Mele Cascades: Discovery of a hidden cave in Vanuatu

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Mele Cascades are dramatic and are great fun. You are not a Niagara or Iguaçu, but then you cannot swim in either either (well, maybe just once)

"Is that? Are they the waterfalls?" Kia asked about 10 minutes of walk. "Can't be," I didn't answer convinced. "But the driver said there are only a few more minutes to the summit ..." It is not that the flowing stream gently rolls down the slope gardens and past creaking bamboo trees, but it was hardly the dramatic 30 meter high waterfalls that we had read. suggested Kia. "I am sure that it can't be - let's go on." My confident tone covered my doubts. Fortunately, I was right.

The gardens below the Mele cascades, forests and flowing streams are indeed very nice and worth a visit, but we didn't get that. We continued and climbed on and after a few more minutes we were able to hear the shouting and exclamation of people who were clearly impressed by something spectacular.

We continued to urge and crossed the stream with the help of ropes and occasional steps, which now widened and quickly became a river. After another turn in his river, we saw what we had come for and were not disappointed.

Alt = "Mele-Caskaden vanuatu"Atlas & BootsThe cave is hidden behind the Mele cascades at the foot of the waterfalls

The Mele Cascades are dramatic. They are neither Niagara nor Iguaçu, but you can't swim in both of them (well, maybe only once). It is exhilarating to plan around in the clear pools on the bottom, while thousands of liters thunder down. When I climbed onto the rocks directly under the falling water, it felt like the whole world would fall down to me - without the upcoming end of the world. It also gave me the opportunity to channel my inner Peter Andre, albeit without a six -pack!

At some point, while I tortured in the waterfalls like a little boy in a paddling pool behind the garden, I jumped in thoughtlessly back into the waterfalls and found myself in a small cave that was hidden behind one of the outlets. I had no idea that it was there, so I was surprised to suddenly find myself with two other visitors behind a wall of roaring water in a cave that was just big enough to take three. Another great find.

If you travel to Vanuatu, you have to enter Port Vila on the main island of the country, Efate. Most visitors stay on the island at least a few nights before moving on. I suggest you do the same, but make the cascades a priority. The temptation is great to spend your time lazing on the white sandy beaches and swimming, snorkeling and diving in turquoise water, but take the time to experience this little jewel - it's great fun.

Mele Cascades: The essentials

When: We are here in mid -August and it seems to me to be pretty perfect. The travel guides suggest that July to October is the best time to travel to Western. We are also told that in other seasons it can either be too hot or too wet. Most of the days are currently clear and a cool breeze is blowing from the west. The wind continues to go inland and it gets hotter and moist. Likewise, they are better protected from sea winds on the west coast. If you prefer fewer tourists on the island during your time, visit the island in September after the Australian school holidays.

Like: The waterfalls are about 10 kilometers north of Port Vila. Take a local bus in the city with a "B" at the beginning of his license plate and tell the driver that you want to visit Mele Cascades. It should cost around 350 VT from the city center or 500 VT of Pango where we lived. Our driver waited for us in the parking lot and brought us back at the same price. The driver may make you an offer to visit some of the other nearby attractions, including the Tanna Coffee Factory and the Secret Garden, which allows you to save time and money.

Port Vila has an international airport with regular flights to airports on the Australian east coast (booking via skyscanner.net).

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots
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