Mount Balbi

Balbi rises to 2,715 metres in northern Bougainville, the highest point of the island and of the Solomons chain, a volcanic massif with several craters at the summit holding small lakes and with active fumaroles and sulphur deposits venting on the upper slopes. The lower flanks are rainforest and gardens, giving way to moss forest and then to open ground near the top, and the climb takes two to three days from the villages with camping and guides, who hold the knowledge of the route. Bougainville has an endemic bird list including the Bougainville honeyeater and thicketbird. Access to the island is by air or ship to Buka and then road south.

What you actually see

• The summit craters - the crater lakes on the volcano's top.
• Fumaroles - the steaming vents and sulphur on the upper slopes.
• Moss forest - the wet upper forest below the summit.
• Endemic birds - the Bougainville species in the forest.

When to go

May to October in the drier season for the climb; the mountain is wet in any month and cloud covers the summit most days. Climbs need arranging weeks ahead with guides and landowners.

Honest expectations

The climb is a multi-day expedition with camping, guides and landowner agreement, not a day walk. Rain, mud and leeches are constant. There is no rescue capability. Getting to Bougainville and then to the trailhead takes several days of connections.

Nearby

Buka lies north across the passage; Arawa is south.