Private/Group Tour Highlights
- Get a feel of Papua New Guinea's modern capital with tours of Port Moresby, covering numerous must see attractions.
- Revel in a unique opportunity to visit traditional homes, witness ceremonial dances and celebrations and glimpse traditional village life.
- Fly by charter flight into the deep heart of the jungle for a cruise along the Karawari River aboard the Sepik Spirit.
- Experience how the proud Huli tribe has evolved in the modern age, while still maintaining the stories, beliefs and traditions of their ancestors.
- Enjoy the unique opportunity via river cruise to journey into remote villages that could not otherwise be reached on day trips.
- Pay respect to the sacred Haus Tambaran where generations of secret tales are told with dances to the drums.
Tour Overview
With Yampu’s Sepik Spirit River Cruise Down the Karawari itinerary, adventure, and culture enthusiasts will take a journey through Papua New Guinea’s secluded Sepik region, stopping at numerous secluded villages while aboard the comfortable Sepik Spirit MV. The adventure begins in the Capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. Visitors will have an exciting introduction to the country as they explore the capital, touring must-see sites including the National Museum and the Nature Park before flying to Mount Hagen.
Mount Hagen will serve as an entry point into the Sepik Region as modern amenities begin to blend with more traditional ways of life of the locals. From here, travelers will feel like true adventurers as they take a charter flight, deep into the jungles of the region. Travelers will spend two days of comprehensive touring on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa People.
From Mount Hagen, travelers will charter a flight to Karawari to board for an extensive 4-day cruise through the Sepik Region. Passing jungle-covered banks dotted with traditional fishing villages, guests will visit many of these remote communities to learn their customs and experience their day to day lives.
For the final leg of the trip, explorers will take a short flight from Karawari across untouched rainforest and mountains to the Tari Valley where they will meet one of the most recognized cultures in Papua New Guinea – the “Huli Wigmen”. While in Tari, visitors will enjoy a stay at Ambua Lodge, nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level.
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.
Package Price: From £$ 13898
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
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
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Private Half Day Port Moresby Tour, Lunch Included
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.
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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 - Karawari
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Sepik Spirit River Boat Cruise with Shuttle Flight, All Meals Included
This morning fly by charter flight into the heart of the jungle where your wondrous journey continues on the Sepik Spirit river boat. Its' unique design was inspired by the local art and architecture of the "Haus Tambaran" or Spirit House. Enjoy lunch onboard as you begin the cruise along the swirling waters of the Karawari river, cruising past the remote villages and wild jungle that line the banks of the river. This afternoon travel into one of the local villages to catch your first glimpse into the unique tribal traditions of the river people. ...read less
Sepik Spirit River Cruise Excursions
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For three days, travel on the MV Sepik Spirit, offering a unique and diverse experience of the remote Sepik region. The journey begins on the Karawari river, a tributary of the "Mighty Sepik River", and transverses along its remote river waterways. You will pass jungle covered banks dotted with traditional fishing villages as you journey down the winding river for over 80 km to reach the Sepik River. As you meander along the Karawari River and Black water lakes you will visit remote villages, learn their customs and experience their day to day lives in modern times; which still closely reflects their traditional tribal lifestyle. ...read less
Visiting the Kanganamin and Palambei Tribes
Once you reach the Sepik River, travel into the remote Chambri Lakes, where you will visit the original traditional spirit houses of Kanganamin and Palambei; some of the most remarkable spirit houses still in existence. We pay respect to the sacred Haus Tambaran where generations of secret tales are told and dances to the drums and the rituals and stories are passed on to the next generation.
Once you reach the Sepik River, travel into the remote Chambri Lakes, where you will visit the original traditional spirit houses of Kanganamin and Palambei; some of the most remarkable spirit houses still in existence. We pay respect to the sacred Haus Tambaran where generations of secret tales are told and dances to the drums and the rituals and stories are passed on to the next generation.
Final day aboard Sepik Spirit River Cruise
The middle Sepik is the place where carvers and artists create the unique artifacts that are so essential to the spiritual life of the people. Enjoy this opportunity to admire or the beautifully woven baskets, carved masks, drums and sculptures. You will also have an opportunity to purchase art from the local villages.
The middle Sepik is the place where carvers and artists create the unique artifacts that are so essential to the spiritual life of the people. Enjoy this opportunity to admire or the beautifully woven baskets, carved masks, drums and sculptures. You will also have an opportunity to purchase art from the local villages.
Shuttle Flight to Tari Valley with Ambua Forest Excursion, All Meals Included
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Today we make our way back up the Karawari River and prepare to leave the Sepik Spirit for our journey to the next destination. Take a short flight from Karawari 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
Huli Tribe Countryside Tour, All Meals Included
For two days, you will be touring the villages and countryside of the iconic Huli tribe. The Hulis are famed for their colorful bilas (traditional dress) and unique traditions.
For two days, you will be touring the villages and countryside of the iconic Huli tribe. The Hulis are famed for their colorful bilas (traditional dress) and unique traditions.
Second Day Huli Tribe Experience
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.
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.
Tari Valley - Port Moresby
At the appropriate time, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to the airport for your flight.
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 the airport and privately transferred to the airport for your flight.
Domestic Flight to Port Moresby
Upon arrival to Port Moresby, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
International Flight 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.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Karawari River, Papua New Guinea
Ambua Lodge, WHP, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Places You'll See
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Sepik Spirit MV
The Sepik Spirit is a 9-room river cruise boat with a unique design inspired be the local architecture of the spirit house. This “one of a kind” cruise ship is used to take guests on a voyage along the waterways of Papua New Guinea’s Sepik region. Thus, allowing for the unique opportunity to journey into remote villages that could not otherwise be reached on day trips.
Karawari River , 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
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.
