Making my way up a section of rock during the ascent. 
The marker at the top of Mt. Korobaba. 
Guthrie and Jolene at the summit. 
Guhtire and Jolene wait for us as we approach the summit. 
Taking in the view from atop Korobaba. 
Guthrie at the mountaintop. 
Setting off for the descent. 
Resting above the swimming hole as we made our way down the mountain.
Hiking Mount Korobaba was one of our last adventures in Fiji before we move back to the U.S. It’s a fitting activity as we close out our time here because we literally climbed a mountain and paused to enjoy the view from the summit before the return descent.
As you can tell from my site’s logo (see sidebar and footer), I love mountains as a metaphor for great challenges in life. I believe in evolving by doing difficult things: ascending step by step toward a goal, taking pleasure when you achieve it, and incorporating the lessons as you create a new baseline of understanding and competence for yourself before moving on to the next thing.
Mt. Korobaba is a challenging hike and well worth the effort. It’s about a 10-min. drive from Suva. You can take a cab or park your car at the cement factory, where you’ll pay FJ$3 to the attendant in the booth at the trailhead.
I recommend going with someone who’s already done the trail because it can be difficult to make your way. I suggest starting on the trail by 8 a.m. to allow for a 4-hr. excursion while avoiding the afternoon heat. Finish times can vary widely, depending on skill and knowledge of the trail. Those who regularly climb Korobaba can make it to the summit in less than an hour, but I recommend you go slowly and methodically for safety if you’re new to the mountain.
We had never done the trail before, and we went relatively slowly because there was a lot of mud, making the trail slippery. You’ll want to wear boots with good tread (we saw several sneakers abandoned to the mud).
It’s fall in Fiji right now, and although the temperature is currently cool and the trail is shaded throughout, the humidity is high year-round, so make sure to stay hydrated and bring at least 1 liter of water per person. Tropical heat is no joke.
There are lots of obstacles along both the ascent and the descent. You’ll constantly have to think about foot placement, and the final push toward the summit is gnarly. You have to grab onto steady roots and branches and watch out for slippery earth and rocks. (We brought our dogs, Guthrie and Jolene, and we needed to carry or push them in some spots.)
When you finally do get to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Suva, Lami, the ocean and the numerous lush peaks of Viti Levu’s interior. It’s a beautiful sight.
ATB 