Private/Group Tour Highlights
- Appreciate the unique opportunity to visit traditional homes, witness ceremonial dances and celebrations and glimpse traditional village life.
- Admire the beautifully woven baskets, carved masks, drums and sculptures and have an opportunity to purchase art from the local villages to take home.
- Soak in the serene silence of Lake Murray, barely disturbed by the gentle sounds of dugout canoes gliding through the water.
- Explore some of the most remote villages in the region not accessible by roads, but by boat and small aircraft.
- Enjoy a stay at Ambua Lodge; nestled at the edge of the lush green rain forest, overlooking the serene Tari Valley below.
Tour Overview
Experience The Colorful Cultures of Papua New Guinea by visiting some of the most remote villages from Mount Hagen to Karawari with Yampu Tours’ comprehensive cultural experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to not only see the day to day lives of the local villagers but will have heartwarming one on one interactions with the locals, learning of their ancient folklore, intricate crafts, and antiquated customs.
The tour begins in Port Moresby, the Capital of Papua New Guinea. Travelers will enjoy an inspiring introduction to the country as they explore the capital, touring must-see sites such as the National Parliament House before flying to Mount Hagen.
Mount Hagen will serve as an entry point into the Sepik Region as explorers take a charter flight deep into the jungles of the region. Guests will then spend two days of comprehensive touring on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa People.
Flying from Mount Hagen to Lake Murray, visitors will spend two nights in tranquil peace overlooking the waters at Lake Murray Lodge. Guests will have the opportunity to witness and interact in a number of traditional activities at the various villages around the lake.
Moving from Lake Murray to the Tari Valley, travelers will spend two nights nestled at the edge of the lush green rainforest, overlooking the serene Tari valley at Ambua Lodge while spending there days at the villages and countryside of the iconic Huli tribe, the most known tribes in Papua New Guinea.
Once in Karawari, Yampu Travelers will enjoy modern amenities at the Karawari River Lodge while visiting the local tribes along the Karawari River. Here the villagers will share their fascinating tribal traditions, ceremonies, and art.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International Flight to Port Moresby
Upon arrival to Port Moresby, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
Upon arrival to Port Moresby, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
Port Moresby - Mount Hagen
After read more...
After breakfast proceed with a private half day Port Moresby and surroundings tour with visits to the National Museum, Nature Park, National Parliament House (outside view only) and other points of interest. After your tour, transfer to Airways Hotel for a sit-down lunch and transfer to Jackson's Airport for your domestic flight 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.
Domestic Flight to Mount Hagen
Upon arrival to Mount Hagen, you will be met at the airport and you will be driven up a picturesque road past highlands gardens and on to the lodge. From its location in the mountains on the edge of the valley, Rondon Ridge boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.
...read less
Private Full Day Melpa People Culture Tour, All Meals Included
A day of comprehensive touring will take you on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa People. First contact with the Melpa was made in the mid-1930s. The Melpa people are "true farmers" that still maintain traditional farming methods that can be traced back 9,000 years. The tour will bring you to local villages where the villagers will share their fascinating tribal traditions; such as the rites of widowed women, the ceremonies surrounding marriage and funerals, the traditions of tribal warfare and the daily customs of the Melpa people. This area is also the home of the famous Pogla mudmen, famed for their unique bilas (traditional dress) and the ancient story that surrounds it. ...read less
Mount Hagen - Lake Murray
This read more...
This morning you will fly to the remote Lake Murray. Watch as the landscape below transforms to unveil the vast Lake Murray in the flat lands of Western Province. Nestled among the trees on an island spit, Lake Murray Lodge overlooks the beautiful lake. Here in the remote reaches of Papua New Guinea, one truly feels that they are on the edge of the earth. The almost unbroken quiet of the lake is barely disturbed by the gentle sounds of dugout canoes seamlessly gliding through the water. Settle in for a short rest on your own lake side veranda, taking in the silence of this steamy remote world. After lunch enjoy a walk around the island to acquaint yourself with the beautiful surroundings. ...read less
experiencing the customs of Pari and Kuni tribes
For the next two days, you will travel into the local villages, where you will experience the unique customs of the local tribes. The beliefs and customs of the Pari and Kuni tribes are centered around the lake and the rich food source that it offers. You will travel by boat to a variety of villages to gain insight into the daily lives of the tribes, their ancient customs and the ways in which their traditional ways of life are evolved with influences from the western world.
For the next two days, you will travel into the local villages, where you will experience the unique customs of the local tribes. The beliefs and customs of the Pari and Kuni tribes are centered around the lake and the rich food source that it offers. You will travel by boat to a variety of villages to gain insight into the daily lives of the tribes, their ancient customs and the ways in which their traditional ways of life are evolved with influences from the western world.
Visiting Local Villages of Lake Murray
Enjoy a second day learning of the local tribes cultures and history. Your experiences in the villages will include exposure to their unique tribal arts and traditional crafts, traditional face/body painting, tribal warriors dress and ritual and a chance to share stories with the villagers.
Enjoy a second day learning of the local tribes cultures and history. Your experiences in the villages will include exposure to their unique tribal arts and traditional crafts, traditional face/body painting, tribal warriors dress and ritual and a chance to share stories with the villagers.
Lake Murray - Tari Valley
Shuttle read more...
Shuttle Flight to Tari Valley with Ambua Forest Excursion, All Meals Included
Transfer to the airstrip for your flight across untouched rainforest and mountains to the Tari Valley. The Huli tribe that inhabit this area is the largest as well as one of the most colorful and iconic tribes of Papua New Guinea. Once you arrive you will be transferred to Ambua Lodge; nestled at the edge of the lush green rainforest and overlooking the serene Tari valley below. Spend the afternoon enjoying Ambua's winding forest trails that take you through lush rainforest, past gushing waterfalls and over traditional vine bridges. While on the nature walk you may chance to observe up to 13 species of the birds of paradise alongside a wide variety of colorful flowers, exotic plants and insects. ...read less
Private Full Day Huli Tribe Countryside Tour, All Meals Included
Spend read more...
Spend the day touring the villages and countryside of the iconic Huli tribe. The Hulis are famed for their colorful bilas (traditional dress) and unique traditions. The Huli men pride themselves on their beautiful bilas with its' elaborately constructed human hair headdress which they lavishly decorated with flowers, mosses and ornate bird feathers. Their bilas combined with their unique sing sing is intended both to enrapture their audience, as well as intimidate enemies. Visit the men's wig school and tour the local villages to experience how this proud mountain tribe has evolved in the modern age, while still maintaining the stories, beliefs and traditions of their ancestors. ...read less
Tari Valley - Karawari
This morning fly by charter flight into the deep heart of the jungle where your wondrous journey continues at the Karawari Lodge in the Sepik region. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, the lodge boasts a spectacular view of hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Proceed with lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to a nearby village to learn about the customary process of harvesting and preparing the sago palm. Sago is the staple food for the Karawari tribes.
This morning fly by charter flight into the deep heart of the jungle where your wondrous journey continues at the Karawari Lodge in the Sepik region. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, the lodge boasts a spectacular view of hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Proceed with lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to a nearby village to learn about the customary process of harvesting and preparing the sago palm. Sago is the staple food for the Karawari tribes.
Karawari River Excursion
Travel by motorboat down the river to visit the small villages that line its shores. The villages provide a unique opportunity to visit traditional homes, witness ceremonial dances and celebrations and glimpse traditional village life. The Karawari tribes express their beliefs through their skillful and artistic expressions of sculpture and art. Enjoy this opportunity to admire the beautifully woven baskets, carved masks, drums and sculptures. You will also have an opportunity to purchase art from the local villages.
Travel by motorboat down the river to visit the small villages that line its shores. The villages provide a unique opportunity to visit traditional homes, witness ceremonial dances and celebrations and glimpse traditional village life. The Karawari tribes express their beliefs through their skillful and artistic expressions of sculpture and art. Enjoy this opportunity to admire the beautifully woven baskets, carved masks, drums and sculptures. You will also have an opportunity to purchase art from the local villages.
Karawari - Mount Hagen - Port Moresby
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Mount Hagen. Then, upon arrival to Mount Hagen, you will be met at the airport and transfer you to Banz Kopi for lunch before your onward flight to Port Moresby.
Domestic Flight to Port Moresby
Upon arrival to Port Moresby, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Mount Hagen. Then, upon arrival to Mount Hagen, you will be met at the airport and transfer you to Banz Kopi for lunch before your onward flight to Port Moresby.
Domestic Flight to Port Moresby
Upon arrival to Port Moresby, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
Port Moresby - Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Karawari River, Papua New Guinea
Ambua Lodge, WHP, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea
Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Places You'll See
-
Port Moresby
The Sprawling Capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, sits on the shores of the Gulf of Papua with a growing population of 300,000 residents. Though small in comparison to other capitals, Moresby has an array of activities to choose from including golfing, snorkeling along its shores, a visit to the Port Moresby Nature Park for a glimpse at the local wildlife, and numerous historic points of interest.
-
Mount Hagen
The third-largest city in Papua New Guinea, Mount Hagen was unknown to westerners until the early 1930 as explorer flew over the lush jungle region. Much like then, local highlanders adorn traditional dress and maintain a modest way of life. Today, Mount Hagen City is the business heart of the Papua New Guinea highlands supporting important industries such as tea and coffee. Visitors can get a real feel of the country by learning from locals while visiting the quaint markets and handicraft shops.
-
Lake Murray
At about 2000 square kilometres in the wet season, Lake Murray is the largest lake in Papua New Guinea. Island communities of stilted houses dot the water landscape of the lake. The tribes that inhabit the small, remote villages live their life on the water. Dugout canoes are their primary mode of transportation and the abundant stock of freshwater fish provide their staple food source. Visitors will be welcomed to the various villages, where they will have the opportunity to witness and interact in a number of traditional activities including traditional weaving, face and body painting, tribal warrior demonstrations, and traditional sing-sing
-
Tari Valley
Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognizable cultures in Papua New Guinea – the “Huli Wigmen”. A proud, flamboyant tribe known for their ornate ceremonial “wigs” with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating rituals of the Birds of Paradise – an encounter with the Huli’s is bound to be memorable. Well kept nature trails venture out into the wilderness, crossing traditional vine bridges, tracing clear mountain streams to secluded waterfalls surrounded by pristine, mid-montane jungle.
-
Karawari River
Karawari River flows through the most remote regions of Papua New Guinea. With no roads, the local tribes do very well getting around in their manmade dugout canoes, living completely off of the land. Get an understanding of some of the tribes in the region with their traditional dances, food and dress while staying in the comfort of private lodges.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
Rondon Ridge Lodge
7100 feet above sea level, on the outer fringes of the Kubor Range, lies Rondon Ridge. Boasting panoramic views of the Wahgi Valley below, Rondon Ridge is the pinnacle of luxury in a remote and rural setting. It is a spectacular introduction to our lodges on arrival and a welcome stone to civilization before departing Mount Hagen. Rondon Ridge is located in the mountains above the city from where you can marvel at the stunning vista of the surrounding mountains and the city below.
Mount Hagen , PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Featured Accommodation
Lake Murray Lodge
Nestled among the trees on an island spit, Lake Murray lodge overlooks beautiful Lake Murray. Here in the remote reaches of Papua New Guinea, one truly feels that they are on the edge of the earth. The almost unbroken quiet of the lake is barely disturbed by the gentle sounds of dugout canoes seamlessly gliding through the water. Despite some Western influences, the tribes in this remote area still maintain many of their ancient and traditional customs and ways of life.
Lake Murray , PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Featured Accommodation
Ambua Lodge
Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level, is Ambua Lodge. Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognizable cultures in Papua New Guinea – the “Huli Wigmen”. A proud, flamboyant tribe known for their ornate ceremonial “wigs” with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating rituals of the Birds of Paradise – an encounter with the Huli’s is bound to be memorable.
Tari Valley , PAPUA NEW GUINEA
4 Star Properties
Karawari River : Karawari River Lodge
Karawari River Lodge
Karawari River , PAPUA NEW GUINEA
One of the most remote and un-spoilt destinations in Papua New Guinea – the lodges private airstrip and the Karawari River being the only way in or out. Stilted villages line the edges of flooded waterways and dug out canoes are the primary mode of transport.
Karawari Lodge arranges river excursions in 18-seat motorized jet boats to the surrounding villages where you visit traditional homes, witness ceremonial dances and celebrations and are honored with a glimpse traditional life.
5 Star Properties
Airways Hotel
Port Moresby , PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The hotel is nestled in its own botanical gardens, offering world-class accommodation set in an oasis of understated luxury in one of the Pacific’s most striking and inspiring settings. After flying in to Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport, there’s only one place you’ll want to land.
