About this holiday

The rainforest on Fiji’s second largest island Vanua Levu needs champions if the trees are to be spared the chop (or the encroachment of the mining industry). And the best weapon in your eco armoury is a paddle! Canoeing trips take you deep into the interior. You’ll dip your oar into several rivers that run through the mountainous island, passing villages and beneath the canopy of dense rainforest.

Start at SavuSavu, the nearest Vanua Levu has to a resort. Several local companies run canoeing trips, from afternoon splashes to longer holidays staying in villages overnight then canoeing downriver by day.

We like frogs… and Vanua Levu is the place to see the rare Fiji Ground Frog and endemic Fiji Tree Frogs. You’ll see them within Waisali Rainforest Reserve, one of the last virgin tropical rainforests in Fiji. It is home to exotic native trees such as the Yaka, Dakua and Kuasi and about 30 species of orchids. It’s also a sanctuary for 21 species of breeding land birds. The entrance to the 120 hectare park isn’t clearly marked but bus drivers will show you the way.

How to help

DO try kayaking and of course explore the reef

DO use local transport wherever possible