PAPUA NEW GUINEA

TRIBES, REEFS & BIRDS OF PARADISE

16 – 30 SEP 2018  •  15 DAYS  •  16 GUESTS

Papua New Guinea is a name synonymous with the exotic and wild. A country with immense cultural and biological diversity. Vastly untouched by the modern world it is a magnificent land of towering mountain peaks, smoking volcanoes, impenetrable rainforests, exotic cultures and vibrant tropical seas home to some of the best diving and snorkelling on the planet. Wild Earth Expeditions opens a gateway for 16 adventurers to explore and photograph the mysteries of ancient living cultures in the remote Sepik region and the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Hike through dense tropical rain forest filled with unique wildlife and observe birds that challenge the colours of the rainbow. Travel down the Sepik River to some of the most remote corners of this diverse island. Dive and snorkel some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs, a true undersea Garden of Eden. Step back in time and enjoy the unspoiled wonders of this Island paradise, where the magic of nature unfolds. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stimulate your senses with the vibrant and colorful culture and festivities of the many indigenous tribes.

• Visit lush tropical rainforests, smoking volcanoes, exotic coral reefs and intricate river systems.

• Be part of the famous Goroka show, with 100 tribes joining the singsing.

• Dive and snorkel rich reefs in the Coral triangle, the marine biodiversity hot spot on the planet.

• Over 9000 species of plants, 250 species of mammals and 700 bird species including 43 Birds of Paradise.

• Sail through lush lowlands and dense forest on remote tributaries in the Sepik River basin.

• Visit remote and unique villages, learn about traditional rituals and step back in time.

• Visit the renowned ‘Huli wigman’ and many other tribes for singsings and cultural performances.

RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES

You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today. 

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

PRE-EXTENSION - TAWALI - MARINE MARVELS IN MILNE BAY

Day 01 | Sep 07 Arrive in Port Moresby 

Day 02 | Sep 08 Fly to Gurney and transfer to Tawali 

Day 03-06 | Sep 09-12 4 full days of diving, snorkeling and cultural tours 

Day 07 | Sep 13 Fly to Port Moresby / Visit Nature park 

GOROKA SHOW - A CELEBRATION OF TRIBAL DIVERSITY

Day 01 | Sep 13 Arrive in Port Moresby / Welcome dinner and Cocktails 

Day 02 | Sep 14 Fly Port Moresby to Goroka / City tour and market 

Day 03-04 | Sep 15-16 2 days of cultural performances at the Goroka show 

Day 05 | Sep 17 Travel through rural countryside and villages to Mount Hagen 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - TRIBES, REEFS & BIRDS OF PARADISE

Day 01 | Sep 16 Depart home en route to Port Moresby 

Day 02 | Sep 17 Fly Port Moresby to Mount Hagen / Rondon Ridge 

Day 03 | Sep 18 Charter flight to Karawari / Embark MV Sepik Spirit / Village tours 

Day 04-05 | Sep 19-20 Explore remote Sepik Basin Villages and waterways 

Day 06 | Sep 21 Karawari and Kundiman Village 

Day 07-08 | Sep 22-23 Charter flight to Ambua / Nature walks / Huli Wigman / Birds of Paradise 

Day 09 | Sep 24 Fly Tari-Port Moresby-Hoskins / Arrive at Walindi Resort 

Day 10-13 | Sep 25- 28 4 full days of diving and snorkeling wonderful reefs 

Day 14 | Sep 29 Volcano hike or village visit / Farewell party 

Day 15 | Sep 30 Fly Hoskins- Port Moresby and continue home 

M/V SEPIK SPIRIT 

Sepik Spirit journeys through the Sepik region, primarily on the Karawari River and on to the Krosmeri River which allows entry to the mysterious Blackwater Lakes. The densely-forested riverbanks of the Karawari River contrast with the wide-open expanse of the Blackwater Lakes. Bird life is rich throughout both regions. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, including those of day-to-day life; men gathering on their clan's bench, children paddle canoes to school and women fishing with hand lines while keeping a fire burning in a clay fireplace. 

Time will be spent with villagers hearing about rituals, warfare, initiation ceremonies and ancestral beliefs. Men’s houses, spirit houses and family houses will be visited. These villages are renowned for producing tribal art specialties such as masks, flutes and spirit figures. There will be opportunities to view and purchase art pieces and crafts in the villages' impromptu and low pressure markets. 

Our privately chartered vessel, the M/V Sepik Spirit is thirty metres long and has a ten-metre beam. There are three levels. The lounge, dining room and bar are on the first floor. Nine rooms, each with private bathroom, are on the second floor. The staff quarters and a screened in observation area are on the third floor. The boat is fully air-conditioned. Water storage is limited and guests are asked to use water sparingly. Touring is done in a smaller jet boat. A low water level in the river may mean a muddy bank to negotiate from the touring boat to the top of the riverbank. Shoes worn on tours must be taken off and left on the shoe racks before entering the interior of the boat. Bring along an extra pair of casual light shoes or sandals for inside. There is no laundry service available. 

COST & INFO

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Tribes, Reefs & Birds of Paradise

16 – 30 SEPT 2018 | 15 DAYS | 16 GUESTS

Double Occupancy: USD$12’980 

Single Supplement Surcharge: USD$5’970 

PRE-EXTENSION TAWALI – Marine Marvels in Milne Bay

07 – 13 SEPT 2018 | 7 DAYS | 16 GUESTS

Double Occupancy: USD$3’780 

Single Supplement Surcharge: USD$970 

GOROKA SHOW EXTENSION – A celebration of Tribal Diversity

13 – 17 SEPT 2018 | 5 DAYS | 16 GUESTS

Double Occupancy: USD$1’580 

Single Supplement Surcharge: USD$410 

INCLUDED

All accommodations in twin/double share rooms as outlined in the itinerary; private boat charters: All group meals; Welcome and farewell cocktails receptions; Soft drinks, drinking water, tea and regular filter coffee during lunch and dinner at all hotels/lodges and onboard M/V Sepik Spirit; Drinking water while on tours; all group transfers and baggage handling. All tours, excursions, diving and snorkeling as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive services of English speaking professional guides and naturalists; Services of 2 Wild Earth Expedition Leaders (including Expedition Leader and Cultural guide); All gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, dive crew, ship-, resort and wait staff; Government- Service- and Room taxes; All permits, Harbor fees, Entrance and Marine park fees; Complimentary slideshow; Dive tanks/weights for Scuba divers. 

NOT INCLUDED

All international and domestic airfares*; Any airport arrival and departure taxes; passport and visa fees; Immunization costs; Meals outside the group travel itinerary; Mandatory Travel insurance (including medical, medical evacuation and accident); Excess baggage charges; Personal items, such as laundry, any alcoholic beverages or bar charges (unless specified above), WIFI, telephone, fax calls; Tips for your 2 Wild Earth Leaders and any non-group services; Nitrox air fills and dive gear rental. 

Any sudden increase in price, due to currency fluctuations, a steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control, will be adjusted with the final invoice due 4 months prior to the expedition. 

*Please note domestic flights must be purchased through Wild Earth Expeditions

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

We only have 2 single spaces available and single occupancy rates apply. If you are wanting to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you and double occupancy rates apply. If we cannot pair you with a roommate, the single supplement surcharge applies. Please note that the single supplement surcharge is based on a single occupant covering the cost for both spaces on the boat and in lodges. 

WILD EARTH LEADERS

PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Walindi Resort, Tawali Resort, Trans Nuigini Tours.