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
See some of these superb pictures from the 2010 Goroka Show by Australian photgrapher, Ingetje Tadros, here.
Goroka Classic Tour
The Goroka Classic Show Tour is an unescorted 14 days/13 nights program.
This Classic tour begins in Mount Hagen, spending 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 civilisation 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
2 nights: Airways Hotel, Port Moresby
1 night: Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen
3 nights: MV Sepik Spirit, Sepik Region
1 night: Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
3 nights: Ambua Lodge, Tari Gap, Southern Highlands
3 nights: Bird of Paradise, Goroka
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 01: Port Moresby
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met at the airport and escorted to the Airways Hotel t check in. Overnight: Airways Hotel (D)
Day 02: Mount 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 agriculture 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 03: 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 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 06: 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 kilometres of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, the lodge provides modern comforts.
Overnight: Karwari Lodge (BLD)
Day 07: Southern Highlands
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 that 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)
Days 8 & 9: Ambua Lodge and the Huli
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 10: Gotoka
Fly by charter from Tari to Goroka. Goroka, home of the famous and intriguing Asaro Mudmen, will be your base for the duration of 2011 Goroka Cultural Show.
Overnight: Bird of Paradise Hotel. (BLD)
Days 11 & 12: Goroka Sing Sing
Spend 2 days enjoying the cultural extravaganza that is the Goroka Cultural Show.
Overnights: Bird of Paradise Hotel. (BLD)
Day 13: Port Moresby
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 transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon you will have a half-day tour. The city sightseeing tour includes visits to the National Parliament (outside view only) and the National Museum. A visit is also made to the beautiful National Botanical Gardens situated in the spacious grounds of the University of Papua New Guinea. A stop is also made at a PNG artefact shop with a huge selection of artefacts from around Papua New Guinea.
Overnight: Airways Hotel (LD)
Day 14: Depart PNG
You will be escorted back to the airport ready to board your international flight home.(B)
INFORMATION
LAND COST: US$7,236.00 per person - (twin share room basis)
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$1,110.00 per person (Single room EXCEPT at the Bird of Paradise Hotel or on board 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 7 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$1,395.00 per person
Mount Hagen/Timbunke
Karawari/Tari
Tari/Goroka
Special note regarding charter flights: 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.
Highlands Journey
Our Goroka Classic show is fully booked, however we still have four rooms available on our new program Highlands Journey. We have many people interested in this program so we are selling based on first come / first served i.e. whoever pays the non-refundable deposit to secure space first!
HIGHLANDS JOURNEY – GOROKA FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER 2011
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.
Sunday 11 September 2011
Arrive Port Moresby ex your international flight. Meet/Greet and assisted to your onward flight to Mt. Hagen. Arrive Mt. Hagen airport, meet/greet and transfer to Highlander Hotel.
Overnight Highlander Hotel (D)
Monday 12 September 2011
Fly by charter from Mount Hagen to Karawari, 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 Karawari airstrip, you will be transferred by river boat and four wheel drive to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, while still providing modern comforts.
Overnight Karawari Lodge (BLD)
Tuesday 13 September 2011
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.
Overnights Karawari Lodge (BLD)
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Transfer from Karawari Lodge to airstrip for your internal flight to Ambua. Meet/Greet and transfer to Ambua Lodge. Ambua Lodge is an inspired mixture of local architecture, spectacular views and modest luxury off the beaten track. Located at 7000 feet (2100 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 "superb example of culturally sensitive and ecological responsible tourism".
Afternoon guided nature walk through the alpine forest looking for the exotic bird of Paradise.
Overnight: Ambua Lodge (BLD)
Thursday 15 September 2011
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.
Overnights: Ambua Lodge (BLD)
Friday 16 September 2011
Transfer from Ambua lodge to the airport for your charter to Mt. Hagen. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Meet/greet and transfer to the lodge. Half day bird and nature.
Overnight Rondon Ridge (BLD)
Saturday 17 September 2011
Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga Airport for your private charter flight to Goroka. Meet/Greet and transfer to the Show Grounds. Full day at the show with pack lunch. Transfer from show to Goroka Airport for your return charter flight to Mt. Hagen. Meet/Greet and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Rondon Ridge (BLD)
Sunday September 18
Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga Airport for your private charter flight to Goroka again. Meet/Greet and transfer to the Show Grounds. Full day at the show with pack lunch. Transfer from show to Goroka Airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Arrive Port Moresby, meet and transfer to Airways Hotel.
Overnight Airways Hotel (BLD)
Monday 19 September 2011
Transfer to the airport for your international flight (B)
Cost: based on twin share basis
Twin share: US$ 4279.00 per person
Single Room: US$5365.00 per person
Land cost includes: Accommodation, tours/transfers in a scheduled basis, meals as specified in the above itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, Show Gate Fees plus local Guides.
Land cost does not include: Entry visa fees, all domestic flights, and any other meals than those specified above, items of a personal nature such as beverages, laundry services and phone/fax bills.
Additional Charter flights: We will book and ticket these for you and you pay us. The cost is US$1400.00 per person for the following charter flights;
Monday Sep 12 - Mt. Hagen - Karawari
Wednesday Sep 14 – Karawari – Tari
Friday 16 Sep – Tari – Mt. Hagen
Sat 17 Sep – Mt. Hagen/Goroka/Mt. Hagen (return charter flight) (20 min flt one way)
Sunday 18 Sep – Mt. Hagen – Goroka
Please note that on all charter air, TNAIR the maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person plus a carry on bag that must not exceed 5kg per person. Large, hard shell suitcases are not permitted on the charter aircraft.
Scheduled Domestic Flights: We can book/ticket your domestic Air Niugini (PX) flights to best connect with your international arrival and departure flights to and from Port Moresby. Depending on where you are coming from, we may also be able to book some or all of your international flights to Papua New Guinea as well. Symbiosis Custom Travel is a fully bonded and licensed UK travel company and we have best contracted rates with Air Niugini who have codeshare arrangements with several airlines servicing Europe. We can also usually get competitive fares for other international departures from the UK.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES
To secure space, a NON REFUNDABLE deposit of GBP500.00 (USD820, EUR575) per person is required to confirm the booking.
Full payment is due on 10 July, 2011. We will confirm booking only on receipt of payment.
For details of our full terms & conditions, and to complete a booking form, please visit www.symbiosis-travel.com/booking. Methods of payment are shown via links on the left side of the page.
Notes
Price shown below is per person, sharing, and excludes all flights.Ambua Lodge
Ambua Lodge, located in the Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands Province, borders on pristine mid montane rainforest at the beginning of the valley grasslands. This location promises the visitor eternal spring weather and magnificent views of the Tari Valley. The forest canopy, a dense mass of interlocking tree tops of all shades of green and the occasional bright splash of color, provides a natural setting and an exhilarating climate for venturing along the nature trails - cross traditional vine bridges, discover a secluded waterfall, and spot high altitude orchids and rhododendrons.
For nature lovers, the Tari Gap offers a chance to observe up to 13 species of the birds of paradise and an amazing array of orchids. The flamboyant Huli Wigmen of the Tari Valley have formed a strong bond between themselves and these beautiful birds; men revere the birds by imitating them in both daily and ceremonial life, decorating their human hair wigs with the plumage of only the most beautiful birds.
Comprehensive bird & orchid lists are available... please ask.
Tari is one of the few places left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress as part of daily living and men's wealth is still counted by the number of pigs and wives they possess.
The Lodge features Highlands architecture with a main building housing the lounge, bar, dining room, and a cosy central fireplace. Separate are the video room, heated spa, and sauna.
Guests are accommodated in thirty individual units set in a sea of flowers, each unit featuring 180 degree picture windows, modern bathroom, and electric blankets and continental quilts for the cool highland evenings. In 1991, Pacific Asia Travel Association's "Pacific Heritage Award" cited Ambua Lodge as a "superb example of culturally sensitive and ecological responsible tourism".
General Information
- Name : Ambua Lodge
- Destination : NewGuinea
- Location : At 7,000 ft (2,100m), Ambua Lodge occupies a dramtic vantage point over the Tari Valley, home to the flamboyant Huli "Wigmen", high in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Access is by private light aircraft to the lodge's own airstrip, or by a torturous though adventurous drive from Tari, about 2 hours away, depending on the road conditions.
- Seasons : Year round
- Capacity (max no. guests) : 60
Accommodation
- Room Types : Individual units set in mature gardens, each featuring 180-degree picture windows overlooking tehe Tari Valley. Electric blankets and continental quilts for the cool highland evenings.
- Showers & toilets : en suite
- A/C : not needed
- Hot Water : yes
Further Information
- Electricity : 220V, generated by Ambua's own mini hydro-electric power plant
- Fire warning system : N/A
- Fire extinguishers : yes
- Fire escapes : N/A
- Entertainment :
Karawari Lodge
Karawari Lodge stands majestically on a lone ridge amidst a vast expanse of dense tropical lowland Sepik Basin rainforest which extends beyond the horizon for, what seems like, a thousand miles in every direction.
You are in `Arambak' country here, one of the most remote and unspoilt areas of Papua New Guinea, with the Karawari River only 300 feet (100 meters) below as your only way in or out.
T
his tropical lowland rainforest is one of earth's most complex of habitats, housing an immense variety of flora and fauna along with a unique culture.
Exploring villages in small river boats along the jungle fringed waterways is as rewarding as it is exhilarating. See the people make use of the land - weaving baskets for catching fish in the river, or gathering,
preparing and cooking their staple food from the Sago Palm - taste it for yourself.
The main building of the lodge is built in the form of a `haus tambaran' or spirit house, which contains the dining area, bar, lounge, and an incredible collection of Sepik artifacts.
Your cottage, nestled in the spacious gardens, is constructed from locally gathered bush materials and fashioned after the traditional houses, yet having all the luxuries including a modern bathroom, comfortable mosquito-netted beds, ceiling fans, and a breezy verandah. All a welcome sanctuary after a day's exploration.
From Karawari, the awe inspiring beauty of the view at dusk has to be experienced to be believed. While contemplating the vast expanse of jungle as the setting sun colors the clouds and snaking river below, one could almost believe that the world was born yesterday.
An Optional village stay in a traditional village for 2 days/1 night in a traditional village is also possible from Karawari.
General Information
- Name : Karawari Lodge
- Destination : Papua New Guinea
- Location : Sepik Basin
- Seasons : Year round
- Capacity (max no. guests) : 24 approx
Accommodation
- Room Types : twin
- Showers & toilets : en suite
- A/C : no
- Hot Water : yes
- Electricity : diesel generator provides power 220V
- Fire warning system : N/A
- Fire extinguishers : Yes
- Fire escapes : N/A
- Entertainment : Village tours to visit Sepik Villages
Rondon Ridge
Rondon Ridge is situated at 7100 feet above sea level and sports magnificent views of the incredible Wahgi Valley. Rondon Ridge is the pinnacle of luxury in a rural setting. Only 30 minutes drive from the major centre of Mount Hagen. Rondon Ridge has twelve tastefully furnished rooms with modern bathrooms, warmed beds and quilts for those chilly highlands nights. Power is supplied by its own hydro system, providing uninterrupted clean electricity.
Mount Hagen City is the business heart of the Papua New Guinea highlands, supplying a number of important industries, such as tea, coffee and mining. It is a city where stone meets steel, where tradition and history is juxtaposed against modern ways.
A comprehensive touring program takes you on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa People. First contact with the Melpa was made in the mid-1930s when the Leahy brothers were prospecting for gold. The Melpa are said by anthropologists, to be “predisposed to capitalism,” because of their complex traditional society in which “big men” earn status by accruing wealth and then giving it all away in ceremonial exchanges.
With ten species of Bird of Paradise in the Rondon Ridge area, numerous orchid species and hours of walking trails based out of the lodge, there is ample opportunity for those wishing to get up close and personal with the unique ecology of this area.
With daily flights from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen, Rondon Ridge is also the perfect ''Jumping off'' point for access to AMBUA LODGE, KARAWARI LODGE and the MV SEPIK SPIRIT
The Sepik Spirit
Luxury in the deepest Sepik...
The MV Sepik Spirit is a luxurious "floating Lodge", commissioned in 1989, to facilitate exploration into some of the remotest reaches of the Sepik Region, too far to travel from Karawari Lodge in smaller boats, and inaccessible to aircraft and larger vessels.
The MV Sepik Spirit is a shallow draft vessel purpose-built for navigating shallow inland waterways. The entire vessel is air-conditioned and up to 18 guests are accommodated in 9 spacious berths, each with en-suite bathroom, large windows and river views. Onboard facilities include a comfortable lounge, well stocked bar, dining area and a covered, insect-proofed upper observatory deck.
Cruises usually operate over 4 days between Karawari Lodge and the village of Timbunke on the main Sepik River, traveling on the Karawari, Krosomeri and Sepik Rivers. Daily explorations into the smaller tributaries and their remote and isolated villages are 
done using 18-seat jet-boats with guests returning to the MV Sepik Spirit before sundown. Depending on the particular cruise, guests may visit the Blackwater Lakes, Chambri Lakes and villages in the Middle and Upper Sepik. Private touring and transfers are not available on the MV Sepik Spirit.
The MV Sepik Spirit allows one access to incredibly remote villages and provides the traveler with the opportunity to mingle 
with local people and experience traditions, cultures and lifestyles that are witnessed by very few outsiders each year. The river banks are dotted with villages, each with their own 'Haus Tambaran' or 'Spirit House' decorated with ancestral figures, carvings, massive garamut drums and secretive ritual flutes. The Sepik Region is a gallery of tribal art. Each village boasts 
its own unique style and every villager is an artisan.
A cruise on the MV Sepik Spirit is only accessible by private air service with charter flights departing from either Mount Hagen or Ambua Lodge. Charter flights from other departure points can also be arranged. The cruise departure and termination points are subject to change without notice due to operational considerations.
A cruise commencing on a Monday from Timbunke necessitates an overnight at Karawari Lodge on the Thursday night to connect to the air transfer on Friday to either Mount Hagen or Ambua Lodge. The cost of the night at Karawari Lodge is additional.
