Le chemin mythique d'Ejengen

Description: A walk along the Ejengen cliffs, on the road to the old seaside tribal village: a botanical introduction, an explanation of the remains of the old grande chefferie (high chieftaincy) and a swim in a waterhole. Also an introduction to traditional Kanak culture through visits and activities in Hnathalo tribal village, in the Wetr custom district.

Activities/facilities:
Hikes and botanical walks available daily. Clients are advised to book 24 hours in advance.

Hikes: The Ejengen Mythic Path.

Description: In days gone by the inhabitants of the Hnathalo region lived near the coast. To escape the risk of tidal waves and under the influence of missionaries who encouraged them to group together, they moved up to the inner part of the island. Along the coast, remains of former areas of occupation can still be found. Victor and Gabriella Wassaumie run a small tourist facility (campsite, restaurant) near Hnathalo. They offer their visitors a selection of customisable hikes to the cliffs and along the coast, following the path of the Elders (the old Protestant church, coconut grove, cave, etc.). Several options are possible: a small loop from point 15 to point 10 and back, or a big loop from point 1 to point 15 for seasoned walkers.

Duration: Allow 1 to 1.5 hours each way for the Small Loop and 3 to 4 hours for the Big Loop. Distance: Big Loop: Around 9 km, leaving from and returning to the gîte. Small Loop: 2.5 km return from the car drop-off point.

Profile: About 100 metres. Download

Access: From Wé, go north to Kumo (RT2 22), then east to the village of Hnathalo (RM 8). The gîte is south-east of the village. Download

Practical information: Highlights: The lookouts from the top of the cliff. The entertaining ancestral legends along the way. The water hole. Trail markers: None, but the route is guided. Water sources: You can get water from a cavity if necessary, but it is best to be self-sufficient and take plenty of water. Equipment: Water supplies, food, a first-aid kit in case of injury. Robust closed-toe shoes a must. Sun cream, hat and sunglasses. Binoculars. Bivouac: Possible on the sea front but not necessary because the route is short. Accommodation: The hotels and various accommodation facilities on the island. The traditional hut at Gabriella's. Telephone: The Global Satellite Network can only be picked up from the top of the cliff.

Difficulty: Easy for the Small Loop and difficult for the Big Loop. In both cases, the route does not pose any major problems apart from the physical effort required to climb the cliff at point 3.

Rates

EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES	CFP	EUROS
The Ejengen Mythic Path
	1,575	13.20
Melanesian culture
	2,100	17.60
Introduction to the tribal village
	1,575	13.20
Culture/Introduction package
	2,625	22.00

Payment methods:
Cash - NC cheques

 

All prices in this guide are given in CFP francs and in euros, including tax, and unless otherwise indicated are per person, per night. They are valid from current 1 April to 31 March (subject to unexpected changes, typographical errors and omissions). Prices include a 5% service tax, which is subject to change at any time.