Camp Maripas, an insight into the Guianese forest near Kourou

Originally founded by the space base to accommodate its staff on holiday and VIP guests during rocket launches, Camp Maripas was taken over in 2024 by Thomas Saunier, vice-president of the Compagnie des Guides de Guyane.

Today, people come here during the day for seminars involving up to 100 people and/or to take part in incentive activities, including the highly competitive 12-seater pirogue races known as P12. "The sport is enjoying a renaissance in French Guiana, with regular competitions between the twenty or so teams in the country."he adds.

After a short introduction on land and then on the riverbank, the pirogues are released onto the river, with the first paddler setting the pace and the last one at the helm. "The P12 is ideal for strengthening team cohesion, as it requires perfect coordination of movements, paddle strokes and above all side changes, so as not to fall into the river in a matter of seconds."explains Thomas Saunier.

At the camp, the excellent local cuisine is provided by a caterer from Kourou, and accommodation (for 45 people at present but rising to 60) is provided in hammocks under a carbet, a long hut inspired by traditional Amerindian dwellings. A real experience!

Forest immersion

For more intense immersion in the forest, Thomas Saunier has set up a second camp called Cariacou, which you reach after a one-hour trip up the river and one of its tributaries. With a capacity of 30 adults in its incentive version, the all-inclusive package (€140/pers. 1 day/1 night and €180 2 days/1 night) includes transfer to the river in a motorised dug-out canoe, accommodation in a hammock or double bed, meals and a host of activities, including canoeing, dug-out canoes, paddle-boating, archery, traditional weaving and guided walks in the Amazon rainforest to discover its unique flora and fauna. Adventure is just around the corner.