Cakaudrove District

Cakaudrove

The eastern district centered around Savusavu, characterized by volcanic landscapes, diving spots and tropical rainforests. It combines natural attractions with coastal charm and serves as the primary tourism hub for Vanua Levu.

Things to do

• Savusavu Hot Springs — Natural geothermal hot springs located near Savusavu town where visitors can soak in warm mineral-rich pools surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Diving at Namena Marine Reserve — A world-class dive site featuring pristine coral gardens, abundant tropical fish, and occasional encounters with reef sharks and manta rays.
• Lesiaceva Point Waterfall Trek — A rainforest hiking trail leading to a scenic waterfall with freshwater pools suitable for swimming and immersion in the tropical canopy.
• Copra Shed Marina & Water Sports — The main hub in Savusavu offering snorkeling excursions, boat charters, and access to nearby coral reefs and small island day trips.
• Natewa Bay Exploration — A scenic coastal bay accessible by boat where visitors can snorkel, observe mangrove ecosystems, and visit remote villages.
• Wallaby Resort Orchid Gardens — A botanical garden showcasing rare and endemic orchid species alongside tropical plants in a cultivated garden setting.

Food to try

• Kokoda — A traditional Fijian dish of raw fish marinated in coconut milk, lime juice, onions, and chilies, often served as an appetizer or light meal.
• Lovo — An earth-oven-cooked feast featuring taro, yams, cassava, and locally caught fish wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted underground for hours.
• Fresh Tropical Seafood at Savusavu Market — Daily catch of locally-sourced fish, prawns, and crustaceans available at the waterfront market, best enjoyed grilled or prepared in traditional curries.
• Cassava Cake — A sweet dessert made from grated cassava root combined with coconut milk, sugar, and baked until golden, reflecting Indo-Fijian influences.
• Ota Ika — A fresh seafood salad combining diced raw fish cured in lime juice with tomatoes, cucumber, and coconut cream, served chilled.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Traditional Customs — Remove shoes when entering homes and meeting spaces, and avoid pointing at people or sacred sites as these actions are considered disrespectful in Fijian culture.
• Dress Modestly — Wear respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting villages or participating in cultural ceremonies and church services.
• Participate in Kava Ceremonies — Accepting an invitation to a kava (yaqona) ceremony is a significant cultural honor; drink from the bilo cup with the right hand and clap once before and after drinking.
• Support Local Communities — Purchase handicrafts and produce directly from village artisans and farmers rather than commercial shops to ensure income reaches local families.