Tribewanted: Vorovoro

It’s hard to know what to bring to the island. If you’ve got specific questions, why not get in touch with someone currently on the island?

What NOT to bring

Help us Ban the Bag! We are working towards keeping all plastic bags and packaging off of Vorovoro, so please consider the amount of waste generated by different items you might bring with you.

Unlike all the “party islands” in Fiji, Vorovoro is about the Fijian cultural experience. We drink kava (grog) rather than mojitos and beer, and we sing songs and chat under the stars on the kava mat (with the local Fijian community) rather than shout at one another in nightclubs.

What to bring

For the tribe / Fijian community

• 1/2 kg kava (yaqona root) – tribe members can help you shop for this in Labasa upon arrival ($20 FJD)


• If you are able to, please bring something from the island wishlist

Clothing

NOTE: Vorovoro can be harsh on clothing, so don’t plan on wearing your Sunday finest! See notes on tribe dress below.

• Shorts (down to at least the knee if possible, board shorts the best type) or Skirts – something comfortable for during the day


• T-shirts (lots of them, you’ll wear more than you think)
  
  
  
  • For girls, the best t-shirts are ones that cover your shoulders and have a high neck line
  
  
  
  


• Long pair of pants – good for evenings


• Long shirt – for covering up from the mozzies in the evening


• Hoody or Sweater – for cooler evenings


• Shoes to get wet – solid sandals, flip-flops, or water shoes (for walking in water, over stones, and on sharp coral)


• Shoes to go hiking – boots are good, but a good pair of trainers is fine


• Hat protect from sun


• Bathing suit – swim and beach gear


• 1 sulu – aka Fijian sarong – tribe members can help you shop for this in Labasa upon arrival ($5 FJD)

For sleeping

There is a variety of accommodation including a 6-bed dorm, 12 bed dorm, Family Bure (sleeps 5), Fun House (sleeps 2-4), a military sleeping hammock with beach views and the Grand Bure has room too. If you’re feeling adventurous there is a tree house.

• Light sleeping bag or sheet


• Tent (optional) – if you would prefer your own space, you can pitch your tent wherever you like around camp.

Additional Costs on Vorovoro

Your tribal membership fee covers the large majority of your stay on Vorovoro. There will be no additional costs on Vorovoro for food or accommodation, as these things are included as part of your membership. The only additional costs that you are likely to run into once you get to Vorovoro are for extra activities, such as reef trips, or trips back into town to do some shopping. The prices attached to these activities are to cover the fuel costs of running the associated boats. These activities can be paid to the island team after the event:

• Mali village visit – $6 return


• Town trip – $15 return (Limited availability on Mon, Wed, & Sat each week)


• Reef trip – $20 return (Limited availability, usually once or twice each week)

For hygiene and health care

• Toiletries, keep it as eco as possible, ie. less chemicals, the more biodegradable the better. Natural soap (made in Fiji) can be purchased on the island (coconut, mango or starfruit)


• First aid kit – band aids and anti-septic wipes will be the most useful thing you bring. There is a full first aid kit on the island for serious injuries.


• Travel insurance details
  
  
  
  • health docs
  
  
  • bank cards
  
  
  • Fiji $
  
  
  
  


• Suncream/after sun


• Water sterilization tablets (optional) – The rainwater we catch is fine but you may want to take extra care.

Optional items

• Torch / Flashlight – essential. There are no street lights on Vorovoro.


• Water bottle – highly recommended.


• Camera – Bring your own and share photos online !


• Mosquito spray/cream/lotion – natural options are preferable. Long pants and shirts also work well against biting bugs.


• Neosporin (antibiotic cream for treating any open sores), cortizone cream (for rashes or itching, swelling or allergic reactions), surgical adhesive tape (band aids tend not to fair too well in an environment like Vorovoro), Tea Tree oil (highly recommended for stopping any sinus infection or ear infection from the sea water)


• Mosquito Net (we have more than enough on Vorovoro to go around now)


• Sleeping matt/mattress (cheap single foam mattresses can be purchased in Labasa if needs be, but we have plenty already on Vorovoro that can be used)


• Packs & luggage
  
  
  
  • Rucksack/Travel Bag – a large backpack is preferable to a rolling suitcase
  
  
  • Small daysack/ mini rucksack
  
  
  • Snorkel and fins – there are community snorkels, fins, and masks to share on Vorovoro.
  
  

Dress on Vorovoro

• Tribe Camp – casual. There is plenty of beach for sun lovers. When Fijian family and workers around bikinis should be covered with sarong and singlet or T-shirt. Boys can get away with just boardies/shorts.


• Around Tui Mali’s house and Mali villages for ceremonies and visits, tribe members should wear sulu and t-shirt/shirt. Girls need to cover shoulders and yes, boys get to wear a skirt!


• Nudity is not commonplace in Fijian culture – so if this is something you want to do please be discrete (don’t do it near the Fijian village or the workers)!


• Sunglasses are considered impolite in Fijian rural society so around the site these are generally discouraged


• For women that intend to swim in front of the village, please bring surf/board shorts and a comfortable light T or tank top with wide shoulders for swimming. Bikinis are fine as long as you swim away from the village, and don’t walk around the village afterwards without attempting to cover up at least a bit