Duration of the excursion: 3 hours
Transport from the hotel: 90-minute drive from Montego Bay.
Location: Rastasafari-Experience Roaring River, Jamaica
During our annual trip to the south, my partner and I had the chance to visit the Jamaican backcountry. We were looking for an activity that could combine our shared passions. For me, it was off-road vehicles, and for my partner, it was local history and culture.
Base camp
RastaSafari offers a true adventure experience by combining motorized sports and community tourism. The guided excursion takes place in the backyard of the community based in Roaring River. These green lands are rich in nature, culture and history. As a bonus, the Rastasafi Experience is owned by a Quebecer and his son who lived in Sherbrooke! What a coincidence!
When we arrived, a whole fleet of CFMOTO Zforce 800s were lined up, ready to take off on our excursion. This company spares no expense to ensure that our adventure is completely safe in every respect.
Medicinal Herbs 101
Just before we set off into the forest, we were treated to a very detailed clinic on the benefits of each local plant on the human body. In fact, the locals are proud to tell us about the longevity of their family members. In our driver’s family alone, 4 healthy nonagenarians have used and still use local plants every day to prevent and/or cure diseases. Following this enriching experience, it was time to take action.
Departure
First of all, we met our guide Kris, “the boss”. A young 25-year-old Jamaican with the typical look of that country, a “chill” and relaxed guy! Kris welcomed us with a mixture of medicinal herbs and a typically local energy drink that Jamaicans call BOOST! From what I understood from his explanation, it is a mixture of Viagra and a decongestant!
Kris, who has a 200cc Cobra motorbike (I’ve never heard of this brand), will guide us through the countryside on dirt tracks between pasture fields surrounded by beautiful green mountains. Many of these fields are former sugar cane fields that now belong to the state. All along the route, we witness their way of life and their customs through the small remote villages in the forest.
The river
The first stop is a mineral water point at the mouth of the Roaring River, marked by a bridge and community bars. It is a gathering point, a recreational spot for swimming and events. I was captivated by the atmosphere! Soft reggae music in the background made the experience unique. During our 15-minute break there, we took photos and greeted the locals who were smiling to see us spending a few dollars in the small kiosks.
The Roaring River is a mineral spring and the largest source of drinking water for the parish of Westmoreland and the surrounding communities. It supplies the Rastasafari Experience estate as well as about 45% of western Jamaica. The river originates in the limestone cave nearby. Roaring River Cave is one of the few caves in Jamaica to be used for commercial tourism. It has multiple caves and even a mineral spring in which you can bathe, which of course I did!
A must-see
When you think Jamaica, you think marijuana! It’s a must-see! Among the rewarding stops on the tour is a marijuana field maintained by a certified local farmer. The friendly owner waltzed between the huge green rows to enthusiastically share information about his high-quality garden. In fact, I was surprised to learn that the Jamaican government and ours have signed a partnership for the production of medicinal marijuana! So Canada imports marijuana from Jamaica, now we’ve seen everything!
This visit to Jamaica included a free sample of two herbal wines: one a mixture of sorrel and ginger, the other a honey-based concoction. The producer also shared a multitude of natural remedies provided by the region’s abundant produce. Some elixirs were available for purchase, including marijuana-infused oils and sweet wines.
Return to base camp
After a few more stops to take photos and contemplate the Jamaican landscape, we returned to base camp via various paths, occasionally crossing paths with cows, goats or dogs fearlessly strolling through the motorized vehicles! Our RastaSafari experience ended with a homemade vegetarian meal, a first for me! This is the main diet of the local inhabitants, although some also eat fish.
Conclusion of the adventure
This excursion was without doubt the most beautiful and enriching day of our week in Jamaica. Talking with these people who share the riches of the earth with us brings us back to the essentials of life. These people smile and have fun with each other 365 days a year without hi-tech gadgets or other distractions. Let’s just say that during this day, I never had the time or felt the need to go on social networks! I highly recommend this activity to you!
