The adventure begins with a breathtaking overland journey into the Namosi Highlands through the lush rainforest interior of Viti Levu. Atop jungle passes, enjoy breathtaking views of Beqa Lagoon and other coastal areas until the descent into a beautiful and peaceful Namosi Valley. The journey through this idyllic countryside eventually leads to the Wainikoroiluva River where you'll take charge of your own inflatable kayaks.
Following a brief training session, you are off to face the Class II whitewater and rock mazes of the 'Luva. Whether you're experiencing a good old-fashioned water fight, a rejuvenating dip beneath a waterfall, a picnic lunch in a garden grotto or the thrill of whitewater in your own inflatable kayak, Rivers Fiji is sure this portion of your journey will keep you entertained and yearning for more.
At the confluence of the 'Luva and Navua Rivers, board motorized longboats for the remainder of the trip down the Lower Navua River. Winding your way downstream, you are afforded views of cascading waterfalls, lush rainforest, village life, and occasionally a glimpse of the fruit bat, harrier hawk, kingfisher, parrot and heron that make this canyon their home.
Trip Details
Duration
Full Day
Location
Wainikoroiluva River
Season
Year Round: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Trip Type
Inflatable Kayak
Nearest City
Nakavika
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Namosi Valley, Fiji
Rated Classes
II - II+
Minimum Age Limit
8 Years
Inflatable Kayaks
Yes
Additional Activities
One Side Hike to Wainuta Falls
Dining
Rivers Fiji suggests that each guest eat a hearty breakfast before departure. En-route, they will provide you with a light snack and beverage before setting out on the river. Part way through the journey, guides will locate a suitably scenic and comfortable spot for lunch on the river. The Rivers Fiji lunch consists of a deli spread typically consisting of chicken or tuna, cheeses, seasonably fresh vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, assorted cookies, chips and other condiments. Juice and water will also be made available during lunch.
Rates
$165.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Click here to email this trip by "Rivers Fiji" to yourself or to a friend.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: The day will begin with an 8:00am meeting time at the Rivers Fiji office in Pacific Harbour. Climb aboard a highland carrier and head east along the coast toward Suva. After about 30 minutes on the smooth sealed highway, take a left turn and begin a bumpy but scenic ascent into the highlands.
This breathtaking overland journey takes you along a winding logging road leading to a ridge with incredible views of the ocean and nearby islands. After stopping to stretch and enjoy a homemade snack, begin the descent in to the stunning Namosi Valley. Here, you’re surrounded by sheer, neck-craning cliffs that soar towards the sky, forming a valley that some call a tropical Yosemite. As you continue, pass a number of picturesque villages before reaching Nakavika.
Thank the village for allowing you to visit by presenting a sevusevu to the chief during a traditional kava ceremony. You will also seek permission to make a kayaking descent of the Wainikoroiluva River — or ‘luva River, for short. Bid farewell to new friends and follow a steep trail to the bank of the river. The rapids start right away and fantastic discoveries await downstream: cascading waterfalls, a hot water spring and perhaps a glimpse of a resident parrot, whose electric blue, red and yellow feathers catch your eye from the branches above.
Enjoy lunch on a beach beside the river and your guides will present a delicious spread of meats, cheeses, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with cookies and juice. A bit further downstream, you'll come to a verdant grotto where twisting vines and lush ferns soften the black volcanic cliffs. Once you leave this magical canyon behind, it’s not long before you’ll discover another enchanting site – an 80-foot waterfall plummeting down the face of a sheer cliff. A short walk from the river brings you to the base of the falls, where a crystalline pool forms a delightful swimming hole.
In the early afternoon, reach the village of Namuamua and the confluence of the ‘luva and Upper Navua rivers. Roll up the kayaks and board a motorized longboat for the remainder of the journey, winding through another breathtaking canyon with many waterfalls, exotic birds and giant fruit bats. Meet the truck near the village of Nakavu and make the 30-minute drive back to Pacific Harbour.
Notes
What to Bring Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, shorts, T-shirt, bottle of water, dry change of clothes for the return trip back to your hotel, and last but not least a good pair of river shoes. Sandals with a heel strap are ok, but a pair of comfortable tennis shoes (you do not mind getting wet) will likely serve you better on any side hikes. You will be able to store your dry clothes and any valuables in the coach that meets you at take-out at the end of the day. Rivers Fiji also suggests that you bring along a bottle of water. While they provide water and other refreshments as part of their trips, it is often more convenient for you to keep a bottle with you in your boat.
Storage You may leave your dry-change of clothes and valuables with the coach that will be locked and watched by a driver. You'll meet the same coach at the end of the day for the return trip home.
Boating Options INFLATABLE KAYAKING: Inflatable kayaks are designed to handle a single-paddler. While the boats are stable for a kayak style vessel, they are inherently less stable than the rafts. Rivers Fiji will conduct a basic inflatable kayak, paddling, navigation and safety class before departure. Select this option if you are looking for a more personalized experience, wish to develop new skills, or enjoy challenge and exerting yourself physically in the outdoors. If you have ever thought about learning to inflatable kayak, the Luva is a great place to begin!
- OR - (under special circumstances only)
PADDLE RAFTING: This option is only available during periods of extreme high water or for small children. Boats are equipped to handle crews of four to six. A paddling discussion and training session will be given by each paddle captain at put-in to better prepare you for the challenges downstream.
Camera/Video The Luva is a river canyon of beauty and worthy of photographic pursuit. However, due to the nature of river trips it is likely that anything you bring on this journey could get wet, damp, damaged or lost. Rivers Fiji insists that you assume full and complete responsibility for its care and storage. Please note that Rivers (Fiji) Ltd. will not be responsible for the care and or safekeeping of your personal equipment on the river trip.
Special Considerations Don't forget to bring any special medications (allergy, etc.) with you. It is also important to let your trip leader know if you have any special medical considerations before setting out on this journey. Please also to be sure to tell whoever you make your reservation with any dietary restrictions you might have.
Explorer Etiquette In order to insure that each passenger experiences the same beauty and delightfulness of the river canyon, all trips practice a "leave no trace" environmental and social ethic. All garbage and waste packed in are also packed out. They also ask that you refrain from smoking while in the raft with other passengers and pack out all cigarette butts. Modest dress is expected when entering villages.
Reservation Policy
A $30/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.