Nestled in the highlands of Fiji largest island Viti Levu, Mt Tomaniivi (formally known as Mt Victoria) is the country’s highest peak at 1,324 metres.
The challenging but rewarding climb starts from Navai village and is a relatively short but steep one through cloud forest. The route goes up and down the same track, covering 9km (4.5km up and 4.5km down), with an elevation gain of approximately 650m.
The return hike should take around 5 – 6 hours in total depending on fitness and the track conditions. It’s important to note that there are no ‘national park’ maintained or built tracks in Fiji so conditions can be slippery and muddy after rain.
The summit boasts stunning views on clear days, and the surrounding area is a designated forest reserve. The cloud forest is amazingly diverse, with several orchid species and endemic Fijian birds to keep an eye out for.
Contact information
You will need to prearrange your visit by contacting Meli on +679 2028451 (Meli is also available through WhatsApp and Viber). Meli will arrange a village guide to take you up the mountain.
Payment
Payments can be made in cash to your guide upon arrival or departure from Navai village. Below is a breakdown of costs.
Mt Tomaniivi contribution: FJD 50.00 per person (this supports projects within the village and enables the vegetation along the track to be periodically cut back)
Guides: FJD 50.00 per guide (1 guide per 4 people is recommended)
Accommodation and food
Esira’s homestay welcomes guests all year round and he and his family will make all arrangements for you (including a guide and all meals).
Although it is possible to drive up and down in a day from the Suncoast, staying overnight also means you can start hiking early when the temperature is cooler.
If you are coming from Tavua, Esira’s house is on the left side of the road just before the bridge in the centre of the village.
It is also opposite a “Home of Mt Tomaniivi” sign.
If you are staying at Esira’s, you will need to bring a small sevusevu (a FJD 30.00 bundle of waka). Esira doesn’t drink kava but will ensure it is passed on to the village elders on your behalf.
To organise your stay with Esira and his family, you can contact his son Meli on +679 2028451 (Meli is also available through WhatsApp and Viber).
In addition to the payments listed above, it costs FJD 70.00 per person to stay overnight, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. This can be paid in cash directly to Esira.
Village etiquette
Always wear a sulu (sarong / wrap around material) that covers your legs down to just above your ankles while you’re within the village boundaries or Esira’s home.
Never wear a hat or anything on your head while you’re in the village.
Always take your shoes off before entering a building or home (you can keep your socks on).
If you’re presented with a bowl of kava it’s polite to drink the first one. Clap once, take the bowl and drink it all, and after returning the bowl clap three times.
Keep noise down.
Recommended itinerary – staying overnight
Day one
- 14:00 | Depart your Suncoast hotel
- 16:00 | Arrive at Esira’s homestay in Navai village
Day two
- 07:00 | Breakfast
- 08:00 | Begin hiking
- 11:00 | Reach the summit and begin the hike down
- 14:00 | Reach Navai village
- 15:00 | Depart Navai village
- 17:00 | Reach your Suncoast hotel
Recommended itinerary – day trip from the Suncoast
- 06:30 | Depart your Suncoast hotel
- 08:30 | Arrive in Navai village and meet your guide
- 09:00 | Begin hiking
- 12:00 | Reach the summit and begin the hike down
- 15:00 | Reach Navai village
- 16:00 | Depart Navai village
- 18:00 | Reach your Suncoast hotel
Directions and transport
Navai village is marked on Google Maps. You can also find a map on the Talanoa Treks website.
Ensure your vehicle has sufficient clearance and drive according to the road conditions. A 4WD is usually needed and if you don’t have your own vehicle, we recommend hiring a 4WD with driver from pehicle.com.
More information
More information, including a map, can be found on the Talanoa Treks website.