Tanna Island in Vanuatu combines culture with adventure. Mt Yasur is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes and it is the main reason tourists visit the island. While you can take a day trip to see the volcano an overnight stay lets you see it at its best – red, hot and erupting in contrast to the dark surrounds. Unity Tours in Port Vila has day trips or if you are staying overnight your resort will be able to arrange a volcano safari. Air Vanuatu flies to Tanna at least once a day.
If you have the time, consider two or three nights – as well as being memorable and rewarding, it justifies the expense of the flight! It also gives volcano ‘insurance’. If it is raining, access to the volcano is denied due to safety reasons and it would be disappointing to miss out.
The island is home to the John Frum Cargo Cult. There are waterfalls, blue water caves, surf beaches, giant banyan trees, hot springs and great sunsets. There are black magic, kava tasting and cultural village experiences. Here is a link to adventures and activities to be had at White Grass Ocean Resort.
Many Tannese people live a traditional lifestyle that includes kastom medicine, initiation and circumcision. The award-winning movie, Tanna, is pretty close to how life still is in some villages.
Photo – poster from Tanna, the movie