Fijian rivers – a great way to see the country
Bula! Obviously, the first thing on your mind when you head for Fiji is beach, beach and more beach.
And yes, beaches should definitely be in your plans.
However Fiji also boasts some truly majestic rivers that are seriously worth checking out.
Touring along Fijian rivers is not only great fun but gives you an up-close experience of the real Fiji.
You’ll see stunning rainforests, black volcanic rocks, unique flora and fauna, and then there are the waterfalls. Hundreds of them!
Best of all, there are so many ways to travel along Fijian rivers.
Inflatable rafts, traditional rafts, jet boats, canoes, kayaks and tubes are just some of the great options to get wet and take it all in.
So where to go?
The main island of Viti Levu has plenty of pristine rivers, with fun tours and expert local guides.
Navua River
This is one of the top picks of Fijian Rivers. The Navua kicks off near Pacific Harbour on the southern part of main island Viti Levu. The Upper Navua in particular is a special place in Fiji.
You’ll pass through lush rainforests and waterfalls, all surrounded by often towering walls of black volcanic rock.
This route will also take you through a protected wetland area known as the Upper Navua Conservation Area. This was set up by native landowners and the government.
It was established to protect the local eco-system and traditional cultures. The protected river canyons are well worth seeing.
There are several options for heading up the Navua. Canoes and kayaks are a great way to do it, or in big, safe inflatable rafts.
Rewa River
The Rewa is Fiji’s longest and widest river. It starts from Fiji’s highest peak at Mount Tomanivi in central Viti Levu and winds south towards Suva.
The Rewa River is an important river because it both drains a lot of excess water as well as providing crucial irrigation for farming along the way.
Rewa River Tours describe their eco-adventure as “a unique and breathtaking ride through the winding and amazing Rewa River”. Sounds good.
The tour starts near Suva and the hour or so trip takes you into the province of Rewa. Along the way you’ll go past traditional villages and subsistence farms.
The Rewa river is famous for its delicious fresh water clams and you can see local women and children diving in the river and catching clams.
Like many Fijian river tours, you get the chance to visit a village. You can learn about native root crops, vegetables, herbal medicines, and the famous kava plant.
Sigatoka River
Sigatoka is on the famous Fijian Coral Coast, on Viti Levu. From here, you can take part in a fantastic blend of river touring and eco-cultural insights.
Sigatoka jet boat river tours offer a thrilling means of heading along the river with stop offs in traditional Fijian villages.
From here you’ll get to experience life in real Fijian villagers. Mix and eat with the locals and take in a kava ceremony.
Your native guides will provide a rare glimpse into the life of a kaiviti – or “Fijian”.
So how to travel along the Fijian rivers? It’s entirely up to you. Rafting is definitely for the more adventurous, while canoeing allows you to go at your own pace and stop off wherever suits you.
For sheer thrills, jet boat river tours are hard to beat.
Tubing has become popular and is a great way to lazily take into the beautiful surroundings while possibly dozing off.
Fiji also has traditional raft tours, which focus on using not just hand-built rafts, but on educating guests on local eco-culture and traditional ways of life.
When you’re in Fiji, by all means hit the beach! But why not put a day or two aside to get really up close and personal with an incredible river tour?
A truly intimate experience.
