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Zimbali's Rasta Tour: An Inside Look into the Rastafari Culture in the Hills of Negril
4.4
30 Ratings
Negril
Experience the Rastafari culture in the hills of Negril with Zimbali’s Rasta Tour. Hike through breathtaking views, learn about Rasta living and spirituality, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal cooked by Fire. Don’t miss this unique cultural experience!
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cane Fields - During the rode to Zimbali you will see pieces of Jamaica’s history- driving through cane fields that are remnents of a bygone era.
What's Included
- Bottled water provided
- Air-conditioned minivan transport
- Optional hotel pickup/drop-off in Negril ($20/person)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities (recommended) This is a once in a Lifetime opportunity- Feel free to leave something with Fire.
Additional Information
Interested in experiencing the Rastafari Culture up close?
Journey to the mountains, just 25 minutes from Negril, and let Fire guide you on a trip back in time.
Your experience starts at Zimbali, where you’ll receive a freshly prepared welcome beverage.
Your adventure continues with a hike, including a stop at ‘Gracie’s’ spring to refill your water bottles.
This moderately challenging trek into the hills rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the mountains and sea. Ensure you have sturdy shoes suitable for walking/hiking.
Your destination is Fire’s ‘Camp Survival’, where he has resided and cultivated the land for over three decades.
Understand how the Rastas live and farm.
Observe as Fire collects wood and food before preparing a traditional Rastafari ‘Ital’ (vegetarian) meal over an open wood fire, employing age-old natural coconut and spice techniques.
Engage in a conversation with Fire regarding his way of life and Rastafari spirituality.
This is a unique chance to witness this genuine Cultural Lifestyle first-hand.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is hiking casual with comfortable shoes
- Meal is Vegetarian
- A moderate amount of walking & Hiking is involved
- Minimum age is 12 years
Location
Negril
Our Transport is pickup from your Hotel Lobby.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(30 Ratings)
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Y8185rgpamelac
Aug 8, 2024
Amazing experience for anybody traveling to Jamaica!!! - This was an amazing experience for the whole family, including the hike up the mountain, the beautiful vegetation, learning from our guide Fyah, and of course, culminating with a delicious home-cooked meal with an incredible view.
I highly recommend this for anybody who wants to see some of the real Jamaica and get a taste of its amazing fruits and vegetables , as well as some insight into the Rastafari culture . Fyah , our guide was amazing - very knowledgeable and very kind and a great cook as well.!
Make sure to wear water shoes or hoking sandals- and a suit under your clothes for a dip in the river/ bring lots of water for your hike and cash to tip the guide .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melotte_c
May 22, 2024
A must-do - We came as a couple, there were only two of us when we visited, it was a memorable moment out of time, but you need good legs to climb it.
Review provided by Viator
Lucy_a
Feb 4, 2024
Amazing day and experience - dress for a hike - Such a great day, exceeded expectations, meeting rastas and how they live in mountains was just awesome, food was amazing, just be aware it’s a 45 minute hike, well 30 minutes is a uphill hike so trainers and gym wear is a must and water, but so worth it. Would def do it again.
Review provided by Viator
243sharmayned
Jan 8, 2024
An experience of a lifetime! - This was a tour just for me and my partner. It consisted of a 45minute hike through the jungle, where we were taken to a spring to drink water and up to their viewpoint kitchen/home where we relaxed and were fed beautifully.
An experience of a lifetime and would highly recommend! The food was sensational, especially watching it being prepared in their jungle kitchen whilst drinking fresh soursop juice!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lloyds354
Dec 30, 2023
Experience Jamaica like a local! - Excellent opportunity to experience a different culture. A real local vibe with a wonderful guide. We could not have asked for a more authentic experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rochelle_s
Dec 7, 2023
A Moment to Celebrate Natural Life - #fulljoy - This was absolutely a highlight of our trip! Our taxi driver was kind and punctual for both trips and the hike/lunch experience was one we won't soon forget. Zimbali is a beautiful place. We were welcomed with starfeuit and ginger juice with crushed ice that cooled us from the inside out. The hike, although listed as moderate, was challenging at times. Our guide, O'Neil, paused a few times so we could catch our breath. He also stopped along the way to point out plants and trees, as well as to fill bottles with spring water. When we made it to the treehouse at the top of the mountain, we met Patrick and Fire - two Rastafarians that fed us and educated us on the natural lifestyle. We drank fresh Soursop juice on ice. The views and food were incredible! We loved our time together and hope more people take advantage of this awesome experience!
Review provided by Viator
Edgeofcori
Jun 27, 2023
Unique and fun experience - We stayed at Zimbali Resort and this was a recommended tour. We loved meeting Fyre! He has great energy and immediately put us in a good mood. During the hike we got coconuts which he cut open for us upon arriving to his mountain home. He’s a wonderful host and our lunch is probably one of the freshest we’ve ever had. Thank you to Fyre for an unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Isabella_a
Aug 18, 2024
Unmissable - This tour was an embodiment of the tranquil life of Rasta’s that live in the mountains. Welcoming and knowledgeable in terms of how to survive in the mountains they live in.
Fire was our guide and he was so wise about all plants and edible fruits. It was a hike but doable and so lovely at the end to finish in the tree-top accommodation overlooking the mountains. Fire made an amazing vegan meal, was hospitable and the ginger and lime juice was so refreshing and natural. Fire is an inspiration; his philosophy and life lessons around simplicity and finding beauty in nature and what we have around us has been so powerful for me. I came away with such a different mindset.
Fires dogs followed us the whole journey there and back and we’re a welcomed addition. My son loved it, he didn’t want the excursion to end. You have to book this. Best excursion I’ve ever done!!
Review provided by Viator
Heidi
May 27, 2023
Loved the hike, but expensive - I’m very glad we did this. Very memorable and beautiful. Both the hiking guide and the Rasta gentleman couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. However I do think as a tour it was overpriced. You must pay an additional $20 for transportation and ours was NOT air conditioned, and involved a lot of driving back and forth to pick up and drop off others. There was also no bottled water offered, luckily we had some.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulette_b
Nov 8, 2023
Horrible Behavior By Owner - The most memorable was a horrible conversation with the owner, Mark. We were trying to get directions and he was insulting and rude to us and then used profanity (i.e. F..off, etc.) towards us as well and hung up on us. Very unprofessional.
Review provided by Viator