After your flight from Port Morsby to Mount Hagen you begin your exploration of the Hagen Area and Wahgi Valley. The Mount Hagen area is the home of the Melpa people, a people with a strong culture, who in the face of modernity, still live largely traditional subsistence lifestyles. In the mountains surrounding the Wahgi Vally live a stunning array of bird, orchid and plant life. The following day you head for Tari where your accommodation is the Ambua Lodge, high on the slopes of the Tari Valley - home of the Huli, a colourful and proud 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. The following day is full ecological and culturally based touring which is sure to satiate those yearning for discovery. For the adventurous, there is an opportunity to have a bona fide village experience. Enjoy a further full day 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. As your time in PNG comes to an end you fly back to Port Morsby for your ongoing flight.

Mount Hagen is third largest city in Papua New Guinea. It is the capital of the Western Highlands Province and is located in the large fertile Wahgi Valley in central mainland Papua New Guinea, at an elevation of 1,677 m (5,502 ft). The Highlands Highway is the main arterial route to connect Mount Hagen with the coastal cities of Lae and Madang. The city is named after the old eroded volcano Mount Hagen, located about 24 kilometres (15 mi) to the northwest.

Take your flight from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

At 7100 feet above sea level, Rondon Ridge has a prime location on Mount Kuta. Boasting panoramic views of the Wahgi Valley below, Rondon Ridge is the pinnacle of luxury in a remote and rural setting. The lush lodge features the best of all worlds, with 12 well-appointed rooms placed in an earthy setting. Each room has its own bathroom, and is equipped with carefully chosen furniture. Cuisine is prepared by a skilled staff, with influences from across the world as well as the traditions of Papua New Guinea. Take advantage of the hotel’s key placement just 30 minutes from the bustling Mount Hagen City. Get to know the key industries of the highlands, while interacting with the local people. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforests around Rondon Ridge including ten species of Bird of Paradise. 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.

Overnight at Rondon Ridge.

A comprehensive tour 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.

Overnight at Rondon Ridge.

Tari Is the centre of Huli country in the Southern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea. Take advantage of the birding in the Tari Gap area with up to 10 species of the birds of paradise. 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. Tari is one of the few places left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress as part of daily living.

Take your flight from Mount Hagen (Kagamuga) to Tari today.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

The day is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua- high mountains, forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveller. Take advantage of the birding in the Tari Gap area where one can observe up to 13 species of the birds of paradise. 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.

Ambua Lodge is seated on a high perch in the Tari Gap area, enveloped by rich rainforest and valley grasslands. The 30 units promise intimacy and privacy, with picture windows illustrating the flowery landscape. Enjoy the cool, crisp heights of this atmosphere and cuddle into electric blankets and quilts offered by the lodge. The technological devices of home are not available, so guests may enjoy nature at its best. Meals are delicious, with continental and local fusions served by friendly staff. Tranquil and warm, one may take walks and hikes through the rainforest trails or go birding. Bask in the refreshing mist of a secluded waterfall.

Overnight at Ambua Lodge -.

Explore the area of Tari, 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. Learn how the Huli live and how they interact with and use their environment. Explore the natural surroundings and enjoy the numerous orchid species.

Overnight at Ambua Lodge -.

Take your flight from Tari to Port Moresby today. The flight duration is approximately 1 and a half hour.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Depart from Port Moresby international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.