Bonaire National ParkA visit to the island is not complete without seeing The Bonaire National Park. You will want to get an early start for your day at Bonaire’s Washington/Slagbaai National Park and don't forget to rent a four wheel drive because the insurance companies don't cover any damage incurred from going over rocky terrain. You will need a lot of sunscreen and water, your swimsuit, dive or snorkel gear, hiking boots and probably a hat because the Island of Bonaire’s Park has it all.
Famingos in Bonaire’s Washington/Slagbaai National Park
Covering almost one-fifth of the island, Bonaire's park encases 13,500 acres that once housed two plantations. The owners of both plantations raised livestock and offered their own harbors to be used for the export of their products. In 1969, the original park was formed from the Washington plantation and the Slagbaai was sold shortly thereafter on the condition the land would not be upset. From its beginning, the park began Bonaire’s quest as the leader in the preservation of nature.
In addition, endangered turtles, iguanas, a pelican and donkey sanctuary and plenty of wild goats can be seen. You will want to start out at the Visitor’s Center located just inside the park where a museum reflects the island’s historical culture and offers valuable information about the park.
The Yellow-shouldered Parrot (Amazona barbadensis) is not a common bird, but can be spotted in Bonaire's National Park.
The park offers two driving trails, the shorter being the green route and the longer, yellow route. Each takes you through a different scenic route that offers beaches, flora and exotic wildlife. The park is actually divided between the two original plantations, the Washington on the north is more desert like and Slagbaai in the south contains soil rich in limestone allowing foliage. As goats run wild in the park, there is a fence dividing the two areas to keep them from eating all the plant life located on the south side.
The more demanding Kasikunda Climbing Trail on the North side offers a climb to the top of a hill offering an uneven and steep environment. While the Lagadishi, also known as “Lizard” trail is more of a flat terrain that provides historical sites, sand dunes, a salt pan and the beach. This route also provides a closer look at the flamingos which habitat the salt pans. The final trail, the Subi Brandaris, takes approximately an hour through medium terrain. When you see the white tower located at the top, be sure to have your camera ready because once there, if it is clear enough, you can see Curacao and even parts of Venezuela not to mention the capital of Kralendijk with the most breathtaking view of the beaches below. At this point, you are located at the highest location on the island at 784 feet (241 m).
It makes a wonderful place for bird watching. This is also the local iguana hang-out, and having been exposed to humans, will be happy to eat a piece of apple out of your hand.
A picture of Bonaire's salt pans.
The Salinas, or salt pans, are where the beloved flamingos can be seen. Bonaire prohibits getting close to the graceful birds, but just watching them feed from a distance is a real treat. The salt pan also represents Bonaire’s past where at one time the island was completely under water. The park also contains many species of plants and trees which Bonaire is famous for including cactus, mesquite, brazil and the divi-divi tree which have large pods that contain tannin, once used for conversion of animal hides to leather. It is not unusual in Bonaire National Park to see the trees growing sideways due to the heavy trade winds. The island is also home to the mata-piska tree which produces a chemical that can paralyze fish, making dinner an easy catch for the earliest inhabitants of the island.
As Boca Slagbaai, on the south side, has no coral and it is one of the few truly sand beaches on the island. As a popular attraction for locals and tourists, the beach offers concessions located in buildings built in the 1800’s. The Bonaire National Park has something for everyone in your group. It is a must do on your vacation!
|
