Tribal Lands of Papua New Guinea

Starting in the country’s capital early this morning we will meet at the airport and have a chance to enjoy a reviving breakfast. Depending on the flight time, we may have time for a little sightseeing, before flying on to Wewak on the northern coast of New Guinea. The capital of the East Sepik province, Wewak provides the gateway into the swamplands and tropical rainforests of the Sepik River, New Guinea’s longest river. On arrival we will be transferred to our comfortable boutique hotel, where the rest of the day is free to relax from the long journey. In Wewak Boutique Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving from Wewak beach by boat, our destination today is the beautiful palm fringed white sand beaches of Muschu Island, regarded as a secret paradise. Hidden within the island’s jungle are clues to Muschu’s wartime past with anti-aircraft guns, a plane wreck and discarded jeeps echoing back to the Japanese occupation in World War II. For those interested, we can take a short bush walk to see how the locals cultivate tobacco, yam and taro. We will have a traditional lunch by the beach and then relax and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters before returning to our hotel in the late afternoon. In Wewak Boutique Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After meeting up with our local guides this morning, we then embark on a four-hour drive to Pagwi, on the Sepik River. From here we travel down river by motor canoe, a journey of some two hours that brings us to the village of Kanganamun, in the heart of the Middle Sepik. This region is home to the famous crocodile-men of Yatmoul, whose rituals include marking the skin in deep cuts to resemble the teeth marks of the great crocodile spirit. Their immense spirit houses are considered cathedrals of primitive art and on arrival we will be settled with our hosts in basic homestay accommodation. Homestay Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spending the day exploring the Middle Sepik region, today we have an opportunity to visit at least a couple of traditional dance ceremonies, as well as a number of different spirit houses and villages. Travelling by motorised canoe, we will explore some of villages to learn more about the traditions of their initiation ceremonies of the local people, before continuing on to Palembe, where we take a short walk to one of the oldest Haus Tambarans in the Sepik region. NB, Please be aware that the course and content of today’s visits are very much dependent on the safety conditions and water levels along the river. Homestay Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: SEPIK RIVER - MT HAGEN - KUMUL LODGE Leaving early this morning we head back to Pagwi and Wewak, enjoying the early morning light on the river. We take a short flight on to Mount Hagen in the heart of the Western Highlands. Located amongst the fertile landscapes of the Wahgi Valley, the city is named after the eroded volcanic peak of Mount Hagen and, on arrival, we will be met and driven on to the lodge situated a short drive outside Mount Hagen. Arriving late in the afternoon, there will be time to relax and perhaps observe some of the birdlife feeding around the lodge before dinner. Kumul Lodge or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kumul Lodge is in the Hagen area, and is entirely owned and managed by local people. Home to some of the most beautiful and unusual birds in the world, the lodge’s myriad of nature trails and tracks provide ideal settings along which to discover birds, orchids and other resident wildlife This region is one of the few in New Guinea where the famed Birds of Paradise make a regular appearance, whilst other visitors include Brehm’s tiger parrot, smoky honeyeaters and crested berry-peckers. After a dawn we start to observe these spectacular Birds of Paradise, and then you can enjoy the rest of the day observing and photographing these colourful characters around the lodge in the company of expert guides or take a walk to the impressive orchid garden nearby. In the late afternoon we will return to Mount Hagen. Highlander Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take a short charter flight to reach Simbai, a remote governmental station in the Bismarck range. Up here, there is a very limited infrastructure away from any roads and the life of the local people is still very traditional. From the air strip it’s a 20 minute walk to the nearby village where we stay in a charming guest house, surrounded by beautiful gardens, for the next three nights. In Simbai we experience a living culture of this tribe, who have impressive body adornments and will have plenty of opportunity to learn about their lives and traditions. We will have the chance to explore on foot the beautiful surrounding area, as well as our host village and the local school. Simbai Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Over these two days we get a chance to share in the daily life of the village. The Kalam wear impressive helmets covered in beetle heads so during our time here we will learn more about the ancient culture and rituals of this tribe and see how the famous beetle head headdresses are prepared. On one of the days we will witness the festival atmosphere as the village ladies prepare food for a “mumu” feast, when a whole pig is skillfully butchered and cooked on hot stones in the ground. The opening of the mumu is celebrated with a traditional ‘singsing’, which for the villagers could last long into the night! Simbai Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we say farewell to the Simbai community and depart the Northern Highlands and takeon a privately chartered flight back to Mount Hagen. We will have lunch and a short coffee tour at Banz Coffee, one of New Guinea famous roasters. After lunch we will return to Mount Hagen for the night with some time to relax at our comfortable hotel. Highlander Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Considered one of PNG’s most attractive towns, Goroka lies some five hours by road from Mount Hagan. Each year, around the country’s independence celebrations (16 September), the town hosts the famous Goroka Show, a two-day cultural event that sees tribes from all across the region gather to take part in one of the most colourful festivals in the country. Today we get to journey east along the Highlands Highway across the mountains and fertile vegetable gardens of the region. The Central Highlands provide ample opportunities to stop and enjoy the landscapes, before we finally arrive in Goroka later this afternoon. Phoenix Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With a whole weekend to enjoy this spectacular festival, we’ll have an opportunity to watch some 1,000 men and women partake in one of Papua New Guinea’s most celebrated events. Over 100 different tribes are represented, in a dazzling display of colour, songs and energy that perfectly encapsulates the rich cultural ethnicity of this remarkable island. Phoenix Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There will be more time to take in the sights and sounds of this stunning annual event before departing Goroka on a late afternoon flight back to Port Moresby for the evening. Sanctuary Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take a morning flight to Kokopo the capital city of East New Britain, a huge island which is part of the Bismarck archipelago. Kokopo is the new capital of the Province after Rabaul town was buried under the ashes of the Tavurvur volcano in 1994 which is still active. This creates a wonderful backdrop to the town, with its spectacular harbour, the tropical coastline, and not forgetting the fascinating and colourful cultural life and markets of the Tolai people. On arrival in Rabaul we head directly to the famous Rabaul Hotel, which survived the eruption and is still functioning today. After lunch we will drive through the eerie abandoned old town to visit the hot springs and the volcano observatory, along with some of the World War II relics. We will check into our hotel hopefully with time to watch the sunset over Simpson Harbour. Kokopo Beach Bungalows or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take to the water today and head out to the Duke of York Islands. There are 13 islands in total, spread over 58 km2. We stop for a spot of snorkeling in the crystal clear, azure blue lagoons with white sandy beaches and lush green vegetation and take a walk through a village enjoying a local lunch and see some traditional dances. Returning to the hotel in the mid afternoon you will have some free time to relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings. After an early dinner we head out to a Baining village, an hour’s drive away. This is where we witness the mesmerising and unforgettable spectacle of a Fire dance, synonymous with this region of PNG. We return to the hotel late in the evening. Kokopo Beach Bungalows or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take a quick trip out to one of the colourful local markets before taking a flight back to Port Moresby. This is the traditional home of the Motuan people, and the area around Port Moresby was a busy trading centre even before the arrival of the British in 1873. During the Second World War it was targeted by the Japanese as a staging post and air base, in order to cut off Australia from South-East Asia and the Americas. This afternoon we venture out to the Nature Park, PNG’s leading botanical and native zoological park and gardens, showcasing the best of the nation's flora and fauna in a picturesque setting. Over There are over 150 animals are on display including multiple species of tree kangaroos, cassowaries, birds of paradise, parrots, pigeons, reptiles, wallabies and much more. Later we enjoy our farewell dinner and our final night in the capital. Sanctuary Hotel or similar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a relaxing morning before heading to the airport where the tour ends. Breakfast