Ulla Lohman - photo journalist and expedition leader
Glow from Ambrym volcano
Strombolian activity at Yasur volcano
Beach on Ambrym (Photo: Marco Fulle)
The active vents in Benbow crater (Ambrym volcano)
Traditional food in Lalinda (Ambrym)
Group at Yasur volcano
Strombolian eruption at Yasur
Are you ready for adventure?
The contrast between unspoiled rain forest, coconut palm beaches, primitive culture and moon-like landscapes surrounding lava-spitting volcanoes could not be bigger: join us on an expedition to the two most active volcanoes of Vanuatu: Ambrym and Yasur.
A great mix of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, unspoiled tropical beaches, meeting friendly people and their exotic culture awaits you.
- 4 days each for observation of the active volcanoes Ambrym and Yasur
- Option to abseil into Bembow crater on Ambrym
- Close meeting of the traditional life and culture of the Vanuatu people
- Breathtaking moonscapes, unspoiled rain forest, pristine beaches
14 days itinerary on tours with Ulla Lohmann or Basti Hofmann
Note:
The 14-days version guided by Ulla or Basti (or both) is very similar to our 15 days version, but normally does not include a charter flight and has one day less on Ambrym. Due to the expedition character and the infrastructure of the destination, changes in the exact itinerary on location might be necessary (e.g. due to weather conditions, changes in domestic flight schedules etc.)
Day 1: Arrival in Port VilaAirport pick-up and transfer to hotel. Group dinner.
Acc.: hotel (D)
Day 2: Flight from Port Vila to Ambrym IslandFlight to Ambrym, drive to Lalinda village and camp in village.
Acc.: B, L, D
Day 3: Hike into the Ambrym calderaHike with porters into the caldera of Ambrym, set up base camp.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 4: Marum lava lakeHike to Marum crater and observe its active lava lake.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 5: Benbow crater's lava lakeHike to Benbow and abseil (no experience required) into Benbow crater to observe its active lava lake from close (conditions permitting).
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 6: Spare day in calderaSpare day, if not needed extra optional activities in the caldera, e.g. a small lava tube, a recent flow, a palm forest etc
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 7: Traverse of the caldera, descend to coastWe traverse the caldera by foot though spectacular landscape and descend on the other side of the island.
We overnight in the village near the beach.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 8: Spare day: local customs and village cultureRelaxing spare day to allow for bad weather and to experience the real village life.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 9: Ambrym - Port Vila - Tanna - Yasur volcanoFlight via Port Vila to Tanna, transfer to bungalows near Yasur volcano. Volcano visit in the evening: fireworks almost guaranteed!
Acc.: simple bungalows (B, L, D)
Day 10: Port Resolution beach & Yasur volcanoDay on the beautiful Port Resolution beach, evening at the volcano.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 11: Custom village - Yasur volcanoVisit of a custom village, traditional dances and ceremonies. In the evening visit of Yasur volcano.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 12: Ash plane, John Frum village & YasurHike through the Ash Plane, and observations of its geological features. Continuation to the custom village of John Frum (together 1,5 hours): A tribe, which prays to the Americans as gods.
Two options: stay the evening/night in the village to participate in ceremonies (if available), or visit the volcano again in the evening / night.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Flight Tanna - Port Vila, free afternoonOptional morning visit to
Yasur volcano.
Transfer to airport, flight Tanna - Port Vila. Transfer to the hotel, free lunch & afternoon. Farewell dinner at the seafront (not included).
Acc.: hotel in Port Vila as on D1 (B)
Day 14: End of tourTransfer to airport or own extension (recommended: 1-day tour on Efate).
Acc.: none (B)
Arrival info:
The trip can be combined with the Expedition to Papua New Guinea.
Otherwise, the tour starts and ends in the capital Port Vila on Efate Island where international flights arrive (usually from Brisbane or Sydney in Australia or via Aukland New Zealand). Participants normally arrange their own flight tickets, but on request we can help with that.
Tour code:VAN_SPP
Tour type: Photography tour: active volcanoes - nature & culture - adventure
Difficulty:Moderate
Group size:6-12
Duration: 14 days
Dates:
no scheduled dates at present
Price (p.p.): 3190 €
Included:
- All transfers as described in the itinerary
- Domestic flights between Efate, Ambrym and Tanna
- Full board on Vanuatu (including water) except a few meals as specified
- Accommodation in guesthouses, hotels and camping
- Porters, camp hands and local guides
- Professional photographer and expedition leader Ulla Lohmann and/or Basti Hoffmann
Tour guide:
Diese Reise wird veranstaltet und organisiert von
Ulla Lohmann und Basti Hofmann:
Ulla Lohmann - ist eine anerkannte, internationale Fotojournalistin, Leiterin auf Abenteuer- und Expeditionsreisen. Ullas Tätigkeit umfasst Dokumentarfilme und Artikel u.a. für ARTE, GEO, National Geographic. Sie organisiert auch Kletterworkshops ind en Alpen, National Geographic Studentenreisen nach Australien und vieles mehr. Ullas Spezialgebiete sind der Südpazifik und Papua Neuguinea. Website:
ullalohmann.comBasti Hofmann - ist ein alpiner Kletterlehrer, Logistics Manager und studierter Geologet mit über 20 Jahren Erfahrung. Er ist ein begeisterter Filmer und Fotograf, mit vielen Auszeichnungen durch National Geographic, BBC, Terra X, ZDF und anderens. Website:
bastihofmann.com/.comAuf vielen Reisen arbeiten Ulla und Basti zusammen.
Ulla Lohmann - Expeditionen nach Papua und Vanuatu
14 days itinerary on tours with Ulla Lohmann or Basti Hofmann
Note:
The 14-days version guided by Ulla or Basti (or both) is very similar to our 15 days version, but normally does not include a charter flight and has one day less on Ambrym. Due to the expedition character and the infrastructure of the destination, changes in the exact itinerary on location might be necessary (e.g. due to weather conditions, changes in domestic flight schedules etc.)
Day 1: Arrival in Port Vila
You will be picked up at the airport, either by us or by our appointed transport.
Transport to Port Vila and check into Hotel Vanuatu Holiday (www.vanuatuholidayhotel.com), a clean hotel close to the city centre, situated in lush tropical garden with swimming pool. Free afternoon, possibility to buy snacks for Ambrym at the supermarkets in Port Vila (5min walk from the hotel, western food choices, like muesli bars, dried fruits…). Meeting at 18.30h at the hotel reception for early dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Acc.: hotel (D)
Day 2: Flight from Port Vila to Ambrym Island
Flight to Ambrym Island. Drive with 4x4 to our village (1 hour), where we’ll pitch the tents in Jimmy’s garden under palm trees. Jimmy will be our main guide for the next days. Tour of the village and possibility to swim in the ocean (Black sand beach), Assessment of the weather.
Sumptuous dinner with local food made by Jimmy’s family and friends. All local women help, everyone provides a different dish.
The program for the next days depends on the weather and can be altered!
If the weather is bad and if it is raining on top of the volcano, we’ll spend an extra day at the beginning in the village with Jimmy and his family (visit of the school, learning how to make copra, visiting cocoa plantations, learning how to surf the waves « local method », have a traditional kava ceremony…)Acc.: B, L, D
Day 3: Hike into the Ambrym caldera
Early morning: Meeting of the porters (1 porter per person, carries 15 kg in your bag pack, please- no suit cases!).
Four hours hike up the mountain (700m altitude gain) with lunch break (snack). Arrival at the base camp inside the volcanic caldera, Installation of the tents. The porters return to the village; our guides will remain with us.
Afternoon: Optional hike to Benbow (1.5 hour) or Marum (2 hours), depending on conditions of the volcanoes and of the weather. Dinner
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 4: Marum lava lake
Hike to Marum (2 hours from the Base camp).
On the way, we stop to observe the craters Niri Membelsu and Niri Membelsu Niritatem. Niri Membelsu is a side crater to Marum and also has an active lava lake. We arrive at Marum, who features a permanent lava lake.
We stay there until dark, not to miss the mazing photo opportunities, and return with the moon light to the base camp.
Breakfast and dinner at the camp, lunch (snack) on the volcano.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 5: Benbow crater's lava lake
Hike to Benbow (1,5 hours from Base Camp) with its lava lake of 40-50 m diameter. The lake can only be seen from the first terrace. Therefore, if the conditions permit, we will descend 200 m into the crater, protected with ropes. You will be wearing a climbing harness, helmet and gas mask. No previous knowledge required.
We stay there until dark, not to miss the amazing photo opportunities, and return with the moon light to the base camp. Breakfast and dinner at the camp, lunch (snack) on the volcano.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 6: Spare day in caldera
Day to discover the caldera. Hike through a small palm tree forest with orchids to a historic lava flow with small lava tubes (1 hour).
If you wish, we can abseil down (50m) to explore the geological features. Depending on the weather conditions, we can return in the afternoon to the Marum, Benbow, or Niri Membelesu.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the camp.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 7: Traverse of the caldera, descend to coast
We traverse the caldera by foot though spectacular landscape and descend on the other side of the island.
We overnight in the village from our second guide. The children will be there to greet us, and the family will prepare a nice meal. Possibility to swim in the ocean and to have cold water showers. Opportunity to wash the clothes or to give them for washing to the girls (at a small extra charge).
Camping in the tents with the sound of the waves.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 8: Spare day: local customs and village culture
Spare day to allow for bad weather and to experience the real village life.
Relax in the village! We will visit the village, learn about copra, cava and carving and visit a
coconut plantation. We will witness an impressive local dance - and learn all about it. In the evening, there is a small feast and you can try traditional kava.
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
Day 9: Ambrym - Port Vila - Tanna - Yasur volcano
Drive to the airport, flight to Port Vila, short stopover at the airport for lunch, Flight to Tanna.
Transfer in 4x4 to our accommodation. Ascent of the volcano at night (with 4x4, 10min hike to the rim). Breathtaking fireworks of Yasur volcano almost 100% guaranteed! Drive or hike back (30min) to the guest house, Dinner.
Opportunity to recharge batteries (we have electricity through generator every night). Our guest house has basic bungalows, cold water showers and real toilets (shared facilities).
Acc.: simple bungalows (B, L, D)
Day 10: Port Resolution beach & Yasur volcano
Day at the Beach! 4x4 drive to Port Resolution for a delicious lunch at the beach. Swim and relax at the beautiful white sand beach (Feel free to bring a mask and snorkel).
Return in 4x4 and drive to Yasur Volcano in the afternoon. 10min walk to the top.
Observations at night. If the situation permits, we will hike around the crater (1 hour) and descent in the ash plane in the dark. Hike back (30min), dinner.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 11: Custom village - Yasur volcano
Visit of a custom village, where we will learn about the traditional life, how to plant
vegetables, how to care for kava, and where we will see a wonderful custom dance with the volcano as back drop. At sundown, we will have a traditional Kava (local drug: Grinded root of a plant), which the tribal elders use to talk to the spirits.
Visit of the volcano in the evening to witness its spectacular eruptions from another point of view . 45min hike to the top, and 30min hike down.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 12: Ash plane, John Frum village & Yasur
Hike through the Ash Plane, and observations of its geological features. Continuation to the custom village of John Frum (together 1,5 hours): A tribe, which prays to the Americans as gods. Chief Issak Wan explains why, and how he talks to the volcano.
Option 1: Spend the rest of the day in the village, and witness the Friday night ceremony, where people dance themselves in trance and pray all night long to their god. The men will have a kava with the other men, and the women can help preparing the food or have a swim in the nearby hot springs. Hike back to Jungle Oasis (1,5 hours)
Option 2: Hike back to Guesthouse, and ascension of the Volcano (2,15 hours). Observations at night. Late Dinner.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Flight Tanna - Port Vila, free afternoon
Optional morning visit to
Yasur volcano.
Transfer to airport, flight Tanna - Port Vila. Transfer to the hotel, free lunch & afternoon. Farewell dinner at the seafront (not included).
Acc.: hotel in Port Vila as on D1 (B)
Day 14: End of tour
Transfer to airport or own extension (recommended: 1-day tour on Efate).
Acc.: none (B)
Prices for tours at custom dates: on request
Included:
- All transfers as described in the itinerary
- Domestic flights between Efate, Ambrym and Tanna
- Full board on Vanuatu (including water) except a few meals as specified
- Accommodation in guesthouses, hotels and camping
- Porters, camp hands and local guides
- Professional photographer and expedition leader Ulla Lohmann and/or Basti Hoffmann
Not included:
- Travel to and from Vanuatu
- Mandatory personal trip cancellation / medical insurance (can be included on request)
- Extra drinks and few meals
- Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag & sleeping mattress
- Helmets & gas masks (necessary, can be ordered through us, please inquire)
- Tips for local staff
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).
Hiking up Yasur Volcano is easy and takes about 1 hour.
Arrival info:
The trip can be combined with the
Expedition to Papua New Guinea.
Otherwise, the tour starts and ends in the capital Port Vila on Efate Island where international flights arrive (usually from Brisbane or Sydney in Australia or via Aukland New Zealand). Participants normally arrange their own flight tickets, but on request we can help with that.
AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!!
"Hi there Tom,
First up - AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity Yasmin is a fantastic guide and what can I say about the crater lakes?
Unbelievable! Everyone has been absolutely raving about the photos I bought back-hopefully you'll get some business off the back of it, you guys deserve it."
(Kat S. from Brisbane, about the Vanuatu volcano expedition)
One of the best volcano trips you can ever think to do is this one." Volcanoes in the South Sea
"One of the best volcano trips you can ever think to do is this one. I went with Volcano Discovery in 2012 (http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/). First is the traverse of Ambrym Island and the overlook of the asonishing lava lake on Marum. Then the nightime visits to Tanna Island down south in the archipelago where Yasur volcano has a Strombolian eruption about 40 times an hour - plus shockwaves. And the Vanuatu people are some of the nicest anywhere.
(Richard Henley, Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano tour)
... the most outstanding holiday of my entire life (Vanuatu Volcano Expedition).
"Hi Tom, ... , I was on the May Vanuatu expedition. I have to say that it was the most outstanding holiday of my entire life."...
"Tom, You're welcome to quote me by name, but I should add a bit more.
I've done several expedition tours with various outfits over the years,
and VolcanoDiscovery is clearly the best that I've encountered."
(Bruce V., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano Expedition).
Larissa & Yulia wearing helmets and gas masks on Ambrym
"Dear Tom,
Thank you for the wonderful trip to Vanuatu. We enjoyed the challenging trekking and picturesque scenery very much.
Special thanks should go to our professional and charming guide Yashmin."
(Larissa, Russia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea tour on Vanuatu)
the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job!
"Hello Tom: the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job! I came back fitter than before and looking forward to the next trip. Yashmin has convinced me to put Guatamala on the list!"
(Richard H., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano tour)
"Dear Yashmin and Tom
Thank you for a wonderful, awesome holiday.
Holidaying with volcanoes was Craig's wish holiday and it definitely lived up to his expectations.
...
Your Vanuatu Volcano tour was a fantastic mix of hard core volcanoes and cultural Vanuatu life. I really enjoyed the time we spent in Endu while we both found the volcanoes amazing.
Yashmin thank you for your quiet persistent handling of the Air Vanuatu troubles. I am going to email them some feedback, but this will probably not make much difference.
Thank you again. I am not sure if other volcano tours are in our future, but if they are are we will do them with you.
Shellie"
(Shellie B., Australia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea Vanuatu volcano tour)
"I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu" Vanuatu Expedition
"
Just wanted to let you know I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu on your volcanoes in the south sea tour. After a few hiccups at the beginning Ulla and Basti were able to get things sorted and we set out on our adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, seeing the 2 things that I had always wanted to see......boiling lava and an exploding volcano! If Yasur was in my backyard I would love to watch it every night!
It also made a big difference to share the adventure with friendly, easy going people from around the world. Ulla and Basti were fantastic, very accommodating and nothing was ever too hard. This was my 2nd tour with volcano discovery, Volcanoes of Java being my first last year. I would recommend either of these trips to anyone who is seeking a volcano adventure."
Kristy W (Australia)
a cool trip in a really cool group - Vanuatu expedition
"Back home. It was a cool trip in a really cool group. Thanks to Ulla Lohmann and above all also Basti everything went smooth despite logistic challenges on location.
The experience of both gave us a great insight into the culture and people of Vanuatu. The video from this trip will this time be a professional one, as the SWR film team was with us. In November, you can see an impression from this tour on "Länder, Menschen,Abenteuer". Perhaps you'll see me in there as well."
(Alexander Günther, Hanover, Germany)
...What a genuinely life changing experience!... (Ambrym volcano tour)
Tim at Benbow volcano (Ambrym, Vanuatu)
"Wow Tom!
What a genuinely life changing experience! I'm speechless!!!
Yashmin and the guides were first class and I am forever grateful for dealing with such experienced people!
I want to go again! Thanking you
Tim J C." (Australia)
"I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu" (Andrew about the recent Expedition to Vanuatu)
Traditional dances on Ambrym (photo: Andrew McRae)
Explosion at Yasur volcano (photo: Andrew McRae)
"Hello Yashmin, and everyone at Volcano Discovery!
...
Thank you for running the Vanuatu tour, and explaining everything volcanic, and helping to keep us safe on the mountain and healthy in the jungles. None of us went for a lava swim so I guess it's a success?
Also, thanks for putting the flashing parking lights on the hills at Maroum because for a while I was concerned we wouldn't find our way back. But I think our local guides could have walked up and down blindfolded, they were amazing. Thanks for loaning me your jacket when I thought I would freeze to death - it was a privilege to wear that logo for just a few hours. :-D
Also thank you for helping me to understand that cultural immersion is the main value of travel.
I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu. Not to mention the poulet fish is superb! I may even have a taste for camping, Camenbert theory, and cassava that I didn't have before." (Andrew M., Australia)
"Hi, I liked the Vanuatu trip, I think it was pretty professionally run and I would travel with Volcano Discovery again it's a good company and the people that travel on it are all nice..." (Antony, Australia about the Volcanoes in the South Sea expedition to Vanuatu)
"Hallo Tom,
kurze Naricht nach der Reise: es war SUPER!!!!!
...bien cordialement
Gilles" (Sarregueminnes)
Feuerberge der Südsee - Rückmeldung
Guy watching eruptions at Yasur volcano
"So urteilte ein Kunde über die 14 tägige Reise, welche als Expedition ausgewiesen wurde.
Das Reiseprospekt informierte im Voraus hervorragend über die zu erwartende Erlebnisse.
Die Durchführung der im Prospekte angegebenen Ankündigungen war vorbildlich. Alle Fahrzeuge bzw. Flugzeuge, die für die Transfers erforderlich waren bis auf einmal pünktlich, was unter den gegebenen Umstände ( auf Ambrym und Tanna existieren keine asphaltierten Strassen bzw. keine funktionierende Infrastruktur) eine ausgezeichnete Leistung darstellt. Zugleich blieb es jedoch möglich unter bestimmtem Umständen und mit Zustimmung der Reiseteilnehmer, dort wo das gewünscht wurde vom Reiseplan abzuweichen.
Für die Reiseleitung konnte die Fernseh-Moderatorin und Fotojournalistin Ulla Lohmann verpflichtet werden. Aufgrund Ihrer außergewöhnlichen Kenntnisse der Südsee und deren Bewohner konnte Sie nicht nur viel Wissenswertes vermitteln, sondern wegen Ihren vielen früheren Kontakten mit den Insulaner Tabus durchbrechen und der ganzen Gruppe
von neun Personen die Warmherzigkeit dieser Insulaner näher bringen. So waren Besuche bei den verschiedenen Dorfbewohnern einer der Höhepunkte dieser rundum gelungener Reise. Ihre hervorragenden Kenntnisse als Photographin und Hobby Vulkanologin führte zu mehreren sagenhaften Besuchen der Feuerberge mit gigantischen Ausblicken, die von den Besuchern – auch mit ihre Hilfe – auch fotographisch zu absoluten Höhepunkte werden konnten.
Auf den ältesten Expeditionsteilnehmer – immerhin deutlich über 60 Jahre alt – wurde stets Rücksicht genommen ohne das dies zu Einschnitte für die Jüngeren führte. Ich kann diese einmalige Reise jeden Vulkan – bzw. Südsee Liebhaber nur empfehlen."
(G. Franquinet, Teilnehmer der Pilotreise Mai 2009)
Ronny's mail about the expedition
Ronny at a freshly ejected lava bomb that is still glowing inside...
"Hi dear volcano lovers,
... I also wanted to thank everybody for making this tour so great!
Especially our professional and charming Ulla, for guiding us around Vanuatu, and Tom for the initiative/organization.
Hope we'll meet again sometime, miss you all,
Ronny" (Vanuatu expedition)
