Tou Santi (Stinking Hole)

Tou Santi, commonly known as Stinking Hole, is a collapsed lava tube deep within Morne Trois Pitons National Park. This natural formation releases warm volcanic gases, creating an eerie and otherworldly atmosphere. The cave also serves as a massive bat roost, with thousands of bats living within its dark confines. Found along the Middleham Falls Trail, this geological marvel is accessible through Providence Estate near Laudat or via Cochrane Village. Both routes provide an immersive trek through the rainforest of Dominica, offering an experience of biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.

Bats, Biodiversity, and Geological Significance of Tou Santi

Tou Santi is home to thousands of bats, including the Antillean Fruit-eating Bat (Brachyphylla cavernarum). These bats are essential to Dominica’s ecosystem, contributing to pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. The distinct odour that gives the site its nickname, Stinking Hole, is due to the thick layers of bat guano and sulfuric volcanic emissions from deep beneath the earth. This natural geothermal activity serves as a reminder of Dominica’s volcanic origins. Visitors approaching the site can hear the constant chittering and flapping of bats, adding to the cave’s mysterious and haunting ambience.

Hiking to Tou Santi – What to Expect

The Middleham Falls Trail provides the main route to Tou Santi, offering hikers a chance to traverse dense forests, cross streams, and spot exotic wildlife. This moderate 2-hour trek takes adventurers through towering Gommier trees, thick ferns, and rich tropical flora, revealing the island’s incredible biodiversity. The smell of bat guano intensifies as hikers near the cave signal the entrance to this hidden natural wonder. Though the cave is inaccessible, visitors can observe large numbers of bats flying in and out, particularly during dawn and dusk.

Preserving Dominica’s Unique Ecosystem

Tou Santi is a fragile and ecologically significant site that requires careful conservation. Visitors are urged to stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing the bats, and respect the surrounding environment. As part of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the area is protected to ensure its unique geothermal and ecological features remain intact. Exploring Tou Santi offers an unforgettable encounter with Dominica’s volcanic past and thriving biodiversity, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, geologists, and adventurous hikers alike.