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Tanna Adventures .... A tropical travel experience of untouched scenic beauty & cultural insight.

	GREAT 'TANNA ISLAND' TOURS .		INSPIRING 'TANNA' WALKS.
	Tour 1 - The Classic Mount Yasur Trip. Tour 2 - Port Resolution / Shark Bay Trip. Tour 3 - Mt Yasur Volcano - "THE BIG DAY OUT" Tour 4 - Blue Cave Trip. Tour 5 - BlackManTown / Giant Banyan Trip.		Walk 1 - Second (Lenuingao) Waterfall & Beach Walk Walk 2 - 'Kastom' Trails Walk to Esso's. Walk 3 - 'Kastom' Trails Walk to Black Magic. Walk 4 - First (Lenuanatuaiu) Waterfall Walk.

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..... Lenakel, or Blackmantown.

Lenakel is the main town on Tanna and is situated on the coast near the port ...... or wharf. Its development as the main commercial and retail area of tanna would have been as a direct result of the close proximity of goods arriving by the various barges and ferries.

Virtually nothing is fabricated on the island and anything not made off the land or in a 'kastom' way needs to be imported from port Vila. This includes everything from diesel, building materials, and all manufactured goods through to food that is not grown locally. As a consequence Lenakel has developed as a scattered group of makeshift stores, small commercial enterprises and restaurants. Along with this is a number of service centres for the likes of the national bank of Vanuatu ( the only bank on Tanna), TVL and provincial council offices, along with primary and secondary schools.

Throughout its history Tanna Island has resisted western influence, and has strongly kept to is historical and cultural roots. This is illustrated in the commercial development of Lenakel, where the governing group of landowners and business people have enforced the requirement that all commercial and retail is carried out by 'Man Tanna'. The fact that the almost unheard of situation of having no chinese stores and shops, has lead to the town been proudly called Blackmantown by the locals.

This can also be seen in the way different aspects of life have developed. Bread is not the light french stick style that is prevalent in Port vila, but a heavier 'loaf' that is baked in brread ovens similar to pizza ovens. While declicious - one or two slices will satisfy any hunger.

Equally interesting is the development of various aspects of life including restaurants. 'Man Tanna' is interested in westeren ways and sophistication - but rather than accept its introduction - will install what their impression of it is. Restaurants are an example of this and the ensuring result provides good meals that have a definite 'Tanna Island' spin to them.

Travel Tour 5 - BlackmanTown and Giant Banyan.

[Updated May 2019]

BlackmanTown. - visit a remote island Village Capital and its surrounding coastline, where 'Man Tanna' still dominate commerce and do things their way ........ 'Black man Town' or the Lenakel excursion, starts with a ride along the beach road to see the dugouts (surprising how many), and then on to the Food Markets which only occur on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If possible the tour has a look at an old broken down missionary church, following which you and have lunch in town ( meals for about Vt350) which are a real experience served on enamel plates etc ( I have done this a good number of times times and not had any stomach upsets whatever) . We also include a look at one of the coffee factories, if they are open, along with anything else which may be of interest. Travel Tour Overview from Middlebush: • leaving by about 8.30am, travelling via 4WD over unsealed roads down to the West Coast from Middlebush, where Rachel and Esso are located. • On the way down over the whitegrass plains, see the extensive views out over the eastern seaboard. At the coast, divert into the bush and travel along the coast seeing the many dugouts, and various settlemts along the beach front. • Get to the food market to have a look at the extensive tropical fruit and vegetables that are grown. Tanna Island, possessing a highlands region with thick volcanic soil, and ample rainfall, enables just abouty anything to be grown. • Enjoy a basic meal in town served on enamel plates - full of flavour. Experience restaurant food ..... remote island style. • If combining this tour along with the Giant Bayan Trip, or 'kastom village' this would be done at this point.   Blackmantown + Giant Banyan Trip Travel Timeframe: • Approximate time frame is about 3-4 hours • Approximate travel time by 4WD from Middlebush to Blackmantown is 45minutes to 1 hour depending on what there is to see along the way ( beach and coffee etc). • Approximate time in Blackmantown 1-2 hours, with luch being about another 30 minutes. • Other combined tours are obviously extra in time.

Personalised Bookings. [May 2019]

We provide "peronalised itineraries" for visitors to the island. Click the buttom below to be taken to our booking queries page.