam, Lucie River (Kayak Expedition) and Table Mountain are those remote locations.
You also have a good chance at Fredberg, Brownsberg and Maratakka.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿
Our wildlife guide Dick Lock

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Witness the beauty of Suriname's rainforest inhabitants up close.

𝗛𝗼𝗮𝘁𝘇𝗶𝗻𝘀
The Hoatzin (pronounced as what-zin) is also known as the “stink bird” or skunk bird because they smell like fresh cow manure. This is also one of the ways we can easily and quickly determine if they are near. The smell is very distinct! It is the Guyana national bird and we have seen them on the Courantyne river separating Suriname and Guyana.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀
The Hoatzin is one of the few bird species that practices communal nesting. Several females lay their eggs in the same nest, and all members of the group, including males and older siblings, help incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. This cooperative nesting behaviour is rare among birds and adds an extra layer of social complexity to the Hoatzin's fascinating lifestyle.

The Hoatzin chicks have an interesting adaptation: they possess claws on their wings, which they use to climb branches like tiny dinosaurs. The chicks can defend themselves with the claws. They can also drop themselves into the water below and swim with those claws until the threat is gone and climb back into their nest.

We are super happy with our new stickers on the Dmax! 🐸🦜 What do you think? Have you spotted us driving around yet!?

Special thanks to Prografx Designs for the printing and application of the stickers.

Great photo book made by Linus Hjelm about his experience during the Kayak Expedition on the Lucie River in October 2023. Check it out! https://www.blurb.com/books/11906471-suriname

𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
October 11th – 24th, 2024 (1 spot left)
December 3rd – 16th, 2024
October 10th – 23rd, 2025

Suriname A kayak expedition through the jungles of central Suriname, from Kayser airstrip to the amerindian settlement of Amatopo, 235 km down the Zuid and Lucie river. All organised by Unlock Nature.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿!
Let's turn off all the lights for an hour and celebrate the earth! Who's joining!?

𝗔𝗴𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶
The scientific name of agouti is "Dasyprocta" and means "fuzzy butt". They are known as jungle gardeners because they bury nuts and seeds and then forget them, allowing them to grow, just like squirrels! They are shy but we have been lucky enough to see them recently in Peperpot Nature park as well as in Kabalebo.

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗸𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
We recently had the pleasure to see a silky anteater from up close! It is also known as the two-toed or dwarf anteater and is the smallest and least known member of the family. It is hard to find this animal because it is awake at night (nocturnal), lives high in the trees and is also exquisitely camouflaged. Apart from eating ants as the name suggests, they also eat bees and wasps!