Mele Cascades: Discovering a Hidden Cave in Vanuatu

Mele Cascades: Discovering a Hidden Cave in Vanuatu

Mele Cascades are dramatic and great fun. They're no Niagara or Iguaçu, but then you can't swim in either (well, maybe just once)

"Is that it? Is that the falls?" Kia asked after about 10 minutes of walking. “It can’t be,” I replied, unconvinced. "But the driver said it's only a few minutes to the summit..." It's not that the flowing stream gently rolling down the hillside gardens and past creaking bamboo trees wasn't pretty, but they were hardly the dramatic 30 meter waterfalls we'd read about. Kia suggested. “I’m sure it can’t be – let’s move on.” My confident tone masked my doubts. Luckily I was right.

The gardens below the Mele cascades, forests and flowing streams are indeed very beautiful and worth a visit in their own right, but that's not what we came for. We kept walking and climbing and after a few more minutes we could hear the shouts and exclamations of people who were clearly in awe of something spectacular.

We pressed on, using ropes and occasional stepping stones to criss-cross the stream, which was now widening and quickly becoming a river. After another spin in its flow, we saw what we came for and were not disappointed.

alt="Mele Cascades Vanuatu">Atlas & BootsThe cave is hidden behind the Mele cascades at the base of the falls

The Mele Cascades are dramatic. They're neither Niagara nor Iguaçu, but you can't swim in either (well, maybe just once). It's exhilarating to splash around in the clear pools at the bottom while thousands of liters of water thunder down. As I climbed onto the rocks directly beneath the cascading water, it felt like the whole world was crashing down on me - with no impending doomsday. It also gave me the opportunity to channel my inner Peter Andre, albeit without a six-pack abs!

At some point, while I was frolicking in the falls like a little boy in a backyard wading pool, I mindlessly jumped backwards into the falls and found myself in a small cave hidden behind one of the outlets. I had no idea it was there, so I was surprised to suddenly find myself with two other visitors behind a wall of raging water in a cave just big enough to hold the three of us. Another great find.

If you are traveling to Vanuatu, you must enter via Port Vila on the country's main island, Efate. Most visitors stay on the island for at least a few nights before moving on. I suggest you do the same, but make the cascades a priority. It's tempting to spend your time lounging on the white sandy beaches and swimming, snorkeling and diving in the turquoise waters, but take the time to experience this little gem - it's great fun.

Mele Cascades: The Essentials

When: We're here in mid-August and it seems pretty perfect to me. Guides suggest that July to October is the best time to visit for Westerners. We are also told that at other times of the year it can be either too hot or too wet. Currently most days are clear and there is a cool breeze from the west. Further inland the wind decreases and it becomes hotter and more humid. Likewise, on the west coast you are better protected from the sea winds. If you prefer fewer tourists during your time on the island, visit the island in September after the Australian school holidays.

How: The falls are located about 10 kilometers north of Port Vila. In town, take a local bus with a “B” at the beginning of its license plate and tell the driver that you want to visit Mele Cascades. It should cost you around 350vt from the city center or 500vt from Pango where we stayed. Our driver was waiting for us in the parking lot and took us back for 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 Gardens, which can save you time and money.

Port Vila has an international airport with regular flights to airports on Australia's east coast (book via skyscanner.net).

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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