Kolombangara

Kolombangara is a near-perfect volcanic cone rising to around 1,770 metres out of the sea in the Western Province, circular enough that the road runs right round its base, with the crater rim at the top and forest running up the whole slope. The climb takes two days with a camp partway. A conservation trust protects the upper forest, which holds birds found only on this island.

History

The Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira made the first recorded western sighting of the island in 1568, and it was declared part of the British Solomon Islands protectorate on 15 March 1893. Its name roughly means Water Lord, after the some 80 rivers and streams running down its flanks (Wikipedia, Kolombangara).

What you'll find

• The crater rim - the summit ridge at around 1,770 metres.
• The circular form - an island regular enough that the road rings it.
• The forest zones - lowland through to moss forest on the climb.
• The endemic birds - species found only on this island in the upper forest.

When to go

May to October is the drier season and the practical window. Cloud sits on the summit most days. The wet season makes the climb impassable.

Practical notes

The climb is steep, muddy and takes two days with a rough camp partway. Guides, porters and landowner fees are required. Cloud usually closes the view from the rim.

Nearby

Gizo is west, and Munda is southeast.

Key facts