Discoverer

The Discoverer is a 11 day/10-night escorted program, providing a unique opportunity to discover the culture and ecosystems of the world's second largest island -- New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea is a veritable smorgasbord of colour, culture and excitement. The highlight of the Discoverer program is attendance at the famous Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a world famous cultural gathering of many of the opulently decorated cultural groups of this incredibly diverse land.

The program also includes four nights stay at Karawari lodge in the sepik region.

Accommodation on the Mount Hagen Cultural show weekend is at the Highlander hotel. All meals, transfers, tours with a professional escort throughout are included.

SUMMARY - 12 to 22 August 2010
2 nights: Airways Hotel, Port Moresby
3 nights: Highlander Hotel, Mount Hagen
2 nights: Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands
3 nights: Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: PORT MOESBY
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff. You will then be transferred to the Airways Hotel.
Overnight Airways Hotel. (D)

Day 2: MOUNT HAGEN
This Morning you will be transferred from the Airways Hotel to Port Moresby Airport for your onward 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. Enjoy the pre-show activities in the afternoon.
Overnight Highlander Hotel. (BLD)

Days 3 & 4: MOUNTA HEGEN CULTURAL SHOW
Two days are spent at the Mount Hagen show - world famous for its colour, culture and vibrance. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowlands and highlands singsing groups at the hagen Show reflects the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience.
Overnights Highlander Hotel. (BLD)

Day 5: TARI - AMBUA LODGE
Fly by charter aircraft to Ambua airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley - home of the Huli, colourful and proud people, still largely living 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 6: AMBUA LODGE
One full day of ecological and culturally based touring are sure to satiate those yearning for discovery. Only very rarely will an opportunity to gain such insight into a pre-technological culture will present itself, a culture that has changed little since the dawn of time.
Overnight Ambua Lodge. (BLD)

Day 7: SEPIK BASIN - KARAWARI LODGE
In the morning transfer you to your Charter flight to Karawari. As the flight progresses, 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. 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. PM visit to Kundiman village for sago making demonstration. Sago is the staple food for the river people.
Overnight Karawari Lodge. (BLD)

Days 8 & 9: KARAWARI LODGE
After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area. Travel along the jungle-fringed waterways where boatmen, standing upright, paddle their slender dugout canoes. See bountiful bird life along the rivers and nearby lakes. Excursions enhance your understanding of traditional village culture. This is the only place where the mystical ancestral Kamangabbi figure can be found.
Overnight Karawari Lodge. (BLD)

Day 10: PORT MORESBY
This morning you will fly by charter aircraft to Mt. Hagen. Transfer to Highlander Hotel for a poolside lunch. In the afternoon transfer back to the airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Meet and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Airways Hotel. (BD)

Day 11: DEPART
Return to the airport for you international flight home or onward journey.

INFORMATION
LAND COST: US$6,525.00 per person - (twin share room basis)

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT:
 US$791.00 per person (Single throughout except twin share at the Highlander Hotel).

LAND COST INCLUDES: 
Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 12 August to breakfast on 22 August, services of a professional tour guide throughout, 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:
 US$1,205.00 per person


• Mon 16 Aug. Mount Hagen/Ambua

• Wed 18 Aug. Ambua/Karawari
• 
Sat 21 Aug. Karawari/Mount Hagen

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:
 If you are booking your own international flight tickets into PNG, you also need to the domestic Air Niugini flights. We will book the Air Charter flights for you. Alternatively you can ask Symbiosis to book your Air Niugini flights for you.

The Air Niugini flights to book and ticket are: 


• Friday 13th August, 2010 -- Air Niugini PX180 PORT MORESBY/MOUNT HAGEN
• 
Saturday 21st August, 2010 -- Air Niugini PX183 MOUNT HAGEN/PORT MORESBY

Highlights

This is an unescorted 12 day/11 night itinerary. You begin with exploring Papua New Guineas most culturally fascinating areas, staying at the country's premier remote lodges, and then a visit to the Mount Hagen Cultural show.

Accommodation over the Mount Hagen Cultural Show weekend is at the Airport Resort, a simple, but clean spacious and comfortable hotel close to the airport and the show grounds. All meals, transfers and tours are included.
 
2 nights: Airways Hotel, Port Moresby
3 nights: Airport Resort, Mount Hagen
3 nights: Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
3 nights: Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: Port Moresby
Upon arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met and escorted to your hotel.
Overnight Airways Hotel (D)

Day 2: Karawari
In the morning you will be transfered back to the airport departures ready to board the Air Niugini Flight from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen. You will then continue by charter aircraft 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. 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 Karawari Lodge (BLD)

Days 3 & 4: Sepik Basin, Karawari
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.
Overnight Karawari Lodge (BLD)

Day 5: Tari & Ambua Lodge
Fly by charter aircraft to Ambua airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. The country between Ambua 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 living 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 traveller.
Overnight Ambua Lodge (BLD)

Days 6 & 7: Ambua
Two full days 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 and use their environment.
Overnight Ambua Lodge (BLD)

Day 8: Mount Hagen
Fly by charter from Ambua to Mount Hagen , over vast tracts of highlands grasslands, beside some of the tallest mountains in the country, this is a spectacular flight. Mount Hagen town is in the upper Waghi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. In preperation for the Mount Hagen Cultural Show there will be a pre-show program in the afternoon
Overnight Airport Resort (BLD)

Days 9 & 10: Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Two full days are spent at the Mount Hagen Show - world famous for its colour, culture and vibrance. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowland and highlands singsing groups at the Hagen show reflects the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience.
Overnights Airport Resort. (BLD)

Day 11: Port Moresby
Beginning your Journey home, you are transferred from Airport lodge to the Airport to your Air niugini Flight to Port Moresby. You will then be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the oportunity to explore port Moresby - the busy and bustling economic centre and capital of Papua New Guinea.
Overnight Airways Hotel (BLD)

Day 12: Depart PNG
Return to the airport for your international flight home. (B)

INFORMATION
LAND COST: US$5,354.00 per person - (twin share room basis)

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$1,086.00 per person (Single throughout}.

LAND COST INCLUDES: Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 6 August to breakfast on 17 August, 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: US$1,230.00  per person
Saturday 07 August Mount Hagen/Karawari
Tuesday 10 August Karawari/Ambua
Friday 13 August Ambua/Mount Hagen

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: If you are booking your own international flights on Air Niugini to PNG, you also need to book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights. We will book the Air Charter flights. Symbiosis can also book your Air Niugini flights if you wish.

The Air Niugini flights required are: 


• Saturday 07 August PX180 PORT MORESBY/MOUNT HAGEN 

• Mon 16 August PX181 MT HAGEN/PORT MORESBY

Panorama

The Panorama, a 12 day/11 night program, provides a wide perspective on Papua New Guinea, from a journey through the Sepik Region, to shaking hands with a Huli Wigman. The tour culminates with the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.

The Hagen Show brings together sing sing groups from throughout Papua New Guinea, with the variety of cultures and groups represented in turn reflecting the diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscapes. From lowland tropical rainforests to alpine forests and grasslands, Papua New Guinea possesses a huge variety of rugged landscapes, exotic ecosystems and pre-technological cultures.

SUMMARY - 6 to 17 August 2010
2 nights: Airways Hotel, Port Moresby
3 nights: Sepik Spirit, Sepik Region
1 nights: Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
3 nights: Ambua Lodge, Tari 
2 nights: Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: Port Moresby
Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met and transferred to the Holiday Inn. You will meet your escort and other group members. (DB)
Overnight Airways Hotel.

Day 2: Sepik River
Transfer to Jacksons Airport for your flight to Mount Hagen on PX180. Flyby charter aircraft to Karawari or Timbunke airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. From the airstrip you will be transferred to the air conditioned comfort of the MV Sepik Spirit. You will be transferred by river boat to the air-conditioned comfort of the MV Sepik Spirit. Inspired by the architecture of the "haus tambaran" or spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design. With its shallow draught, it allows travel to rarely visited areas of the Sepik River and its tributaries in comfort.(LD)
Overnight MV SEPIK SPIRIT

Days 3 & 4: 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 peoples is their amazing carvings, now famous the world over (BLD)
Overnight MV SEPIK SPIRIT

Day 5: Sepik, Karawari Lodge
In the morning, transfer you to your charter flight to Karawari. As the flight progresses, the mountains start to give way until eventually vast tracts of dense tropical lowland forest cover the landscape for as far as the eye can see. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari river. Karawari lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. The lodge provides modern comforts. Afternoon visit to the Kundiman village for a sago making demonstation. Sago is the staple food for the river peolpe. (LDB)
Overnight KARAWARI LODGE

Day 6: Ambua Lodge, Tari
Fly over the Central Ranges by charter aircraft to Tari. These are some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in Papua New Guinea. The country between the Sepik region and Ambua is an amazing array of jagged limestone that seems to rise and drop at impossible angles. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley, with magnificent views of the valley below and surrounding peaks. This is the the home of the Huli, a colourful and proud people, still living in the area 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. (BLD)
Overnight AMBUA LODGE

Days 7 & 8: Ambua Lodge
Enjoy two full days of cultural and ecological touring. 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.(BLD)
Overnight AMBUA LODGE

Day 9: Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Fly by charter aircraft from Tari 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. You will be met and transferred directly to the Mount Hagen show. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the costal, lowland and highlands singsing groups at the Hagen show reflects the incredible diversity of the Papua New Guinea landscape - An unforgettable experience. (BLD)
Overnight RONDON RIDGE

Day 10: Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Enjoy another full day at the Mt Hagen show (BLD)
Overnight RONDON RIDGE

Day 11: Port Moresby
Beginning your journey home, you depart Mount Hagen for Port Moresby on PX181. You will be met in Port Moresby by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to the Airways Hotel. In the afternoon will have the opportunity to discover Port Moresby - the busy and bustling economic centre and capital of Papua New Guinea. (BLD)
Overnight Airways Hotel

Day 12: Depart
You will be met and transferred to your international departing flight to Manila, Hong Kong, Brisbane or Cairns (B)

INFORMATION

LAND COST: US$6,777.00 per person - (twin share room basis)

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$977.00 per person (Single throughout except twin share on the MV SEPIK SPIRIT and at Rondon Ridge).

LAND COST INCLUDES: Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 6 August to breakfast on 17 August, services of a professional tour escort throughout, 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: US$1,305.00  per person


• 7 August Mount Hagen/Timbunke

• 11 August Karawari/Tari

• 14 August Tari/Mount Hagen

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: If you are booking your own international flight tickets into PNG, you also need to the domestic Air Niugini flights. We will book the Air Charter flights for you. Alternatively you can ask Symbiosis to book your Air Niugini flights for you.

The Air Niugini flights to book and ticket are: 


• Saturday 7 August, 2010 -- Air Niugini PX180 Port Moresby/Mount Hagen
• 
Monday 16 August, 2010 -- Air Niugini PX181 Mount Hagen/Port Moresby

Vista

The Vista is a fully escorted 13 day/12 night program that provides a stunning view of Papua New Guinea. The journey begins with the septacuar mt Hagen Cultural show, providing an incredable vista of cultures from all over Papua New Guinea. In a land of nearly 800 languages, there is no better place to see so many gathered in one place. From there fly into the southern highlands, the stunning vista of Ambua lodge overlooks the tari Valley, home of the Huli, a flamboyant and colourful people. From the highlands fly to Karawari lodge, which is located in the Sepik region.Finally fly to a special cruise on the Sepik River aboard the MV Sepik Spirit, the perfect way to discover a rarely visited corner of the globe.

SUMMARY - 5 to 17 August 2010
2 nights: Airways Hotel, Port Moresby
3 nights: Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands
2 nights: Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
3 nights: Sepik Spirit, Sepik Region
2 nights: Highlander Hotel, Mount Hagen

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: Port Moresby
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff. You will then be transferred to your Hotel.
Overnight Airways Hotel (DB)

Day 2: Tari - Ambua Lodge
Transfer from Airways Hotel to Jacksons Airport for your domestic Air Niugini Flight to Tari. Meet/greet and transfer to Ambua Lodge. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley - home of the Huli, a colourful and proud group of people, still largely living 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 traveller.
Overnight Ambua Lodge (LD)

Days 3 & 4: Ambua Lodge
Two full days of ecological and culturally based touring are sure to satiate those yearning for discovery. Very rarely will an opportunity to gain such insight into a pre-technological culture will present itself, a culture that has changed little since the dawn of time.
Overnight Ambua Lodge (BLD).

Day 5: Sepik Basin - Karawari Lodge
Transfer from Ambua Lodge to Tari Airport for your charter flight to Karawari. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred by 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. In the afternoon you will visit Kundiman Village for a sago making demonstration. Sago is the staple food for the river people.
Overnight Karawari Lodge (BLD)

Day 6: Karawari
After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area. Travel along the jungle-fringed waterways where boatman, standing upright, paddle their splended dugout canoes. See bountiful bird life along the rivers and nearby lakes. Excursions enhance your understanding of traditional village culture. This is the only place where the mystical ancestral Kamangabbi figure can be found.
Overnights Karawari Lodge (BLD)

Day 7: Sepik Spirit
You will be transferred by river boat from Karawari Lodge to the air-conditioned comfort of the MV Sepik Spirit. Inspired by the architecture of the "Haus Tamberan" or spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design. With this shallow draught, it allows travel to rarely visited areas of the Sepik River and its tributaries.
Overnight MV Sepik Spirit (BLD)

Days 8 & 9: 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 anthropoligists 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 (BLD)
Overnight MV Sepik Spirit (BLD)

Day 10: Mount Hagen
Your cruise ends here. You disembark and transfer by boat from the Sepik Spirit to Timbunke Airstrip 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. Meet/greet and transfer to the Mount Hagen Show Grounds. Full day at the show.
Overnight Highlander Hotel (BLD)

Day 11: Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Full day is spent at the Mount Hagen Show - world famous for its colour, culture and vibrance. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowland and highlands singsing groups at the Hagen show reflects the incredible diversity of the Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience.
Overnight Highlander Hotel (BLD)

Day 12: Port Moresby
Transfer from the Highlander Hotel to your flight to Port Moresby. Meet/greet and transfer to your hotel. Proceed with lunch then followed by an afternoon Port Moresby and surrounds tour including visits to the National Museum, Botanical Gardens, PNG Arts Shop and National Parliament House (outside view only).
Overnight Airways Hotel.

Day 13: Depart
Return to the airport for your international flight home.(B)

INFORMATION

LAND COST: US$7,782.00 per person - (twin share room basis)

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$791.00 per person (Single throughout except twin share on the MV Sepik Spirit and Rondon Ridge).

LAND COST INCLUDES: Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 5 August to breakfast on 17 August, services of a professional tour escort throughout, 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.

ADDITIONAL AIR CHARTER COST: US$895.00  per person

• Monday 9 August Ambua/Karawari
• Saturday 14 August Timbunke/Mount Hagen

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: If you are booking your own international flight tickets into PNG, you also need to the domestic Air Niugini flights. We will book the Air Charter flights for you. Alternatively you can ask Symbiosis to book your Air Niugini flights for you.
The Air Niugini flights to book and ticket are: 

• Friday, 6 August PX864 PORT MORESBY/TARI

• Monday, 16 August PX181 MOUNT HAGEN/PORT MORESBY