02 Aug 2023
The photos don't really do this tour justice. This was an incredible experience, full of fun and heart. I was very impressed by the tour company and by the tour guides, especially Cookie (sp?) and Douglas. Most of the staff are from villages along the Navua River, so they are personally invested in the outcome of the tours and also the benefit to the surrounding communities. Douglas/"Dougie" picked me up from my hotel in Suva, even though I was the only passenger coming from the capital. He shared with me some really valuable insights on the drive to the river site and was open in a way that was truly genuine. We were guided through many locations, by motorboat to a village, which if what they say is genuine has benefitted materially from the tours, on a medicine/nature walk, to a swim at a magnificent waterfall, to lunch, and then through various tubing spots. The tubing was more fun than a lazy river experience -- we went over some small rapids. A total blast. Even though there were almost 60 participants, which was more people than I would typically like on a tour, it seemed like every staff remembered every participant's name! I felt genuinely cared for by the staff, who had safety top of mind, and who were making sure that everyone was having a good experience. I really really hope that the staff are compensated well. They are what makes this tour exceptional, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. Vinaka vakalevu!