Excursion Crater lake hike tour at Apia
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Lake Lanoto'o National Park is located in the central highlands of the main island of Upolu, it covers an area of 8,500 hectares, and offers stunning views and great bird watching. It consists of three small crater lakes, Lake Lanoto'o, Lanoata'ata and Lanoanea.
This hike will take you to Lanoto'o volcanic lake, perched at almost 3000 feet in a surreal setting. Enjoy the cool air, the tropical rainforest and its birdlife, relax and swim off the fatigue of the hike in the cool lake's waters, amongst goldfish.
The national park supports endemic bird species such as the endangered Tooth-billed Pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris), and the endangered Mao (Gymnomyza samoensis), as well as the Samoan Starling (Aplonis atrifusca), Samoan Whistler (Pachycephala flavifrons), Samoan Broadbill (Myiagra albiventris) and Samoan Triller (Lalage sharpei).
Board the bus at the pier and begin the approximately 1-hour drive towards the inner uplands of the island of Upolu.
At the end of the road, join the trail and start the approximately 1.5 hours hike up to the lake.
The level trail meanders indistinctly through tall grass, mildly descending into a vale of tall native Samoan trees including the tamiligi, awkwardly mixed with dozens of giant pine trees. Then, suddenly you enter a totally different world made of pressing vegetation, among which the always flowering tieula, Samoa's national flower, stands out. Further ahead the soil transitions from deep brown to a lush red color. Descend into a saddle through spectacular high altitude rainforest to approach the final climb to the volcanic crater. Here the crest on the crater rim reveals your destination, Lake Lanoto'o. The trail now drops in elevation leading you to the green lake's edge for a refreshing dip.
A packed sandwich lunch will be offered at the lake.
After some relaxing time and exploration at the lake, begin the 1.5-hour hike back, to then rejoin the transportation back to the ship.
Note
Please note: this tour involves moderate difficulty hiking for a total of about 3 hours over rugged terrain. This tour is recommended only to fit guests. The track can become slippery and dirty after rain. Some steep sections are encountered. Guests are recommended to wear hiking shoes and comfortable clothes, sunscreen and mosquito repellant. Guests wishing to swim at the lake should wear a swim suit and bring a towel from the ship. Toilets facilities are not available.