Marum
Volcano Active volcano on Ambrym Island, Vanuatu
The Marum crater on Ambrym draws trekkers for guided hikes to active lava lakes and volcanic terrain, often paired with visits to nearby villages on Ambrym.
Marum is an active volcanic crater on Ambrym Island in Malampa Province, Vanuatu and is one of the island’s main eruptive centers. It is noted for high-temperature activity and for producing lava-lake phenomena on occasion.
The crater is a major reason visitors and scientists travel to Ambrym, with viewpoints on the caldera rim used to observe incandescent activity and gas emissions. Visits are typically arranged as guided treks from local villages, and conditions can change rapidly during eruptive episodes.
Marum sits within Ambrym’s larger volcanic complex alongside the nearby Benbow crater; both craters have a history of frequent activity and have shaped the island’s volcanic landscape. The craters remain active and are monitored by Vanuatu geological authorities.
The crater complex is located inland on Ambrym Island in Malampa Province, roughly in the island’s central caldera area.
- Activity and access: Known for persistent volcanic activity and occasional lava-lake visibility; crater access requires experienced guides and local permissions.
- Geology: Located within Ambrym's caldera system alongside Benbow, forming the island's primary volcanic centers.
What to See #
- Marum crater: An active summit crater that frequently hosts incandescent activity and lava lake phenomena; one of Ambrym's principal eruptive vents.
- Benbow crater: A neighboring crater within the same volcanic complex that is also active and commonly displays fumarolic and eruptive behavior.
How to Get to Marum #
Fly to Port Vila (Efate) and then take domestic transport (charter flight or inter-island service) to Ambrym; from the island’s villages, local guides and 4WD tracks lead to trailheads. Travel logistics vary; contact Vanuatu tourism operators for current schedules and permit requirements.
Tips for Visiting Marum #
- If visiting Ambrym's crater area, hire an experienced local guide and follow village protocols - the volcano is culturally significant and access is controlled.
- Travel at night if hoping to glimpse the glow of lava (when safe and permissible), but do so only with an accredited guide and stable viewing platforms.
- Bring a headlamp and warm clothing; the climb to the caldera involves rough trails and cold, windy conditions.
Best Time to Visit Marum #
Best attempted during the dry season when trails are passable and guides are more reliable.
Weather & Climate near Marum #
Marum's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (3950 mm/year), wettest in April.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (386 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (385 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (413 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (431 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (280 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (271 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (258 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (284 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (315 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (350 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (382 mm).
.jpeg?width=600)
