Villages and traditional culture - Savusavu Tourism Association

Experience our life and culture

Fijian life and culture are the essence of Savusavu. We are buried deep in traditional ways, and we are proud to show you our local village communities.

Connecting our vibrant culture with you and the world.

The Savusavu Tourism Association aims to support our local villages and communities, connecting their rich traditional cultures with the outside world.

The local villages in the countryside near Savusavu continue to live in much the same way as their ancestors: extended family groups in simple houses arranged around a central open space, with at least one (and sometimes two) churches at the end. The villagers are warm and welcoming – but this is still their private space and visiting a village should be arranged with their representative.

They will normally walk you around the village, showing you any local gardens and special sights. And if it has been arranged, they will treat you to a meke – a traditional dance with a capella singing accompaniment, a rich and joyful display of movement.

Most resorts will arrange visits for you. In some cases, the villages have set up their own arrangements and you can call them directly. (We do our best to keep the phone contacts up to date an apologize if sometimes they are wrong.)

Traditional singing at a village in Savusavu

Yaroi Village

Five minutes drive outside Savusavu, Yaroi is the most easily accessible of all the villages. Walk around the village and talk to the people about their work and their home life. Call John Naulu on 2711500 to arrange a visit.

Vuadomo Village and waterfall

Vuadomo village is blessed with a magnificent waterfall. It is situated about 35 minutes drive from Savuavu, and it’s acceptable to just turn up although you should take along a small $10 bundle of yaqona as a sevusevu (traditional gift made on arrival). You will also be asked for an entrance fee of $25 a head.

Naidi Village

Naidi village is about fifteen minutes drive down the Hibiscus Highway past the airport. Have a look at their impressive new community centre built by volunteers from CAUKIN, an organization of architectural students from Canada, the UK and Indonesia. Call Vosamama on 939 4008 to arrange a visit.

Window shutters open in a village in Savusavu, Fiji

Vivili Village

Vivili is about 20 minutes drive down the Hibiscus Highway, and is another beneficiary of the work of the CAUKIN students – sorely needed after their old community hall was destroyed by Cyclone Winston in 2016. They have a vibrant meke dance: call Meme on 959 9307 to arrange a visit.

Nadamole Village and healing pool of Naseruseru

Nadamole village has a wonderful ‘healing pool’ where you can bathe in the glorious fresh waters of the river. It is situated about 15 minutes drive from Savuavu, and you can visit the pools or go on a hike up the mountain. They will also arrange a full meke for you. Call Inoke on 9594650.

Preparing dalo for a lovo Photo credit Meaghan Williams

Villages in general

These are the villages with whom we have a regular relationship – but of course there are many others. If you’re staying at one of the bigger resorts like Jean-Michel Cousteau, Namale or Koro Sun, you’ll be able to see a regular weekly meke dance performed by one of the villages. If you prefer to visit one of the villages, Daku Resort do occasional visits – contact them directly to join them. Or you can get together a group and ask for a meke performance to be arranged.

When you come to Savusavu, you get a chance to truly immerse yourself in traditional Fijian culture.

Meet the people of Savusavu

Women selling fruit outside of a shopfront

It's easy to feel the charm of existence in this spot.

One of the shops in Savusavu town, Fiji.

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