Far from the beaches and resorts Fiji is known for, you can experience village life along the Sigatoka River. From the lush natural beauty along the banks, to the special cultural experience in Tuvu, this is a day out you won’t forget. This is our Sigatoka River Safari review, but it is also a thank you to the people of Tuvu, who welcomed us and taught us about their culture and values. This is why we homeschool, because these experiences are so much richer in real life than in a classroom.
Disclaimer: We were hosted for this experience, however, as always, all opinions are my own. We were deeply moved by this cultural experience, and would gladly pay to do it again.
Sigatoka River Safari
The world’s first Jet Boat & Village Safari, is the multiple award winning Sigatoka River Safari – a Fiji original. The Sigatoka River Safari is currently the #1 tour on Trip Advisor and is listed in the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame. They are also Oceania’s Leading Tour Operator and the winner of the World Travel Awards for multiple years now. They have been touching the hearts of guests since 2006 and are currently Australasia’a Leading Adventure Tour Operator.
The story of how the tour company came to be is a really lovely one.
Transport to the river safari
The ride from the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Denarau to Sigatoka River is about two hours, with a stop in Sigatoka Town at a souvenir store for refreshments and restrooms. Pick up is available from other hotels in the area as well. The transport was a comfortable 20-seater mini-bus, and there was lots of scenery to enjoy on the way.
It’s a long day, but the transfers are easy and comfortable. Sometimes you have to travel that little bit further to experience more.
History and information from the guides
Once we arrived at the boat departure point, we were given life jackets, a safety briefing, a locker to leave a change of clothes and we embarked with Captain Freddy. The captain (who is native to the area) stopped the boat a few times on the way and talked about living in Fiji, its history, food, and animals. Long ago, these remote villages were cannibalistic, but this ended when the Christian Missionaries arrived a few hundred years ago. The stories we were told along the way really helped prepare us for the experience that awaited us up river in the village.
Landscapes along the Sigatoka River, Fiji
The views along the river were lush and beautiful. We were visiting during the wet season so the river was high and muddy. During the dry season we were told that the river becomes crystal clear. We passed many villagers along the way. Their friendly Bula smiles could be seen from the boat as they waved to us. They were fishing, swimming, riding horses or either crossing the river. We saw cows, horses, dogs and other animals along the way as well. The cool breeze from the moving boat was refreshing in Fiji’s humidity.
The Village Experience in Tuvu
Before we set off along the river, the oldest man in our group was appointed ‘chief’. He was told to give a word of thanks to the villagers after the ceremonies were over. The women and girls in our group were given sarongs to wear in the village, which are long garments wrapped around the waist that cover the legs. We were also instructed to remove hats and sunglasses from our heads, as well as shoes from our feet when entering the village homes or structures.
As always when we travel to new places, Payton had taken the time to learn the etiquette in advance which was helpful, as we didn’t want to be disrespectful.
Sigatoka River Safari company works with 17 different villages, and the one we visited was called Tuvu. Each day they visit a different village. This helps to reduce the impact of mass tourism on their daily lives and also helps to provide assistance to each of the villages. You see, a portion of the proceeds from the tour goes directly to the village to help with various projects and needs. Donations given by visitors remains in the village as well.
Kava Ceremony & Culture
Kava is a mildly sedative drink made when the crushed root of the yaqona plant, a relative of the pepper plant, is strained with water in a large communal bowl. The drink was historically made by cutting yaqona roots into small pieces which were then chewed by virgin women and spat into a bowl, where the contents were then mixed with coconut milk. The chewing of the root was believed to extract the active ingredients while producing a more delicious beverage. However, this practice is no longer common except among some locals.
Though kava is not what most people consider delicious, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. This ceremonial drink creates a relaxed feeling for the drinker and can result in some numbness around the mouth, lips and tongue. This numbness is normal and should be expected, but is only temporary. With that being said, the most enjoyable aspect of kava is the ceremony and hospitality surrounding the drinking of it.
Kava is used to bring people together in Fiji. It is an important part of Fijian life and accompanies any important occasion. Kava is more common than alcohol in Fiji because it is consumed in a different way. The ceremony unites people and makes everyone feel welcomed. A kava ceremony in Fiji presents an opportunity for people to connect, whether joining families or inviting someone new into the community.
Kava Ceremony Etiquette
Because the kava ceremony is such an important part of the Fijian culture, it’s essential you treat their traditions with respect. When attending a ceremony, you should dress modestly and ladies should cover their legs. You will also join them on the floor, most likely cross-legged, either in a circle or in rows depending on group size.
Traditionally, kava is served to guests in bowls made from half a coconut and is given according to rank. Although kava sessions are usually all male in Fiji, Fijians do not hesitate to offer kava to all guests. The leader will go around the group offering each person a cup. When you are offered kava you may pass but I highly recommend participating out of respect and for the experience. To accept the kava you clap once upon offer and say Bula (the Fijian word for hello and love). Then, ideally, you will drink the cup at once, followed by three more claps. Though the kava drink may have an unusual flavor, it is polite to avoid making faces or showing your distaste as this could be seen as disrespectful.
Meal and Dancing
Our lunch was prepared by the ladies in the village and served family style seated on the floor. It was a sampler of the foods that are typical for the villagers on a daily basis. We feasted on fresh fruits, sausage, pork, chicken, noodles, eggs, wraps and more. There was more than enough for everyone.
As we enjoyed our meal the villagers sang and played instruments for our entertainment. Once we were finished the music continued and we were invited to dance with the villagers. Adults and kids alike welcomed each of us to the middle of the room to dance with them.
Farewell to Tuvu
After the singing and dancing our time in the village was coming to an end. Our group leader thanked the chief of the village for inviting us in and making us feel so welcome. The villagers then sang us the Fijian farewell song Isa Lei as we gathered our belongings and made our way to the door. Our group felt led to leave donations for the villagers as a thank you for their kindness and hospitality. Even though this is not necessary I do recommend that you consider doing the same when you visit.
As we made our way back down to the river, some of the villagers walked us out, even some of the children. This kind gesture further reiterated what we had felt all day during our visit. I can still see them standing on the river bank waving us goodbye as we started down the river in our boats.
The transport back gave Payton and I time to reflect on what we had experienced. I believe we needed this time to really let everything soak in from such an overwhelming experience.
Sigatoka River Safari Review + Village Experience
This was such a real and interesting experience. From seeing the beautiful Sigatoka River, to visiting and learning about the village of Tuvu – it was such a special day. We homeschool for many reasons and being able to experience this kind of day is one of the major reasons. Payton can learn so much visiting different parts of the world and experiencing different people, cultures and ways of life.
And while Fiji is super hot and humid, so the day was tiring from this lack of comfort, we wouldn’t have missed this experience for the world. If you visit Fiji, definitely consider taking a Sigatoka River Safari and Village Experience.
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What an incredible experience. Thanks for sharing and for all the details of the visit and the photos.
This sounds like an amazing experience and I am so glad y’all got to go!! I sure have enjoyed the pictures!!