WILLEMSTAD – On Sunday, September 7, Carmabi will host its annual Open Day at Christoffel National Park, offering a morning filled with nature, culture, and history in the heart of Bandabou. Entrance to the park will be free that morning (except for access to the Christoffelberg). Visitors are welcome from 7:00 a.m. at Savonet Plantation, where a full program runs until 1:00 p.m.
From 1:00 p.m., the Dia di Sabaneta festivities begin, featuring cultural performances until 8:00 p.m., with acts including Kaya di Orgel, Tipiko San Mango, Grupo Komper, and Grupo Oriri.
The program starts early with a Sunrise Walk to Boka Grandi at 6:00 a.m., followed by meditation on the beach. Sunrise Safaris depart at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 a.m. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the Savonet Museum and the old smithy, where local history and crafts come to life. Children’s activities and creative workshops begin at 9:00 a.m., and at 11:00 a.m. the Open Day will be officially opened with government representatives, community organizations, and Carmabi’s management in attendance.
The Turtle Magasina will serve as the central hub of the day, with Carmabi educators providing interactive lessons. Children will have the chance to draw and paint, while the Carmabi Plant Nursery will host a booth selling plants and educational merchandise. Families can also participate in a scavenger hunt around the plantation house and historic waterworks, with small prizes for children who complete the challenge correctly.
This year features a special collaboration with ABC Busbedrijf. Visitors can park in Otrobanda and, with a pre-booked ticket, use the shuttle service to the park, which includes a safari trip and museum tour.
“The Open Day is a unique opportunity to experience all the aspects of Savonet,” said park manager Sharalin Maduro. “We want to show visitors how nature and culture come together here, and how important it is to pass on this heritage to future generations.”
Practical Information
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (followed by Dia di Sabaneta until 8:00 p.m.)
Location: Savonet Plantation, Christoffel National Park
Entry fees: Sunrise Safari – ANG 7.50 | Museum & Smithy – ANG 5.00 | Walk to Boka Grandi – ANG 7.50 | Children’s activities – free
Tickets for transport & package deals: via ABC Busbedrijf (reservation required via activities@carmabi.org)
The Christoffelberg may be climbed separately between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at the standard fee, outside of the official Open Day program.
