This exclusive journey begins with the famously vibrant Mount
Hagen Cultural Show and continues onto some of Papua New
Guineas’ most iconic places. The Hagen Show brings together
sing-sing groups from across Papua New Guinea; each of whom share
their unique celebration display through colourful traditional
dress, dance and song. The show itself is a stunning reflection of
the incredible diversity of the cultural landscape of Papua New
Guinea. During your next part of your journey you will experience
this diversity first hand.
Following the Show, fly over the highlands and watch as the
landscape transforms below to unveil the vast Lake Murray in the
flat lands of the Western Province. Nestled among the trees on an
island spit,Lake Murray lodge overlooks the untouched beauty of
Lake Murray. Here in the remote reaches of Papua New Guinea, one
truly feels that they are on the edge of the earth. Spend your time
here in the local villages to experience first-hand the unique
customs of the Lake Murray tribes.
From Lake Murray you will fly into the heart of the jungle where
your wondrous journey continues at the enchanting Karawari Lodge in
the Sepik region. The following day you will be transferred to the
Sepik Spirit river boat for a three day journey deep into the
remote villages of the river. Step back through time as you sail
along the dark waters of the jungle-fringed river, past small
tribal villages that scatter the shores. Disembark daily to
experience the traditional life, customs and the ancient artistry
of the fascinating Karawari and Sepik tribes.
From Karawari fly across untouched rainforests and mountains to the
Tari valley. The Huli tribe that inhabits this area is the largest
as well as one of the most colourful and iconic tribes of PNG. From
here you will explore the local villages that will display the
daily life of these mountain people and their unique and ancient
traditions. Depart the following day full of rich and unforgettable
memories of Papua New Guinea.
Inclusions
- 1 night Airways Hotel, Port Moresby
- 2 nights Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen
- 2 nights Lake Murray Lodge
- 1 nights Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
- 3 nights MV Sepik Spirit, Sepik Region
- 3 nights Ambua Lodge
- * Charter flights (Mt Hagen to Lake Murray, Lake Murray to Karawari, Karawari to Ambua) & airport transfers
- ** NOTE: INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE FROM US & DOMESTIC AIR NIUGINI FLIGHTS ADDITIONAL **
Itinerary
Friday
20 August 2021
Upon arrival in Port Moresby/Jackson's international airport, you
will be met and transferred to Gateway Hotel. You will meet your
escort and other group members. Overnight Gateway Hotel (D)
Saturday 21 August
2021
Transfer from Gateway Hotel to Jackson’s airport for your
flight to Mount Hagen. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi
Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture
in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with
unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley.
Upon arrival at Kagamuga airport, you will be met and transferred directly to the Mount Hagen show. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowland and highlands sing-sing groups at the Hagen show reflects the incredible diversity of the Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience. Overnight Rondon Ridge (BLD)
Sunday
22 August 2021
Enjoy another full day at the Mt Hagen show. Overnight Rondon Ridge
(BLD)
Monday
23 August 2021
Transfer from Rondon Ridge for your charter flight from Mt Hagen to
Lake Murray. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Lake
Murray Lodge, nestled among the trees on an island spit. Island
communities of stilted houses dot the water landscape of the lake.
Dugout canoes are the primary mode of transportation and fishing is
a major source of food to the local population. Lake Murray is the
largest lake in Papua New Guinea. During the wet season it spreads
to occupy an area of about 2000 square kilometers. It has a
population of about 5,000 people scattered in small villages, both
on tiny islands and coastal areas of the lake. Overnight Lake
Murray (BLD)
Tuesday
24 August 2021
Lake Murray Lodge arranges excursions around the lake in 8-seat
river boats to visit local villages, birding sites and fishing
spots. Western province is home to over 50% of New Guineas total
bird population. Lake Murray is one of the best bird watching areas
in the Province. In addition to a host of migratory birds, several
birds of paradise species, pelicans, hornbills, eagles, parrots and
numerous other birds have been sighted. Lake Murray is also known
for its Black Bass, Barramundi and Saratoga fish. Overnight Lake
Murray (BLD)
Wednesday 25 August
2021
This morning fly by charter plane into the deep heart of the
jungle, where your wondrous journey continues at the Karawari Lodge
in the Sepik region. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River,
the lodge boasts a spectacular view of hundreds of kilometres of
dense tropical jungle. Proceed with lunch, followed by an afternoon
visit to a nearby village to learn about the customary process of
harvesting and preparing the sago palm. Sago is the staple food for
the Karawari tribes. Overnight Karawari Lodge (BLD)
Thursday 26 August
2021
This morning transfer to the Sepik Spirit river boat. Its’
unique design was inspired by the local art and architecture of the
"Haus Tambaran" or Spirit House. Enjoy lunch onboard as you begin
the cruise along the swirling waters of the Karawari river,
cruising past the remote villages and wild jungle that line the
banks of the river. This afternoon travel into one of the local
villages to catch your first glimpse into the unique tribal
traditions of the river people. Overnight Sepik Spirit (BLD)
Friday
27 & Saturday 28 2021
Travel on the MV Sepik Spirit offers a unique and diverse
experience of the remote Sepik region. The journey begins on the
Karawari river, a tributary of the “Mighty Sepik
River”, and transverses along the remote river waterways to
the Krossmeri Junction and may touch on the Sepik River. You will
pass jungle covered banks dotted with traditional fishing villages
as you journey down the winding river to reach the Sepik River. As
you meander along the river systems you will experience remote
villages, learn their customs and experience their day to day lives
in modern times; which still closely reflects their traditional
tribal lifestyle. The tribes of the Sepik area are famed for their
artistic carvings which express their ancient traditional stories
and beliefs. You will have plenty of opportunity to admire or
purchase some of their unique artifacts while visiting the local
villages.. Overnights: Sepik Spirit (BLD)
Sunday
29 August 2021
Begin the journey back up the Karawari River and prepare to leave
the Sepik Spirit for your journey to Ambua Lodge in the highands of
PNG. A short flight across untouched rainforest and mountains will
bring you to the Tari Valley; the home of the famous Huli tribe.
Once you arrive you will be transferred to the Ambua Lodge;nestled
at the edge of the lush green rainforest and overlooking the serene
Tari valley below. Spend the afternoon enjoying Ambua’s
winding forest trails that take you through lush rainforest, past
gushing waterfalls and over traditional vine
bridges.. Overnight Ambua Lodge (BLD)
Monday
30 & Tuesday 31 August 2021
Spend two days touring the Huli villages and countryside. The Hulis
are famed for their colourful bilas (traditional dress) and unique
traditions. The Huli men pride themselves on their beautiful bilas
with its’ elaborately constructed human hair headdress which
they lavishly decorate with flowers, mosses and ornate bird
feathers. Their bilas combined with their unique sing sing is
intended both to impress their audience, as well as intimidate
enemies. Visit the mens wig school and tour the local villages to
experience how this proud mountain tribe has evolved in the modern
age, while still maintaining the stories, beliefs and traditions of
their ancestors. Overnight Ambua Lodge (BLD)
Wednesday 1 September
2021
This morning you will fly from Tari to Port Moresby to meet your
international flight home.(B)
Costing
* Land Cost:
US$8,485.00 per person - Twin Share
US$1,039.00 per person - Additional for Single Throughout except
twin share at Rondon Ridge & on Sepik Spirit
Land Cost Includes:
Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus
basis, meals from dinner on Friday 20th August to breakfast on
Wednesday 1st September 2021, services of a professional tour
escort throughout, local guides and show gate fees. Also included
are gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, drivers
and porters.
Land Cost does not include:
Domestic and international flights, visa fees and services of a
personal nature such as beverages, laundry charges, phone and
internet bills.
* Additional Charter Flights:
Total for 3 flights: US$1,995.00 per person
Monday 23 August 2021 - Mt Hagen to Lake Murray
Wednesday 25 August 2021 - Lake Murray to Karawari
Sunday 29 August 2021 - Karawari to Ambua
Special Note Regarding Charters:
Maximum baggage allowance per person is one 10kg bag plus a maximum
of 5kg in a small carry-on bag. Large, hard sided suit cases are
not permitted on charter aircraft.
Additional Domestic Flights:
Need to add these flights, additional cost and will be priced with
other international air
Saturday 21 August 2021 - Air Niugini PX180 Port Moresby to Mt
Hagen
Wednesday 01 September 2021 - Air Niugini PX865 Tari to Port
Moresby
Terms & Conditions:
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Ask your travel consultant for single supplements. Tour places are limited and subject to availability. LAND COST INCLUDES: Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in bus basis, meals from dinner local guides and sing sing entry. LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: international airfare and PX domestic flights, gratuities, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills etc. All prices reflect a 3% discount for purchases made by wire transfer/check. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply. International airfare and scheduled flights to and within Papua New Guinea not included in package price, ask an Aspire consultant for current rates.