Hike to crater of Lake Lanotoo

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Lake Lanotoo was recently designated as a National Park. It is the most famous of Upolu’s volcanic craters. It is also remote and require a good hike before reaching its cool green water. You will explore high altitude rainforests, learn of its traditional uses, of the devastating cyclone impacts and have a chance to encounter the rare endemic birds living in this rainforest, the Manumea and the Maomao, and many other colourful native birds.

Highlights:

Take a 4x4 to the centre of Upolu Island
Hike central Upolu highlands and rainforests to this green coloured volcanic crater Lake, also known as Goldfish Lake.
Learn the lore of Samoa’s plants and birds while trekking and indulge in a swim at the lake.

Tour style:Walking/Orientation trips, Hiking
Inclusion:

English speaking guide, Transportation in 4wd vehicle. Water bottle: 1 bottle per person.

Exclusion:

Items of a personal nature. Gratuities and tips for guides.

Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:

Duration: 3-4 Hours
Meeting point:
Samoa Tourism Fale
Start time: 12.30 PM-1.00 PM
Finish point:
Samoa Tourism Fale

Additional information :

Dress standard:
For this tour, good hiking or sports shoes, hat, light raincoat are best. Please be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Samoa. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing, covering shoulder and knees. Women should avoid wearing swimsuits or skimpy clothing away from the beach. Men should wear light shirt, polo or T-shirts with long or knee-length shorts, or local sarong (lava lava).
Language: English

Itinerary:

Upolu Island is a volcanic island on which many extinct volcanic cones (around 150) form a major part of the landscape. On top of Apia lie the volcanic cones at the centre of Upolu Island, Lake Lanotoo, a very remote old volcano, is the most well known of its crater lakes.

Your tour will start at the Samoa Tourism Information fale in central Apia where you will be picked-up by a 4-wheel drive vehicle – the only way to reach the centre of the island on a very rough plantation road - about 3 km from the main Falealii Road to the Lake Lanotoo National Park parking area.

Your guide will then take you on a three-hour hiking tour through the high altitude rainforest of Afiamalu, across tree ferns, palms and large Aoa trees dominating the canopy. This forest is one of the last refuges of the rare Manumea (tooth-billed pigeon) and the Maomao (Giant Honey Eater) – two of the many endemic birds that may be seen on the trail.

Your guide will provide knowledgeable insights into this natural environment and traditional usage of plants until you reach the edge of the crater and a fantastic view of the lake.

The hike reaches a step trail down to the lake, which is greenish in colour. Because of its coolest climate, a cottage was built during the German era as a holiday station for families and gold fishes were introduced in the lake in times past. If you wish you can enjoy a swim in the lake’s cool water, before heading back on the forest trail. Your guide will bring you back to the park area for your 4-wheel drive back to Apia on the winding and spectacular cross-island road.

You will return exhausted but safely back to the Samoa Tourism Information fale in the centre of Apia.

Tipping:

Tipping is not customary in Samoa, but if you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers, a tip - though not compulsory nor expected - is appropriate. It is generally rejected at first, but will be received with pride, if you insist. In Samoa, we refer to this as “mea alofa” (a gesture of thanks or love) to your host. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.

Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.

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