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Volcanoes of Ambrym - the Grand Traverse
11-day volcano expedition to Ambrym - individual departures & group tours
Yasur volcano
Yasur volcano

The Volcanoes of Ambrym - the Grand Traverse

11-day volcano expedition to Ambrym - individual departures & group tours
Tour type
Expedition: active volcanoes - nature & culture - adventure
Difficulty
Moderate
Group size: 4-8
Duration
11 days
no scheduled dates at present
Price per person
Immerse yourself into a world unknown to most - a tropical world of fire, coconut palms, exotic dances, magic traditions and stories: This expedition is an in depth experience of what is the most dramatic of Vanuatu's active volcanoes: mysterious Ambrym.
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  • 8 days on Ambrym including 4 nights camping in the Ambrym caldera
  • 4 craters: Mbuwelesu, Niri Mbuwelesu, Mamboen Niri Mbuwelesu (Marum), Benbow
  • Frequently active lava lakes of Marum and Benbow
  • Spectacular tropical and lunar landscapes of the giant Ambrym caldera
  • Magical traditional dances
  • Traditions and culture of the Nivane people
  • Visit of a magnificent waterfall
  • Highly experienced guides and trained staff
  • Accompanying volcanologist

11 day itinerary with 8 full days spend on Ambrym

Note:
For an expedition like this, any program presented must be considered indicative: unexpected changes in flight schedules, volcanic and weather conditions etc. could make modifications in the actual itinerary necessary. In particular, it could result in that the return to Port Vila must be anticipated by one day. In this (unlikely) case, the additional day on Efate would be dedicated to a scenic round trip around Efate.
On request, modifications are possible as well - e.g. to spend one more day inside the caldera and one day less in Toak (although we highly recommend the presented itinerary).
Day 1: Arrival on Vanuatu (Port Vila, Efate Island)
Arrival at the Airport of Port Vila & transfer to Port Vila town.
Day 2: Efate - Ambrym (charter flight with sightseeing)
Morning departure from Efate (Port Vila) to Ambrym (chartered plane) with scenic overfly to Lopevi volcano and the Ambrym caldera.
Meeting with the exceptional family of your guide and transfer to the village with a stop at the hot springs of Sesivi with a refreshment at the ocean shore. Welcome ceremony. Afternoon & evening to discover the village.
Day 3: Ascend into the caldera - Marum volcano
Hike and ascent into the caldera. Installation of the base camp, picnic lunch with traditional food and hike to discover Marum volcano.
Day 4: Benbow volcano
Expedition to the crater of Benbow. Descend (abseiling) into its crater optional, conditions permitting (trained guides assist you with professional equipment). Return to the base camp in the evening.
Day 5-6: Marum & Benbow - spare days in the caldera
2 more days in the Ambrym caldera to discover Marum and Benbow inside the large Ambrym caldera in order to maximize photo / video opportunities.
Day 7: Crossing of the caldera - descend to Endu
Cross the entire caldera and descend to the east coast of the island to the charming and unspoiled village of Endu on the east coast, where you'll be welcomed with lots of smiles. A welcome ceremony and a wonderful local dinner wait for you.
Day 8-9: Culture and Traditions of Endu
Two full days to discover the traditional culture and life of the village Endu: visit the schools, see dances, magic, medicine, local crafts and assist the preparation of the pig - the highest of ceremonial meals.
Day 10: Return flight to Port Vila
Transfer from ENDU to the Penapo village to discover one of the largest Banyan trees on the island. After lunch flight to Port Vila. Free time, relax.
Day 11: End of tour
Transfer to airport or own extension (recommended: 1-day tour on Efate).
Dates and details
Booking inquiry

Arrival info:

This adventure starts and ends in Port Vila on Efate Island, Vanuatu's capital. The day of departure is depending on the domestic flight schedule of AirVanuatu (alternatively: charter flights). It is both a perfect stand-alone program if you only have limited time to visit Vanuatu and follow the priciple "less is more", or can be combined with visits to other islands, e.g. Tanna with active Yasur volcano - for example, our program "Yasur Volcano Adventure".

Tour guide

The expedition will be accompanied by VolcanoDiscovery team volcanologist Yashmin Chebli. Yashmin is trained geologist with a university Master's degree and member of SGF (Société Géologique de France). He has been working as tour guide and expedition leader to actives volcanoes, volcano photographer and consultant for more than 30 years. His areas of expertise include the active volcanoes in Italy, Vanuatu, the Hawaiian Islands, Guatemala, RD of Congo, Tanzania, Costa Rica and others. Besides his mother tongue French, Yashmin speaks several languages including English, Italian, and Spanish.
Website: www.vanuatu-expedition.com (photos) and Youtube channel!
Yashmin Chebli explaining a pumice deposit

Additional info

Physical requirements

The climb up to and down to the Ambrym caldera is strenuous and takes about 4 hours in often hot conditions, but the path is relatively easy and not excessively steep. Inside the caldera, the hikes from the base camp to the volcanoes take about 1-2 hours. Camping inside the caldera is adventurous, and will not offer much comfort, but the experience will be rewarding! No special skills are required to descent on the first terrace of Bembow volcano (-180m).

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