Kolombangara, Solomon Islands

Kolombangara is an island in the New Georgia Islands group of the Solomon Islands. Almost perfectly round in shape and about 15 km across, the island is a stratovolcano that reaches an altitude of 1,770 meters at Mount Veve. There are two notable settlements, Ringgi and Mongga, the former being the larger.

The summit of Kolombangara contains a 4 km wide caldera with four peaks (Veve, Rano, Mbatuvana, and Tapalamenggutu). Inside the crater are moss covered trees. There are approximately 80 rivers running down the face of the volcano. It is possible to do the 8 hour hike to the volcano rim.

Things to see and do

* Hiking to the volcano rim
* Snorkeling
* Beach activities
* Village visits

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Language – English, Melanesian Pijin
Land Area – 685 km²
Population – 6,000 approx
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus eleven hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 677

Port Location – There is a sheltered harbor at Lotu, 17.4km from the town of Mongga.

Transport Links – Kolombangara island can be reached by air from Honiara (350km) or by motor canoe from Gizo island (40 mins).