Communities · BROWNSWEG / RESERVOIR SIDE BRANCH
Nieuw-Koffiekamp
BROWNSWEG / RESERVOIR SIDE BRANCH
Nieuw-Koffiekamp is a village in the resort of Brownsweg in the Brokopondo District of Suriname. It is a transmigration village built for the inhabitants of Koffiekamp which was flooded by the Brokopondo Reservoir after the construction of the Afobaka Dam. Community included in the Brokopondo corridor network. Arrange community visits locally and ask permission before taking photographs. Address / area: Nieuw-Koffiekamp, Brokopondo
Local rules
Traditional authority first: As a Maroon village on communal land, entry and engagement are governed by the captain and basjas. Visitors — especially foreigners, researchers, or NGO/government staff — should announce themselves through the Brownsweg district office, the MZ clinic, or Rosebel Community Relations before arriving. Land-rights sensitivity: Never discuss relocation, concession boundaries, or mine expansion casually. The village has resisted two relocation attempts and a government task force dedicated to moving it again; this is the community's central grievance. Mine security zone: The surrounding concession is fenced and patrolled by mine security. Do not enter mining areas, pits (including the Roma Pit, which villagers may work under a 2017 agreement), or haul roads without explicit permission from Rosebel and the village. Movement: Road access exists, but expect checkpoint-style scrutiny near the mine. After dark, movement in the area is unwise — no street lighting, and mine haul trucks operate on the corridor. Small-scale mining presence: Mercury is used in local gold extraction; do not drink from creeks near mining areas, and avoid handling mining residues. Photography/media: Filming or photographing the mine, its security, or protests can create serious friction — clear it with both Rosebel and the village council in advance. Connectivity: Digicel/Telesur signal is present but weak/intermittent; do not rely on it for emergency communication. Contact the local host or village authority before visiting. Ask permission for photography and for access to private or ceremonial places. A village listing is not blanket visitor permission.
Nearest help
Medical Care Nieuw-Koffiekamp has a local medical clinic operated through the Medische Zending rural healthcare network. For more advanced medical treatment, residents typically travel to: Brownsweg Health Center Brokopondo Regional Health Facilities Hospitals in Paramaribo
Last verified 2026-09-16 · version 4
Confirm the exact meeting point with your operator.
- Coordinates
- 5.075342, -55.212945
Save essential contacts before departure. Agree who checks your arrival and how to communicate if mobile reception is lost.
Safety protocols to read before you travel
A01Guided activitiesUse a guide who knows the route and explains the safety arrangements.
Choose a guide through an established operator and ask about route experience, training, equipment and emergency arrangements. Follow the safety briefing, stay with the group and do not undertake an unfamiliar activity alone. Stop when conditions become unsafe.
Version 1 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source SCSD project Revised Deliverable 2 and Workshop 1 protocol guidance
A02Jungle excursionsStay on known trails, share the route and carry essential supplies.
Stay on marked or known trails, tell someone the intended route and carry water, communications and a basic first-aid kit. Avoid excursions during severe weather.
Version 2 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source Rev. - DELIVERABLE 2 REPORT - Tourism Awareness&Saferty SCSD project.docx, section 3.3; draft pending TCT/PIU approval
A03Water recreation and river hazardsCheck physical hazards and fresh-water health risks before an activity.
Ask the guide about currents, rocks, water levels and safe access before any water activity. Wear suitable flotation equipment for boating. Do not dive into unfamiliar water or enter rapids to swim or bathe, and keep children under close supervision. CDC advises avoiding swimming in unchlorinated rivers, lakes and ponds in Suriname because fresh water can carry infections. A locally designated swimming spot does not establish water quality.
Version 1 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source SCSD project Revised Deliverable 2 and Workshop 1 protocol guidance; https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/suriname
A04Wildlife awarenessDo not approach or feed wildlife; report dangerous sightings.
Do not approach or feed wildlife and do not handle unknown plants or animals. Keep a safe distance and report dangerous wildlife sightings to the guide or responsible local contact.
Version 1 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source Rev. - DELIVERABLE 2 REPORT - Tourism Awareness&Saferty SCSD project.docx, section 3.3; draft pending TCT/PIU approval