Sigatoka River Safari: A Tour of Fiji Beauty and Culture

Along the Sigatoka River in Fiji

Traveling to the Fiji islands is a special vacation, no matter where you call home.  The Fijian people were named the world’s most friendly in 2008, and let me tell you – there is good reason for the accolades.

What better place to experience warm hospitality of the native people than at one of the many villages in the islands of Fiji?

On Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, you simply cannot miss this attraction along the Coral Coast, south of Nadi.  The Sigatoka River Safari is a tour of Fiji beauty and culture.

As its website and Facebook page states, it is unforgettable.  But don’t take their word for it.  From my perspective, it has been the highlight of my trip to Fiji so far!

Captain Jack welcomes tourists aboard for the Sigatoka River Safari

A short bus ride from Sigatoga Town, you’ll reach the bus launch in about 20 minutes.  Our guides were both very knowledgeable and hilarious.  “Captain Jack” and Pau had us in stitches!

Once you arrive at the edge of the river, you will be issued a life jacket and then head down the stairs towards the jet boats, powered by two 250HP engines.

The Sigatoka River Safari heads up the river in the “salad bowl of Fiji.”  In this region, farmers grow much of the produce that feeds not only the villages along the Coral Coast, but also many of the resort.

Its green, sustainable agriculture!

Your river safari guide will tell you about the local culture, historic events and prepare you for your tour of a village, which is included with the river safari.  Ask as many questions as you like – these guides know it all!  They were born and grew up in Fijian villages and have a deep knowledge and respect for local traditions and lore.

We visited the Naveyago Village in Fiji

When you vacation to a foreign land, you probably want to learn about the indigenous people.   The Sigatoka River Safari, gives you the opportunity to visit a local Kaicolo (mountain people) village that is welcoming, and will introduce you to local customs, including a kava ceremony, feast and native dancing!

This truly is one of the best ways to experience true Fijian life.

The Fijian people are sincerely happy to have you visit their villages.  You get a first-hand view of how simply they live, in a sustainable manner.  Everything is harvested locally – fish, fruits and vegetables.  There is a deep respect and honor for tradition and community.   Everyone helps each other out.  No wonder they seem so happy with (what we might view to be) so little.

Enjoy my photographs of the amazing natural beauty, the ceremonies, and some of the villagers:

Along the Sigatoka River in Fiji

Drinking kava at a welcoming ceremony in Fiji

Elderly villager in a village on the Sigatoka River in Fiji

Men sit opposite our group at a kava ceremony in Fiji

A pair of young men walking through their village in Fiji

Near the Sigatoka River in Fiji

Getting ready to start with music and dancing in Fiji

Happy children in the Naveyago Village in Fiji

The Sigatoka River Safari created memories of a lifetime.  While we only spent half a day with the people of the Naveyago Village, we all left with feelings of a deep community connection – a pure joy of life and humanity that simply cannot be described here.

You must experience it for yourself!