Papua New Guinea Explorer
New Guinea Explorer (11 days/10 nights)
The New Guinea Explorer takes the intrepid explorer on a journey through Papua New Guinea,traversing the massive Central Ranges, visiting ancient cultures and seeking exotic animals. Discover the extraordinary Melpa people of the Wahgi Valley, explore the wonders of the remote Sepik River, seek the incredible Ribbon-tailed Bird of Paradise and shake hands with a Huli warrior.The New Guinea Explorer program is sure to satiate the appetite of those who wish to explore this wild and exotic land.
Day 1: Arrive in Port Moresby
Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 2: Full Day Tour. Overnight Rondon Ridge
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-1930's. The Melpa people are "true farmers" that still maintain traditional farming methods that can be traced back 9,000 years. They 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 a ceremonial exchange called 'Moka'. In addition, you may have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Pogla Mudmen, famed for their unique bilas and the ancient story that surrounds it.
The surrounding area is pristine rainforest and home to numerous orchid species. The lodge has hours of walking trails providing ample opportunity to explore the unique ecology of this area. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforest around Rondon Ridge including ten species of Bird of Paradise. All nature and birding walks are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable nature guides. Comprehensive bird and orchid lists are available for Rondon Ridge.
Day 3: Charter flight to the Sepik.
Afternoon tour. Overnight Sepik Spirit - 4 night cruise
Currently, the Sepik Spirit primarily journeys on the Karawari River, the storied tributary of the Sepik River, and on to the Krosmeri River which allows entry to the mysterious Blackwater Lakes. The densely forested riverbanks of the Karawari River open up to the wide-open expanse of the Blackwater Lakes. Both regions are rich in bird life.
These tribes live their life on the water. For them the spirits of the crocodiles and the river gods are still highly revered. As you coast along the rivers you will be met by the welcoming calls of the villagers resting or working on the banks of the river, by the women fishing from their hollowed canoes and the children paddling to school. The tribes that inhabit the Sepik region still maintain many of their traditional beliefs and ways of life, such as their reverence for the Spirit house and the ancient and unique sculptures and art that decorates them.
Guests will disembark the boat each day, where time will be spent visiting the spirit houses, family homes and important places in the villages and hearing about the traditional rituals, warfare, initiation ceremonies and ancestral beliefs. The tribes of this region express their beliefs and creativity through the creation of unique and beautiful tribal art, such as masks, flutes, drums and spirit figures. You will have the opportunity to view and purchase arts from the small village markets.
Days 4-6: Sepik Spirit
Day 7: Fly to Tari.
Nature Walk and overnight Ambua Lodge.
Days 8 + 9: Ambua
Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognizable cultures in Papua New Guinea - the "Huli Wigmen". A proud, flamboyant tribe known for their ornate ceremonial "wigs" with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating rituals of the Birds of Paradise - an encounter with the Huli's is bound to be memorable.
Life for the majority of villagers around Tari remained mostly unchanged until the turn of this century. Discoveries of natural gas and mineral reserves over the last few years have brought about a sudden and unexpected increase in wealth and led to a hive of economic and commercial activity, thrusting Tari into the 21st century in a matter of a few short years. Social, tribal and ancestral beliefs and dynamics, once embedded so deeply, are being rapidly forgotten and replaced by more "rewarding" and modern pursuits. Tari today, however, is one of the few remaining areas where men and women still adhere to many of their traditional beliefs and where a man's wealth and importance is still measured by his amassing of pigs, wives and land. The birding in this region is among the best in the world.
Day 10: Fly to Mount Hagen and onto Port Moresby
Overnight Airways Hotel.
Day 11: Transfer to airport for flight out or onward travels.
* Contact us for itinerary, availability and current pricing.
** Add-on other wonderful nature lodges in PNG and/or a diving at a resort or on a boat. TNT
