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Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, Trinidad
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The
Centre
The continental
origin and proximity of Trinidad to South America, along with its many varied habitats, has resulted in an unusually diverse
fauna. The species lists for this island are impressive: 108 mammals; 400 birds; 55 reptiles; 25 amphibians; and 617 butterflies!
No other area in the West Indies, and few if any areas of comparable size anywhere in tropical America, can match this spectacular
diversity of species. It is 50 miles long by about 37 miles wide with varied landscape features, including its Northern Range
rising to a little over 3,000 feet, most of which is covered by one or another form of tropical rainforest. It is here, in
this rich tropical part of this beautiful island, that you will find the magical Asa Wright Nature Centre.
To see Squirrel Cuckoos,
Toucans, and all manner of other species fly within sight of the front gallery, to see Tufted Coquettes and half a dozen other
species of hummingbirds feeding on the vervain from the back gallery, is but a start of what the birder will find at the Centre.
Botanists and entomologists and other naturalists will find the area equally rich
The Lodge
The original
estate house of the former coffee-cocoa-citrus plantation has been beautifully remodelled over the years as a comfortable
headquarters where guests gather to watch the incredible bird-life from the fabled verandah. Your observation time there is
punctuated by a high tea in the afternoon and ends with a traditional complimentary rum punch cocktail as the sun sets over
the Arima Valley. This main house and its several cottages nestled nearby in the lush flower-filled grounds are your home
for one of the world's best birding adventures.
Not your classic
Caribbean resort, the Centre's "swimming pool" is a natural grotto on a free-running rainforest stream where guests can relax
and escape from the tropical heat.
All of the cottages
feature rooms with private verandahs and guests can also retreat to their private oasis to observe the brilliantly coloured
birds found on the Centre grounds. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase
locally made crafts as well as pick up that field guide that you forgot to bring
Accommodation
Guests are
accommodated in comfortable twin-bedded rooms, each with a private bath. Rooms are also located in the Main Estate House (handicapped
accessible) and in nearby cottages scattered throughout the lovely garden-like grounds. Delicious
meals, reflecting the incredible diversity of the local cuisine, a mix of West Indian, Creole, Oriental, Indian, and European
dishes are served family-style in an attractive dining area
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Rates
Please click on our "book now" real time reservations
link above. Our low rates include single or double occupancy, all meals, a complimentary evening rum punch and taxes/service
charges. Guests booking to stay for 3 or more night enjoy free guided tours of the Centre and a visit to the famous Oilbird
Colony in Dunston Cave.
Extras: return airport transfers and a wide range of Trinidad nature tours are available
by adding booking extras when making your online reservation
Click here for a superb 08 customer birding tour report with great pics!
Client mini-report, September 2005:
Dear Glyn,
Birding and bird photography was
excellent on Trinidad!
(3000 photos; I try to keep 300 on CD....)
Excellent photos of 10 species hummingbirds, 5 Tanagers,
2 owls,many
trushes,oropendolas,oil birds,...pauraque,nightjars,macaws ,rufous
tailed jacamar,...
And many more animals
like tarantulas, butterflies, millipedes, buffo
marinus...
and excellent close ups of "channel billed toucan" (distance
7 metres)
It was a great pleasure to be 7 nights at Asa Wright!!
Friendly and knowledgeable staff and guides
Thanks
for Your administrative work !
Dr J.V. (Netherlands)
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