May 25, 2011

Sigatoka Town, Viti Levu, Fiji: Sigatoka River Safari; things to do

Sigatoka River Safari  

0800-6501-721.

Getting to the dock for the Sigatoka River Safari tour takes you through Sigatoka Town and into the Sigatoka Valley, where you see scenic fields of vegetables that give the valley its nickname--Fiji's “salad bowl." The pavement ends about ½ mile from town, when it become a bumpy dirt road to the landing. History says the only tribe in Fiji that never lost in traditional warfare lives here—the once feared “kai colo” Mountain People from this area. Also, “Avatar” was shot in the cliffs along this river.

boarding tour boat for Sigatoka River Safari in Fiji
boarding tour boat for Sigatoka River Safari in Fiji


The 4 ½-hour tour speeds up Fiji’s longest river--the Sigatoka River--deep into the country’s heart, in jet boats made to order in New Zealand. The ride lasts about 30 minutes each way and covers about 10 miles. You’ll see women washing clothes in the river and collecting fresh-water mussels, and maybe even see kids swimming across the river to school.

Cruisers disembark at a village to observe the traditional Fijian way of life. Villagers welcome guests with a kava ceremony in the chief’s bure, a traditional lunch in the community hall, and a lot of singing and dancing. The jet boat company contributes 10% of the ticket price to the village; some participants do choose to make an additional donation, but there is no obligation.



More things to do on Viti Levu in Fiji.


image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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