Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

2 weeks in July. Efate, Epi, Tanna

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu

My girlfriend and I are in the process of planning a 2 week trip to Vanuatu in July. Was planning on spending a week in Efate and Epi combined and a week in Tanna. Was thinking of basing ourselves on Hideaway island for 4 nights for snorkelling and taking day trips to other parts of the island for hikes, visits to villages and to the waterfalls.

Was wanting to get to Epi island for a few days but it seems domestic carrier VanAir isn't operating anymore and there is only a weekly ferry service so it could be hard to get to. Any recommendations would be appreciated and if Hideaway is a good base or it better to stay in Villa or east of Villa. Also is there many accommodation options north of Efate?.

You should go to Nguna! Its this small island just north of Efate.

Its a really nice place to visit for a few days, its famous for its sea turtle and wildelife conservation area and you can go and tag sea turtles as well as there are lots of bush walks available. There isnt a lot of places to stay, I can only think of 2 right now.
Stay at Vat-Vaka bungalows and ask for the one right on the beach! I had a lovely time there they will feed and take good care of you.

A truck leaves for Nguna from vila everyday I believe at around 11 (just ask someone), its great because you get the chance to drive around half the island and see some of what the inner island looks like.

Have fun!

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I paid around $30 canadian per night for 1 person food included

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Air Vanuatu flies from Vila to Epi on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. As for places further North, there is plenty of accommodation on Santo around Luganville. All price levels.

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