Papua New Guinea Scheduled Expeditions
The Morobe Show is one of the oldest festivals in Papua New Guinea. Originally a purely agricultural show, it is now Papua New Guinea's largest festival, maintaining its agricultural focus, but with a large cultural component.
The agricultural component of the show allows visitors to learn about the modern PNG economy and to learn about how various agricultural products are grown and processed. The Morobe Show has perhaps the greatest variety of sing sing groups of any of Papua New Guinea's cultural festivals with in excess of 80 sing sing groups, representing 13 of Papua New Guinea's 19 provinces at the 2006 show.
This tour begins with a visit to the famous Tari valley, home of the flamboyant Huli Wigmen high in the Southern Higlands, before venturing into the Sepik River basin, famed for tales of cannibals, cooking pots and lost adventurers of the 19th century. Finally we arrive in Lae to participate in the 2007 Morobe Show.
Morobe Show Tour
The MOROBE SHOW TOUR is an unescorted 13-days/12-nights program. The program ends with a full day tour of the cultural and agricultural Morobe show and after exploring Papua New Guinea’s most culturally fascinating areas, staying at the country's premier remote Wilderness lodges. Accommodation over the Morobe Cultural Show weekend is at the Lae Internetionsal Hotel, a comfortable hotel in the township of Lae, Morobe Province. This show program includes a visit to the famous Tari valley, home of the flamboyant Huli Wigmen, this 13 days/12 nights program ventures from the Highlands and the Sepik River.
SUMMARY
1 night, Holiday Inn, Port Moresby
3 nights, Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands
3 nights, MV Sepik Spirit, Sepik Area
1 night, Karawari Lodge, Sepik Area
1 night, Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen
2 nights, Lae International Hotel, Lae
1 night, Holiday Inn, Port Moresby
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1 Port Moresby
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met and transferred to the Holiday Inn. Overnight Holiday Inn
Day 2 Ambua Lodge, Tari, Southern Highlands
Transfer from your hotel to your flight to Tari. Transfer to Ambua Lodge. Ambua 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".
Afternoon guided nature walk through the alpine forest looking for the exotic bird of paradise. Overnight Ambua Lodge.
Days 3 & 4 Ambua Lodge, Tari, Southern Highlands
Enjoy two full days of cultural touring. 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. A special Huli singsing will be featured either on a Saturday or Sunday.
Overnight Ambua Lodge.
Day 5 Sepik River Cruise
Transfer from Ambua Lodge for your charter flight to the Sepik. You will be met and transferred by riverboat 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. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit.
Days 6 & 7 Sepik River Cruise
Two full days are spent exploring the many waterways of the Sepik Region 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. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit.
Day 8 Karawari Lodge
Disembark and transfer by riverboat 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, while still providing modern comforts. After lunch proceed on an afternoon visit to Kundiman village for sago-making demonstration. Sago is the staple food for the River People. Overnights Karawari Lodge.
Day 9 Rondon Ridge, Mt Hagen
Transfer from Karawari Lodge to Karawari Airstrip for your charter flight from Karawari 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 transferred to Rondon Ridge.
After lunch there will be a guided nature walk around the trails at Rondon Ridge. Overnight Highlander Hotel.
Day 10 Lae
Transfer from Mount Hagen to Kagamuga Airport for your charter flight to Lae. Upon arrival at Nadzab airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After lunch you will proceed on a tour of Lae and surrounds including a visit to the rain forest habitat.
Overnight Lae International Hotel
Day 11 Morobe Show
A full day at the Morobe Show enjoying the many and varied sing sing groups from throughout Papua New Guinea. You will be given an exclusive pass that gives access to mingle with the groups for a certain period on the main arenas. Overnight Lae International Hotel
Day 12 Port Moresby
Transfer to Nadzab Airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will proceed on a half day tour of Port Moresby and its surrounding including visits to the National Museum, PNG Arts, National Parliament (outside view only). Overnight Holiday Inn
Day 13 Depart Papua New Guinea
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your out going international flight.
INFORMATION
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: N/A
COST INCLUDES: Charter flights, accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 22 October to breakfast on 03 November, local guides and show gate fees.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: scheduled flights, gratuities, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills.
AIR CHARTER FLIGHTS
Monday 26 October -- Ambua/Sepik
Friday 30 October -- Karawari/Mount Hagen
Saturday 31 October -- Mount Hagen/Lae
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.
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.
