Funding for this website was provided by the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP), a joint initiative of the Government of Jamaica and the European Union. The views expressed in this product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the PSDP.
The Rastafari Indigenous Village
The Rastafari Indigenous Village tour displays Jamaica's natural heritage and showcases the local people's ways of life. Guests also gain insight into their culture, including their music, food and, of course, the indigenous herbs and spices.
The village is a perfect example of what it entails to live in harmony.
The Rastafari Indigenous Village recently approved and licensed by the Jamaica Tourist Board.
We are a very simple eco-cultural visitor center in the hills of Montego Bay, overlooking the Montego River
We present an authentic showcase about the ‘livity’ of the Rastafari of Jamaica.
As a young nation, the Rastafari represent our very own indigenous people, they have evolved from our experiences. They have been responsible for the global branding of our culture, language, music, dance, dress code, colours, and some philosophical aspects of our lifestyle.
They have branded Jamaica.
The Rastafari Village, provides the visitor with an opportunity to interact with and experience in a very indigenous setting, some of the very people who have been instrumental in the process.
We are colourful, and attractive, clean and safe, fresh and always unique and interesting, we are also reasonably priced.
We are situated in a garden of mostly endemic flora, fauna and handmade art & craft of exceptional quality.
We have met all our Jamaica Tourist Board requirements and are very proud of our business model which encourages creativity and enables cooperative development of small business persons.
The Rastafari Indigenous Village is a cultural theme-park showcasing the life and ‘livity’ of the Rastafari of Jamaica.
It is located in the Montego River Valley, Porto Bello Montego Bay in the Parish of St. James.
It is approximately a fifteen minute drive from the Montego Freeport Cruise ship terminal and 20 minutes from the Sangster International Airport.
It is easily accessed by public transportation – 5 minutes, from the Westgate Shopping Centre heading south across the island.
The Village is located in the Montego River Gardens across the river and is accessed by walking through the usually shallow river or by a jitney (tractor pulled carriage) crossing.
It is a “working village” - in that, all the Villagers do not live at the location but work together to showcase the philosophy, movement, and lifestyle-concept of their lives.
The visitor to the Village is guided through the growth and the journeys of the Rastafari and their messages to the world - from inception to present time. Outlining their history and culture; walk you through the medicinal herbal gardens; show you their art and craft; introduce you to drum rhythms and ancient chants.
Your experience is completely interactive. Persons may just pass through for an hour or spend the day.
Blessings
TOUR FACT SHEET
The Rastafari Indigenous Village is a cultural theme-park showcasing the life and ‘livity’ of the Rastafari of Jamaica.
It is located in the Montego River Valley, Porto Bello Montego Bay in the Parish of St. James.
It is approximately a fifteen minute drive from the Montego Freeport Cruise ship terminal and 20 minutes from the Sangster International Airport.
It is easily accessed by public transportation – 5 minutes, from the Westgate Shopping Centre heading south across the island.
The Village is located in the Montego River Gardens across the river and is accessed by walking through the usually shallow river or by a jitney (tractor pulled carriage) crossing.
It is a “working village” - in that, all the Villagers do not live at the location but work together to showcase the philosophy, movement, and lifestyle-concept of their lives.
The visitor to the Village is guided through the growth and the journeys of the Rastafari and their messages to the world - from inception to present time. Outlining their history and culture; walk you through the medicinal herbal gardens; show you their art and craft; introduce you to drum rhythms and ancient chants.
Your experience is completely interactive. Persons may just pass through for an hour or spend the day.
We welcome your presence and look forward to your participation.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Opportunity to meet and have stimulating “reasonings” with authentic members of the Rastafari of Jamaica.
- Opportunity to listen and participate in drum rhythms and thereby gain a greater understanding of the Jamaican music genre
- Opportunity to shop for hand-made craft and possibly to participate in the making of such and other exciting workshops which will be hosted from time to time.
- Opportunity to tantalize your taste buds with exotic tropical refreshments as you journey through the harmoniously balanced gardens.
TOUR COMPONENTS:
- Walk through the shallow Montego river / jitney ride through shallow river.
- Walk through: Medicinal herbal garden the largest most comprehensive on the island.
- Walk through: Organic Farm
- Interactive craft opportunities and shopping
- Interactive drumming /musical opportunities.
- Bush bath, massage, reflexology, clairvoyance reading (book in advance).
- De-stress, relax, chillin, reasoning, energy renewal anytime, all the time.
Please note:
- Visitors must be advised that:
- This environment is created for their enjoyment and education, and the persons who live within it, live by specific codes:
- They are total vegans, no meat or fish is allowed on the location.
- The smoking of tobacco is totally prohibited.
- The drinking of wine –other than wines indigenously produced will not be allowed.
- Rastafari children maintain a very strict vegan diet and must not be introduced to sweets or other foods by visitors.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras as there are many beautiful scenes to capture – however, we ask that no pictures be taken of persons without their expressed permission.
The most important code of all however, is based on our mission: which is to ensure that the visitor has an unforgettable experience of the physical, cultural, social and spiritual wealth of the people of Jamaica in an environment conducive to wellness and healing.
Tour Days:
Tuesday – Saturday.
ADVANCED BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Tour Times:
Ideally, every 2 hours beginning at 10:00 am tours will start at the restaurant at The Montego River Gardens. Porto Bello. Earlier bookings can be confirmed in advance. The final tour will begin at 3:00 pm.
Duration:
Minimum 90 minutes. Maximum – you decide.
Tour Events:
These can be arranged: e.g. night tours, tours with Ital lunch, group bookings, schools, churches, workshops and seminars, special events, etc.
NB.
CONFIRMATION FOR GROUPS REQUIRED.
Capacity:
Approximately 30 persons per tour per tour guide.
Ital Food:
Other than the light refreshment which will be offered with all tours, Ital lunches can be arranged for specific groups - with 24 hour notice.
Tour cost:
The Rastafari Indigenous Village expects to receive a minimum of twenty five US Dollars ($25,00US) per visitor to the Village. Children under 16 are free.
However we are prepared to negotiate this fee depending on group profile and assessed needs.
Funds paid are returned to the development and sustainability of the Village, the entrepreneurial and enterprise development project and the development of the Marcus Garvey Educational project.
We thank you for your support and patronage.
All suggestions are welcome as we work together to build wealth and integrity in our people and our nation.
