Blaka Watra

Blaka Watra, black water in Sranan Tongo, is a creek in the savanna belt near Zanderij where the same tannin-stained water runs over white sand as at Cola Creek, but with more shade, a longer stretch of swimmable water and rather fewer people. Bamboo and forest close over the banks. It is the standard day out from Paramaribo for anyone who finds Cola Creek too busy. The savanna belt these creeks drain is a band of white sand left by an old shoreline, which is why the water runs clear over pale bottom rather than muddy.

What you actually see

• The black water - tannin-stained creek running over pale sand.
• The shaded banks - bamboo and forest closing over the water.
• The swimming stretch - a longer run of usable water than at Cola Creek.
• The savanna belt - the white sand country the creek drains.

When to go

The dry seasons, February to April and August to November, are best. Weekends bring visitors; weekdays are quiet. Heavy rain raises the creek.

Honest expectations

Facilities are basic and there is little beyond the water itself. It gets busy at weekends and holidays. The road in has rough stretches.

Nearby

Cola Creek is north, and the airport is nearby.