Adventure Magazine

NGUNA FULL DAY ADVENTURE - NGUNA
If you’ve got a few days in Port Vila, the hike up Nguna
island’s highest extinct volcano (Mt Taputaora, 593m) is a
must-do. You’ll need to catch a ride from your accommodation
on Port Vila to Emua Wharf before catching a boat over to
Nguna in order to start this hike.
It begins slowly, with a gradual incline, passing through small
villages with children who will run out to greet you. The final
leg is hard, and steep. You’ll be exposed to the sun and it’ll be
hot. Make sure to wear a hat!
As you summit the volcano, you’ll be treated to expansive
views across the Shepherd Islands to the north, and south to
Efate. Afterwards you’ll be offered a buffet lunch by the beach
and a snorkel along the Nguna coastline to cool off.
LAKE LETAS & MT GARET - GAUA
DOGS HEAD TRAIL - MALEKULA
This three-day coast-to-coast traverse through wild
bushland extends from the north east to the north
west of Malekula Island. It’s a strenuous hike, but a
rewarding one. You’ll have the unique opportunity to
be introduced to the Big Nambas territories and be
totally removed from the modern world that you’re
used to.
Don’t expect electricity and flushing toilets, expect
huge smiles and generous spirits. Revel in the
villages built almost entirely from bamboo and palm
thatch. At the end of the three-day trek, jump into the
Pacific Ocean to cool off on Malekula’s west.
On the island of Gaua lies one of Vanuatu’s most remote and
active volcanoes. This three-day adventure involves crossing
Lake Letas in a rigger canoe before a steep, exposed climb up
to the rim of Mt Garet. It’s only an hour up to the top, but it’s a
difficult one, so get your walking sticks ready and keep your
feet firmly on the path despite moments of terror.
You’ll have the opportunity to camp in small bungalows at
Victor’s Camp, right on the lake. Victor’s a vivacious and jovial
character who’ll tell you stories under dim lamplight, share
shells and shells of kava (watch out!) and, together with his
wife, feed you until you’re as full as can be.
On the hike back down, you’ll visit Vanuatu’s highest waterfall,
Siri Waterfall, which boasts a 120m drop. This is a wet walk,
so make sure you’ve got sturdy hiking sandals or boots.
Vanuatu hopes that Lake Letas becomes a Unesco world
heritage site.
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