Kolombangara Island

Kolombangara is home to an extinct volcano reaching 1,800 metres above sea level, one of the highest mountains in the Solomon Islands outside Guadalcanal. The area has been preserved from logging and is dense jungle as a result, home to a large variety of wildlife including the locally endemic Kolombangara White Eye and endemic frogs. It is now managed for conservation, and it is the perfect escape for anyone interested in adventure.

Where you stay

Ringgi Guesthouse, at Ringgi township, offers three air-conditioned twin rooms with linen and towels, and shared dining rooms with a kitchen and amenities. It is the ideal base for studying the birds of the area, learning about the plantation company’s work, or simply recovering after a mountain walk — with town power and water, shops nearby for basic supplies, mobile reception and the option of full catering.

Imbu Rano Lodge was designed for visitors and scientists needing access to the highland rainforest. An 18-metre balcony looks out over the Vila River Valley and Mt Rano, the second highest peak on the crater rim. At 370 metres altitude it is the natural base for trekking inside the crater via the Vila River, or taking the ridge line up Mt Veve, the highest peak on the island. Two twin rooms (maximum three), a bunk room, linen and towels, shared kitchen and amenities, drinkable tank water, solar lighting and 24-hour security. The whole lodge can be booked for privacy or for a larger group.

Walks and treks

Guides lead a range of options, all starting from Imbu Rano Lodge. Short walks at Imbu Rano run from an hour to two days, easy to medium — gentle trails along the summit ridge to tambu sites, lookouts and creeks, or a steep 30-minute descent to the crater-fed Vila River to swim in the rapids, walk the river banks past ancient village sites, and take a waterfall side trip. The river walk to the crater centre takes one to four days at medium to medium-hard, descending to the Vila River and following rough paths and the river bed, crossing the water many times. Three camps lie along the way, including a basic hut half a day up the river. All hikes must be accompanied by a guide.

Wildlife

Undisturbed hill and montane rainforest, moss forest at higher altitudes and inside the crater, and valley rainforest along the Vila River. Kolombangara is known for its locally endemic birds — the Kolombangara White Eye is found only above 700 metres — along with endemic frogs and other Solomons endemics found only at altitude.

Getting there

Access to Ringgi Cove is by local boat from Gizo (50 minutes), Munda (60 minutes) or Noro (30 minutes). Go Tours can arrange all your boat and car transfers.