Naihehe Cave

Naihehe is a limestone cave in the upper Sigatoka valley that served as a fortress and refuge for the Sautabu clan in the nineteenth century, defensible because the entrance is low and narrow and the interior opens out beyond it. The guided visit goes past what the guides identify as a priest's chamber and a ritual platform, and the villages that own the land run the visits with sevusevu. The valley approach is through cane country and river crossings.

What to look for

• The low entrance - a narrow opening that made the cave defensible.
• The main chamber - the space opening out beyond, with formations.
• The ritual platform - the raised stone the guides identify as ceremonial.
• The valley approach - the drive or boat up the Sigatoka through farming country.

When to go

May to October is the drier season; the cave and the approach take water in the wet months. Tours run to operator schedules from the coast. River levels can cancel the trip.

Good to know

The visit runs through the landowning village and sevusevu is part of it, not an optional extra. Some of the interpretation, particularly around cannibalism, is delivered for effect and should be taken as tradition rather than documented fact. The entrance requires stooping and the floor is wet.

Nearby

Sigatoka is downriver, and Tavuni Hill Fort is on the way.