|
The internationally recognized wetland of Nariva Swamp covers fifteen square kilometres behind the coconut estates along the east coast. The area is made up of agricultural land as well as reed-fringed marshes, mangroves and Bush Bush Island , bordered by palmiste and moriche palms and covered in hardwood forest. The swamp's unique freshwater ecosystem harbours large concentrations of rare wildlife , with some 58 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles, and 171 species of birds. The swamp is also home to 92 species of mosquito, so remember to bring your insect repellent. Nariva is the only place in Trinidad to see the threatened manatee or sea cow, a peculiar elephantine mammal that can grow up to three metres in length and weigh over 900 kilograms, and which feeds off water hyacinth, moss and waterlilies. The swamp is also an excellent place to view caimans, freshwater turtles, red howler monkeys, white-fronted capuchin monkeys, silky anteaters, opposums, porcupines and a wide variety of birds including savannah hawks, dicksissels, orange-winged parrots and the yellow-capped Amazon parrot. Its most alarming inhabitants must be the anacondas , capable of growing up to ten metres long; they're the heaviest reptiles in the world, and the largest in the Americas. It's nigh impossible to visit the swamp independently, though you can take a peek by driving up Kernaham Trace - a small road at the southern end of Manzanilla beach leading to the tiny settlement of Kernaham village. To get a substantial look, you'll need a guide and permit to enter the swamp proper. South East Eco Tours (tel 868/644-1072) offers excellent day trips (US$35-80) involving hikes, boat rides, lunch with local residents and trained guides from the local community. Caribbean Discovery Tours (tel 868/624-7281) offers an equally good Nariva trip, with a walk through Bush Bush island (US$50-100). If you're a serious ornithologist, opt for the excellent birding tours offered by Rooks Tours that start at US$50 (tel 868/622-8826)
Your Tip for Nariva Swamp
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Nariva Swamp - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Nariva Swamp - visit the main Nariva Swamp forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Nariva Swamp webguide section below! Thanks.
|
