Rafting in Fiji

Most travelers are unaware that just off the famous coastline and blue ocean of Fiji's main island lies the opportunity to embark on one of the most unique river trips available anywhere on Earth.

Fiji Rivers runs rafting tours through the highlands of the main island of Viti Levu on a river that locals call the River of Eden. It is so sacred that they say it is a direct path to their ancestors.

This river, the Upper Navua River, is by far Fiji's best kept secret. It is one of the most pristine rivers in the South Pacific, protected by one of the most unique conservation organizations in the world.

In 1997, nine landowning clans (matakali), the Native Land Trust Board, the logging company and the rafting company Rivers Fiji came together to protect Upper Navua within the Upper Navua Game Reserve. The reserve's management plan promotes sustainable tourism by ensuring that everyone who enters leaves no trace and that the protected area is never threatened by activities such as logging or development.

The area is home to a significant number of Fiji's endemic species, including 15 of Viti Levu's 17 endemic landbirds, including the critically endangered rose-billed parrot finch. It is also home to two endemic freshwater fish species considered vulnerable and one of the largest remaining stands of the critically endangered sago palm in Fiji. The area is 24 kilometers long and extends 200 meters along the river, including 615 hectares of Fiji's most valuable highland areas. It is so valuable that in 2006 the reserve was recognized as Fiji's first important wetland under the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands.

The fact that this protected area depends on a rafting company to take paying clients right through it speaks volumes about the role ecotourism has played in the conservation of this area.
Fiji's rivers contribute to the well-being of those who live along the rivers by providing jobs for river guides and providing income to local landowners through rental payments and user fees. It is in the best interests of local residents to care for their river and the surrounding rainforest.

Fiji Rivers offers full-day rafting trips on the Upper Navua River. This is a breathtaking journey through some of Fiji's most beautiful interior, where canyons rise as high as 75 metres. Meanwhile, the width of the canyon is often only five meters.

There are more than 50 waterfalls in the Upper Navua River, some of which reach 60 meters in height. There are many rapids along the way, but they are no more severe than the average Grade III, making the tour suitable for families.

Fiji Rivers also runs a one-day inflatable kayak tour that takes in the Middle Navua River in calmer waters.

As part of its efforts to promote the conservation area and generate income for local people living near it, Rivers Fiji was instrumental in bringing the iconic Eco-Challenge Fiji adventure racing series, Rafting the Upper Navua River, as part of its 2019 race series. Sixty-six teams from all over the world competed - and the show was presented by Bear Grylls (they also came here in 2002).