Comment accéder au saut Takari Tanté ?

L'accès se fait par environ quatre heures de navigation depuis le dégrad du barrage de Petit Saut, avec un piroguier professionnel ou en louant une embarcation. Certains piroguiers proposent des raccourcis.

Quelles activités peut-on y pratiquer ?

On peut y pratiquer la pêche (notamment de l'Aïmara), se baigner entre les rochers, profiter des bancs de sable pour un pique-nique et se détendre en pleine nature amazonienne.

Quelles précautions prendre pour s'y rendre ?

La zone n'a pas de réseau GSM : un téléphone satellite est conseillé. Prévoyez assez de carburant, portez un gilet de sauvetage, informez vos proches, emportez une trousse de secours et repartez avec vos déchets.

Qu'est-ce que le lac de Petit Saut ?

Le lac de Petit Saut résulte de la construction du barrage du même nom, mis en service en 1994. Il s'étend sur près de 365 km², avec des cimes d'arbres émergeant de l'eau, la zone n'ayant pas été déboisée.

Eau & baignade★ Free accessSinnamary

Le saut Takari Tanté

Free access

Gallery

Overview

The Takari Tanté rapids nestle in the upper reaches of the Sinnamary river in French Guiana, close to the Lucifer rapids. Reaching them requires approximately four hours of navigation from the landing stage at the Petit Saut dam, through a landscape of lake dotted with the skeletal trunks of dead trees. The site, remote and unspoiled, offers an escape deep into the Amazon wilderness.

Why Visit

The upper Sinnamary is prime sport-fishing territory, thanks to an abundance of Aïmara — a feisty predator fish — while smaller species give beginners a chance to try their luck. The rapids also offer the opportunity to swim between the rocks, enjoy the sandbanks for a picnic or a moment in the sun, and listen to the murmur of the water from a hammock. Cooking freshly caught Aïmara, prepared and grilled over a wood fire, rounds off the experience perfectly.

Practical Information

Access is possible with a professional pirogue guide or by renting a boat. The area has no mobile phone coverage: renting a satellite phone is advisable. Bring sufficient fuel to avoid running dry. A few precautions: wear a life jacket during navigation, let someone know your destination and expected return time, bring a first-aid kit and take your rubbish back with you. Note: the Petit Saut reservoir, created when the dam was commissioned in 1994, covers nearly 365 km².

Getting There

Departures are from the landing stage at the Petit Saut dam in Sinnamary. Allow approximately four hours of navigation to reach the rapids. Some experienced pirogue guides know shortcuts that save both time and fuel.

Wildlife

What you might see

Species most often reported by naturalists around this place. Nothing is guaranteed: wildlife comes and goes.

Bird
Toucan à bec rouge
Ramphastos tucanus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Kourou · iNaturalist
Bird
Martin-pêcheur à ventre roux
Megaceryle torquata
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Sinnamary · iNaturalist
Bird
Tyran quiquivi
Pitangus sulphuratus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Saint-Georges · iNaturalist
Reptile
Ameive commun
Ameiva ameiva
Photo credit
© Imrick B., CC BY · taken in Cayenne · iNaturalist

Observations: GBIF and iNaturalist. Sources and credits

Getting there

Location

Sinnamary · Guyane

Google Maps Waze directions

Frequently asked questions

How do I reach the Takari Tanté rapids?+

Access requires approximately four hours of navigation from the landing stage at the Petit Saut dam, with a professional pirogue guide or by renting a boat. Some guides know shortcuts.

What activities are available there?+

You can fish (particularly for Aïmara), swim between the rocks, enjoy the sandbanks for a picnic and unwind in the heart of the Amazon wilderness.

What precautions should I take before going?+

The area has no mobile phone coverage: a satellite phone is recommended. Bring enough fuel, wear a life jacket, let someone know your plans, carry a first-aid kit and take your rubbish back with you.

What is the Petit Saut reservoir?+

The Petit Saut reservoir was created when the dam of the same name was commissioned in 1994. It covers nearly 365 km², with treetops emerging from the water as the area was not cleared before flooding.