EXPEDITION ACCOMMODATION..in detail

Several examples of accommodation during expeditions:

Matikuri Lodge

Rogosakena Lodge

Ropiko Lodge

Custom Village of Biche

Kajoro Sunset Lodge

Wilderness Lodge

MATIKURI LODGE

Matikuri Lodge on Matikuri Island, off the west coast of Vangunu island is owned and operated by Benjamin Kaniotoku and his wife Jilly.  Located inshore from Hele Bar this remote Eco-Lodge has a large dining & entertainment deck which extends out over the water & is often used by Jilly to catch a fresh fish for dinner, moments before she cooks it. The meals are outstanding island cuisine.

The three leaf-house bungalows are well separated, over water, each with a balcony with superb views of the surrounding waters and other islands. Catch a squid for dinner from your balcony!

Matikuri is suitable for 3 or more days kayaking, returning to Matikuri each night, or it
can be an overnight venue. Nearby freshwater rivers, easy boat access to a nearby village, accessible open ocean reefs and other stunning islands are some of the kayaking venues.  Great snorkeling is accessible on the outer and lagoon reefs. An excellent spot to do
some fishing.

Seldom will you experience such genuine hospitality - Matikuri and it's owners are totally delightful.
Back to top....

ROGOSAKENA LODGE

On Vangunu Island. A beautifully built and comfortable waterfront lodge There is one
leaf-house with two bedrooms. The lagoon views are fantastic, looking from the 'I never want to get up" verandah furniture, or the hammock, and even from your bed. The atmosphere at Rogosakena is especially private & quiet. The friendly staff are very
attentive & provide very nice meals.

A perfect place to relax.
Back to top....

ROPIKO LODGE

Ropiko Lodge is located on the eastern seaward side of Gatokae Island, near Mbile Passage, on a small peninsular jutting into the ocean. The two larger leaf-houses & the smaller honeymoon leaf-house are nestled in the tropical garden near the waters edge. The communal living area, incorporating the kitchen and dining area has a large deck overlooking a classical white sandy tropical beach.

The snorkeling on the coral reef immediately out from the beach is excellent. A nearby coral island provides a smaller inshore reef wave for surfers when the swell is up. Other outer reefs catch the full power of the SE swells.

Captive in the nearby jungle is a crashed WW11 Japanese BF 208. You can also visit the remains of a German sailing ship from the late 1800s. Bush-walking & bird watching are popular. Visit the custom village of Biche.
Back to top....

CUSTOM VILLAGE OF BICHE

A trip not to be missed is to the custom village of BICHE. Travel from Serere by boat on the open ocean past magnificent, vertical, jungle topped cliffs, with blue tropical waves curling over reefs to become swirling whitewater crashing into the cliff bases. Step onto a wave washed rock as the islanders expertly get you ashore at Biche.

Congratulate yourself on your bravery, only to be chastened as you watch the local kids put on the best display of dugout canoe surfing you will ever see, right before your eyes. An easy guided walk will open your eyes to the hardships of life in the old times. Childbirth, headhunting, sacrifice, skulls and tambu sites. Then a remarkable sight, the village stream is full of huge, writhing 'eelfish', an exceptional experience. Cooling waterfalls are nearby.

You can arrange to travel to Biche by boat by walking.

There is a small Lodge Letina Lodge at Biche and it is in radio contact with the other lodges, so you can arrange overnight stays if you wish to explore the culturally rich and beautiful area.
Back to top....

KAJORO SUNSET LODGE

Kajoro Sunset Lodge is operated by John Wayne and his family. John is legendary for his wood carvings. Kajoro is located on the edge of the main island of Vangunu, next to Telina Island Village, one of the best carving villages. From Kajoro, kayakers can visit many of the nearby islands and outer reef areas. Kajoro can be used as a base or as an overnight venue.

Enjoy 1 or 2 days hiking to a custom site in the mountainous area behind Kajoro Sunset Lodge. This must be pre-booked and arranged. Shorter walks are more relaxing and John or his son Waeno will explain all about the custom foods and materials in the surrounding jungle. Visit the Blue hole Cave or the Bat Cave on Matiu Island.

One accommodation leaf-house has been built at the waters edge, with the other nestled in the nearby tropical garden. The island style meals are enticing. Listen to custom stories & history. With a small stream nearby Kajoro Sunset Lodge is also a pleasant venue for a lazy day.
Back to top....

WILDERNESS LODGE
extra cost for upgraded accommodation.

Situated lagoon-side by Peava village, Gatokae Island, at the southeastern tip of the Western Province, the wilderness lodge features traditional construction using sago palm leaf, wild bitalnat palm and village-sawn hardwood with exotic timber and pandanus mat interior. Catering for a maximum of six to eight guests, the lodge has been designed to meld the atmosphere of the Gatokae rainforest and ocean with the lifestyle of the neighbouring small village whilst retaining Western comforts and convenience.

Meals feature local organic produce and seafood, and traditional and Pacific themes with an accent on health. Satellite telephone available should you need to stay in touch. The lodge has a solar power system with 240V/110V inverter for charging cameras etc,
wood-fired hot shower, and LPG refrigeration and cooking. A deepwater jetty provides walk-in boat access and easy swimming and snorkeling access with large, safe, swim steps.

There are a variety of other local lodges or resthouses we can use depending in itinerary.
Back to top....