Rain Forest, Basseterre

Located behind Romney Manor is a path leading deep into this lush, tropical rain forest where the fragrances of Jasmine and Mango await. Once you enter the cool shelter of the giant burr and mango trees, cabbage palms and giant tree ferns, you will hear the piping tree frogs, the call of thrashers, the haunting sounds of the Zenaida dove and see the quail dove searching for food through the forest floor. Among the trees grow a variety of plant life including a mixture of lianas, philodendron and ferns, strangler fig, cockspur and trumpet vine. If you look carefully you will see the blur of tiny wings and the iridescent green flash of the Antillean Crested Hummingbirds or the Green or Purple Throated Caribs as they feed on the red, yellow and orange Helicona flowers. If you chose to take this walk without a tour guide, be sure to stay on the paths and return the same way. It is recommended that you take a guide with you and there are many local guides who are trustworthy and reliable for hire if you chose not to go with one of the tour groups. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing because even when you are in the shade of this forest, it is still quite hot unless you go in January or February when the Christmas breezes cool it down.