Prefer to keep your feet on dry land? Our Tour Guide Soni has plenty of land-based activities for everyone that will immerse you into the heart and soul of Fijian culture. For pricing of our tours please see Reception
Soni's Tours
Our tour guide, Soni, is a Na Qase (village elder), originally from Rakiraki, who knows the area and its local people intimately.
He’s also our former dining room manager—who worked for the Darling family for 15 years before opening and operating his own tour business. He strives to preserve the Fijian culture by sharing the colourful history and traditions with our guests.
Soni has carefully curated tours that explore the area’s dramatic landscapes, lush tropical forests, spectacular waterfalls, bustling markets, remote villages, and rich history. He also offer culinary adventures from the resort featuring the unique array of local foods, produce and culture we have here in Rakiraki.
Experience The Real Fiji
Bula! We are responsible for some of Ra’s leading inland tours. We take care of all the planning and provision, give interesting and educational talks throughout the tours and ensure the overall safety and enjoyment of our guests.
Quality services, enthusiasm, responsibility and knowledge is our calling. We strive to meet and connect with people of all ages and cultures to reveal the hidden beauty of nature located in Rakiraki at the northern most point of Viti Levu – the main island of Fiji and where Volivoli Beach Resort is located.
Rakiraki discovery tour
This tour includes:
The tomb of the last Cannibal Chief (Ratu Udreudre) famous for his appetite for human flesh, said to have consumed many human beings before his death in the late 19th century.
A stop a the local town and market which offers local fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables at very low prices. Most of the produce comes from inside the Ra province.
Then onto our local village where we will be welcomed with a Kava ceremony and meke (Fijian dance). And a chance to buy some village handcrafts on sale to take home for souvenirs.
And finally we visit the Church of the Black Christ. St. Francis Xavier’s Catholic Mission where Jean Charlot’s triptych decorates the walls. Charlot created a legacy of over sixty murals in the USA, Mexico and the Pacific Islands.
Tour Information:
Minimum to go ahead
4 pax
Timings
9am – 1pm (4 hours)
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Bottled water
Includes
- Local, English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation
- Entry fees
- Donation to the villages
For more information, please see Reception
Nabalesere Waterfall Tour
This tour includes:
Approximately a 90 minute drive through beautiful Fijian country side showcasing mountains, rivers and the amazing native Fijian vegetation brings us to the village of Nabalesere. On arrival we will present our sevusevu (kava Ceremony) before you are guided on the 1km (just over half a mile) hike to the renowned Nabalesere Waterfall.
Tour Information:
Minimum to go ahead
4 pax
Timings
9am – 3pm (6 hours)
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes
- Hiking clothing
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Pre-ordered packed lunch
- Bottled water
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sarong or long skirt*
Includes
- Local, English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation
- Local trekking guide
- Entry fees
- Donation to the village
Please book 2 days in advance for this tour.
For more information, please see Reception
Snake Cave & Waterfall Tour
This tour includes:
Approximately a 90 minute drive along the Kings Road, passing mountains and rivers, you will find a village called Wailotua. This village is where the Snake God Cave is. It is one of the largest limestone caves in Fiji.
Before Christianity came, our forefathers used to worship different spirit Gods, like the snake, dog, and shark to name a few. This cave is for the Snake God. Here you will find the 6 glittering snake heads on the wall and the home of the Fijian Bat.
On the way back from the cave we will stop at a near by waterfall to swim and have lunch.
Tour Information:
Minimum to go ahead
2 pax
Timings
9am – 1pm (4 hours)
What to Bring
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Bottled water
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Sarong or long skirt for village visit*
Includes
- Local, English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation
- Entry Fees
- Donation to the village
Please book a day in advance for this tour.
For more information, please see Reception
Bamboo Rafting Experience
If you want to experience something more local then Bamboo Rafting is the perfect choice! 70 years ago there was no road down the mountain so the Fijian forefathers used bamboo rafts.
A 45 minute drive along the Kings Road to Dama village and from there a 2 minute walk to meet your local guide. Your guide will take you for a bamboo raft ride so you can experience the quietness of nature, leaving you to just relax and float away from all your worries.
Later, back at the village, the locals are waiting to greet you by a kava ceremony and entertainment. And to show their handmade souvenirs for sale.
Tour Information:
Minimum to go ahead
2 pax
Timings
9am – 3pm (6 hours)
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Torch
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Bottled water
- Swimming togs
- Sarong or long skirt*
Includes
- Local, English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation
- Entry Fees
- Lunch
- Donation to the village
Please book 2 days in advance for this tour.
For more information, please see Reception
Island Trekk
Embark on a half-day trek into the heart of Fiji’s enchanting highlands on the Suncoast with Soni, your knowledgeable guide from Volivoli Beach Resort.
Starting at the resort, Soni will lead you through lush landscapes, vibrant tropical flora, and pristine wilderness. As you ascend, be captivated by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding islands.
Along the way, Soni will share tales of the region’s rich cultural and natural history, providing insights into the hidden gems of the highlands. Reach the summit and witness a breathtaking vista that rewards your trekking efforts. This immersive adventure, guided by Soni, promises not only physical rejuvenation but also a deep connection with the untouched beauty of Fiji’s highlands.
A half-day trek into the Suncoast highlands with Soni is an exploration of nature’s wonders, leaving you with cherished memories of this invigorating journey.
Tour Information:
Minimum to go ahead
4 pax
Timings
Half day – 6 hours
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Torch
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Bottled water
- Swimming togs
- Sarong or long skirt*
Includes
- Local, English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation
- Entry Fees
- Lunch
- Donation to the village
Please book 2 days in advance for this tour.
For more information, please see Reception
Fijian Culture & History
Once renowned as the ‘Cannibal Isles,’ Fiji is now better known for its friendly, easy-going people and warm generosity. Immigration and colonisation have seen the country develop into a fascinating blend of cultures including Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, European and Chinese.
This cultural mix creates a rewarding diversity that is reflected in the variety of food, languages and traditions. The Fiji archipelago was first settled about three and a half thousand years ago by the Lapita people. Linguistic studies have shown that they may have come from Vanuatu or the eastern Solomon Islands. During the 19th century, Fiji developed into a trade centre for the South Pacific and in 1874 the country became a colony of Britain.
Between 1879 and 1916 Indians came to Fiji as indentured laborers to work on the colonial sugar plantations.
After the indentured system was abolished, many Indians remained as business people and independent farmers. Fiji gained independence from Britain in 1970.
Unlike many other countries, the indigenous people have not lost their traditions and some aspects of life today are as they were a hundred years ago.
Traditional Fijian society is based on communal principles developed from village life. The people of a village share the obligations and benefits of community life and are still led by a hereditary chief. Everyone in a village works together to grow crops, prepare food and build homes.
This communal system works as an extended family unit that allows no-one to go hungry or uncared for.
Come along on a Fijian Village Visit!
*Fijian village life is modest so assure your attire is culturally appropriate in the Village. Note that women should have covered shoulders and wear long pants or a skirt that comes below the knees when entering a village. Men should not be shirtless. Remember to remove your hat and sunglasses.