Optional Pre-Voyage Extension: Papua New Guinea
Thursday, March 13 – Saturday, March 22
From spectacular lowland rain forests on the coastal plains to 15,000-foot-high peaks, Papua New Guinea is rightly called “the land of the unexpected.” The lush green canopy of the tropical rain forest is home to 38 species of the ornately plumaged bird of paradise and over 2,700 species of orchids. Explore the fascinating culture and villages along the Karawari River, and enjoy the splendid setting of the Karawari Lodge, designed as a traditional ancestral worship house, or Haus Tambaran, and showcases massive Sepik carvings. Nestled in a pristine forest of the southern highlands, the Ambua Lodge offers a bird’s eye view of paradise. Hike through lush forests to nearby waterfalls and observe the culture of the Huli people famous for their ornate ceremonial “wigs” and elaborate dances.
Thursday & Friday, March 13 & 14 2014
Depart USA
Depart on your independent flight. Lose a day crossing the International Date Line.
Saturday, March 15
Brisbane, Australia / Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Arrive in Brisbane this morning and connect with your flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Sunday, March 16
Port Moresby / Tari / Ambua
After breakfast, fly to Tari and drive to Ambua Lodge, nestled at 7,000 feet in the Southern Highlands. It features a bird’s-eye view of paradise; the Tari Valley below and a panorama of mountains in the distance. Built in the highlands tradition, the lodge boasts massive Sepik carvings, traditional highlands architecture, and décor that complements the surrounding moss forest dotted with high-altitude orchids. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding the lodge.
Monday & Tuesday, March 17 & 18
Ambua
The great Tari Basin and surrounding mountain slopes are the home of the Huli Clans, one of the largest ethnic groups in the Southern Highlands and one of the most culturally intact in all of PNG. The Huli were only discovered in 1935 and were one of the last groups to come under government control. The men take great pride in their appearance, cultivating everlasting daises and collecting bird of paradise feathers to decorate their wigs. They were particularly skilled in warfare and merciless to the opposing clans. Huge inter-connecting trenches were used to delineate clan boundaries, to control the movement of pigs and as secret passageways for warriors during clan fights. You will meet these proud people and learn of their traditions and way of life which are still governed by their belief in ancestral spirits and sorcery. Overnight at Ambua Lodge
Wednesday, March 19
Ambua / Karawari
Today board our flight to the Sepik River area. Transfer to Karawari Lodge, named for the nearby river and your base for exploring the fascinating culture along the jungle-fringed waterways. The main lodge building, designed after the traditional haus tambaran—ancestral worship house—and decorated with artifacts and boldly carved furniture, includes a dining room, library, lounge, and a long veranda overlooking the Karawari River.
Thursday & Friday, March 20 & 21
Karawari
Spend two days exploring ‘Arambak’ country, one of the most remote and unspoiled areas of Papua New Guinea. Board small boats to explore along the Karawari River. Crocodiles bask on the banks and you may see boatmen paddle their slender dugout canoes with long, curved oars. There will be several opportunities to observe village life and customs, participate in typical daily activities, and see re-enactments of traditional ceremonies. You will also enjoy nature walks to search for the spectacular Sepik blue orchid in the beautiful gardens surrounding the lodge.
Saturday, March 22
Karawari / Mount Hagen / Wewak / Embark Caledonian Sky
Today fly Wewak via Mount Hagen and, time permitting, join a city tour. This evening board the Caledonian Sky.
- Price: $7,440 single occupancy, $4,970 double occupancy
