Mele Cascades in Efate, Vanuatu
Located on the main island of Efate, approximately 10km or a 10-15 minute drive from Port Vila, the Mele Cascades waterfalls are a stunning natural
attraction famous for their brilliant blue waters and incredible views.
Of all the waterfalls in Vanuatu, Mele Cascades had to have been the most well-known.
Mele’s popularity was largely due to its accessibility from Port Vila.
As for the Mele Cascades, it was basically a series of travertine cascades.
It started off as small drops when in the shadow of a large tree growing within the stream, but as we progressed further upstream,
the tiers became larger until we were face-to-face with the tallest drop of them all.
There was also a somewhat hidden companion waterfall that was probably half the height of the main drop.
Visit to the beautiful Mele Cascades fulfills the wish of many tourists to see the real nature of Vanuatu – especially if most part of the vacation
has been spent in cosy hotels and beaches.
Mele Cascades are located in 15 minutes drive from Port Vila – capital of Vanuatu, not far from the road.
This is popular tourist attraction with marked trail and wide offer of tourist business including abseil down the falls.
There should be paid entrance fee to access the cascades but all visitors agree that it is worth to pay.
It is advised to come very early or – also in lunchtime, because during the day falls might be quite crowded.
Tourist footpath starts below the falls.
Water of the stream is blue-green, it contains lots of dissolved lime.
Bed of the stream often is layered with tufa deposits.
Trail often goes straight through the water.
Not many notice it: the edges of tufa terraces are covered with larvae of black flies.
Tufa deposits in many locations have formed smaller cascades with pools and, as one goes ahead, the cascades become taller.
Several pools with cool water are well suited to swim and tourists eagerly use this opportunity, especially in warm time.
There is a cave behind one of such cascades.
Most impressive is the approximately 45 – 50 m tall upper waterfall which is sliding down a steep rock face.
There is beautiful lookout from the top of the falls over the lush green fields and forest of Efate island and the Pacific ocean.
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