Nature of Samoa - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Samoa consists of several islands, 8 small islands, and two big islands, namely, Upolu and Savaii. The country is located in the south of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 4 thousand kilometers to the east of Australia. Tourists arrive in Samoa to find something that they cannot see at the mainstream resorts these days – crystal clear air and virgin nature with forests, caves, moderately high mountains, lava fields petrified one hundred years ago right in the middle of a settlement (Savaii Island), waterfalls, and Palolo Deep Marine Reserve (Upolu Island). Samoa is a small island country but it has many cultural and natural attractions that can keep guests excited and ensure a memorable vacation.

Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is located on the east coast of Apia. Use East Coast Road to get to the Falefa River and the namesake waterfall. Up the river stream, there is a Mormon Village founded at the beginning of the 20th century. This is a well-kept settlement with the houses that look different from the traditional Samoan buildings. The southeastern end of Upolu is the location of gorgeous sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling sites. This area also has a fabulous view of the Aleipata Islands. This is a group of uninhabited islands. The last one, the smallest, has a time change line. To the east, in American Samoa, it is still “yesterday”.

By going along the coastline, tourists can go round the island and return to the starting point. Cross Island Road is the fastest way to reach the southern side of Apia. This road crosses the center of Upolu and goes from north to south. When crossing the Main South Coast Road, take a left turn (to the east) and you will reach the O le Pupu Pue National Park. Here, tourists can not only enjoy the lush tropical forests during the Ma Tree Walk but also see totem sculptures. The main purpose of the park is to protect forests between Fito and Lepue. Togitogiga Waterfalls in one more place that is worth visiting. Lotofaga Village, which is located to the east, is one of the most visited tourist destinations, same as the coast of Vavau Village famous for its picturesque small bays. Unfortunately, this beautiful beach is not very comfortable for swimming. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most visited waterfalls in Samoa are located at the southern side of the island. These are Fuipisia (55m), Sopoaga (60m), Papapapaitai Falls (one of the highest, 100m), Togitogiga Waterfalls, and Papaseea Sliding Rock (a cascade of 5m waterfalls). Some waterfalls are available for swimming and sliding down. Some waterfalls have a paid entrance. A walk to the waterfalls is a good physical workout and simultaneous excitement as you can admire beautiful local nature on the go.

The Apolima Strait separates Upolu from the biggest island in Samoa – Savaii. Human imprint is almost unnoticeable here. Local people live the same lives as their ancestors did centuries ago. People in coastal villages mostly do fishing using the traditional narrow boats made from a whole tree trunk. They use tree logs to make the boats more stable and turn them into catamarans. There are almost no vehicles on this island, so it is more comfortable to explore the coastal road during a cycling road or on foot. Tourists are welcome to participate in excursions to Savai’i. As a rule, these tours include visits to the tropical forest, petrified lava fields, lave caves (Letui, Paia Dwarfs, Aopo), and traditional Samoan villages.

An interesting fact – Samoans are honest people and never try to benefit from tourists. If a taxi driver names a price, it will be the same as in other taxis. Local people expect tourists to be polite and honest too. For example, it is not rare to see piles of different fruits along the road. Sometimes, these fruits are placed in baskets. These fruits are available for sale even if there are no sellers – you need to take the fruit you like and leave money instead. A striving for fairness also reflects in the crime level in Samoa – it is tending to zero. Samoa is the safest country in Polynesia. Tourists can make evening walks and cycling tours on the islands and do not worry about their safety.

Cycling in Upolu and Savaii is a popular activity that attracts many tourists. The Tourist Center in Apia (it is located just across the square with the clock tower) has maps of cycling routes in Samoa. The low frame bicycles for women are also available for rent. Each bicycle comes with a luggage compartment, a helmet, a pump, and a repair kit. If you plan to travel independently, visit the Tourist Center to get free maps of the island, as well as information about the landmarks, ferry and bus schedule, list of hotels and restaurants, etc.

It can be hot in Samoa but the temperature is quite stable – around +24°C - +29°C. Tourists can always go to some elevations and enjoy fresh air if the weather is hot. The temperature is high even during the rainy season – it replaces a typical European winter in Samoa. Instead of snow and cold weather, it is raining every day on the islands. The precipitations are the highest in December but the weather is still warm – no less than +24°C. It doesn’t rain long – the rains end shortly and the sun shines again, letting tourists continue their activities. It is always pleasant to relax in Samoa because this country has summer all year round.