Fiji: Hike, Raft & Snorkel

Bula! Welcome to Fiji. Your adventure begins on Fiji’s largest island – Viti Levu. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred from Nadi International Airport to your accommodation. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and group members. If you arrive early, why not check out the colours of the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, or Nadi Temple, as it’s known locally. It’s also highly recommended you try the island’s fresh fruits at the Nadi or Namaka Produce Market – some of the usual tropical suspects will be on offer (pawpaw, mangoes and pineapples) as well as some you might not recognise (pomelo, rose apple and soursop).

After breakfast, head south of Nadi to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Here, you’ll take a ranger-guided walk through the dunes, which range in height from 20 to 60 m and have been formed over millions of years. The views from the sand dunes look out to spectacular scenes along the Coral Coast. Archaeologists have found relics of pottery in the national park dating back more than 2600 years and the area is home to an ancient burial site that holds archaeological remains of Fiji’s first inhabitants and earliest settlements. After the hike, head to Bula Coffee for lunch – Fiji’s first coffee producer that uses beans grown and harvested by communities around the island. Then, make your way to tonight’s accommodation on the coast, where you’ll have a free afternoon to chill out by the pool or on the beach. Settle in – you’re on island time now!

Gear up for an incredible rafting experience in Fiji’s highlands at Upper Navua Gorge. Ride down rapids naturally carved through the island’s volcanic rock landscapes, surrounded by towering gorge walls, dense rainforest and dozens of waterfalls. The combination of the rapids and the surrounding biological diversity makes this Fiji’s best spot for rafting. You’ll stop for lunch along the way. After, return to the coast for another night in the beachside surroundings.

Leave the resort after breakfast and make your way to Fiji’s capital – Suva. When you arrive, you’ll have time to take an optional walk through Suva’s market and the city centre with a local guide. Then, you’ll visit the Fiji Museum, which showcases the early history of the island and is home to artefacts dating back 3700 years. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to further explore the city from your centrally located hotel.

This morning, drive to Nabalesere village, travelling along the Wainibuka River and through several local villages. Nabalesere is nestled in the province of Ra, where you’ll learn another form of greeting – instead of saying ‘bula’ as in other parts of the island, ‘yadra’ is used to say hello here. When you arrive, your local guide will help the group present a sevusevu to the village elders – this ceremonial gift is to gain acceptance into the community, often in the form of a kava root. Then, embark on a hike to the Savulelele Waterfall, which tumbles down from a height of 50 m. After going for a swim, return to the village for lunch and a hot lemon leaf tea, then travel to the coast, where you’ll take a short boat transfer to Nananu-i-Ra Island to spend the night in a beachside cottage.

Soak up island life on Nananu-i-Ra this morning – sunrise is an excellent time to relax on the beach or cool off with a swim in the South Pacific. After breakfast, put on a mask and snorkel and do some underwater exploring with your group, looking for colourful tropical fish. In the afternoon, you’ll head inland to Naga village, presenting another sevusevu to be welcomed in. Go on a stroll through the local gardens and have dinner together in the village. Tonight, you’ll stay in the village community hall for an essential Fijian experience.

Get your hiking shoes on for today’s trekking adventure across Fiji’s grasslands and into Nubutautau village. The journey will be broken up with lunch and a rewarding swim along the way, following the scenic Sigatoka River. Arriving late in the afternoon, you’ll spend the night in a village that sits in the heart of the island, with a scenic backdrop of small farms and grassy hills. Gain an insight into Fijian culture and interact with members of the community.