Papua New Guinea Explorer
5 Days
from
$4,560
per person*
Highlights:
Papua New Guinea
(Mount Hagen, Tari)
Trip Start/End:
Port Moresby
/
Port Moresby
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.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Port Moresby - Mount Hagen
| - Air - Port Moresby - Mount Hagen [Direct - PX182 (1 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Van/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Rondon Ridge
Standard (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Mount Hagen
| - Private - Hagen & Wahgi Valley - Car/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner (included)
| Rondon Ridge
Standard (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Mount Hagen - Tari
| - Air - Mount Hagen - Tari [Direct] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport
- Lunch (included)
- Private - 1/2 d Huli Tribe - Van/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Ambua Lodge -
standard (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Tari
| - Private - Culture & Ecology Tari Tour - Car/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner (included)
| Ambua Lodge -
standard (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Tari - Port Moresby
| - Air - Tari - Port Moresby [Direct - PX865 (1.5 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Mt. Hagen
Rondon Ridge
Day 1: Port Moresby - Mount Hagen
Take your flight from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge 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.
Mt Hagen Cultural Show
Day 2: Mount Hagen
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.
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge 
Tari
Ambua Lodge, Papua New Guinea
Day 3: Mount Hagen - Tari
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.
Accommodation: Ambua Lodge - 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.
Orchid Field
Day 4: Tari
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.
Accommodation: Ambua Lodge - 
Port Moresby
Day 5: Tari - Port Moresby
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.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Port Moresby international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
- Rondon Ridge
Guest Room
Rondon Ridge - Mount Hagen
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.
- Ambua Lodge, Papua New Guinea
Ambua Lodge - - Tari
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.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Papua New Guinea
VISA/PASSPORT
Travelers must possess a passport valid for at least six months, onward/return airline ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for their intended visit. Travelers may obtain business or tourist visas (valid for stays of up to 60 days, with extensions available for an additional 30 days) upon arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. Processing generally takes 7 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately US$25. All persons boarding international flights originating from Papua New Guinea must pay a departure fee, which is usually included in airline fares.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Papua New Guinea for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are not widespread and poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/papua-new-guinea.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Port Moresby.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from Australia in 1975.
Language: The official language is English, which is widely used in business and government circles. Pidgin English and Hiri Motu are more commonly used (an estimated 742 other languages and dialects are also spoken).
Religion: 90% Christian.
Time: GMT + 10.
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style three-pin plugs are in use. Some hotels provide 110-volt outlets in guest-rooms.
Telephone: Country code +675. There are no area codes in Papua New Guinea.
Mobile Telephone: Coverage is limited.
Internet: Services tend to be slow and sometimes unreliable.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- International and Internal Flights - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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