Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Climate
Viti Levu's climate splits into two zones. The area around Suva catches the brunt of the
southeasterly trade winds, which roll in off the warm ocean and cause cloud build-up over the
mountains. Consequently, everything east of a fairly distinct line extending from Rakiraki to
Sigatoka lies in the wet zone , with high rainfall, dense forests and often-unbearable humidity.
Once the clouds have blown over the mountain range - the highest point of which reaches
1323m at Mount Tomanivi - they fall, cool and dissipate, leaving the other half of the island
with almost perpetual sunshine. This is the dry zone or “Burning West”, as it is ridiculed by
umbrella-clad Suva-ites.
EXPLORING REMOTE VITI LEVU
Four less-travelled dirt roads provide a really genuine insight into rural Viti Levu . None
of the routes mentioned here is served by buses, and although all can be navigated by a reg-
ular car with good suspension in good weather, 4WD is recommended. Before you leave,
check your tyres (including your spare) and take plenty of drinking water - yaqona roots
are also good to carry as a sevusevu in case you decide to visit a village. Each of the fol-
lowing routes takes around five hours to drive but with overnight options in villages along
the way it's worth taking longer to explore:
Nadi to Ba via Bukuya Start from the Nadi Back Road, climbing into the grassy hills of
the Nausori Highlands. The scenery is barren and very remote, with panoramic views along
most of the road. The route passes through two fascinating villages: Bukuya; and Navala
with over a hundred traditional thatch bures. Overnight stopover: Bukuya Homestay and
Bulou's Lodge .
Navua to Suva via Namosi Highlands Start from Namosi Rd along the Queens Rd, 11km
east of Navua Town. The road meanders through dense tropical forest into the Namosi
Highlands , past traditional villages with stunning mountain views along the way. Overnight
stopovers: Namosi Homestay and Raintree Lodge .
Suva to Tavua via Monasavu Dam This route journeys through the heart of Viti Levu,
past the lush Sovi Basin and Monasavu Dam towards Mount Tomanivi, Fiji's highest
mountain, before heading downhill into the farming valleys surrounding Tavua. Overnight
stopovers: Nadarivatu Rest House .
Korovou to Rakiraki via the Tailevu Coast Travels along the secluded and winding
coastline of Tailevu, passing rivers, seldom-visited villages and scenic bays. Overnight
stopovers: Natalei Eco Lodge , Takalana Bay and Retreat .
Search WWH ::




Custom Search