sigatoka river safari

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DISCOVER A MUST DO FIJIAN EXPERIENCE - FIJI JET BOAT AND FIJIAN VILLAGE SAFARI

SIMPLY UNFORGETTABLE FIJIAN JET BOAT TOUR AND FIJIAN VILLAGE SAFARI

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Sigatoka river safari.

Fiji's original jet-boat safari, Sigatoka River Safari offers all our guests a half-day, uniquely Fijian adventure into the "Heart & Soul of Fiji" aboard our custom-built safari jet boats.

OFF-ROAD CAVE SAFARI

Welcome to the jungle.

An exciting new tour, Off-Road Cave Safari, Fiji, is from the same family that brought you Fiji’s original river safari, Sigatoka River Safari. The half day experience will enable you to get a glimpse of Fiji as it was and now is.

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Discover white sands, leaning palm trees and deliciously warm tropical waters.

Sigatoka River Safari offers all our guests a half-day, uniquely Fijian adventure into the “Heart & Soul of Fiji”.

EXPERIENCE FIJI

The awe inspiring Sigatoka River is the longest river on the island of Viti Levu, running from the hills of the Navosa Province right down to the sand dunes in Kulukulu, on the famous Coral Coast. See first-hand the natural beauty of the river and interior, all from the comfort of the safari jet boat.

Fiji’s original jet-boat safari, Sigatoka River Safari is a half-day, uniquely Fijian adventure. Explore the “Heart & Soul of Fiji” aboard our custom-built safari jet boats.

Sigatoka River Safari

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Jet Boat Safari on the Sigatoka River

Naihehe Cave Safari in Sigatoka with BBQ Lunch

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SIGATOKA RIVER SAFARI - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Sigatoka River Safari

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Jet Boat Safari on the Sigatoka River

Naihehe Cave Safari in Sigatoka with BBQ Lunch

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SIGATOKA RIVER SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Description

Sigatoka River Safari Fiji, recognised as Oceania’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator for six consecutive years and Australasia’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator in 2017 by the World Travel Awards, offers an experience that is truly “Simply Unforgettable.”

Sigatoka River Safari, the world’s pioneer in Jet Boat & Village Safari experiences and a recipient of multiple awards, takes you on a half-day eco-cultural adventure that immerses you in the heart and soul of Fiji. Our specially designed safari jet boats cruise you along the majestic Sigatoka River, where you’ll explore authentic Fijian villages and partake in a genuine ‘kaiviti’ (Fijian) way of life for a day.

A Foretaste

What to Expect

The awe-inspiring Sigatoka River, Viti Levu’s longest, stretches from the Navosa Province hills to the famous Coral Coast’s Kulukulu sand dunes. It sustains locals with freshwater mussels (kai), fish, prawns, eels, and water for agriculture and drinking.

Until the late 1950s, the river served as the sole means of transport from the coast to the interior. Traveling from Navosa took three days or longer, each way.

Today, tourists and locals alike can explore the river’s natural beauty comfortably on a safari jet boat. Your mini-coach driver collects you from your resort and takes you to our Sigatoka town base. There, a 17 km scenic cruise leads you into the Sigatoka valley, known as the “salad bowl” of Fiji.

Upon reaching the departure point, you receive life jackets, a safety briefing from your jet boat captain, and then it’s time to board. As you journey up the remarkable river, you’ll hear about the region’s history, including its cannibalistic past. Children from the riverside villages wave as you pass, and the water’s clarity reveals fish and rocks lining the riverbed.

At your village destination, a warm welcome awaits from the villagers. Sigatoka River Safari ensures visits to different villages each day to minimize the impact of tourism on their remote way of life.

You’ll visit the village Chief’s bure (house) or community hall, take part in a kava ceremony, and enjoy a tour of the village followed by a traditional Fijian lunch featuring fresh tropical fruit. The village visit culminates with traditional Fijian singing and dancing before you board your jet boat for the return trip.

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Welcome to the Sigatoka River Safari, an exhilarating experience that immerses you in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Fiji. Embark on a journey through the heart of Viti Levu, where the Sigatoka River reveals its secrets and surprises.

2. Highlights:

• Thrilling Jet Boat Ride: Hold on tight as you zip along the river on a high-powered jet boat, feeling the wind in your hair and the adrenaline pumping.
• Fijian Village Visit: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Fijian culture with a visit to a local village. Meet friendly locals, witness traditional ceremonies, and experience the warmth of Fijian hospitality.
• Scenic Landscapes: Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes that surround the riverbanks, from lush tropical rainforests to picturesque villages.

3. Cultural Immersion:

• Meet the Locals: Interact with the local villagers and learn about their customs, traditions, and daily way of life. This authentic cultural experience creates lasting memories and a deeper understanding of Fiji’s rich heritage.

4. Natural Wonders:

• Flora and Fauna: Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the Sigatoka River, showcasing Fiji’s unique ecosystems. Keep an eye out for exotic bird species and the lush greenery that lines the riverbanks.

5. Adventure and Fun:

• Jet Boat Thrills: Experience the rush of excitement as the jet boat navigates through thrilling twists and turns, providing an adrenaline-pumping adventure for thrill-seekers.

6. Local Cuisine:

• Delicious Fijian Lunch: Enjoy a mouthwatering Fijian lunch, featuring local flavors and traditional dishes. Savor the fresh and tropical ingredients that make Fijian cuisine a delight for the taste buds.

7. Sustainability and Respect:

• Responsible Tourism: At Sigatoka River Safari, we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. Learn about our efforts to preserve the natural environment and support local communities.

8. Booking Information:

• Tour Packages: Choose from our various tour packages to tailor your Sigatoka River Safari experience. Whether you prefer a half-day adventure or a full-day exploration, we have options to suit every traveler.

Embark on a Sigatoka River Safari and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Fiji’s heartland, where adventure meets culture in perfect harmony. Book your tour now and let the Sigatoka River reveal its wonders to you!

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Where Tradition, Culture & Nature Meet

Sigatoka River Safari

July 24, 2012

Fiji’s original and multiple award winning Sigatoka River Safari will transport you deep into the Fijian interior aboard our custom built safari jet boats .

This authentic experience will allow you to learn all about Fijian history and provide you with an unrivalled cultural experience.

Your adventure begins from the coastal town of Sigatoka.

Here you will be provided with your complimentary bottle of water, Safari passport which includes discount vouchers for Tappoos Fiji Market, Koko’s Bar Fiji and Natadola Golf Course and even a complimentary Safari sulu for all the women.

As you depart the town area you will be captivated by the unrivalled beauty of the Sigatoka Valley or as it is otherwise know “The Salad Bowl of Fiji”. See for yourselves where Fiji’s delicious fruit and vegetables are grown.

Your Mini-Coach driver will provide you with interesting information about the province you are visiting and make your 10 mile journey inland as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Upon arrival at the valley departure point, you are welcomed and given life jackets for the impending safari adventure.

Safety drills are provided to all, the chief is appointed and you’re off to discover the heart and soul of Fiji.

Your boat captain will provide an insightful commentary on the history of Fiji, the region’s cannibal past which includes the last recorded act of cannibalism towards a European; you will hear how the tribe survived till the modern day and also hear firsthand the oral history of the Fiji Islands and learn more about the feared kaicolo (mountain people).

As you venture upriver, you will be left in awe by the amazing natural scenery which will have you reaching for your camera (or iPhone) capturing moments that will take your breath away. Waving to the plethora of locals going about their daily lives, you will feel like an early explorer as you navigate your way up Fiji’s longest river.

Then after some 40 minutes on the river you will arrive at your designated village. Sigatoka River Safari is the only tour in Fiji which visits a different village each day of the week, to ensure all our guests enjoy life in an authentic Fijian koro (village).

Arriving at your designed village you will be greeted by your village guide who will welcome you like long lost family and assist you with access to your village.

One of the highlights of your Safari experience is being able to partake in Fijian village life which includes following village protocol such as all ladies of the tour party, as they will be requested to wear the complimentary Safari sulu (sarong) provided and all guests wearing hats will be asked to remove them when within the village boundary.

Your village guide will walk you to the community hall to present your “ sevusevu ” or kava with your designated tour chief receiving the first bowl of kava…BULA!!

Once the formalities are over, you are now part of the village. You will be shown around the village and meet the beautiful Fijian people on their terms, seeing firsthand how they really live. From there you will join the community in a Fijian lunch prepared by the women, tasting food and fruits grown in the farm nearby. The Safari tour is all about giving your five senses (seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, smelling) a truly Fijian experience.

Your time with your new friends will fly by as you enjoy their Fijian hospitality which includes dancing and singing. After a memorable two hours in the village it is time to say good-bye.

The farewell song of Isa Lei is sung to you and for some tears will flow, but you will leave knowing you have made new friends and memories that will last a life time. You will soon agree that your hearts have been warmed, your soul has been touch and that Sigatoka River Safari is “Simply Unforgettable”

Sigatoka River Safari started as a result of a then 13 year old Australian, by the name of Jay Whyte who first visited Fiji in 1991, he met his friend Pita Matasau who introduced him to the real Fiji. Pita took Jay & his family high into the Fijian interior to his village of Draiba. It was from this unique, authentic experience that Jay decided other people should discover the Fijian interior.

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A holiday to New Zealand in 1992, saw Jay and his family enjoying a scenic jet boat ride; which created a spark in Jay’s mind, combining two experiences into one!

Coming back to Fiji to start his dream in 2006, Jay is always happy to share his passion and ensure that you too experience a “Simply Unforgettable” adventure into the heart of Fiji.

All of Sigatoka River Safari’s jet boat captains were trained by Neil Ross, a pioneer in jet boating in New Zealand with over 25 years of experience in the industry.

The captains including Fiji’s first female Jet Boat Captain who were trained in New Zealand and Fiji and regularly undergo training and also take time to participate in some of New Zealand’s Jet Boating Marathons.

Community Work

Our goal at Sigatoka River Safari is not to change the way villagers live but to help improve the villagers’ living standards. This is why for every visitor into the village, the company contributes directly to the village, and this means these monies go entirely to these remote villages and are used by them in their various village projects.

Safari team

Our team will look after you and you will feel like family from the first moment you connect with us. Majority from the Safari team are from the province of Navosa and Nadroga and take great pride in sharing the beauty and stories of the provinces and the history of Fiji.

We are here to assist you so please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time should you need any assistance at any time during the tour… from taking your pictures to holding your handbag!

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Jet Boat Safari on the Sigatoka River

Naihehe Cave Safari in Sigatoka with BBQ Lunch

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Sigatoka River Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Fantastic river ride up the Sigatoka River on your jet boat. Visit a Fijian Village and enjoy a traditional Kava ceremony.

• Jet boat ride the Sigatoka River to visit an authentic Fijian village
• This tour goes to different villages to help more than just one
• 4.5hr Safari Tour
• Experience a day in the life of the real ‘kaiviti’ (Fijian)
• Fiji’s original jet-boat safari
• Sigatoka River Safari is a half-day tour
• Custom-built safari jet boats
• Sigatoka River Safari received a Certificate of Excellence in 2011, 2012 and 2013
• Visit the village Chief’s bure (house) or community hall and take part in a kava ceremony
• Tour of the village and a traditional Fijian lunch, including wonderful fresh tropical fruit
• Traditional Fijian singing and dancing
• Passport to the village that also includes 10% shopping discount at Fiji Market & Tappoos
• 10% OFF selected meals at Koko’s Bar, Korotogo, Fiji
• Close to Coral Coast hotels
• Complimentary Safari Sulus (sarong) for all women

Adventure at your fingertips! Connect with us effortlessly for the ultimate travel experience. Your journey starts with a click!

MORNING TOUR *please note, timings are approximate except for departure time 8.45am – 9.25am Depart Sigatoka Town on Safari transfers with Safari guide. From this time until guests reach the Sigatoka River Safari jetty, the driver or guide will explain more about the history of the area and the history of the villagers along the valley road. Should you wish to take pictures you are able to do this along the way inland.

9.30am – 9.45am The Safari Jet Boat captains and operations team will welcome guests upon arrival. There are restrooms available and lockers as well for safe keeping of extra bags/change of clothes. After wearing life jackets and receiving their safety briefing among other announcements, the Jet Boat Captains will lead guests to their respective jet-boats.

9.55am – 10.20am Head up the Sigatoka River with jet boat captains with commentary stops along the way and learning more about Fiji history and the history of the Sigatoka Valley.

10.30am – 12.30pm Time spent at host village: Arrive at designated/host village, where upon meeting village guide, guests will have a sevusevu or traditional Fijian kava ceremony and are able to have a taste of kava and meet the chief of the village and the other elders.

Village Tour: After the ceremony the village guide will lead the new friends (newly welcomed village members) for a tour around the village, where they can ask all questions about life in the village etc. This is then followed by Lunch and Entertainment

12.40pm – 1.20pm Guests head down to the river and enjoy our the homeward journey, which includes a few gentle manouvuers (Sigatoka Spins – 360 degrees) ** Guests are asked whether they would like to participate in this aspect of the trip, as if they opt not to then they are safely dropped back to the jetty and the Cpt will then head out with the remaining guests to perform the signature spins!

1.30pm – 2.00pm Depart Sigatoka River Safari base and head to town for a 10 minute break for quick shopping at Tappoos or Safari HQ if required or asked for by guests.

AFTERNOON TOUR *please note, timings are approximate except for departure time

1.00pm – 1.25pm Depart Sigatoka Town on Safari transfers with Safari guide. From this time until guests reach the Sigatoka River Safari jetty, the driver or guide will explain more about the history of the area and the history of the villagers along the valley road. Should you wish to take pictures you are able to do this along the way inland.

1.30pm – 1.45pm The Safari Jet Boat captains and operations team will welcome guests upon arrival. There are restrooms available and lockers as well for safe keeping of extra bags/change of clothes. After wearing life jackets and receiving their safety briefing among other announcements, the Jet Boat Captains will lead guests to their respective jet boats.

1.55pm – 2.20pm Head up the Sigatoka River with jet boat captains with commentary stops along the way and learning more about Fiji history and the history of the Sigatoka Valley.

2.30pm – 4.30pm Time spent at host village: Arrive at designated/host village, where upon meeting village guide, guests will have a sevusevu or traditional Fijian kava ceremony and are able to have a taste of kava and meet the chief of the village and the other elders.

4.40pm – 5.15pm Guests head down to the river and enjoy our the homeward journey, which includes a few gentle manouvuers (Sigatoka Spins – 360 degrees) ** Guests are asked whether they would like to participate in this aspect of the trip, as if they opt not to then they are safely dropped back to the jetty and the Cpt will then head out with the remaining guests to perform the signature spins!

5.25pm – 5.45pm Depart Sigatoka River Safari base and head to town for a 10 minute break for quick shopping at Tappoos or Safari HQ if required or asked for by guests.

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• If you cancel for any reason within 3 days of departure we are unable to give you a refund PLUS you will have to pay the full balance owing on the order. We will automatically deduct the balance from your credit card.
• If you cancel before 4 days there will be a cancellation fee of 20% of your deposit.
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• If the tour operator cancelled due to bad weather they will move the tour to another day. If, on that day you couldn't make it due to it being the end of your holiday, we will refund 90% of your deposit.

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• Sigatoka River Safari: A Cultural and Thrilling Adventure in Fiji

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If you are looking for a cultural venture with a slice of adrenaline, then Sigatoka River Safari is the thing to do in Fiji. This tour will take you on a jet ski boat ride along the Sigatoka River, the longest river on Viti Levu island, and into the heart of the Sigatoka Valley, where you will visit a traditional Fijian village and experience their way of life. It is a unique experience that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of Fiji and its people beyond the pristine beaches and peek into the culture behind the friendliest people in the world.

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Table of Contents

An overview of sigatoka valley.

The Sigatoka Valley is also known as the “Salad Bowl of Fiji”, because of its fertile soil and abundant crops. The valley is home to 52 villages, each with its own history and culture. The villages are located on both sides of the Sigatoka River, but the left (west) side has the main road, while the right (east) side has no bridges and is more isolated. Only 2-3 villages have boats to cross the river, and most of the villagers rely on agriculture for their livelihood. The valley is famous for its sweet pineapple, which is sold at the local markets and roadside stalls.

Sigatoka River Safari

The Sigatoka River Safari is a half-day tour that operates in the morning or afternoon. The tour includes pick up and drop off from your resort, and transfer to Sigatoka town, where you will sign in and sort into groups. 

You will then drive to the jet ski boat center, where you will board a custom-built safari jet boat that can seat up to 17 passengers. You will be given a life jacket and you can also leave your change of clothes at the center. You will also meet your boat driver, who will be your guide for the trip.

What to pack for Sigatoka River Safari

I’d categorise Sigatoka River Safari as a mild adventurous activity as the physical intensity level is low. However, it’d be best to be prepared as I forgot to bring a change of clothes:

• Wear swimsuit underneath your clothes and or bring a change of clothes
• Dry bag for your electronics
• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet in
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Mosquito repellent

For the village visit, if you are a lady you’d be given a sarong to wear. If you would like to avoid that, then you need to wear a knee-length skirt, and preferably a top that covers your shoulder.

Jet Ski Cruise up Sigatoka River

The jet ski boat ride is a 17 km cruise into the Sigatoka Valley, along the winding and scenic river. Our boat driver Freddy was hilarious and informative, and it was a pleasure to zip up the river with the river and valley view.

We often see locals going about their daily life along the banks too, and almost always they’ll wave back at you!

Freddy also did a few sharp turns up, but he saved the fun moves for the return trip!

Village visit

The highlight of the Sigatoka River Safari is the village visit, where you will get to visit a local village and learn about their culture and traditions. The village that you will visit depends on the day of the week, as the tour rotates among 15 different villages to ensure that each village benefits from the tourism and that the villagers are not overwhelmed by the visitors. Each village has its own charm and personality, and you will be welcomed with open arms and warm smiles.

Note: the village we visited included a relatively steep albeit short hike up, which might be difficult for some.

Fijian village etiquette

Before you enter the village, you will learn the etiquette and customs that you need to follow. Your village guide will tell you this but here is what you need to know:

•  In the village, women cannot wear pants, so you need a sarong over regardless. You will be given a free sarong at the Sigatoka town check-in if you are a lady.

•  Hats are also not allowed as a sign of respect, so you need to remove them before you enter the village.

•  You cannot reach above the elders, as this is considered rude. You need to ask for permission and thank them if you need to do so.

•  You cannot touch people’s heads, as this is considered sacred. You need to apologize and clap your hands if you accidentally do so.

Kava welcome ceremony

The kava welcome ceremony, is a traditional ritual that involves drinking kava, a drink made from the root of a pepper plant. Kava is a mild narcotic that has a relaxing and calming effect, and it is used for social and ceremonial purposes. The kava ceremony is a sign of respect and friendship, and the first thing people visiting other villagers will do.

The kava ceremony will start with you presenting a gift of kava to the village chief or elder, who will accept it and give a welcome speech. Our defacto leader of the group is the oldest male, as per Fijian’s hierarchy for gender and age. 

Then we headed to the village chief’s community hall for the welcoming ceremony. The men also enter first, then the women, taking off our shoes and sitting down on the weave mat. 

A welcome speech was given by the chief and elders as our guide presented our kava. The kava will then be brewed in a large wooden bowl and strained with a cloth. The kava will be served by a boy, who will swing it around for people to see. 

The first cup of kava will go to your elder, who will represent your group, and then to the village elder, who will represent the village. The rest of the cups will go to the other guests and villagers, who will clap their hands before and after drinking. The kava tastes very strong, like earthy tequila minus the alcohol, and has a tingly and numbing aftertaste.

It’s best not to drink too many cups even though the villagers will offer refills to you!

We were also given flower garlands and warpaints (which is now baby powder) by the village ladies, which was the custom back in the days.

Lunch at the community center

After the kava ceremony, we walked through the village to have lunch at the community center, where you will enjoy a delicious and authentic Fijian meal. 

Since we’re in the valley, there was no seafood. The meal will consist of chicken, homemade bread, vegetables, and root crops, such as cassava, taro, and sweet potato. The food will be cooked in a traditional way, using an underground oven called a lovo. The food will be wrapped in banana leaves and placed on hot stones, and then covered with soil and left to cook for several hours. The result is a tender and flavorful feast that will satisfy your appetite.

The village visit will end with some dancing and singing, where you will get to see the villagers perform their traditional dances and songs, and also join them in the fun. The dances and songs are a way of expressing their culture and identity, and also celebrating their joy and gratitude. They invited everyone to join, and it always end in a Congo line!

Jet Ski Boat return

We returned on the jet ski boat as well, and this is where the adrenaline comes in. Remember to put your phone and things in a dry bag to prepare for the 360 degree spins.

The spins are not as scary as they sound, and they are actually quite fun. It wasn’t very violent but you will very likely get wet.

Hi, my name is Nam. I am 24 and spent half my life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. I believe there's endless experience and beauty in the world and this is me chronicling how to experience the best at the best price.

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Sigatoka River Safari

Sigatoka River Safari -Jet boat with the Village Tour.

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