Experiences in Samoa
There’s no shortage of breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating culture and history to find in Samoa, along with fun activities along the way.
Whether you want to explore some of its many dramatic waterfalls and lush tropical forests, dive into crystal-clear freshwater pools, discover an ancient volcano, swim with turtles or experience Samoa’s 3,000-year-old culture, opportunities abound.
The hardest task you face will be choosing how it will all fit into your holiday.
Samoa has a large number of interesting sites and attractions for visitors to experience the country’s rich and ancient culture, learn about its fascinating history and explore some of its natural wonders.
There are many landscapes to explore in Samoa, but being a tropical island it certainly offers a wide range of beautiful beaches on Upolu and Savai’i for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and general relaxing upon.
Volcanoes
Samoa’s archipelago was created as a result of volcanic activity and today most of its peaks are dormant and extinct volcanoes.
The most recent eruption occurred from Mt Matavanu on Savai’i, located within a string of volcanic craters leading to the highest peak in Samoa, Mt Silisili. The eruption occurred between 1905 to 1911 and led to the evacuation of entire villages which were destroyed.
However, because the lava flow was very slow-moving, all people were able to safely escape to the island of Upolu. The skeletal remains of a church and the Virgin’s Grave remain at the Saleaula Lava Fields as a reminder of the force of the flow.
Samoa’s volcanic activity has left behind many fascinating landforms, particularly on Savai’i, which has huge lava tubes and spectacularly rugged coastlines of black volcanic rock to explore.
Upolu has a number of volcanic peaks too, notably the water-filled, bush-clad crater Lake Lanoto’o. The last three eruptions on this island are estimated to be a few hundred to thousand years ago.
Mountains
THE MOUNTAINSIDES ARE COVERED IN LUSH TROPICAL FORESTS AND, WITH TEMPERATURES OFTEN PLEASANTLY COOLER THAN THE COAST, ARE WORTH EXPLORING.
Visitors will find some accommodation providers positioned for the incredible views on the flanks of Upolu’s mountains, while volcanic Savai’i offers intrepid trekking, adventure and exploration for all abilities.
Walking Trails
EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL WILDERNESS OF SAMOA’S LUSH RAINFORESTS, EXPANSIVE PLANTATIONS, VOLCANIC PLATEAUS AND SOARING MOUNTAINS. Samoa offers a spectacular range of walks for all ages and abilities, ranging from an hour or so to several days.
Waterfalls
FROM WATERFALLS THUNDERING DOWN OFF TOWERING CLIFFS TO MORE SEDATE CASCADES OF WATER OVER SMOOTH ROCK, THERE ARE PLENTY TO EXPLORE. Samoa’s mountainous landscape has created many beautiful and spectacular waterfalls that are fed each year during the wet season.
Upolu
Upolu’s south coast has the country’s best collection of spectacular falls that are easily accessible to visitors.
Take half a day, or more, and see each one. Some, like Togitogiga Falls, have swimming holes and also a changing room and toilets. Others, like the 100m high Papapapai-Tai Falls are strictly for looking only. Fuipisia Falls at the east end of Upolu offers a bush walk, a pool at the top of the waterfall to bathe in, and a spectacular 55m drop of water.
Savai’i
On Savai’i, the southern coast has the most waterfalls too. One of the most popular is the Afu Aau Falls, which emerges from lush green rainforest and plunges into a deep pool which is safe for swimming. At the Mu Pagoa Falls, a shallower pool formed where Samoa’s largest river flows to the sea, and is is used by visitors and locals alike.
Inland Swimming Holes
WHILE TYPICAL SWIMMING MIGHT BE IN THE SEA, HEADING INLAND TO THE RAINFOREST IS COOLER AND OFF THE BEATEN TRACK. Slip away from the sand and head to an inland swimming hole to cool down.
