Page 705 - Visitor Guides

chance to survive the often so de- The major portion of the northern A vacation to Bonaire is not com-
vastating influence of humans. region of the island is made up of the plete without a half or full-day trip to
The central region of the island is Washington-Slagbaai National Park. this exceptional national park. There
semi arid and dominated by cacti and Originally a plantation, the park was are almost 200 species of birds, in-
the divi-divi tree. For the real explorer, sold to the government for a symbolic cluding the flamingo, the lora and, al-
there are many natural beauties to dis- amount under the condition that it though you might not encounter and
cover. The area south of Washikemba would become a nature reserve. The see abundant tall coconut palm trees,
is a breeding place for the wild terns landscaping is more hilly and rich in Bonaire boasts over 300 flora species.
while the feral donkeys give the area vegetation than the other parts of the The datu, kadushi, divi-divi tree, man-
its own unique feel. island. The size of this natural habi- grove trees, and the prickly pear are
Rooi Lamoenchi, a former planta- tat, home to many flora and fauna spe- probably the ones you will notice the
tion, is certainly worth a visit. A bit cies, is over 19 square miles (5,000 most. Other above-water fauna in-
more up north there is a trail that hectares), and it is blessed with a clude the hermit crabs, iguanas, liz-
takes you along the eastern coastline wide variety of eco-systems. From ards, and, of course, the donkeys and
of Bonaire and brings you to several sand dunes to mangroves, and from herds of goats that roam the island.
caves and Indian inscriptions. The beach areas to salinas and dry forest,
caves are populated by bats that play the park has many beautiful attrib-
an important role in the ecosystem on utes to discover.
Bonaire.

w the water line