Abercrombie and Kent: Papua New Guinea

Witness cultural traditions rarely seen by Western eyes as you cruise the Karawari River in search of remote tribal villages, spot a dazzling array of exotic birdlife, and marvel at the brilliant spectacle of the Mount Hagen Sing Sing Festival. Immerse yourself in vibrant tribal cultures that have remained unchanged for centuries, while cruising rivers and exploring some of the most remote corners of the globe. Experience the world-renowned Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a dazzling spectacle of tribal song, dance, pageantry, and tradition. Take a three-night cruise on the Karawari River, winding past unspoiled villages and pristine rainforests of the Sepik Region. Relish intimate interactions with distinctive cultures spanning the remote river villages along the Sepik, the Huli Highlands, and the Mount Hagen region.

DAY 1 ARRIVE CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
Upon arrival in Cairns, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Refresh from your travels and prepare for the exciting journey to come. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner served at the hotel.
Shangri-La Cairns
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA | ISLAND GATEWAY
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Papua New Guinea, an island chain of undisturbed indigenous tribes and sweeping natural beauty. Arrive in Port Moresby, a capital of sprawling suburbs scattered throughout the hills. Begin your exploration of Papua New Guinea’s distinctive island cultures at the National Museum, home to a fine collection of local artifacts. Transfer to your accommodations nestled in a lush botanical garden.
Airways Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3 MOUNT HAGEN | BIRDER’S PARADISE
This morning, fly to Mount Hagen. Upon arrival, travel overland through the upper Wahgi Valley, a rich, fertile farmland that witnessed some of the world’s earliest agriculture. Continue on to Rondon Ridge for spectacular panoramas of the verdant valley. After lunch at your lodge, set out on a guided nature walk and birding tour of the grounds. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforests surrounding Rondon Ridge, including 10 species of birds of paradise. The pristine rainforest also boasts numerous vibrantly colored orchid species. Roam the vast trails, racking up exotic sightings with help from your expert guide.
Rondon Ridge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 SEPIK REGION | CAST OFF FOR ADVENTURE
Take your charter flight to Karawari, where you board “Sepik Spirit”, your floating home for the next three nights. After lunch on board, embark on your voyage of discovery along the Karawari River. Settle in to life aboard this three-level, 98-foot river cruiser featuring a lounge, dining room, bar, screened-in observation deck, air conditioning, and nine comfortable cabins with en suite bathrooms. Your riverboat home is an oasis in this remote jungle.
“Sepik Spirit”
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 SEPIK REGION | VILLAGES OF BLACK WATER LAKE
After breakfast aboard, disembark for a full-day excursion to the remote villages of Black Water Lake. Bask in your warm island welcome as you observe a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Learn about the local rituals, warfare, ceremonies, and ancestral beliefs, visiting the various houses of the village. Browse tribal handicrafts such as masks, flutes, and spirit figures in the villages’ low-pressure markets. Relax with a picnic by the densely forested banks of the Karawari River, watching as local men gather on their clan’s bench, children paddle canoes to school, and women fish with hand lines.
‘Sepik Spirit’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 SEPIK REGION | TRIBES OF THE MUMERI & MINDIMBIT
Disembark onto the banks of Mumeri, a remote village whose people have preserved their ancestral traditions for centuries. Take in the same warm village welcome enjoyed here by pioneering anthropologist Margaret Meade over 80 years ago. Next, board a speedboat for a thrilling ride out to the confluence of the Krosmeri and Karawari rivers, where you rendezvous with “Sepik Spirit” for lunch. Continue on to visit the villages of Mindimbit, taking in the spectacular carvings and elaborate coming-of-age rituals of the locals. Rejoin “Sepik Spirit” for your final night on board, cruising back toward Karawari.
“Sepik Spirit”
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 TARI | LUSH CANOPY OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Board your charter flight to Tari, soaring over the dramatic peaks of New Guinea’s Highlands. Upon arrival, transfer to your secluded lodge perched at 7,000 feet in Papua New Guinea’s spectacular Southern Highlands. In the afternoon, set out on a guided nature walk through the lush forest, keeping an eye out for the exotic birds of paradise. A favorite destination of birders, the rainforests surrounding the lodge have starred in many wildlife documentaries. A staggering 217 species of exotic birds have been recorded here, including 13 different species of birds of paradise. Stroll among a plethora of orchids, rhododendrons, vine bridges, mountain streams, and secluded waterfalls, logging your exotic sightings as your expert guide shares insights perfect for novices and seasoned birders alike.
Ambua Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAYS 8–9 TARI | ANCESTRAL LEGACY OF THE HULI WIGMEN
Embark on two days of cultural touring among the tribes of the Tari. In contrast to the Sepik people whose art is manifested in ceremonial and decorative carvings, the Highland people of Tari employ body decoration and face painting, as well as the wearing of decorative wigs, flowers, and moss. The Huli Wigmen are widely regarded as one of the most immediately recognizable of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous peoples. Experience the Huli Wigmen’s captivating dances, dazzling displays fashioned after the mating rituals of the birds of paradise. Take in the magic of the scene, absorbing an indelible impression of the vibrant tribal traditions so carefully preserved for generations.
Ambua Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 MOUNT HAGEN | SOARING ISLAND PEAKS
This morning, your private charter flight takes you back to Mount Hagen. On approach, watch the mountains rise and then fall away as you descend into the flatlands of the broad Wahgi Valley. Upon arrival at the airport, you are transferred to your hotel. In anticipation of the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, enjoy a preview program in the afternoon.
Highlander Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAYS 11–12 MOUNT HAGEN | VOICES OF THE SING SING FESTIVAL
Gain insider access to a privileged experience few travellers can claim as you immerse yourself in the dazzlingly vibrant spectacle of the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a festive gathering of more than 50 coastal, lowland, and highland tribal groups. This is a festival of the locals, for the locals — a bold, joyful proclamation of tribal pride. Marvel as the participants engage in sing sings, lively ancestral songs and dances displaying their diverse and distinctive cultural heritages. Witness an unmatched spectacle of color, music, and motion as heirloom feathered headdresses, brilliantly painted faces, and dyed grass skirts weave to the driving beat of traditional drums and the rousing voices of the tribesmen. Lose yourself in the sights and sounds of the rollicking festival, gaining a deeper insight into the enduring traditions that help to define this unique corner of the world.
Highlander Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13 CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA | A PARTING GLIMPSE
Today, fly via Port Moresby to Cairns. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and recap your amazing experience with your fellow travellers.
Shangri-La Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14 DEPART CAIRNS
After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast

The price does not include: travel insurance, administration fees, client contribution to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents of $ 1 CAD per $ 1,000 CAD.