Vanuatu Volcano Hiking
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Nadi in Fiji. KE Land Only packages start with a single-timed airport transfer to our beach hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation following the long flight. Overnight hotel.
Day 2: We make the early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Port Vila on Vanuatu's Efate Island. On arrival we visit the centre of town and take a look at the local market. After lunch we drive to Mele Waterfalls, where everyone can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Overnight at our hotel in Port Vila.
Day 3: Today we drive along the east coast of the island of Efate, stopping en route at Eton Beach. On arrival at Takaba Village, we'll be greeted by traditional dancing. After lunch in a beach restaurant we'll return to Port Vila via a museum. Overnight at our hotel in Port Vila. 1 to 1.5 hours walking.
Day 4: Today we explore Efate's more sparsely populated west coast. We will walk for about 4 hours through coconut plantations and sugar cane fields to a small picturesque bay. We'll take a dip before crossing the river on Teouma outrigger canoes. Overnight in Port Vila.
Day 5: In the morning we drive to the north of the island before taking a short trip (30 mins) by motor boat out to Pele Island where we'll have time on the beach and a BBQ lunch and village visit. Return to Port Vila.
Day 6: Today is a free day on Efate with time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our beach resort. For April departures there is the option to visit Pentecost Island (at additional cost) for the annual Nagol Festival.
Day 7: Today we fly 200kms north to the island of Espiritu Santo, the largest in the Vanuatu archipelago. On arrival in Luganville, we transfer to our hotel and then visit Million Dollar Point, where the Americans sunk their equipment into the sea after World War II. 1 to 1.5 hours walking. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 8: After breakfast we head off for the adventurous Millenium Cave hike. After a short drive we start walking through the forest until a couple of hours later we reach a ravine and enter the cave. After making our way through, we reach a deep gorge where we enjoy the "float" (lifejackets provided) through the jungle. An unforgettable experience! Overnight in bungalow accommodation.
Day 9: Today is an expedition on the Riri River on local canoes where we can enjoy the lush unspoiled jungle landscape and swim in the crystal clear water. In the afternoon we'll visit the 'Blue Hole', a pool carved out of limestone, where we can snorkel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 10: Today we'll fly to Ambrym. On arrival we'll settle into our village guesthouse and then set off to explore the island on foot. Aproximately 1 to 2 hours walking. Overnight in a simple guesthouse.
Day 11: Today we begin our 2 day hike to the summit of Mt Benbow. After a short journey by jeep, we'll meet our porters and begin walking through jungle and then on the ash fields up to the Mt Benbow lava lake. After lunch it's just a short walk to our campsite. From here we'll take the return trip up to the crater of Mt Marum (1230m) to enjoy the views. 5 to 7 hours walking. Overnight camping.
Day 12: After a camp breakfast we'll hike up to the Mt Benbow crater (900m). Mt Benbow is an active volcano so current activity will determine how far we can explore. Then we take the long descent route to Craigh Cove. 6 to 7 hours walking. Overnight in a simple guesthouse.
Day 13: Around noon we'll fly to Tanna. On arrival we'll transfer in off-road vehicles across the island to the east side, close to Yasur Volcano. Accommodation overnight in beach bungalows.
Day 14: In the morning there's the option of a 3 hour walk along the beach to Port Resolution, where Captain Cook anchored in 1774. In the afternoon we'll drive in our 4x4s to Mt Yasur, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Making the ascent to the crater we'll wait for darkness to fall to watch the pyrotechnic display! Overnight in beach bungalows.
Day 15: The morning is free to enjoy the beach and warm waters of the South Pacific. In the afternoon we'll take the short flight back to Port Vila where we transfer to our hotel.
Day 16: After a free morning and light lunch we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Nadi on Fiji where we check into our hotel for overnight.
Day 17: KE land only group package services end after breakfast with a single timed transfer to the airport.
