The Tampok by packraft
Gear(s) used
In September 2025, an extraordinary expedition set out to paddle down the mysterious Tampok River by packraft, deep within the protected area of the Amazonian Park of French Guiana.
The journey began upstream on Alice Creek, near the Brazilian border, and ended in Maripasoula, across from Suriname — twenty-one days of hiking and paddling through some of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in the Amazon. The river, often choked with fallen trees, held plenty of surprises for us: a fleeting glimpse of a jaguar, the glimmer of an emerald boa, the curiosity of giant Amazonian otters, the stealth of caimans, and the incredible diversity of aquatic life — piranhas, aymaras, tiger catfish, and even the formidable electric eel. But the real highlight was without a doubt the caimans, which we often spotted right beside our packrafts… sometimes a little too close!
This expedition left each of us with the powerful memory of having lived within the “mother” forest of our planet. The connection was complete — a delicate balance between wildlife and nature. An unforgettable experience, to be lived with the deepest respect for nature — pure and simple!
The packraft proved to be the perfect tool for exploring this dense, otherworldly environment — its light weight made crossings and portages much easier. We even took the opportunity to climb an inselberg in the Awarra Mountains, the famed Mont Oublié, alongside our Amerindian friends. French Guiana, a still little-known French territory, is often seen as remote and dangerous. And it’s true — it commands respect. But with an experienced guide, like Fredo Aventure from Cayenne, the risks are well managed, and the magic of the forest fully reveals itself.
Equipments