Page 403 - Melanesia

Fire and Water: The Ever Changing Vanuatu

V anuatu lies squarely on top of the Pacific Then you are there, right at the mouth of the
Ring of Fire and has nine active volcanoes, craters. It is the most amazing experience to feel

seven on land and two beneath the sea. The the rumbling earth beneath your feet, hear the

most famous and most easily accessible, is Mt whizz of volcanic rock fly through the air and feel

Yasur, on Tanna Island bringing thousands of the heat from the explosion of fire before you.

tourists to Tanna Island each year. Mt Garet, on A tour at night is the most impressive, as you

Gaua, is potentially the most dangerous and witness the sun setting, the air becomes really

recently erupted in 2009 after many years of cold and windy, and with an inky sky as a back

dormancy. Other Volcanoes less visited, can be drop the lava seems even more vivid. Always go

found on the islands of Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi. with a guide and follow their directions, they

A visit to Vanuatu is not complete without a tour are trained and experienced to know the safest

to a live volcano. places for you to stand. Travel and tours can be

MT. YASUR: on Tanna Island is the most arranged from Efate Port Vila Vanuatu by air.
popular destination due to the easy ac-
cess to the summit. 2010 has seen an unusual AMBRYUM: is known as the “black island”
after the expansive ash plain covering the
level of high activity from Mt Yasur and is being interior. This island is well known for its highly

monitored closely by authorities. After a rather active volcanic activity that includes lava lake

arduous 4wd drive adventure through unsealed formations within the summit craters. Ambrym

roads, island villages, deep pot holes, flowing is the site of two active volcanic cones, Benbow

rivers and desolate ash plains, you arrive at the and Marum and travel from Efate can be ar-

base of Mt Yasur. While the walk is a little rough ranged by sea or air.

and steep the climb only takes about 15 minutes.