Sitting atop the beautiful Mt Vaea mountain, the Vailima Botanical Gardens in the South Pacific nation of Samoa are a stunning and diverse exhibit of Samoan flora and fauna. Home to a wide variety of tropical plants and trees, these gardens are a must-see for anyone visiting the island.
A Guide to Vailima Botanical Gardens
Located just 3 miles outside of Apia, the capital of Samoa, Vailima Botanical Gardens is a paradise of lush vegetation and stunning natural views. The gardens are home to a wide variety of tropical plants, trees, and flowers, as well as a huge variety of native birds and insects.
History of Vailima Botanical Gardens
The Vailima Botanical Gardens were founded in 1875 by Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped. Stevenson, who had moved to Samoa with his family in 1889, was a passionate naturalist and wanted to create a place where people could come and appreciate the beauty of the region.
The gardens were originally called “Villa Vailima” and were designed by Stevenson himself, with the help of local Samoan gardeners. Over the years, the gardens have been expanded and now cover over 2 hectares of land.
What to See at Vailima Botanical Gardens
The gardens are divided into two distinct sections: the “Upper Garden” and the “Lower Garden. The Upper Garden is the more formal of the two, with manicured lawns, flower beds, and a variety of exotic plants and trees. The Lower Garden, on the other hand, is wilder and more overgrown, with dense jungle vegetation and a huge variety of native fauna and flora.
The Upper Garden is home to a wide variety of tropical plants, such as bougainvilleas, palms, and orchids. It also features a number of exotic trees, such as the mango and breadfruit. The Lower Garden, meanwhile, is home to a huge variety of native plants, including ferns, hibiscus, and banyans.
In addition to the plants, the gardens are also home to a number of native birds, such as the Samoan Starling, the Pacific Black Duck, and the Pacific Golden Plover. The gardens are also home to a number of reptiles, including the Samoan skink and the Samoan gecko.
Visiting Vailima Botanical Gardens
The Vailima Botanical Gardens are open to the public from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Admission is free, although donations are welcome. Visitors can explore the gardens at their own pace, or take a guided tour with one of the friendly gardeners.
The gardens are also home to a number of events throughout the year, including cultural performances, music concerts, and traditional feasts. So be sure to check the gardens’ website for more information on upcoming events.
Conclusion
The Vailima Botanical Gardens are a must-see for anyone visiting the island of Samoa. With its lush vegetation, stunning views, and diverse range of native plants and animals, the gardens are a great place to spend a day exploring the beauty of the South Pacific. So be sure to add them to your list of things to do when you visit Samoa!