Tumbuna Festival, 13 - 23 May 2021

Upon arrival at Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby, you are met by Trans Niugini Tours' staff members who will then transfer you to Airways Hotel.Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: AIRWAYS HOTEL (-D)

Take a short 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 colourful and iconic tribes of PNG. 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 coloured flowers, exotic plants and insects.

Overnight: AMBUA LODGE (BLD)

Spend the day touring the villages and countryside of the iconic Huli tribe. The Hulis’are famed for their colourful bilas (traditional dress) and the 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 mens’ 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.

Overnight: AMBUA LODGE (BLD)

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. From Karawari airstrip, you will be transferred to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, the lodge boasts a spectacular view of hundreds of kilometres 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.

Overnight: Karawari Lodge (BLD)

This morning your 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.

Overnight: SEPIK SPIRIT (BLD)

Travel on the MV Sepik Spirit offers 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 the remote river waterways to the middle Sepik River. 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 experience remote villages, learn their customs and experience their day to day lives in modern times; which still closely reflects their traditional tribal lifestyle. The tribes of the Sepik are famed for their artistic carvings which express their ancient traditional stories and beliefs. You will have plenty of opportunity to admire or purchase some of their unique artifacts while visiting the local villages.

Overnight: SEPIK SPIRIT (BLD)

Begin the journey back up the Karawari River and prepare to leave the Sepik Spirit for your journey to Mount Hagen; the heart of the PNG highlands. This area is famed for its fertile lands and stunning mountain ranges, as well as the complex and fascinating cultural traditions of the Melpa tribe. Upon arrival at the Mount Hagen airport you will be driven up a picturesque road past highlands gardens and on to the lodge. Perched high above Mount Hagen, with mist filled views of the surrounding mountains and Wahgi Valley below, lies Rondon Ridge.

After settling in, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon on a guided birding and nature walk in the surrounding nature trails.The surrounding area is a pristine rainforest and home to numerous orchid species and a wide variety of birds. The lodge has hours of walking trails providing ample opportunity to explore the unique ecology of this area.Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforest around Rondon Ridge including twelve species of Bird of Paradise.

Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (BLD)

Today is spent at the Tumbuna sing-sing.The Tumbuna show is an intimate gathering of a dozen or more different PNG tribal groups, each performing their unique sing-sing while lavishly decorated and dressed in full bilas; tribal dress. The traditional PNG bilas and sing-sing is a unique and distinctive feature of each of the more than 800 tribes of Papua New Guinea.

The show takes place at a beautiful outdoor showground on the Rondon Ridge property. The stunning mountain vista framed by the distinctly vast highlands’ sky serves as the perfect backdrop for this unique demonstration of PNG tradition.

The celebrations will begin as the tribes arrive and gather to carefully adorn themselves with their complex headdresses, face and body paint and traditional clothing. Guests will arrive at the showground with plenty of time to wander throughout the area where they can interact with the dancers as they prepare for the sing-sing. This is an excellent opportunity to take photographs.

As the morning progresses, we will gather together and the groups will each perform their sing-sing. The performance gradually builds until each of the tribes is performing simultaneously to the sound of rhythmic drumming and singing voices. It is an unparalleled experience.

Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (BLD)

Transfer to Kagamuga Airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your hotel. After lunch enjoy a half day tour to the Nature Park.

Overnight: AIRWAYS HOTEL (BLD)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your out-going international flight. (B)