CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Located on the edge of a tropical lagoon on Gatokae Island, The Wilderness Lodge is an idyllic destination to escape from everyday life. Enjoy real Melanesian hospitality with your Marovo hosts,Waelinah and Vaelathy, and unique local experiences and genuine adventures with the Wilderness guides. The all Solomon Island staff have been trained in the nearby village of Peava. At The Wilderness Lodge, years of experience and integration have created a unique example of culturally and environmentally-sensitive tourism.
Catering for a maximum of 12 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, featuring traditional construction using sago palm leaf, wild bitalnat palm and village-sawn hardwood with exotic timber and pandanus mat interior.
With prime access to the three wild and uninhabited islands of Bulo, MaleMale, and Kicha, the 2,900 foot jungle-clad peak of Mt Mariu, and ancient fortified villages and ceremonial sites, The Wilderness Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the incredibly diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Marovo Lagoon and learn of the fascinating past culture of ritual headhunting which persisted into the twentieth century.
People of all ages, walks of life, levels of fitness and interests will find a week relaxing and exploring at Wilderness a rich, cleansing and memorable experience.
Getting to The Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge is accessed by boat transfer from Seghe Airfield in Marovo Lagoon – transfer is by 23 foot 40HP Yamaha longboat and typically takes approximately 2 hours through the incredible scenery of Marovo Lagoon.
Please note transfers are not available Friday and Saturday in respect of village rest day.
Transfers are also available to connect with Uepi Island Resort and Tetepare Ecolodge.
For divers a special Wilderness to Uepi dive transfer is available which provides a unique daytrip transfer with two dives on the Marovo barrier islands with a picnic enroute.
Please contact us for an itinerary to make the most of your Solomon Islands holiday
Amenities at The Wilderness Lodge
The Lodge has a solar power system with 240V/110V inverter for charging cameras etc with Australian style power points.
A stay at The Wilderness Lodge is inclusive of all meals which feature local organic produce from the village gardens, fresh hand-caught seafood, and traditional and Pacific themes with an accent on health.
There is a satellite telephone available if required or should an emergency arise. The deep water jetty provides walk-in boat access, easy swimming and snorkelling access with large, safe steps.
Visa and MasterCard facilities are available for payment of any extras, tours and drinks. Surcharges apply. Limited Solomon Island currency is usually available for exchange at The Lodge.
There is a small dive centre on-site that can cater for a maximum of 6 divers at one time. Limited scuba gear rental is available. 3 x 7 metre long boats are available for charter use.
Accommodation at The Wilderness Lodge
The Lodge has sleeping quarters comprising of two rooms. Each room has two double beds and one single bunk bed allowing flexibility for 6 to 8 guests. Perfect for scientific and student groups, fishing or diving groups and families. The Lodge rooms open on to the main lodge living area with large table and benches, 240V AC power from solar sinewave inverter, and walk-in, walk-out to the lodge jetty and decking.
In addition, two private Oceanfront Bungalows each offer two extremely comfortable queen beds with privacy curtains for two couples and a foldout sofabed for families or a third single guest.
Locally handcrafted traditional sago palm leaf roofs and hardwood floors combine with timber and glass louvered walls, sliding glass doors and stunning timber finishings to provide the ultimate in cool tropical living.
The Bungalows feature an ensuite vanity and toilet and a kitchenette, while solar arrays power the lighting, personal fans and any charging of cameras or other devices you just can’t live without.
Private, outdoor, stonework showers provide an unforgettable way to cool down after long days in the sun, sea and rainforest.
Comfortable timber deck chairs and handmade mayan hammocks enjoy epic ocean views from the wide open beachfront verandah and decking. Simply step off your deck and into the crystal clear lagoon.
Activities at The Wilderness Lodge
Visitors to The Wilderness Lodge have some of the world’s best coral reefs and most prolific and varied fish life, lush tropical rainforest and spectacular scenery right on their doorstep.
World class coral and fishlife begins at the lagoon fringing reef and dropoff, within swimming distance of the lodge. Just grab your mask and you’re surrounded with marine life. Snorkelling around the waters is suitable for all levels.
Dive Wilderness is a small SSI-certified dive facility offering daily dives (except on Saturday’s – the Sabbath) and Try Dive and Open Water dive courses. There are over 50 dive sites waiting to be explored around Gatokae and with a maximum of 6 divers, the diving is guaranteed to be uncrowded! Guests are encouraged to bring their own scuba diving equipment if intending to dive.
Experience freediving and spearing as it is meant to be in clear, warm 27.5˚C to 31˚C year-round oceanic water. No thick wetsuits and heavy weights to slow you down. Absolutely pristine reefs and the greatest marine biodiversity on Earth.
SPEARFISHING and BLUE WATER HUNTING
It’s all about warm blue ocean and endless marine life with 100 metre coral drop-offs, loads of pelagics and reef fish.
It’s all about wild fish and new frontiers offering exciting fishing adventures
Take in the opportunity to learn about the unique culture and history from the village people. Enjoy a motor canoe trip up the wild Gevala River, explore ancient fortified villages deep in the rainforest, visit the village gardens or even take a boat trip through the incredibly scenic Gatokae and Marovo Lagoons.
From half hour walks along marked trails winding through lush rainforest and coral beaches to multi day guided hikes around jungle clad volcanic peaks, at The Wilderness Lodge we can help you explore the real Melanesia and some of nature’s richest ecosystems.
The Solomon Islands hosts one of the highest rates of avian endemism on Earth, with individual species and races unique to individual small islands. At Wilderness you have rainforest, coastal and oceanic habitats overlapping, providing a vast array of species in a very concentrated area.
- Getting There
-
Getting to The Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge is accessed by boat transfer from Seghe Airfield in Marovo Lagoon – transfer is by 23 foot 40HP Yamaha longboat and typically takes approximately 2 hours through the incredible scenery of Marovo Lagoon.
Please note transfers are not available Friday and Saturday in respect of village rest day.
Transfers are also available to connect with Uepi Island Resort and Tetepare Ecolodge.
For divers a special Wilderness to Uepi dive transfer is available which provides a unique daytrip transfer with two dives on the Marovo barrier islands with a picnic enroute.
Please contact us for an itinerary to make the most of your Solomon Islands holiday
- Amenities
-
Amenities at The Wilderness Lodge
The Lodge has a solar power system with 240V/110V inverter for charging cameras etc with Australian style power points.
A stay at The Wilderness Lodge is inclusive of all meals which feature local organic produce from the village gardens, fresh hand-caught seafood, and traditional and Pacific themes with an accent on health.
There is a satellite telephone available if required or should an emergency arise. The deep water jetty provides walk-in boat access, easy swimming and snorkelling access with large, safe steps.
Visa and MasterCard facilities are available for payment of any extras, tours and drinks. Surcharges apply. Limited Solomon Island currency is usually available for exchange at The Lodge.
There is a small dive centre on-site that can cater for a maximum of 6 divers at one time. Limited scuba gear rental is available. 3 x 7 metre long boats are available for charter use.
- Accommodation
-
Accommodation at The Wilderness Lodge
The Lodge has sleeping quarters comprising of two rooms. Each room has two double beds and one single bunk bed allowing flexibility for 6 to 8 guests. Perfect for scientific and student groups, fishing or diving groups and families. The Lodge rooms open on to the main lodge living area with large table and benches, 240V AC power from solar sinewave inverter, and walk-in, walk-out to the lodge jetty and decking.
In addition, two private Oceanfront Bungalows each offer two extremely comfortable queen beds with privacy curtains for two couples and a foldout sofabed for families or a third single guest.
Locally handcrafted traditional sago palm leaf roofs and hardwood floors combine with timber and glass louvered walls, sliding glass doors and stunning timber finishings to provide the ultimate in cool tropical living.
The Bungalows feature an ensuite vanity and toilet and a kitchenette, while solar arrays power the lighting, personal fans and any charging of cameras or other devices you just can’t live without.
Private, outdoor, stonework showers provide an unforgettable way to cool down after long days in the sun, sea and rainforest.
Comfortable timber deck chairs and handmade mayan hammocks enjoy epic ocean views from the wide open beachfront verandah and decking. Simply step off your deck and into the crystal clear lagoon.
- Activities
-
Activities at The Wilderness Lodge
Visitors to The Wilderness Lodge have some of the world’s best coral reefs and most prolific and varied fish life, lush tropical rainforest and spectacular scenery right on their doorstep.
World class coral and fishlife begins at the lagoon fringing reef and dropoff, within swimming distance of the lodge. Just grab your mask and you’re surrounded with marine life. Snorkelling around the waters is suitable for all levels.
Dive Wilderness is a small SSI-certified dive facility offering daily dives (except on Saturday’s – the Sabbath) and Try Dive and Open Water dive courses. There are over 50 dive sites waiting to be explored around Gatokae and with a maximum of 6 divers, the diving is guaranteed to be uncrowded! Guests are encouraged to bring their own scuba diving equipment if intending to dive.
Experience freediving and spearing as it is meant to be in clear, warm 27.5˚C to 31˚C year-round oceanic water. No thick wetsuits and heavy weights to slow you down. Absolutely pristine reefs and the greatest marine biodiversity on Earth.
SPEARFISHING and BLUE WATER HUNTING
It’s all about warm blue ocean and endless marine life with 100 metre coral drop-offs, loads of pelagics and reef fish.
It’s all about wild fish and new frontiers offering exciting fishing adventures
Take in the opportunity to learn about the unique culture and history from the village people. Enjoy a motor canoe trip up the wild Gevala River, explore ancient fortified villages deep in the rainforest, visit the village gardens or even take a boat trip through the incredibly scenic Gatokae and Marovo Lagoons.
From half hour walks along marked trails winding through lush rainforest and coral beaches to multi day guided hikes around jungle clad volcanic peaks, at The Wilderness Lodge we can help you explore the real Melanesia and some of nature’s richest ecosystems.
The Solomon Islands hosts one of the highest rates of avian endemism on Earth, with individual species and races unique to individual small islands. At Wilderness you have rainforest, coastal and oceanic habitats overlapping, providing a vast array of species in a very concentrated area.