Hike to Crater of Lake Lanotoo

Highlights / General details

Lake Lanotoo was recently designated as a National Park. It is the most famous of Upolu's volcanic craters. It is also remote and requires 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 colorful native birds. 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.

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.

Hours of operation

Available: Tuesday, Thursday; Start time at 12:30pm-1:00pm.

Duration

Approximately 3-4 Hours.

Location Meeting point: Samoa Tourism Authority Information fale, Beach Road, Apia. Finish point: Samoa Tourism Authority Information fale, Beach Road, Apia.

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 for 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 center 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 color. 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 center of Apia.

Participation restrictions Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below 6 years are not permitted on this tour.

Additional Information For this tour, good hiking or sports shoes, hat, and light raincoat is 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).

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 for 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 center 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 color. 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 center of Apia.

Participation restrictions Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below 6 years are not permitted on this tour.

Location

Meeting point: Samoa Tourism Authority Information fale, Beach Road, Apia. Finish point: Samoa Tourism Authority Information fale, Beach Road, Apia.

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 for 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 center 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 color. 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 center of Apia.

Participation restrictions Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below 6 years are not permitted on this tour.

Additional Information For this tour, good hiking or sports shoes, hat, and light raincoat is 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).

Policies This tour is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12. If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation