After years of apprehension, my wife and I finally plucked up the courage to tackle an Upper Navua River Rafting adventure. Several years ago, we tackled New Zealand’s Tongariro River and Queenstown’s legendary Shotover River.
Rivers Fiji assured me the Upper Navua River Rafting trip was more laid-back with only tame, grade 2 rapids. A far cry from the roaring grade 5 and 6 rapids we’d faced in New Zealand. We were promised a gentler ride, gliding over small waves instead of battling torrents. This time, we finally took the plunge and hoped it was worth waiting for!
We were joined by a couple from the USA, a Danish mother and son, and a local Fijian girl who had family connections to the Danish duo. The seven of us shared an epic adventure which will remain etched in our memories for some time. Each of us added our own story and perspective.
Journey Into Fiji’s Untamed Heart
The Upper Navua River Rafting courtesy bus whisks us away from our resort in Pacific Harbour for a scenic 75-minute drive.
Our 4WD minibus roars and shudders in second gear over uneven tracks. Loose rocks clatter against the chassis like a hailstorm of machine gun fire. We slowly ascend the narrow gravel roads into the heart of Fiji’s interior. It feels like peeling back several layers of an onion, revealing the deeper core of Fiji’s natural beauty with every twist and turn.
By the time we arrive at the Upper Navua River Rafting “base camp”, we’re no longer travellers; we are adventurers on the brink of discovery. Like knights receiving their armour and swords, Moses allocates us lifejackets, helmets and paddles.
We’re now ready to hike the 10 minutes through nature’s untamed fortress. Sound of rushing waters growl louder with every step and heightens our anticipation. The promise of a soaking awaits us.
The Captains of Our Journey
Leading us are three guides: Peter, Abraham, and Moses. Their biblical names suggest an epic journey lies ahead and that we are in safe hands.
Moses leads the American couple, while Abraham – his booming voice belied by a mischievous grin – gives us our final safety tip: “No crocodiles or snakes here, just the latest cameras and phones the river claims every year!”
Peter, our guide (“the fisherman”) sits poised at the raft’s helm, wielding two long paddles with quiet confidence. He reminds me of an ancient mariner, calmly navigating uncharted waters. He issues safety instructions and a quick paddling tutorial.
We plonk our backsides on the raft’s edge and push off into the river. We glide effortlessly through the first gentle rapids – the serene flow belies four hours of excitement to come.
The River’s Secret Symphony
The Upper Navua River is no ordinary waterway. It carves a serpentine path through volcanic gorges, its towering walls soaring over 40 metres in places, creating a majestic corridor that feels like stepping into another world. The river shimmers like a silver ribbon from Fiji’s tropical sunlight.
The current carries us gently through the gorge, its high walls amplifying the growing roar of the first rapid. The rapids are tame enough and we don’t need to hold on tightly, but they still provide plenty of thrills. We laugh and shriek as sprays of cool water hit our faces, each wave bringing a fresh burst of exhilaration.
Rapids merge like a grand symphony – their peaks crash with the triumphant energy of an orchestra’s grand finale. Between our bursts of excitement, the river settles into tranquil pools – their glass-like surfaces reflecting the cliff walls and mid-morning sky. The stillness seems to freeze in time.
Peter steers like a master craftsman. He guides our raft through every twist and turn with the precision of threading cotton through a needle. Canyon walls rise like a grand arcade of arches, enveloping us with their timeless grandeur.
Covering approximately 24 kilometres, the Upper Navua River Rafting trip is more than an adrenaline-filled adventure; it’s an immersive journey through one of Fiji’s hidden treasures.
Beyond the thrills, there are serene stretches where we spot wildlife, absorb the canyon’s beauty, and learn about the vibrant ecosystem from expert guides.
A Sanctuary of Waterfalls and Wonders
Seventy waterfalls decorate the cliffs. Each one cascades like strands of glittering jewels. Some tumble gently, weaving silver threads over moss-covered rocks. Others crash with the thunderous force of untamed wilderness, demanding attention like ancient Fijian warrior drum beats.
Massive boulders, smoothed by centuries of flowing water, line the riverbanks like sentries on parade. Lush ferns and moss cling to canyon walls.
We drift with the current. The gorge narrows and its towering cliffs draw closer until only five metres of sky remain visible above us. Sunlight slices through, illuminating the rugged terrain, highlighting nature’s balance between raw power and tranquil beauty.
“Water levels are low” Peter shares, “but in the wet season, this place doubles in volume”.
We pause at a waterfall – aptly named the “Fiji massage”. One by one, we tip-toe into its cascading embrace. We laugh and shriek as the icy water pounds and kneads our shoulders.
Every bend in the river feels like the turning pages in an adventure novel. The towering canyon walls give way to rolling farmland. Grazing horses and cows seem almost oblivious to the river’s quiet majesty.
In the upper reaches, life follows the rhythm of the river. Villagers spear fish and harvest cassava, while women gather leafy greens from the forest for the evening feast. Tapioca plants and bamboo tower above us and cling possessively to every tree we can see.
We navigate a barrier of tangled palm fronds, nature’s makeshift dam. A dead palm hangs precariously, and we duck beneath it, paddling onward into the ever-changing landscape.
Strangers to Kindred Spirits
Midway through our journey, we pause at the side of a canyon for lunch. Peter demonstrates his resourcefulness, catching two fish with nothing more than a string, a hook, and a bit of bread. We feast on chicken and tuna salad rolls and juicy pineapples and papayas. Our lunch spot is more than just picturesque – it is unforgettable.
The river and landscape are undeniably centre stage. However, today’s cast comprises our guides and fellow adventurers. The American couple embrace every rapid like an old school friend. Their enthusiasm bubbles over like the river’s frothy rapids.
The Danish mother and son’s laughter flows as freely as the river itself. The local Fijian girl adds a unique perspective as she rediscovers her homeland with fresh eyes. It reminds me that familiarity can often unveil secrets when seen from different perspectives.
One Paddle at a Time: Protecting Paradise
Fortunately, this slice of paradise is protected. What makes the Upper Navua River Rafting trip all the more exceptional is its contribution to ecotourism. The river flows through the Upper Navua Conservation Area (UNCA), a protected corridor. Rivers Fiji, local landowners and conservation groups collaborate to protect the area.
The initiative has safeguarded a 16 kilometre stretch of the river from destructive activities like logging and gravel extraction. It’s a designated Ramsar site and recognised as a wetland of global importance.
By joining the Upper Navua River Rafting trip, we aren’t just thrill-seekers. We are active participants in preserving these vital ecosystems. Every paddle stroke supports sustainable tourism, providing employment and education for local communities.
Peter informs us that the men from the villages used to travel down the river on bamboo rafts to sell their vegetables at the markets, then ride their horses back up. Now they have wooden longboats with small outboards.
We wave at two men in the water hunting for dinner from the shore, where their washing is laid out across the river rocks to dry. It’s a fantastic trip back in time.
Tips for an Unforgettable Upper Navua River Rafting Experience
When to Go
Plan your adventure during Fiji’s dry season (May to October) for ideal rafting conditions. The weather is more predictable, and the water levels, while lower, ensure a safer and more scenic journey through the gorge.
What to Bring
Dress comfortably for the day’s adventure. Quick-drying clothing, water shoes with good grip, and a hat for sun protection are essential. Don’t forget sunscreen and a waterproof camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes – though Rivers Fiji’s professional cameraman is on hand to provide over 100 photos for just FJD 40, a perfect keepsake of your trip.
Who Can Join
Whether you’re an experienced rafter or a first-timer, Upper Navua River Rafting is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Rivers Fiji’s expert guides ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, providing clear instructions and maintaining high safety standards throughout the journey.
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A Journey Through Fiji’s Soul
Upper Navua River Rafting offers an unparalleled, off-the-beaten-path adventure, blending the thrill of whitewater rafting with an intimate encounter with Fiji’s untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Beyond the adrenaline rush, every paddle stroke contributes to vital conservation efforts, ensuring this pristine paradise remains unspoiled for future generations.
While most visitors come to Fiji for its iconic turquoise seas and powdery white sand beaches, I’d argue that you haven’t truly experienced Fiji until you’ve explored its lush, green heart. The towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene pools of the Upper Navua create a world that feels both ancient and alive, leaving an indelible mark on all who venture there.
Whether you’re a first-time rafter or a seasoned adventurer, this journey through Fiji’s heartland will reward you with memories that linger long after the trip ends. So, grab your paddle, embrace the adventure, and book your Upper Navua River Rafting experience today through Rivers Fiji’s website – your gateway to Fiji’s hidden gem.
