10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com
10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu

10 Best Walks in Savusavu & Vanua Levu

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 23 August, 2024

The Top Walks and Hikes on Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, is a paradise of vast rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and captivating coastal scenery. It boasts a wealth of walks to suit every adventurer. Each trail on Vanua Levu offers a unique experience, from independent strolls along tranquil rivers to guided hikes leading to mesmerising waterfalls. Most walks on the island require guides, either from local villages that maintain the trails or within the grounds of the island’s fabulous resorts. We’ve compiled a list of our top recommended walks to help you discover the best hikes in Savusavu and Vanua Levu.

Remember to pack sturdy walking shoes, water, and insect repellent for your adventures across Vanua Levu. For more exciting activities in the area, look at our 20 Must-Dos on Vanua Levu.

Table of Contents

1. Vuadomo Village Waterfall Walk

Just a stone’s throw from Savusavu on the road to Labasa, Vuadomo Village offers nature lovers a treat. A picturesque 10-minute stroll through a lush valley leads you to the stunning Vuadomo Waterfall, which cascades into a deep, inviting rock pool. Entry will set you back approximately FJ$25 for tourists (or less for locals). The village also offers massages (you’ll need to book these in advance through the Muanivatu Trails website) and the chance to get your hands dirty with some mangrove planting on the beach. (Talk about a holiday with purpose!)

Looking to stretch your legs a bit more? We’ve got just the thing in the next point.

Location: Vuadomo Village, Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu. From Savusavu, take Cross Island Road past the village of Jerusalemi and turn onto Vuadomo Road. Follow the dirt road for about 2 km (1 mi) until you reach the village. Visitors are advised to bring a sevusevu (traditional offering) when visiting the village (unless you’re with a tour guide). Additionally, it is important to wear appropriate clothing during the visit. The village is approximately 14 km (8.7 mi) from Savusavu.

10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com

2. Muanivatu Trails

Fancy a scenic trek through Vanua Levu’s lush landscape? The Muanivatu Trails near Vuadomo Waterfall offer just that! This 45-minute adventure takes you across a ridge, passing through three charming villages before reaching the cascading falls. It’s a bit of a workout, so it’s best suited for fit individuals (aged 15 to 40, if we had to make a recommendation). Don’t forget your sturdy shoes – the path can get muddy, and while Crocs might do in a pinch, flip-flops are a no-go.

As you hike, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the town, village, and sea. For the environmentally conscious, there’s even an opportunity to plant mangroves on the beach. And if you’re in need of some post-hike relaxation, why not book a massage in advance (through the Muanivatu Trails website)? Choose from relaxation, deep tissue, or traditional bobo treatments. Bear in mind there are entry fees to this attraction but it is affordable. Don’t forget to bring a sevusevu when visiting the village – it’s an important cultural gesture. Oh, and do dress appropriately; you’ll want to respect local customs, as outlined in Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village. If you’re visiting with a tour guide, they will usually sort out the cultural protocols. For more exciting day trips like this, check out The Best Day Trips on Vanua Levu.

Location: Vuadomo Village (see above), Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu.

10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com

3. Walks at Flora Tropica Garden

Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of the Flora Tropica Garden, a botanical paradise boasting over 250 palm species from around the globe. As you meander along gravel pathways and elevated boardwalks, you’ll discover a tranquil lily pond, winding trails with stunning vistas of Savusavu Bay, and an abundance of tropical flora. The garden showcases flowering trees, shrubs, orchids, and more than 40 types of tropical fruit trees. You’ll find serene rest areas perfect for soaking in the surroundings. Most visitors spend about 2 hours exploring this meticulously curated plant haven. For more budget-friendly attractions like this, take a look at our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Vanua Levu.

Location: Daku Road, 5 km (3 mi) southwest of Savusavu town centre, Vanua Levu, Vanua Levu. Open by appointment; simply call the number on the entrance gate sign.

10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com

4. Labasa Riverside Walk

Vanua Levu’s largest town is home to a pleasant walkway along the Labasa River. Find the start of the walk from the end of Reddy Place, where the walkway follows the riverside all the way to Guru Nanak School beside Nacula Village. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes one way.

Location: Reddy Place, Labasa, Vanua Levu.

10 Best Walks on Vanua Levu© Pixabay

5. Lekutulevu Waterfall Hike

The village of Lekutulevu, located 10 km (6 mi) south of Labasa along Bulileka Road, is the start of an amazing waterfall and mountain hike. Ask at the village for a guided hike to the waterfall, which will cost around FJ$15 cash. The one-hour hike to the waterfall also passes a natural rock formation shaped like a tanoa (kava bowl). From the waterfall, you can continue a further 30 minutes to the peak of Mt Uluinamolo where it’s possible to see Taveuni on a clear day.

Location: Lekutulevu Village, Vanua Levu, Northern Division. 10 km (6 mi) south of Labasa along Bulileka Road.

10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com

6. Sigasiga Sands Nature Trails

The Sigasiga Sands Boutique Bungalows is set among 99 acres (40 ha) of pristine upland forest. The resort maintains a number of trails throughout the area that are easy to explore independently. Look out for birds, try tropical fruit and find distinctive native palms, trees and flowers. There are some small creeks to cross along the way too. Meanwhile, on the coast, you’re within walking distance of Devodara Beach and the Blue Lagoon.

Location: Sigasiga Sands Boutique Bungalows, Hibiscus Highway, Vanua Levu. Situated on the southwestern coast of Vanua Levu, approximately 15 km (9 mi) from Savusavu town.

10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com

7. Koro Sun Rainforest Trek

Set out to explore lush native rainforest on the guided rainforest trek with the Koro Sun Resort. The resort is situated among 90 acres (36 ha) of virgin forest, home to rare birds, such as the orange-breasted dove, which your guide will point out if given the opportunity. There are also a couple of waterfalls to visit and swim in along the way. There is an option to do a leisurely walk or a more rigorous hike.

Location: Koro Sun Resort, Hibiscus Highway, approximately 16 km (10 mi) from Savusavu town.

10 Best Walks on Vanua Levu© Koro Sun Resort

8. Daku Estate Hike

Get your legs moving on the Daku Estate Hike, a challenging 3 km (1.9 mi) trail that offers a rewarding adventure for nature lovers. This steep walk through lush rain tree forests takes about 50-70 minutes, depending on your fitness level. At the top, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Savusavu Bay (trust us, it’s worth the climb!). A word to the wise: the trail can be a bit tricky with loose rocks, so leave your flip-flops behind and opt for enclosed shoes like trainers.

Location: Daku Road, Savusavu. The trail starts behind the Daku Fiji Resort.

10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com

9. Savusavu Hills Hike

For an amazing short adventure, head up into the Savusavu Hills! You can walk there yourself from Savusavu Bay, following Buca Bay Road for about 15 minutes then right onto Access Road. Follow the ridge toward the west for amazing views overlooking Savusavu and Nawi Island. Alternatively, take the part of the Access Road that turns south for about 30 minutes, which will take you to the south coast by Nukubalavu Village to Lesiaceva Point. There, you can follow the coastline for about 7 km (4.3 mi) back into town. Guided hikes in the Savusavu Hills are also available from Naveria Heights Lodge (which offers tours to guests and non-guests), where you can learn more about the amazing plant life seen along the way.

Location: Access Road, Savusavu.

10 Best Walks in Vanua Levu© FijiPocketGuide.com

10. Emaho Sekawa Hikes

Choose your adventure among the vast rainforest and beach of the five-star Emaho Sekawa Resort. Either enjoy an independent walk along Sekawa Beach or join one of the guides for a moderate bushwalk. Learn about the local flora, fauna and local customs as you trek through the rainforest of the resort property. There are three waterfalls to walk to, from an easy trek through a village to a more difficult climb with a reward waterfall view at the end.

Location: Emaho Sekawa Resort, Savuasvu Bay. Approximately18 km (11 mi) west of Savuasvu town.

10 Best Walks on Vanua Levu© Emaho Sekawa Resort

More About Walks in Vanua Levu

That’s it for our guide to walks in Vanua Levu, for more information about activities and accommodations on the island, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lora) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter

Recommended For You