Rivers Fiji

Visitors who arrive in the Fiji Islands with sun, sea, and sand on their mind may not be aware of what some locals call “the real Fiji.” Miles of lush, mountainous rainforest in the island’s interior, where waterfalls plummet down sheer cliffs, swirling mists shroud mountain peaks, and highland villagers still live much like they have for centuries.

Viti Levu’s highlands have remained relatively unexplored, due to limited access into the jungle and lack of tourism infrastructure to support any visitors. But when Nate and Kelly Bicker, co-founders of Rivers Fiji, descended two spectacularly hidden highland rivers in 1996 – the Upper Navua in the Serua province and the Wainikoroiluva in the Namosi Valley – two things became clear to them. First, these rivers were far too unique and beautiful not to be shared with others; second, increasing awareness of these places must be done carefully in order to sustain their most valuable quality – absolute unspoiled beauty.

So began Rivers Fiji, a then small ecotourism-focused company operating low-impact river trips on the ‘Luva River and, later, the Upper Navua Gorge.

Initiating river trips on the Upper Navua Gorge proved to be a bit more difficult. This breathtaking river canyon is well protected by a stretch of intense whitewater, and building a bridge that would lead guests straight to the gentler waters of the gorge, without the rite of passage through Class IV rapids, took several years. But once completed, Rivers Fiji was now able to operate trips directly on the class III and II sections of the river, providing a river trip that is unique in all the world. 

Rafting trips cover the class III & II sections of the upper Navua. While kayaking focuses on the class II water. But unless you are a rafter the classes of water mean nothing. It is fun and exciting; periods of serenity are joined by white water rides that quicken the pulse. Great for all ages and a trip not to be missed.

When the Upper Navua trips began to run regularly in 2000, they came with another significant victory. Rivers Fiji were able to secure environmental protection of this magnificent canyon by establishing the UNCA (Upper Navua Conservation Area), Fiji’s first government-supported “lease for conservation” area.

The UNCA was created by agreements among Rivers Fiji, landowning tribes along the river, the Native Land Trust Board, and logging companies that had previously been given rights to the land. Rivers Fiji was eventually able to lease a 20-km stretch of land along the river, ensuring that tourism dollars will protect the area for years to come and that the rainforest will be spared from excessive logging. In return for that lease, Rivers Fiji compensates the Native Land Trust Board and landowners through lease payments, user fees, and employment opportunities, leading ultimately to the formal protection of the UNCA. 

Today’s visitors to Viti Levu can easily explore the Upper Navua Gorge with Rivers Fiji. In fact, as more people discover these exceptional places, the word is spreading and rafting or kayaking trips are becoming a “must-do” in Fiji.

Rivers Fiji is proud to have made previously unexplored areas, worthy of international recognition, accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Most importantly, these rivers can be visited not only without compromising the highland purity in environment and culture, but with the guarantee that much of this land will be protected for years to come.

For more information including bookings go here https://riversfiji.com