Choose Your Activity
Choose Where You Sleep
- Ambua Lodge
- Karawari Lodge
- Rondon Ridge
- RV Sepik Spirit
Papua New Guinea Cultural Discovery
Choose where you sleep
- Ambua Lodge
- Karawari Lodge
- Rondon Ridge
- RV Sepik Spirit
Perhaps the most famous cultural show in Papua New Guinea, the Mount Hagen Show brings together singsing groups from all over the country in an amazing conglomeration of colour, beauty and culture.
The Hagen show is held in August every year - and we are offering three escorted programs and one unescorted program in 2014. Escorted programs have the same guide throughout whereas, with unescorted programs, you still have guides to assist you at each location, the only difference being that guides change at the different locations.
The Vista, a 13 day/12 night program, provides a wide perspective on Papua New Guinea, from shaking hands with a Huli Wigman to a journey through the Sepik Region. 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.
The Panorama is a fully escorted 12 day/11 night program that provides a stunning view of Papua New Guinea. The journey begins with the spectacular Mt Hagen Cultural show, providing an incredible 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.
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.
Highlights is an unescorted 13 day/12 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.
Notes
Discoverer
The Discoverer is a 11 day/10-night unescorted 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.
Day 01 Arrive in Port Moresby. Overnight Airways Hotel
Day 02 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. 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. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 03 A 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, lowlands and highlands singsing groups at the Hagen Show reflects the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 04 Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga airport for charter flight Mt Hagen to Ambua. Arrive Ambua airstrip, meet and transfer to Ambua Lodge. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley, with magnificent views of the valley below and surrounding peaks. This is the home of the Huli, a colorful 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. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 05 & 06 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. Overnight at Ambua Lodge
Day 07 Depart Ambua Lodge and transfer to Tari airport for 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
Day 08 & 09 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. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Day 10 Beginning your journey home, return to the Aboin airstrip for your flight back to Port Moresby. Upon arrival at Jackson's airport, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to Airways Hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to discover Port Moresby - the busy and bustling economic centre and capital of Papua New Guinea. Overnight Airways Hotel
Day 11 Transfer to international airport for flight out
Land Cost: USD $5,560.00 per person (twin share). USD $6,949.00 single throughout except twin share at the Rondon Ridge.
Additional Charter Flights: USD $1800.00 per person.
- Monday 17 August 2015: Mount Hagen/Ambua
- Thursday 20 August 2015: Ambua/Karawari
- Sundau 23 August 2015: Karawari/Mt. 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.
Land Cost Includes:
Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 11, 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.
Important Note:
These prices do not include any domestic scheduled flights. The Air Niugini flights needed are:
- Sat 15 August 2015: PX180 Port Moresby/Mount Hagen
- Sun 23 August 2015: PX183 Mount Hagen/Port Moresby
Symbiosis can book these for you
Notes
The quote has been based on the Westpac inward telegraphic transfer US Dollar rates to Kina of between 0.35 – 0.45. Should the exchange rates fall outside of these parameters we will requote on this itinerary. Please take this into consideration.Highlights
SHOW DATE: 08-20 August 2013
This is an unescorted 13 day/12 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.
Day 01 Arrive in Port Moresby. Overnight Gateway Hotel
Day 02 In the morning, you will be transferred by Trans Niugini Tours Staff to your Air Niugini flight from Port Moresby 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. Perched high on Kum Mountain is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley. Upon arrival at Mt Hagen/Kagamuga airport, you will be met and transferred to Rondon Ridge. A half day tour of birding and nature around the walking tracks of Rondon Ridge. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 03 Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga airport for charter flight Mount Hagen to Karawari. The mountains start to give way until eventually vast tracts of dense tropical lowland rainforest cover the landscape 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. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, the lodge provides modern comforts.
Proceed with lunch then followed by an afternoon visit to Kundiman village for sago-making demonstration. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Day 04 & 05 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. Explore villages in small riverboats along the jungle-fringed waterways is as rewarding as it is exhilarating. The real fascination here is the people and how they live with the land and how it moulds their lives. They still live as they have for generations - rituals, sing-sings, story telling, food gathering and preparation.
With Karawari's carefully planned cultural program, daily visits in river boats are made to selected villages allowing one the opportunity to be able to observe village life and customs, participate in typical daily activities and see re-enactments of traditional ceremonies. We will visit remote jungle waterways where we will find huge lichen and vine - festooned trees, masses of brilliant flame flowers, and a profusion of orchids. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Day 06 Transfer from Karawari Lodge to airstrip for charter flight to Ambua 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 colorful and proud people, still largely living the same way that their ancestors did.
Arrive Ambua airstrip, meet and transfer to Ambua Lodge. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua - high mountain forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveler. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 07 & 08 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
Day 09 Transfer from Ambua Lodge to airstrip for charter flight to Mount Hagen over the vast tracts of highlands grasslands, beside some of the tallest mountains in the country, this is a spectacular flight. Arrive Kagamuga airport, meet and transfer to Airport Resort. In preparation for the Mount Hagen Cultural Show there will be a pre-show program in the afternoon. Overnight Airport Resort
Day 10 & 11 Two full days are spent at the Mount Hagen Show - world famous for its color, culture and vibrancy. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowland and highlands sing-sing groups at the Hagen show reflects the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience. Overnight Airport Resort
Day 12 Beginning your Journey home, you are transferred from Airport Resort to the Kagamuga airport to your Air Niugini flight to Port Moresby on PX181. You will then be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to discover Port Moresby - the busy and bustling economic centre and capital of Papua New Guinea. Overnight Gateway Hotel
Day 13 Transfer to international airport for flight out
Land Cost: USD $7,494.00 per person (twin share). US$8,764.00 single throughout except on at Airport Resort.
Charter Flights: US$1,566.00 per person.
- Saturday 10 August 2013: Mount Hagen/Karawari
- Tuesday 13 August 2013: Karawari/Ambua
- Friday 16 August 2013: 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.
Land Cost Includes:
Accommodation,airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 13, 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.
Important Note:
These prices do not include any domestic scheduled flights. The Air Niugini flights needed are:
- Friday 9 August 2013: PX180 Port Moresby/Mount Hagen
- Monday 19 August 2013: PX181 Mount Hagen/Port Moresby
Notes
The quote has been based on the Westpac inward telegraphic transfer US Dollar rates to Kina of between 0.43 – 0.50. Should the exchange rates fall outside of these parameters we will requote on this itinerary. Please take this into consideration.Panorama
The Panorama Show is a fully escorted 11 day/10 night program that provides a stunning view of Papua New Guinea. The journey begins with the spectacular Mt Hagen Cultural show, providing an incredible 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.
Day 01 Arrive in Port Moresby. Overnight Gateway Hotel
Day 02 Transfer from Gateway Hotel to Jackson’s airport for your flight to Mount Hagen on PX180. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley.
Upon arrival at Kagamuga airport, 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 sing-sing groups at the Hagen show reflects the incredible diversity of the Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 03 Enjoy another full day at the Mt Hagen show. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 04 Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga airport for charter flight Mt Hagen to Timbunke. Upon arrival at Timbunke airstrip, you will be met and transferred to our floating lodge, the MV Sepik Spirit. The lodge is based in the village Kaminimbit I. Inspired by the architecture of the "haus tambaran" or spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design. You begin your voyage of discovery into the mystical world of the Sepik with a slow jet boat cruise to the air conditioned comfort of the Sepik Spirit. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon tour to Kaminimbit I, Kaminimbit II and Kororua village. While touring the mighty Sepik you will visit villages where the people are prolific and famous carvers. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit
Day 05 & 06 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. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit
Day 07 Transfer from MV Sepik Spirit to airstrip for charter flight Timbunke to Ambua. Arrive Ambua airstrip, meet and transfer to Ambua Lodge. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley, with magnificent views of the valley below and surrounding peaks. This is the home of the Huli, a colorful 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. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 08 & 09 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. Overnight at Ambua Lodge
Day 10 Beginning your journey home, you leave Ambua Lodge and transfer to Tari airport for your flight to Port Moresby on PX865. Upon arrival at Jackson's airport, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to Gateway Hotel.
In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to discover Port Moresby - the busy and bustling economic centre and capital of Papua New Guinea. Overnight Gateway Hotel
Day 11 Transfer to international ariport for flight out
Land Cost: USD $7,876.00 per person (twin share). USD $8,884.00 single throughout except on the MV Sepik Spirit and Rondon Ridge.
Additional Charter Flights: US$1,440.00 per person.
- Monday 17 August 2015: Mount Hagen/Karawari
- Tuesday 20 August 2015: Karawari/Timbunke
- Friday 21 August 2015: Karawari/Tari
Special Note Regarding Charters:
Maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person and a maximum of 5kg carry on baggage per person. Large, hard shell suitcases are not permitted on charter aircraft.
Land Cost Includes:
Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 12, 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.
Important Note:
No domestic scheduled flights are included in these prices. The Air Niugini flights required are:
- Sat 15 August 2015 PX180 Port Moresby/Mount Hagen
- Mon 23 August 2015 PX865 Tari/Port Moresby
Symbiosis can book these for you
Notes
The quote has been based on the Westpac inward telegraphic transfer US Dollar rates to Kina of between 0.43 – 0.50. Should the exchange rates fall outside of these parameters we will requote on this itinerary. Please take this into consideration.Vista
The Vista Show, a 13 day/12 night program, provides a wide perspective on Papua New Guinea, from shaking hands with a Huli Wigman to a journey through the Sepik Region.
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.
Day 01 Arrive in Port Moresby. Overnight Gateway Hotel.
Day 02 Fly with Air Niugini to Tari. Arrive Tari airport, 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. Afternoon tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 03 & 04 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. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 05 Transfer from Ambua Lodge to airstrip for charter flight to the Sepik. Upon arrival at Timbunke airport, you will be met and transferred to the MV Sepik Spirit. The lodge is based in the village Kaminimbit I. Inspired by the architecture of the "haus tambaran” or spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design. Begin your voyage of discovery into the mystical world of the Sepik with a slow jet boat cruise to the air-conditioned comfort of the Sepik Spirit.
After lunch enjoy an afternoon tour to Kaminimbit I, Kaminimbit II and Kororua village. While touring the mighty Sepik you will visit villages where the people are prolific and famous carvers. Here you can purchase many interesting items such as masks, elaborately carved hooks, ancestral figures, hand drums, baskets, bilums and gourds. The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world - in terms of flow. Steeped in mystery, the peoples of the Sepik area have fascinated anthropologists like Margaret Mead since the area was first visited. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit
Day 06 A full day is spent continuing your journey of exploration. Here you can purchase many interesting items such as masks, elaborately carved hooks, ancestral figures, hand drums, baskets, bilums and gourds. The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world - in terms of flow. Steeped in mystery, the peoples of the Sepik area have fascinated anthropologists like Margaret Mead since the area was first visited. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit
Day 07 Transfer from MV Sepik Spirit to Timbunke airstrip for a short flight to Karawari. Upon arrival at Karawari airstrip, you will be met and 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, while still providing modern comforts. Located on a ridge overlooking the Karawari River, in the Sepik region is a time-warped mixture of pre-technological architecture - is the perfect base for some old-fashioned jungle, river and village exploration. You are in the middle of Arambak country-- locals’ pole dug-out canoes, the drums throb, the wild birds call and traditional village lifestyles continue largely unchanged. "Something like a National Geographic expedition. No roads. Thick jungle. Locals poling dugouts. Crocodiles. You wind up at the surprising Karawari Lodge.
Proceed with lunch then follow by an afternoon visit to Kundiman village for sago making demonstration. Overnight at Karawari Lodge
Day 08 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
Day 09 Transfer from Karawari Lodge to airstrip for charter flight 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. Upon arrival at Mt Hagen/Kagamuga airport, you will be met and transferred to Highlander Hotel. In preparation for the Mount Hagen Cultural Show there will be a pre-show program in the afternoon. Overnight Highlander Hotel
Day 10 & 11 Two full days spent at the Mount Hagen Show - world famous for its colour, culture and vibrancy. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowland and highlands sing sing groups at the Hagen show reflects the incredible diversity of the Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience. Overnight Highlander Hotel
Day 12 Transfer from the Highlander Hotel to Kagamuga airport for your flight to Port Moresby on PX181. Arrive Jackson's airport, meet 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 Gateway Hotel
Day 13 Transfer to international flight out
Land Cost: USD $8,583.00 per person (twin share). US$9,846.00 single throughout except on the MV Sepik Spirit and Highlander Hotel.
Additional Charter Flights: USD $1,650.00 per person.
- Monday 10 August 2015: Ambua/Timbunke
- Wednesday 12 August 2015: Tumbunke/Karawari
- Friday 14 August 2015: Karawari/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.
Land Cost Includes:
Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 13, 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.
Important Note:
These prices do not include any domestic scheduled flights. The Air Niugini flights needed are:
- Fri 7 August 2015: PX864 Port Moresby/Tari
- Mon 17 August 2015: PX181 Mount Hagen/Port Moresby
Symbiosis can book these for you
Notes
The quote has been based on the Westpac inward telegraphic transfer US Dollar rates to Kina of between 0.43 – 0.50. Should the exchange rates fall outside of these parameters we will requote on this itinerary. Please take this into consideration.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.
Villa Wingti
In 2017 a Presidential Suite has been added to Rondon Ridge named the Villa Wingti after a previous PNG Prime Minister who was born in the Mount Hagen area .
The Presidential suite is a two storied unit with two bedrooms and two bathrooms up-stairs, and a kitchen, bar, lounge area and fireplace downstairs.
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 to exploring the Sepik from the MV Sepik Spirit.
The RV Sepik Spirit
Luxury in the deepest Sepik...
The Sepik Spirit is best described as a deluxe floating hotel. Originally commissioned as a vessel for cruising the Sepik and Karawari Rivers, the Sepik Spirit is now permanently moored at a strategic site on the Sepik River.
In its new role as a "floating lodge" fixed in the middle Sepik, the Sepik Spirit offers greater booking flexibility, enhanced touring programs and even more comfort. Returning travelers will note the updated decor. As for the Sepik Spirit's renowned hospitality, some new flourishes have been added.
From their base on the Sepik Spirit, guests explore the Sepik River and the connecting tributaries and lakes on eighteen seat jet-boats. These boats have shallow drafts and the ability to maneuver where large vessels cannot go.
Here in the remote middle Sepik region, life continues as it has for centuries. Meet the people who live in the villages. Talk to them about daily life. Walk pathways amongst their homes built from materials that grow nearby. Listen for the calls of exotic birds.
Visit Spirit Houses decorated with carved ancestral figures. Hear the sounds of massive garamut drums and mysterious ritual flutes and rhythmic rattle of dancers' shell jewelry. Sepik Spirit guides and village elders will give you insight into the culture, totems and ceremonies.
Marvel at the creativity that thrives in this tropical environment. The region is a gallery of tribal art. Every village boasts its own style and nearly every villager is an artisan.
After a day of touring, guests return to the comfort of the Sepik Spirit's air-conditioned lounge, bar and dining areas. The outdoor spaces include a covered and screened upper level deck.
The Sepik Spirit's nine spacious rooms accommodate a maximum of just eighteen guests. Each has an en-suite bathroom, large windows and personally controlled air-conditioning.
The Sepik Spirit is accessible by private air service. Flights depart from Mount Hagen, where Rondon Ridge is located, and from Karawari Lodge and Ambua Lodge. Charter flights from other departure points can be arranged.
