This is all topped off with the fascinating story of owner William Rock Danford’s great great, great grandfather, John Humphrey Danford, who visited this area in the 1800s and (against the advice of missionaries at the time) journeyed into the highlands.
Despite the danger of potentially ending up as the locals’ lunch, Danford lived successfully in the Namosi Highlands amongst the cannibals and tribes, befriending a powerful chief.
His descendants, including William, still live in the area.
The village visited on the new journey has no road, electricity or internet and Danford says it is an opportunity to get a glimpse of how the people live – mat weaving, spear fishing, cooking and washing in the river. There’s no ceremony or show and the visit is designed to leave the village as it was – not withstanding the positive benefit of funds leading to improvements like running water flushing toilets and education for the children.
The tube experience itself combines a slow, relaxing drift with various grades of rapids (participants can jump back on the boat at any time if they feel uncomfortable in the water).
Lunch includes European friendly items (chicken, lamb sausages, BBQ fish etc) plus more traditional dishes like fish in coconut cream and even a sampling of bush food.
