The Papua New Guinea Explorer

Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your flight Air Niugini 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 Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley.

Enjoy a full day of touring featuring the unique culture and tradition of the melpa people who live near the Mount Hagen City which 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.

Fly by charter from Mount Hagen to Lake Murray. Upon arrival at Lake Murray transfer to the lodge for lunch and then proceed on with a half day tour.

Enjoy tours exploring the waterways of Lake Murray and visiting local villages in one of the remotest parts of Papua New Guinea.

Enjoy your second day of tours exploring the waterways of Lake Murray and visiting local villages in one of the remotest parts of Papua New Guinea.

Transfer to the Airstrip for your flight to Tari over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. Ambua Lodge is an inspired mixture of local architecture, spectacular views and modest luxury off the beaten track. Located at 7000 feet (2100 meters) in the PNG Southern Highlands, homeland of the Huli clan with their human hair wigs adorned with colourful flowers.

Afternoon guided nature walk through the alpine forest looking for the exotic bird of Paradise.

Enjoy a full day 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.

Fly by charter aircraft to Karawari airstrip 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. From the airstrip, you will be transferred by river boat 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. Located on a ridge overlooking the Karawari River, in the Sepik region is a time-warped mixture of pre-technological and 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 likes a National Geographic expedition. No roads. Thick jungle. Locals poling dugouts. Crocodiles. You wind up at the surprising Karawari Lodge.

Proceed with lunch then followed by an afternoon visit to Kundiman village for sago making demonstration. Sago is the Staple food for the river people.

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.

Fly by charter from Karawari to Mount Hagen. Arrive at the Airport you will be met by our Trans Niugini Staff and who will transfer you to Banz Kopi for lunch before your onward flight to Port Moresby. Arrive in Port Moresby where you will again meet your representative who will transfer you to Airways Hotel.

This morning you depart for your outgoing international flight back home.