Rastafari Indigenous Village

2 years ago

My partner and I enjoyed an engaging and insightful visit to the living Rastafarian Indigenous Village in October 2023. Mid-morning, we were greeted by village resident, Queen I, on the edge of the property. She was ever-present for the remainder of the day, guiding us throughout, tailoring aspects of the visit to our interests and understanding. Her enthusiasm and articulation made her an excellent ambassador for the community. She personalised the stories and information shared, and delivered everything with grace, poise and a glowing smile. Queen I explained the origins of the community, the vision for the future and the Rastafi belief system. We toured the community garden and orchid, the bush bath and, Queen I's personal project, organic soap manufacture (a true delight for the senses, you can purchase on the community's website if interested). We were also fortunate to enjoy a private sit-down conversation with King Toto, one of the community's founders and principle drum maker, about his life and perspectives. And, after participating in the preparation of and relishing a delicious ital (Rastafi Vegan) meal, we spoke with First Man on the evolution of Rastafarianism in Jamaica since the 1930s and the return to Zion. Finally, we savoured an opportunity to participate in a drumming/chanting ceremony in the tabernacle as those willing enjoyed the sacrament (ganja). Unlike many sights in Jamaica, this is not commercialised or mass market. As such, to book this intimate experience contact the community over email or WhatsApp with at least a few days notice and be grateful for the opportunity to engage with an often misunderstood yet influential part of Jamaica's identity, past, present and future. A real treat!

2 years ago

I live in Europe/Switzerland and went to Jamaica in 2018. Rastafari was one of my most impressive experiences in Jamaica - I would love to visit again. This place gives you many life lessons to take with. I‘ve seen how grateful, happy and warmhearted people are. You look at their faces, and you see the satisfied and grateful expression. They appreciate every single detail about mother nature. I will always remember "KING TOTO" I had tears in my eyes, when he was talking about his handmade drums!!! I hope he is still there. Thank you so much for this experience.

7 years ago

My husband, son, nephew, and I did an excursion to this village from our cruise ship. We truly loved learning about the religion, culture, and the day to day lives of the Rastafarian people who reside here. This is NO homeless village as another reviewer speculated. The villagers work together and teach those who do visit about the Rastafarian Religion. They are very proud and giving people willing to share their love of the earth to those who visit. Definitely visit if you are willing to step outside your box and learn there is more to this world of ours than what you grew up in. So glad we did this!

4 years ago

The Rastafari Indigenous Village is operating on a smaller scale recovering from Covid-19. Yours are operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10:00-13:00 but you must book in advance. Minimum group size of 2 at $150 per person for a 2-3 hour experience. The village offers a relaxed but structured discovery of Rastafari beliefs and lifestyle - if you bring an open mind you can take away learning as well as a few souvenirs. Highlights include an expert tour of flora with a focus on medicinal uses and cooking your own lunch. A welcoming, interesting diversion into a more authentic culture than your hotel can offer. Recommended.

2 years ago

Not quite the authentic Rastafarian people. The souvenirs are sold at 3 times the price you will find later in other places in Jamaica and the tour was really not worth the 100 dollars we paid. In the end they didn’t even take us to the village where presumably about 10 people live. We ended up hanging out in the front area and listen to some songs and basically given the choice of buying their artifacts.