Is Fiji good for mountain climbing? In a phrase, sure. From strolling alongside a volcanic shoreline to tiptoeing round tree roots up a cloud-topped mountain, this South Pacific island nation is a hiker’s heaven. Suppose waterfalls flowing into pure swimming pools, empty seashores greatest reached on foot, vibrant birdlife and views that stretch all the best way to the horizon.
Whilst you’ll want to observe the place you step, mountain climbing in Fiji could be very secure total. There are not any harmful snakes, spiders or mammals on the paths, with the one main pest being mosquitoes. As you put together for a trek that may happen below full solar or throughout rain showers on any given day, packing each solar safety and a light-weight rain jacket is sensible.
Earlier than you hit the paths, word that lots of the most scenic trails in Fiji are greatest finished with a information. If do plan to trek by yourself, make sure the path doesn’t reduce via a village. If it does, you should definitely pack a reward (sevusevu) like kava earlier than asking for permission to discover. Here is our round-up of the most effective hikes in Fiji.
Lavena Coastal Stroll
Finest coastal hike
1okm (6.2 miles) spherical journey; 4–5 hours; straightforward
A leisurely path that weaves alongside Taveuni’s volcanic shoreline, the Lavena Coastal Stroll is without doubt one of the most scenic and various hikes in Fiji, with a completely completely different section seemingly round each curve. Seashores change from sugar white to ash gray, whereas just a few creek crossings and villages alongside the best way add pleasure. Aromatic fruit timber, daring shiny flowers and leaves that appear to be elephant ears line the path. Lastly, the trail cedes to a freshwater pool fed by waterfalls. Whereas the primary chute is instantly seen, a swim past a rock hall reveals Lavena’s hidden waterfall. Throughout excessive tide, it’s doable to take a ship journey again to the trailhead, halving the time, distance and energy wanted for the spherical journey.
Mount Batilamu
Finest hike for views
12km (7.5 miles) spherical journey; 5–6 hours; average
A proud a part of Viti Levu’s dramatic, Jurassic Park–like shoreline is Mount Batilamu, one of many highest mountain peaks in Fiji. Tufts of clouds linger over the mountaintops, casting shadows on the grasslands beneath. In Koroyanitu Nationwide Heritage Park, hikers can trek to the highest of Mount Batilamu with or and not using a information, as rolling grasslands result in creek crossings and as much as the expansive limestone face.
On a transparent day, you’ll catch views that span to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands as you notice birds like honeyeaters, warblers, golden whistlers and Polynesian starlings. In the event you’re all tuckered out, spend the evening in a primary lodge atop the mountain for stargazing with out the haze of metropolis lights.
Viti Levu Cross-Island Hike
Finest multiday hike
17+km (10+ miles); 3 days; average to laborious
For Fiji’s most immersive mountain climbing journey, enterprise on a three-day trek throughout Viti Levu, the nation’s largest island. Talanoa Treks provides a guided hike via the villages of Naga and Nubutautau, on which you’ll spend every evening in a village as you find out about Fijian tradition via meals and heat hospitality. Treks lead via grasslands, lush forests, alongside streams, and to waterfalls, together with the spectacular Nabalesere cascade. Count on to scramble throughout rocky crags, via mud puddles and throughout creek beds throughout vigorous days. (Don’t put on footwear you’re too connected to.)
Count on deep experience out of your chief, as Fijian guides know these mountains higher than anybody. Joji Tamani, considered one of Fiji’s most skilled hikers, helped set the course for Eco Problem Fiji: The World’s Hardest Race.
Tavoro Falls (Bouma Falls)
Finest hike for waterfalls
7km (4.3 miles) spherical journey; 3–4 hours; straightforward to average
On Taveuni, Fiji’s appropriately nicknamed Backyard Island, you’ll uncover a trio of spectacular mist-making waterfalls in Bouma Nationwide Heritage Park. The primary and tallest of them, Tavoro Falls is reached by way of a flat 10-minute stroll alongside a manicured pathway. This makes the swimming gap preferrred for younger households or vacationers not snug with steep climbs however who may nonetheless take pleasure in leaping off a ledge behind the scenes into the cool pool beneath. Additional waterfalls within the park contain a trek up a steep and oftentimes slick path throughout a stream and right into a hardwood forest. But views of Taveuni’s shoreline and palm tree groves from the path make even essentially the most exhausted hikers really feel impressed.
Mount Tomanivi
Finest hike for critical heights
4.5km (2.8 miles) spherical journey; 5 hours; laborious
Looking for superlatives? Then mountain climbing to the highest of Fiji’s highest mountain at 1324m (4343ft) is a should. Get a information for this journey, and also you’ll be led up a steep path alongside Mount Tomanivi’s ridge, holding palms free and toes nimble, as uncovered vines and roots might be the important thing to staying steady or inflicting a stumble. When you make it to the highest, views stretch out to the neighboring islands and mountains past – and make jaws drop.
Mount Korobaba
Finest hike close to Suva
5.6km (3.4 miles) spherical journey; 3 hours; laborious
One of the vital widespread hikes for residents of Fiji’s capital metropolis (although much less so than Colo-I-Suva), the Mount Korobaba path is a mud path that cuts via a tropical forest in addition to occasional patches of root crops like dalo and cassava. The doorway to the trailhead is usually a problem to seek out, because it’s tucked behind an intimidating cement manufacturing facility; for those who’re fortunate, a neighborhood will level you in the proper path. As soon as underway, you could find your technique to the highest to admire all of Suva – however solely enterprise on this hike below a sunny sky. A rain cloud will kill the view and switch the path into peanut butter.
Vuaqava Saltwater Lake
Finest distant hike
5km (3 miles) spherical journey; 3 hours; straightforward
The island of Vuaqava in Fiji’s distant Lau archipelago was deserted throughout a cholera outbreak within the final century and is now not inhabited. It’s now solely accessible by personal boat or as a part of a visit on board Captain Cook dinner Cruises’ MV Reef Endeavour small-ship cruise. The path begins at a sugar-sand seashore with a thriving coral reef only a few fin kicks away. It leads into dense forest, the place gargantuan coconut crabs might be noticed crushing the fruit with their big claws. The top of the path results in a mile-wide, saltwater lake. Geologists are nonetheless scratching their heads over how this glowing marvel got here to be.
Vatalutu Path
Finest hike for distant seashores
8.9km (5.5 miles) spherical journey; 4–5 hours; average
You’ll really feel as if you’re on a desert island journey by trekking throughout Vatalutu Island, one of many islands of Kadavu. The path begins on the seashore and weaves via lush rainforest earlier than opening out to an untouched seashore. Carry alongside a masks, snorkel, and swimwear, as a dip among the many amongst rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles round Nice Astrolabe Reef is a deserved reward after hours of effort.
Suva Sea Wall
Finest stroll for tradition and greatest accessible route
5km (3.1 miles) a technique; 2 hours; straightforward
Go on a self-guided strolling tour of the Suva Sea Wall to see a few of the capital’s historic and pure highlights. The stroll begins on the colonial-era Grand Pacific Lodge and loops round Albert Park, passing the Authorities Constructing. Subsequent, you’ll take a wander via Fiji Museum and Thurston Gardens earlier than crossing over to the ocean wall sidewalk and admiring the State Home of Fiji. Stroll alongside the ocean wall to My Suva Park. Within the evenings, this route is widespread with locals squeezing in train round dinner. In the event you favor your strolling just one manner, taxis are straightforward to flag down on both finish, costing round FJD$6 (US$2.80) to return.
