Ambrym Caldera

Ambrym's caldera is a plain of grey ash roughly twelve kilometres across with two active cones standing in it, Benbow and Marum, both of which have held lava lakes within recent decades. The walk in from the coast takes most of a day through forest and then across bare ash with no shade or water. Activity changes and the lakes have drained and refilled, so what can be seen varies considerably.

What you actually see

• The ash plain - a grey desert roughly twelve kilometres across.
• Benbow and Marum - the two active cones standing in the caldera.
• The lava lakes - present in recent decades, though levels change.
• The walk in - a day from the coast through forest and then bare ash.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the practical window. Rain makes the ash slopes dangerous. Volcanic activity determines access at any time.

Honest expectations

Activity levels change and access is closed by the geohazards department without notice; lava lakes have drained and may not be visible. The walk is long with no water or shade on the ash. Gas masks are needed near the vents and a guide is mandatory.

Nearby

North Ambrym is on the coast, and Malekula is west.