Wonders of New Guinea

New Guinea, the last great land mass to remain unexplored, is a land of wonder and mystery. Exotic animals, extraordinary art and flamboyant warriors await the curious traveller. The tour begins in the Tari valley, home of the colourful Huli, a people living much the same way as their ancestors did, and whose young men's right of passage is to grow their own human hair wigs. The forest surrounding the valley is home to a staggering thirteen species of the bird of paradise and a plethora of unique orchid species.
From here your journey continues to the Sepik Region, an area that was still a restricted area in the 1960's. Stay at Karawari Lodge, with its spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense, tropical jungle. Although inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, the lodge provides modern comforts. Discover river life on the Karawari River and spectacular primitive art as well as an incredible array of parrots and orchids. From the Sepik Region and back to the highlands to explore the world of the Melpa people. Exploration continues in this area where no white foot had ever trodden until the mid-1930s.

Day 1. Port Moresby

Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met and transferred to the Airways Hotel.

Day 2. Ambua Lodge [L, D]

In the morning, you will fly to the Tari Valley and Ambua Lodge. Your home for three nights, high on the slopes of the Tari Valley, with magnificent views of the valley below and surrounding peaks. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua, where high mountain forests and roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveller.

Days 3 & 4. Tari Valley [B, L, D]

The Tari area is home to an incredible 13 species of birds of paradise, as well as numerous orchid species. Learn how the Huli live and how they interact with and use their environment.

Day 5. Karawari Lodge [B, L, D]

Fly by charter aircraft to Karawari airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. From the airstrip, travel by river boat to Karawari Lodge.

Day 6. - Karawari lodge [B, L, D]

Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area.

Day 7. Mount Hagen [B, L, D]

Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelieveable views of the Wahgi Valley.

Day 8. Rondon Ridge [B, L, D]

The Mount Hagen area is the home of the Melpa people, a people with a strong culture, who in the face of westernisation, still live largely traditional subsistence lifestyles.

Day 9. Depart for Port Moresby [B]