Papua New Guinea In Style

Itinerary

• Papua New Guinea

  Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands. It is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Its capital, and one of its few major cities, is Port Moresby. It is one of the most diverse countries on Earth, with over 850 indigenous languages and at least as many traditional societies, out of a population of just under 6 million. It is also one of the most rural, with only 18 per cent of its people living in urban centres. The country is also one of the world's least explored, culturally and geographically, and many undiscovered species of plants and animals are thought to exist in the interior of Papua New Guinea. The country's geography is similarly diverse and, in places, extremely rugged. A spine of mountains runs the length of the island of New Guinea, forming a populous highlands region. Dense rainforests can be found in the lowland and coastal areas. This terrain has made it difficult for the country to develop transportation infrastructure. In some areas, planes are the only mode of transport. After being ruled by three external powers since 1884, Papua New Guinea gained its independence from Australia in 1975. It remains a Commonwealth realm.

• Karawari

  This tropical lowland rainforest is one of earth's most complex of habitats, housing an immense variety of flora and fauna along with a unique culture. Exploring villages in small riverboats along the jungle-fringed waterways is as rewarding as it is exhilarating. See the people make use of the land - weaving baskets for catching fish in the river, or gathering, preparing and cooking their staple food from the Sago Palm.

• Mount Hagen

  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.

• Port Moresby

  Port Moresby, is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea. The city is located on the shores of the Gulf of Papua, on the southeastern coast of the island of New Guinea. It is a city struggling with unemployment and crime - and is best used only as a gateway to the interior.

• Tari

  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.

• • 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.

  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
• • Karawari
  • Karawari Lodge

  Day 3: Mount Hagen - Karawari

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

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

  Airport transfer between Karawari airstrip, and Karawari Lodge, with your driver and guide. Transfer by river boat and four wheel drive.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Karawari Lodge

  Karawari Lodge sits along Papua New Guinea's untapped stretches of rainforest and jungle lining the Karawari River. The ten individual cottages each offer two twin rooms and refreshing garden surroundings. Natural building materials and native decor set the tone of rustic, traditional living in Arambak country. Dine on locally-picked produce and succulent grilled meats and fish, all concocted with international and Karawari flavours. Later, take a stroll through the habitats of different creatures, or get to know the lifestyles of those living in the region's villages.

• • Lorikeet

  Day 4: Karawari

  Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area.

  Accommodation: Karawari Lodge
• • Tari
  • Ambua Lodge, Papua New Guinea

  Day 5: Karawari - Tari

  Airport transfer between Karawari airstrip, and Karawari Lodge, with your driver and guide. Transfer by river boat and four wheel drive.

  Take your flight from Karawari 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 6: 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 7: 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.

Accommodation

• • Rondon Ridge
  • Guest Room

  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.

  • More information
• • Karawari Lodge

  Karawari Lodge

  Karawari Lodge sits along Papua New Guinea's untapped stretches of rainforest and jungle lining the Karawari River. The ten individual cottages each offer two twin rooms and refreshing garden surroundings. Natural building materials and native decor set the tone of rustic, traditional living in Arambak country. Dine on locally-picked produce and succulent grilled meats and fish, all concocted with international and Karawari flavours. Later, take a stroll through the habitats of different creatures, or get to know the lifestyles of those living in the region's villages.

  • More information
• • Ambua Lodge, Papua New Guinea

  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.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• 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 $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • 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.
  • 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 deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.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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