Plizio Visual Lab

Mount Makarakomburu

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

peak

Weather…

Mount Makarakomburu stands as the second-highest peak in the Solomon Islands, situated deep within the rugged mountainous interior of Guadalcanal. At an elevation of approximately 2,310 meters, it rivals its neighbor, Mount Popomanaseu, in both height and prominence. The surrounding landscape is characterized by pristine tropical primary forests and unique alpine grasslands found only at the highest elevations. Due to the extreme verticality of its slopes and impenetrable undergrowth, the region is recognized as one of the most challenging areas in the country for biological exploration. The mountain is scientifically significant for studying vertical biodiversity, as its ecological zones transition rapidly with increasing altitude. Serving as a major watershed for Guadalcanal, it feeds numerous rivers vital to the agricultural output of the coastal plains. Reaching the summit requires multi-day treks through treacherous terrain and is typically only attempted by specialized scientific expeditions.

Location: Solomon Islands
Nearby: Tenaru Falls (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	27	27
Rain mm	263	305	277	220	214	143	135	114	107	160	167	221

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Typically accessed from the Weather Coast or inland Guadalcanal villages; hiring a knowledgeable local guide is strictly mandatory.

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Best season

Best attempted during the driest possible window, usually mid-year, though the summit is frequently clouded over year-round.

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Terrain & paths

Very steep and challenging ascent through rare montane rainforest, often involving deep mud, tangled roots, and dense foliage.

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What to bring

Bring warm layers for the high-altitude chill, completely waterproof dry bags, and aggressive-grip hiking boots for slippery slopes.

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Parking

No vehicle access to the slopes; drop-offs occur at coastal or river-valley villages where these extensive treks usually begin.

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Safety

High risk of hypothermia at higher elevations if wet, plus tropical hazards at the base; proper acclimatization is very helpful.

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Time needed

Reaching this second-highest peak typically takes three to five days round trip from the nearest accessible road or coastal drop-off.

Geography

Coordinates

-9.73300, 160.03300

Facts

The official elevation of Mount Makarakomburu is established at 2,310 meters.
The mountain is located just a few kilometers south of Mount Popomanaseu.
It forms a core part of the central mountain range of Guadalcanal.
The local flora includes several species of rare montane mosses and tree ferns.
The topography is defined by sharp ridgelines and extremely deep ravines.
The area receives some of the highest annual rainfall levels in the entire archipelago.