Safety in Panama and Kumana

Safety overview

Overall

Safe but requires extra preparation remote wilderness

Solo female

Generally safe but never enter the park without a licensed tracker

Roads

Rough unpaved jungle tracks 4wd recommended

Swimming

Dangerous crocodiles in villus and lagoons

Wildlife & health risks

Wild elephants on access roadsCrocodiles in villus and lagoonsVenomous snakesVery limited mobile signal

Call 119 for police or 1990 for Suwa Seriya, but expect a slow response given the distance from any town — this is a remote Department of Wildlife Conservation reserve. Always travel with a licensed safari jeep and tracker, stay inside the vehicle near water, and confirm your operator carries a radio or working phone before entering the park.

Emergency contacts

Police

119

Police alt

118

Ambulance

1990

Ambulance service

Suwa Seriya

Fire

110

Tourist police

1912

Tourist hotline

1912

Accident service

011-2691111

Common scams to avoid

Unlicensed safari jeeps

Medium severity

Informal drivers without a Department of Wildlife Conservation permit sometimes offer cut-price 'safaris' at the Okanda gate.

How to avoid: Book through your guesthouse or a registered operator and ask to see the DWC permit before paying.

Off-book park fees

Medium severity

Cash 'entry fees' collected outside the official ticket counter, with no receipt.

How to avoid: Insist on an official ticket from the Wildlife Department counter at the park entrance; carry small denominations.

Medical facilities

Nearest Government Hospital to Panama and Kumana

Government hospitalEmergency care

Verify the exact facility and phone number before publication.

Local Pharmacies in Panama and Kumana

Pharmacy

Availability and opening hours vary.

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