Samoa & Fiji

Introduction to the Fiji and Samoa expedition

Located in the South Pacific, Fiji and Samoa are both new destinations for World Challenge and so combining the two in a four week expedition offers teams a real adventure into the unknown. It is likely that teams will want to begin their expedition in Fiji and do their acclimatisation and main trekking phase in the Fijian highlands or one of Fiji’s National Parks as there are limited opportunities for trekking in Samoa.

The cultural phase of the expedition involves teams spending 4 or 5 days living in a traditional village and this can be done in either Samoa or Fiji. However, if teams decide to do their cultural phase in Fiji, it is likely that they will spend the majority of their expedition in Fiji and travel to Samoa for their rest and relaxation phase only.

The Samoan islands are the perfect place for teams to rest and relax at the end of a long expedition. The islands do not receive many visitors and so teams can enjoy the islands’ natural sights almost entirely to themselves. There are crystal waterfalls to swim under, glassy fresh water pools to bathe in and, of course, sparkling white sandy beaches to relax upon.

Expedition summary for Fiji and Samoa   Location: Fiji and Samoa, South west Pacific Duration: 3 weeks Ideal for: Remote and unique culture, adventurous treks in the rainforest and relaxing on stunning beaches. Highlights: White sandy beaches, living in a remote traditional village and trekking in the Fijian highlands.

Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for Fiji and Samoa will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.

Acclimatisation and Main Trekking Phase (Fiji) 
Koroyanitu National Park
Set in the Koroyanitu mountain range above Nadi and Lautoka, this National Park offers several day walks and longer treks which can be arranged at the visitor’s centre in Abaca village. 

There are two trails in the park which are ideal for acclimatisation. The Savuine Waterfall trail takes you through native Dakua forest, open grassland and terraced gardens where you can see typical Fijian foods such as doko (taro) and kulu (breadfruit) being grown. The walk takes about two hours and you can stop to relax or have lunch at the beautiful Savuine Waterfall along the way.

There is also another 4 hour trail which takes you up to the top of Mount Batilamu, the highest point on the belly of the mythical ‘Sleeping Giant’ mountain range. From here it is possible to experience magnificent views of Nadi bay and the Western coastline of Fiji, including the Yasawa islands. 

If you would like to do a longer trek in Koroyanitu National Park, you can combine the acclimatisation treks above with an additional 3 day trek to the top of Mount Navilawa stopping at Nalesutale and Koro Bebe village on the way. 

Colo-i-Suva National Park
Colo-i-Suva National Park is less than 20 minutes drive from Suva and so is the perfect place to acclimatise if you are going to be starting your expedition in the capital. The area has 6.5km of walking trails navigating waterfalls, natural pools and gorgeous vistas and is only a short walk from the Raintree Lodge, a popular hostel immersed in the rainforest. 

Nausori Highlands
Due east from Nadi, in the interior of Viti Levu are the fantastic landscapes and remote villages of the Nausori Highlands. It is possible to do a 4 or 5 day trek in this area starting in the Valley of the Sleeping Giant and following a route through sugar cane fields and farms to the Vutura Dam. You will stay in villages along the way and be rewarded at the end by a night of food and entertainment at Heaven’s Edge, a hostel owned by the local Mataqali (clan) with a spectacular view of the surrounding area. 

Cultural Phase (Fiji or Samoa) 
Customs and traditions are an important part of life in both Fiji and Samoa and the best way for teams to find out all about them is by spending some time living in a traditional village. The Samoan and Fijian people are well known for their hospitality and will encourage teams to get involved in cooking, working in the garden, planting crops, gathering the harvest and even learning traditional dancing. It may also be possible for teams to visit a local school during this phase of the expedition. 

Rest and Relaxation Phase (Samoa) 
Teams can travel around the Samoan islands of Upolu and Savaii in a colourful Samoan bus visiting the islands’ cultural, historical and natural sights. This can be combined with spending one or two nights at a beach resort staying in a Samoan fale (hut).  

Find out more
T +61 (0) 395 317 780 - Australia
T 0800 456 134 - New Zealand
T (852) 8170 3646 - Hong Kong 
E support@worldchallenge.com.au