Papua New Guinea Anthropology & Tribes
Held in September every year, the Goroka Show is famous for its dazzling array of singsing groups, showcasing some of the many cultures of Papua New Guinea - the Goroka Cultural Show is an event not to be missed.
The Highlands Journey is an unescourted 11 day/10 night program including a cruise on the MV Sepik Spirit, three nights at the award winning Ambua Lodge with the highlight being attendance at the famous Goroka Cultural Show. The maximum number on this tour is eight people - allowing for intimate experiences.
The Goroka Show Classic is an unescourted 13 day/12 night program with a maximum of eight guests. In addition to attendance at the Goroka Show, a touring program taking in the Sepik River, Mount Hagen and the Tari Valley, while staying at Trans
Departure Schedule | |||||
| Departs | Days | Itinerary | Price | Note | |
| 12 | 2010 Classic Tour | £4533 | FULLY BOOKED | Enquire | |
| 8 | Alternative Itinerary | £3620 | Enquire | ||
2010 Classic Tour
The Goroka Classis Show Tour is an unescorted 12 days/11 nights program.
This Classic tour begins in Mount Hagen followed by a night at the resplendent Rondon Ridge in a valley that was unknown to the outside world until 70 years ago.
From Mount Hagen your journey takes you into into the Sepik Region to explore the waterways of the Sepik River and its tributaries. Spend three nights onboard the Sepik Spirit which is the ultimate 'floating lodge' for the adventurer who desires all the comforts of civilization on the mighty Sepik River.
Karawari Lodge is perched on a ridge overlooking the Karawari River and the Sepik Basin. From Karawari you will then fly to Tari Valley home of the flamboyant Huli, a colourful and proud people still largely living as their ancestors did. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley with magnificent views of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. You will learn about the amazing ecology, culture and history of this remote corner of planet earth.
From Tari you fly to Goroka to attend the two days famous Goroka Cultural Show before travelling to Port Moresby and onto your out going international flight.
SUMMARY - 9-20 September, 2010
1 night: Holiday Inn, Port Moresby
1 night: Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen
3 nights: MV Sepik Spirit, Sepik Region
1 night: Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
2 nights: Ambua Lodge, Tari Gap, Southern Highlands
3 nights: Bird of Paradise, Goroka
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Port Moresby
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby Airport, you will be met and escorted to the Holiday Inn.
Overnight: Holiday Inn (DB)
Day 2: Port Moresby ~ Mt. Hagen
In the morning you are transferred to your Air Niugini flight to Mount Hagen. Upon arrival in Mount Hagen you will be transferred to Rondon Ridge, nestled on the edge of the Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of argiculture in the world. Rondon Ridge is the premier accommodation in the Western Highlands. Half day birding and nature tour around the walking tracks of Rondon Ridge.
Overnight: Rondon Ridge(BLD)
Day 3: Mt Hagen ~ The Sepik River
Fly by charter from Mount Hagen to the Sepik, the mountains start to give way until eventually vast tracts of dense tropical lowland rainforest cover the landscape for as far as the eye can see. From the airstrip, you will be transferred to the air conditioned comforts of the MV Sepik Spirit. Inspired by the architecture of the “haus tambaran” or the spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit is a truly unique design. With its shallow draught, it allows travel to rarely visited areas of the Sepik River and its tributaries in comfort.
Overnight: MV Sepik Spirit(BLD)
Days 4 & 5: Sepik Spirit River Cruise
Two full days are spent exploring the many waterways of the Sepik and its tributaries including visits to traditional Sepik villages. The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world – in terms of flow. Steeped in mystery, the people of the Sepik area have fascinated anthropologists like Margaret Mead since the area was first visited. Part of the mystery and attraction of the Sepik people is their amazing carvings, now famous the world over.
Overnights: MV Sepik Spirit (BLD)
Day 6: Karawari Lodge
From the Sepik Spirit, you will be transferred by river boat to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, the lodge provides modern comforts.
Overnight: Karwari Lodge(BLD)
Day 7: Karawari ~ Tari ~ Ambua Lodge
Fly by charter from Karawari to Tari airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. The country between Tari and the Sepik region is an amazing array of jagged limestone ath seem to rise and drop at Impossible angles. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley – home of the Huli, a colourful and proud people still largely live the same way that their ancestors did. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua – high mountain forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveler.
Overnight: Ambua Lodge(BLD)
Day 8: Ambua
A full day of ecological and culturally based touring are sure to satiate those yearning for discovery. 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 their environment.
Overnight: Ambua Lodge(BLD)
Day 9: Ambua ~ Goroka
Fly by charter from Tari to Goroka. Goroka, home of the famous and intriguing Asaro Mudmen, will be your base for the duration of 2010 Goroka Cultural Show.
Overnight: Bird of Paradise Hotel. (BLD)
Days 10 & 11: Goroka Cultural Show
Spend 2 days enjoying the cultural extravaganza that is the Goroka Cultural Show.
Overnights: Bird of Paradise Hotel.(BLD)
Day 12: Goroka ~ Port Moresby: Depart PNG
As your Goroka Classic tour draws to a close, you depart from Goroka to Port Moresby on Air Niugini, PX961. Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and they will assist you to your onward Air Niugini international flight. (B)
INFORMATION
LAND COST:
US$6,923.00 per person - (twin share room basis)
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$655.00 per person (Single room EXCEPT at the Bird of Paradise Hotel or onboard the MV Sepik Spirit, which are on a twin share basis).
LAND COST INCLUDES: Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 9 September to breakfast on 20 September, local guides and show gate fees.
LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Domestic and international flights, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as beverages, laundry charges, phone and fax bills.
ADDITIONAL AIR CHARTER COST:
US$1,270.00 per person
Saturday 11 Sep, 2010 Mount Hagen/Timbunke
Wednesday 15 Sep, 2010 Karawari/Tari
Friday 17 Sep, 2010 Tari/Goroka
Special Note Regarding Charters: Maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person and a maximum of 5kg carry on baggage per person. Large, hard sided suitcases are not permitted on charter aircraft.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You are only to book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights together with your international flights. We will book the Air Charter flights.
The Air Niugini flights you are to book and ticket are:
Friday 10 Sep, 2010 - PX180 PORT MORESBY/MOUNT HAGEN
Monday 20 Sep, 2010 - PX961 GOROKA/PORT MORESBY
Symbiosis can make these bookings for you.
Departure Schedule | |||||
| Departs | Days | Itinerary | Price | Note | |
| 12 | 2010 Classic Tour | £4533 | FULLY BOOKED | Enquire | |
Alternative Itinerary
Sunday 12 September 2010
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Airways Hotel (D)
Monday 13 September 2010
Transferred from your hotel to Jacksons Airport for your flight to Tari. Meet/Greet and transfer to Ambua Lodge. Lodge is an inspired mixture of local architecture, spectacular views and modest luxury off the beaten track. Located at 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) in the PNG Southern Highlands, homeland of the Huli clan with their human hair wigs adorned with colourful flowers. Recipient of the 1991 Pacific Asia Travel Association's "Pacific Heritage Award" which sighted Ambua Lodge as a "superb example of culturally sensitive and ecological responsible tourism".
Proceed with lunch then follow by an afternoon guided nature walk through the alpine forest looking for the exotic bird of Paradise.
Overnight Ambua Lodge (BLD)
Tuesday September 14 2010
In contrast to the Sepik people whose art is manifested in ceremonial and decorative carvings, these Highland people employ as their art, body decoration, face painting and human hair wigs decorated with feathers, flowers and moss. The Huli culture is the most vibrant. Intact and colourful to be experienced anywhere.
Overnight: Ambua Lodge (BLD)
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Transfer from Ambua Lodge to Tari Airstrip for your charter flight to Karawari. Meet/Greet and transfer to Karawari Lodge. Proceed with lunch then follow by an afternoon visit to Kundiman Village for Sago Making Demonstrations. Sago is the Staple food for the river people. Overnight Karawari Lodge (BLD)
Thursday 16 September 2010
A day excursion along the jungle-fringed waterways of the Karawari River where boatmen, standing upright, paddle their slender dugout canoes with sculpted silhouettes of crocodile masks. Village life including carved totems, drums, woodcarvings and different expressions of art are also experienced. See bountiful bird life along the rivers and nearby lakes. Excursions will enhance your understanding of traditional village culture in the Sepik region.
Overnight: Karawari Lodge (BLD)
Friday 17 September 2010
Transfer from the MV Sepik Spirit to the Airstrip for your charter flight from the Sepik to Mount Hagen. During the flight mountains rise up to startling heights out of the flat lands of the Sepik basin. Mount Hagen town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. On arrival in Mount Hagen you will be met and privately transferred to Rondon Ridge. After lunch there will be a guided nature walk around the trails of Rondon Ridge.
Overnight: Rondon Ridge (BLD)
Saturday 18 September 2010
You will be privately transferred from Rondon Ridge to Mt. Hagen airport for your charter flight to Goroka – where you will be met and transferred to the Goroka show for the day. In the afternoon, you will fly by charter to Mt. Hagen. Transfer from the airport to the lodge.
Overnight: Rondon Ridge (BLD)
Sunday 19 September 2010
You will be transferred from Rondon Ridge to Mt. Hagen airport for your charter flight to Goroka – where you will be met and transferred to the Goroka show for the day. In the afternoon. You will fly by Air Niugini to Port Moresby. Transfer from the airport to Airways Hotel.
Overnight: Airways Hotel (BLD)
Monday 20 September 2010
Transfer from hotel to Jacksons International Airport for your departure flight.
Depart Papua New Guinea.
ENDS
LAND COST PER PERSON: US$ 3,888.00 per person - (twin share room basis)
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT:
US$ 1,180.00 net per person
LAND COST INCLUDES:
Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 12 September to breakfast on 20 September, local guides and show gate fees.
LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Domestic and international flights, gratuities, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills etc.
ADDITIONAL AIR CHARTER COST:
- Wednesday 15 Sept Ambua/Karawari – US$ 410.00 per person
- Friday 17 Sept Karawari/Mt. Hagen - US$ 410.00 per person
- Saturday 18 Sept Mount Hagen/Goroka/Hagen – US$ 410.00 per person
- Sunday 19 Sept Mount Hagen/Goroka/Hagen – US$ 410.00 per person
Special Note Regarding Charters: Maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person and a maximum of 5kg carry on baggage per person. Large, hard sided suitcases are not permitted on charter aircraft.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You are only to book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights together with your international flights. We will book the Air Charter flights.
The Air Niugini flights you are to book and ticket are:
- Monday 13 September PX864 Port Moresby/Tari
- Sunday 19 September PX963 Goroka/Port Moresby
Symbiosis can help you with the domestic scheduled flights if you have been unable to book together with your international flights.
Departure Schedule | |||||
| Departs | Days | Itinerary | Price | Note | |
| 8 | Alternative Itinerary | £3620 | Enquire | ||
