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.
Note: Itinerary below can vary depending on availability and show dates
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
Day
1
Upon arrival at Jackson's International airport in Port Moresby,
you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours' staff and transferred to
the nearby Airways Hotel. There your escort will introduce you to
the other travelers in your group and orient you to the journey
ahead. Overnight Airways Hotel - includes dinner
Day
2
Transfer from the Airways Hotel back to the airport for your flight
to Mount Hagen. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred
directly to the Mount Hagen Show. The Mount Hagen Show is truly a
unique and splendid cultural experience, unparalleled both in
diversity and authenticity. The show itself is a stunning
reflection of the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea’s
cultural landscape.
The Show brings together more than 80 unique and colourful sing-sing groups from across Papua New Guinea; each of whom share their unique celebration display through colorful traditional dress, dance and song. The show will begin as each tribal group enters the showground and proudly performs their unique sing-sing to the enchanted audience. The performance gradually builds until each of the tribes is simultaneously performing to a cacophony of rhythmic drumming and hundreds of voices. It is truly an awe-inspiring experience. Later in the afternoon you are driven up a picturesque road past highlands gardens and on to Rondon Ridge Lodge. Perched high above Mount Hagen, Rondon Ridge boast a stunning vista of the Wahgi Valley below. Overnight Rondon Ridge - includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day
3
This morning you will return to the Mount Hagen Show grounds to
further experience this fascinating cultural festival. This
morning’s celebrations will begin as the tribes arrive and
gather to carefully adorn themselves with their complex
headdresses, face and body paint and traditional clothing. You will
arrive at the showgrounds with ample time to wander throughout the
tribal groups where you can interact with and photograph the
performers as they prepare themselves for the festivities. After
which the performance will begin with each tribal group entering
the showground and proudly performing their unique sing-sing.
Overnight Rondon Ridge - includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day
4
Transfer from Rondon Ridge for your charter flight to the remote
Lake Murray Lodge. Watch as the landscape below transforms to
unveil the vast Lake Murray in the flat lands of Western Province.
Nestled among the trees on an island spit, Lake Murray lodge
overlooks beautiful Lake Murray. Here in the remote reaches of
Papua New Guinea, one truly feels that they are on the edge of the
earth. The almost unbroken quiet of the lake is barely disturbed by
the gentle sounds of dugout canoes seamlessly gliding through the
water. Enjoy your own lake side veranda, taking in the silence of
this steamy remote world.After lunch enjoy a guided walk around the
island to acquaint yourself with the beautiful
surroundings. Overnight Lake Murray Lodge - includes
breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day
5
Spend your day in the local villages where you will experience the
unique customs of the local tribes. The beliefs and customs of the
Lake Murray tribes are centered around the water and the rich food
source that it offers. You will travel by boat to 2 or 3 different
villages to gain insight into the daily lives of the tribes, their
ancient customs and the ways in which their traditional ways of
life are evolved with western world influences. Your experiences in
the villages will include exposure to their unique tribal arts and
traditional crafts, traditional face/body painting, tribal warrior
dress and the complex rituals of each tribe. Overnight Lake Murray
Lodge - includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day
6
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 - includes breakfast,
lunch and dinner
Day
7
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 MV Sepik Spirit -
includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Days 8
& 9
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: MV Sepik Spirit - includes breakfast, lunch
and dinner
Day
10
Begin the journey back up the Karawari River and prepare to leave
the Sepik Spirit for your journey to Ambua Lodge in the highlands
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 - includes breakfast, lunch and
dinner
Days 11
& 12
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 men's 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 - includes breakfast,
lunch and dinner
Day
13
This morning you will fly from Tari to Port Moresby to meet your
international flight home
Costing
Note: Costing can vary depending on availability and show dates
* Land Cost:
US$9,999.00 per person - Twin Share
US$1,257.00 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 Day 1 to breakfast on Day 13, 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 Air Charter costs for 3
Sectors:
Total for 3 flights: US$2,415.00 per person
Mt Hagen to Lake Murray
Lake Murray to Karawari
- 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.
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.