Lake Kikila

Lake Kikila lies on the eastern side of Wallis just south of Mata-Utu, and it is one of the crater lakes identified as wetlands of international significance and put forward as candidates for Ramsar listing. It is a shallow freshwater lake with marsh around the edges, used by waterbirds and ducks, and the surrounding vegetation shelters land birds as well. There is no development on its shore. The lake is one of several water bodies on Wallis, all of them sitting in old volcanic ground.

What you actually see

• The candidate wetland - identified as internationally significant, though never formally listed.
• The shallow lake - fresh water with marsh around the margins.
• The waterbirds - the ducks and waders using the shallows.
• The undeveloped shore - a lake with nothing built along it.

When to go

May to October is the drier season and the tracks are usable. Water levels change with the rains. Early morning is best for birds.

Honest expectations

Access is by unmarked track and local direction helps. Mosquitoes here are severe. There is no hide, boardwalk or interpretation of any kind.

Nearby

Mata-Utu is north, and Lake Lalolalo is northwest.