The dusty track leading to Roaring River felt less like a road and more like an invitation. As our vehicle bounced along, leaving the main thoroughfare further behind, I knew I was heading somewhere special. My assignment for KareemsQuest.com was to experience Rasta Safari, an adventure that promised a true connection to Jamaica’s soul, far from the polished resorts. What I found was a journey into the heart of a community, guided by the deep roots of a Rasta elder and his family.
Watch my full video of Rasta Safari
Quick Facts
Who is it for: Persons seeking a deeply authentic Jamaican experience, nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
What it is NOT: A manufactured attraction with paved trails.
Tip: Bring some small cash to support the local community vendors.
What stands out: The majestic Blue Hole Garden with the circuit river.
What to carry: Water shoes for the river/mineral spring, a small towel and sunglasses.
What is it similar to:
Degree of difficulty of activity: Easy to Moderate.
Location: Roaring River, Westmoreland.
Contact: 876-860-0315, 876-445-7203.
Vehicle needed to access property: sedan with good suspension or a SUV.
A Welcome that Feels Like Home
Pulling up to the entrance, the first thing I noticed wasn’t a ticket booth or a grand archway, but a small, open-air shop. Laughter spilled out, and sure enough, a group of locals were engrossed in a game of ludo. No one rushed towards us, no one tried to sell us anything aggressively. It was simply life happening, and we were welcome to observe. It felt instantly genuine, a stark contrast to many commercially driven attractions.
This unforced welcome, I later learned, is central to Wesley ‘Culture Marley’ Vassell’s vision. He’s the man behind Rasta Safari, a Roaring River native who runs the operation with his son, Jaya Vassell, and business partner, Philippe De Bellefeuille. Marley, with his distinctive raspy voice that sounds like river stones rolling over each other, explained, “We wanted to give something truly different, unique and spectacular to our guests. There is way too many generic ‘ATV tours’ in the country, or ‘attraction park’ type of tours…we wanted not to develop a ‘tour’ but an ‘experience’ one that connects guests with nature and the people, a real cultural immersion into the everyday lives of the Jamaicans living in the countryside!”
Beyond the Scenery: A Community Awakens
The experience began not with a lecture, but with movement. We climbed into side-by-side UTVs, perfect for navigating the natural, unpaved paths that wound through the Roaring River community. This wasn’t a manufactured track; it was the actual route locals used daily. As we drove, I saw homes tucked among the trees, children playing, and women tending to gardens.
When business is thriving at Rasta Safari, the entire community comes alive. Vendors emerge, setting up stalls with handmade crafts, vibrant clothes, and refreshing jelly coconuts. The joy of seeing this rural area flourish, far from the bustle of Negril or Montego Bay, was palpable. “To us, the whole goal of the experience is really to connect travelers not only to the nature, but to the people,” Marley emphasised. “It is very important for travelers to this country to better understand our roots and what makes Jamaica so unique, which is in our opinion, first and foremost, its people!”
Nature’s Untamed Beauty
Our journey led us deeper into the landscape. We passed through groves of fruit trees, their branches heavy with ripe mangoes and ackee. The air grew cooler as we neared the Roaring River itself, its rapid flow a constant soundtrack. Marley’s knowledge of the local flora and fauna was immense. He pointed out various plants, sharing their traditional uses and historical significance.
One particular plant caught my attention – the “shame old lady.” It’s a delicate plant that, when touched, retracts its leaves almost instantly. Marley explained its historical context: “It was used in slavery days to track slaves that were trying to escape the plantations.” It was a sobering reminder that even in beauty, history often carries a heavy weight.
Adjacent to the Rasta Safari property lies the Blue Hole Garden, a breathtaking spot that feels truly undiscovered. The grass here is exceptionally green, almost glowing, and the river flows around the garden in a perfect circuit. The blue hole itself, which is reportedly over 200 feet deep, shimmered with an almost otherworldly hue. It’s a place of profound peace, where the sounds of the river and the rustle of leaves are the only disturbances. This spot alone makes the journey to Roaring River worthwhile.
How long does it take to get to Rasta Safari, from these central points:
- Kingston (Norman Manley International airport): 3 hrs, 47 mins
- Montego Bay (Sangsters International Airport): 1 hr, 38 mins
- Ocho Rios: 3 hrs, 0 mins
- Negril: 59 mins
A Father and Son’s Shared Vision
Watching Marley and Jaya interact was a highlight. Their bond was evident in every shared glance, every coordinated action. Jaya, a younger reflection of his father’s calm demeanor, helped navigate the paths and shared his own insights. When asked about their working relationship, Marley’s voice softened slightly. “The father/son relationship we have has always been powerful, and now that we are actually operating a business together, makes it even stronger, something very special that is truly a gift from God.”
This genuine connection extended to the entire Rasta Safari philosophy. Marley believes the lack of an “artificially created atmosphere” is precisely why guests consistently rate them highly. “People can see that this is no ‘artificially’ created atmosphere, but rather the true and unique daily experience that a normal Jamaican living in the countryside would witness and experience.”
Beyond the Day: A Cave and Future Stays
While the cave in the community holds significant spiritual importance, Marley clarified that it’s not a direct part of the Rasta Safari tour, as it’s managed by TPDCo. However, he noted, “There’s always the option to go to the cave when coming on our experience, at an additional cost.” It’s another layer to the area’s rich heritage, offering a glimpse into its deeper spiritual dimensions.
For those captivated by the tranquility, the prospect of staying longer is appealing. Marley mentioned that Rasta Safari is actively working on overnight accommodations. “More details will be offered as soon as proper installations have been put in place,” he stated, hinting at future opportunities for deeper immersion in this serene environment.
The Flagship Experience
As the tour concluded, I reflected on Marley’s assertion that Rasta Safari is the “flagship” excursion of Jamaica. “Because being able to get an invitation deep within a community nestled between lush mountains in the countryside to see how the people live is truly a blessing and a special experience,” he explained. The side-by-side UTVs make the journey accessible and fun, allowing guests to visit various scenic points. From the rejuvenating mineral spring to the ganja farm where education about the plant’s cultural significance is shared, and the opportunity to mingle with locals, every element contributes to a unique and positive outlook on Jamaica’s true essence.
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Useful Information about Jamaica
Click to check Jamaica’s Foreign Exchange Rate.
What is the weather like in Jamaica
The climate in Jamaica is very warm, with an annual average of 32 degrees/ 89.6°F. It is usually warm to hot all year round.
What is the time zone in Jamaica
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Immigration/ Custom Form
Every visitor is required to fill out a C5 form before entering Jamaica
