Tamana Cave

Mount Tamana lies on the eastern edge of the Central Range, south of Sangre Grande. It rises to a height just over 1000 feet and geologically it is unique in Trinidad as it is mostly made up of ancient reefs that have been uplifted from the oceans. After many millennia out of the oceans running water has carved intricate cave systems within the calcium carbonate left by the reefs. These caves are now the homes to many wonderful geckos and other critters, however its most abundant inhabitants are millions of bats!

After a long but beautiful drive through east and then central Trinidad, passing many farms, rural communities, and lowland forests, we reach Tamana. The trail starts off quite steeply. When its muddy it can be difficult to negotiate, but its not a long trail as the cave can be reached in about 30 minutes. If you are there early, head up to the summit where wonderful views of the Northern and Southern Ranges may be seen. At the cave we can enter and do some exploring as thousands of bats fly all around. It is a wonderful experience. Entering the first chamber can provide amazing and close views of these incredible creatures. The adventurous can wriggle through the small hole that connects the first chamber to the rest of the cave system. Then go exploring! This will bring you into contact with many bats and other creatures that live in the cave. We then wait until the sun sets at the cave entrance, which is when millions of bats depart the cave. Stand at the entrance as a river rapid of bats stream past you producing a unique and exhilarating experience. Here you can feel the wind of their wings as hundreds flutter past, and now and again one may land on you for a few seconds. After a bit we head off down the hill with flashlights guiding our way back to the vehicle.