7-Nights New Guinea's Hidden Wonders - Active & Adventure, Arts & Culture from $5,599

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722960

Epic Scenery, Off the Beaten Path, Unique Accommodation, Wildlife Encounters A private-guided Papua New Guinea journey through misty highlands and Sepik rainforest, where river villages, birdsong and ancient traditions linger.

Trip Overview:

This 8-day Papua New Guinea vacation takes you to the remote highlands and waterways of this frontier nation. It features moderate accommodations, shared tours, and is great for travellers who want to go far beyond the tourist trails.

Your journey begins in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, where you’ll connect onward to Mount Hagen in the western highlands. Spend a night at a lodge perched high up on Mount Kuta and enjoy spectacular views of the Wahgi Valley spread out far below you. The next day, fly to the Karawari River region to spend two full days in jungle country. Venture down waterways alongside local boatmen, search for exotic birds on jungle hikes, and meet with local villagers to learn about their ways of life and admire their impressive craftsmanship, including the iconic crocodile masks they make. You’ll also visit Kundiman Village to witness a sago-making demonstration, as sago is one of the staple foods in the region.

Connect back to the Wahgi Valley and spend the next few days hiking the highland trails and meeting the Huli people in the region. One day, you’ll learn about the coffee, tea, and mining industries that fuel the region’s economy. You’ll also meet people from remote villages that weren’t contacted by the outside world until 1933. Another day, visit with the Huli people, who are known for their elaborate masks and human hair wigs decorated with colourful flowers.

After exploring the landscape of the Wahgi Valley and meeting its people, you’ll be held back to Port Moresby where you’ll catch your flight back home.

Highlights:

Touch down in Port Moresby and fly to Mount Hagen, heart of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands.
Venture into the remote Sepik region, where Karawari Lodge gazes over vast jungle and winding waterways.
Drift along the Karawari River, meeting tribes whose art, dance and traditions echo through generations.
Explore Rondon Ridge’s rainforest trails, alive with orchids, exotic plants and rare Birds of Paradise.
Encounter the Melpa and Huli tribes, from the mystical Pogla mudmen to the brightly adorned wigmen.

Included Services:

Private arrival & departure airport transfers
4 nights moderate accommodation near Mount Hagen
3 nights moderate accommodation in the Sepik Region
Land transfers
Expert local tour guide
Domestic flight from Ambua to Karawari
Domestic flight from Kawarai to Mount Hagen
Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Excluded Services:

Travel insurance
International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes unless specified in the itinerary
Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
Gratuities
Optional excursions
Items of a personal nature
Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

7 nights from $5,599 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive Port moresby

Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred from your incoming international flight to your onwards domestic flight to Mount Hagen; the heart of the PNG highlands. This area is famed for its fertile lands and stunning mountain ranges, as well as the complex and fascinating cultural traditions of the Melpa tribe. Upon arrival at the Mount Hagen airport you will be driven up a picturesque road past highlands gardens and on to the lodge. From its location in the mountains on the edge of the valley, Rondon Ridge boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.

Hotel: Rondon Ridge Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Rondon Ridge is a 40-minute drive from the town of Mount Hagen and just under an hour from the airport. There are several daily flights between Mount Hagen and the capital, Port Moresby.

Rondon Ridge is a perfect hub for access to Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge, MV Sepik Spirit and Bensbach Wildlife Lodge.

Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2: Karawari River

This morning fly by charter flight into the deep heart of the jungle where your wondrous journey continues at the Karawari Lodge in the Sepik region. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, the lodge boasts a spectacular view of hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Proceed with lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to a nearby village to learn about the customary process of harvesting and preparing the sago palm. Sago is the staple food for the Sepik tribes.

Hotel: Karawari Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Guests are accommodated in ten separate cottages, each built out of local bush materials and inspired by traditional architecture. Each cottage has two private twin rooms, each with modern en-suite bathrooms, and a communal veranda. Despite its remoteness, the lodge has 220V electricity, hot and cold water, comfortable mosquito-netted beds, ceiling fans, and a breezy veranda - all make for a welcome sanctuary after a day's exploration.