Samoa Parks & Conservation Areas
The main islands of Upolu and Savaii are fringed by magnificent coral reefs and lagoons, overlooked by craggy volcanic peaks. Inland, the rugged interior hides virgin rainforest, tumbling waterfalls, steep gorges and spring-fed pools and streams. Traditional villages and coconut plantations lace the coast, which is fringed by palm trees and white sandy beaches. Recent volcanic activity on the island of Savaii has also created many lava tubes and volcanic craters.
Flora and Fauna
Samoa’s tropical climate and fertile soils embrace a diverse range of landscapes from rainforests and coconut plantations to scrublands, marshes and mangrove swamps. Native wildlife includes flying foxes, rare Pacific pigeons and doves, seabirds, skinks and geckos. In the surrounding ocean, dolphins, whales and porpoises migrate through Samoa’s warm waters, and turtles are regular visitors to the islands. The spectacular fringing reefs are home to some 900 fish species and over 200 varieties of coral.
National Parks
O Le Pupu-Pue National Park, Upolu Island
Nature lovers will find several good walking tracks in O Le Pupu-Pue, which stretches from the coast up to the mountainous spine of the island’s centre. The park contains some of the best remaining tropical rainforest on Upolu, and some 42 different types of birds. The lovely Togitogiga Falls are a short walk from the park’s entrance, and a trail leading through the rainforest to Peapea Cave also begins here. The park is open daily, and there is no admission fee. For more information about Samoa’s National Parks, contact The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, phone 23 800 or visit www.minre.gov.ws
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