After trekking through montane rainforests all over Dominica, and with lots of looking up at trees, I thought it would great to get up into canopy level and see it all from above.
One of the best ways to do this is to board a rainforest aerial tram gondola near Titou Gorge (up in the mountains a twenty-minute drive inland from Roseau).
The tram gondola which holds up to eight people, plus a guide, is very comfortable and easy (no hiking involved, which is an additional plus for those who are unable to tackle Dominica's tough terrain). Rides are 90 minutes long and start off gliding through the canopy of the rainforest above the tram station.
Here you get really close to the trees, including the noble Gommier.
There were so many different plants and trees to see along the way, and we had an excellent guide by the name of Ali. He explained all the ins and outs of Dominica and its rainforest. For example, we learnt how the forests in the south of the island have grown back in the 32 years since Hurricane David knocked down many of the largest trees and he showed us numerous plants used for medicinal purposes (including a fruit currently being tested for curing AIDS).
Here was one of the many palm tree species. As Ali explained, the palm is an incredibly useful tree- every single part of it can be used- for food, drink, oil, thatch, basket-making, fuel. Coconut water can actually be injected directly into the bloodstream when medically required, as its salt and mineral composition closely matches that of our own.
One of the advantages of going on the aerial tram is getting up close (within the stretch of a hand) to the canopy, where there are flowering orchids, bromeliads and the tree's own blossom (which attract bees and hummingbirds).
This is a species of mistletoe.
This tree was in full bloom.
Its also great being able to look down. These are the spreading leaves of tree ferns.
And its possible to look upon dense undergrowth which would be impenetrable on foot.
An exciting part is when the tram glides 350 feet above the Breakfast River Gorge.
This is the stream in the narrow gorge.
There's also a suspension bridge over the canyon.
For those who wish, it's possible to get out of the tram at the top, do a short walk down through the forest (another good chance to look at plants and trees with the guide) and over the suspension bridge.
A final photo of the orchids which can been seen at ground level in the forest.
The tram runs from October to May.
For those hiking, it's on the way to Titou Gorge and Boiling Lake.
It can also be reached by taxi from Roseau.
For further information, including prices and reservations, please visit the website:
