Tropical Forest Walk & Secret Grotto

Meander through a tropical forest and explore a grotto, where you will discover how the local Melanesians have gained great benefits from the natural environment. They have lived off the land for centuries, in particular, by hunting and using native flora for medicinal purposes. New Caledonia boasts more than 2,400 species of indigenous plants, so the islanders have always had a vast array of flora at their disposal. Some plants are used to treat ailments while others contain toxins that are sometimes added to rivers to temporarily paralyze fish so they can easily be caught. This is the sort of engaging information that the guide will impart during the forest walk. Later, you will explore a grotto by torchlight, which will eerily illuminate the interior, so you can see the odd shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will also learn how the Melanesians use traditional methods to gather coconut crabs, trap birds and hunt wild pigs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take a leisurely walk through a forest with a naturalist guide that will describe the flora.
• Hear how the Melanesians use plants for medicinal purposes and hunt in the forest.
• Explore a grotto by torchlight, which will make the interior look all the more dramatic.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.