Walking Vanuatu on Gaua, Banks Islands

The main objective for most visitors to Gaua is Lake Letas and the Mount Garet Volcano. Access is by walking (or seaplane or helicopter). The huge Siri Waterfall is another bush walking target. Small parties of intrepid volcano tourists visit Gaua.

If you are want to climb Mount Garet then you need to cross the lake, there's an aluminium dinghy at the lake for this (it was carried there through the bush!). It's a lot to do in one day so most visitors camp overnight by the lake.

Update September 2005: It has been reported the dinghy has been sold and now there are only dug-out canoes for crossing Lake Letas. One canoe can take only one tourist.

Walking Routes
From the bungalows on East Gaua there are basically two trekking routes to Lake Letas:
1) The track from Aver is most often used by tourists (from Wongras Bungalows). It takes 3 to 4 hours to walk (about 12 km)
2) The walk from Kaska Bay is difficult only along the uppermost section between the waterfall and the lake, the rest is easy (3 to 4 hours, about 10 km). The waterfall detour from the Kaska route is hazardous and the water spray limits your opportunities for taking photos. Anyhow, the waterfall is a remarkable sight. Allow at least one extra hour for the waterfall detour.

Camping
The campsite by the lake is small and there are no facilities (i.e. no toilets). There are few flies or mosquitos and it's cool but not cold at night. The lake is good for swimming on this side. Walking with a heavy bag is very tiresome so pack lightly.

Guides and other Costs
You will need a guide to show the path and point out the Nangalak trees (stinging trees) along the way. There are kastom fees too but it's not clear that these are passed on to the kastom landowners. Costs are different depending on where you stay so check out the bungalows on our Gaua page.

Last updated: September 2005 by Stephen.