Getting started with some themed Itinerary Ideas

On this page we describe a few itineraries for outdoor type travellers. It's a good place to begin when you don't know Vanuatu very well and need a little inspiration. However, there are many more possible itineraries and this website should encourage you to make your own. If you would like to recommend an itinerary then contact us.

The estimated costs below generally assume the use of shared public transport. Still, the cost per day on these short tours is fairly high. Our About Bungalows page has tips for travelling on a budget.

Note Feb-2008: This page is getting really outdated but the ideas are still valid.

Walking Gaua
With Lake Letas, the Mount Garet Volcano and the huge Siri Waterfall, Gaua is one of Vanuatu's best destinations for walking. Also, the forests in the interior are pleasant with some good bird watching.

Notes:
- It's possible to camp two nights by the lake and walk down on Day 4.
- Both bungalows have tents you can borrow.

From Vila this trip will cost about 45000 to 51000 Vatu depending on where you stay, single basis. Also note that Gaua now has an extra flight, on Wednesday (March 2006). Exchange Rates.

Walking Ambrym
Ambrym offers great trekking and other short walks.

From Port Vila this trip will cost 43000 to 48000 Vatu (depending on where you stay) for one person. There are many variations to this itinerary you should consider including walking from southwest to north Ambrym, hiking Mount Tovuo and walking via Lalinda. You could do a lot more in a full week. Exchange Rates.

Walking around Epi
It's straight-forward to walk around Epi and it's close to Port Vila so air fares are cheaper. On the way you can visit Epi's main tourist attractions and climb over the scenic east Epi mountain range. There are villages with bungalows or guesthouses so you don't need to carry tents and camping gear. Our example itinerary uses an 'open-jaw' ticket:

From Port Vila this trip will cost about 26000 Vatu, single basis. Exchange Rates. Also, note that Lamen Bay has two flights a week (Tuesday, Saturday) and Valesdir has three (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday). To save money it's not a long journey by ship from Vila to Epi. Another less expensive walking destination in Vanuatu is Erromango.

Forests and Birds on Santo and Ambae
The lowland rainforests on Santo and cloud forests on Ambae are diverse and different. This example travel plan is ideal for people who like the bush and you can also climb to the crater lakes on top of Ambae.

Loru on Santo hosts about 30 species of birds. At Duviara on Ambae you can see another 10 species, particularly montane birds.

Notes:
- One of Day 4 or Day 5 can be skipped.
- You need to study the latest Air Vanuatu timetable carefully to find suitable flights to and from Ambae.
- Vatthe Conservation Area on Santo is an alternative to Loru.

This expedition costs about 50000 Vatu from Port Vila, single basis. To save money you can travel between Santo and Ambae by ship and walk or try and find shared transport that can get you close to Ambanga. It's possible to do this trip for 40000 Vatu. Exchange Rates.

If you're a birdwatcher then you will find our VanBirds website useful.

Birding North Malekula
This travel plan visits Wiawi on northwest Malekula with the option of a day on Uri or Uripiv islands. It's not exclusively for birders as all of these places have nice beaches and coral reefs and Wiawi has good bush walking.

The vegetation at Wiawi is diverse and more than 35 bird species have been recorded in the area. Uri and Uripiv are nice for reefs and relaxation and they have shorebirds you can add to your Malekula list (the best time to see migratory shorebirds is during the southern hemisphere summer).

Note:
- Day 4 and 5 are optional.

From Vila this trip will cost about 35000 Vatu, single basis. Exchange Rates. Norsup has flights every day so your departure and return dates are quite flexible. There is an Air Vanuatu office in Lakatoro. An alternative is to fly to Lamap (two flights a week) and do much the same thing at Black Sands (Libansese Conservation Area) and the Maskelynes. Exchange Rates.

If you're a birdwatcher then you will find our VanBirds website useful.

A taste of Tanna
Most tourists to Tanna come on volcano package tours, often staying just one night. This is a shame because most tour agents offer only a limited selection and there's more to explore and more time to relax if you stay for a few days.

One of the nicest places to stay in Tanna is Port Resolution. It's also close to the volcano and there are several other things to see and do within walking distance. Imlao is another very nice place to stay and is close to several kastom villages.

From Vila this trip will cost about 45000 Vatu, single basis. Tanna has flights everyday and a Air Vanuatu office in Lenakel so you can easily change your plans if needed. Exchange Rates.