Itinerary

Day 1 Mount Hagen

Mount Hagen is third largest city in Papua New Guinea. It is the capital of the Western Highlands Province and is located in the large fertile Wahgi Valley in central mainland Papua New Guinea, at an elevation of 1,677 m (5,502 ft). The Highlands Highway is the main arterial route to connect Mount Hagen with the coastal cities of Lae and Madang. The city is named after the old eroded volcano Mount Hagen, located about 24 kilometres (15 mi) to the northwest.

Oliver (Olly) is the youngest of 50 of the world’s leading explorers featured in ‘Faces of Exploration’ alongside such luminaries as Buzz Aldrin, Dr. Jane Goodall, Sir Edmund Hilary, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes where he’s described as “a representative of the new generation: modern, media savvy, high-tech, digital adventurer”. He is regarded as one of the most influential and pioneering explorers of his generation. Oliver is Director of Digital Explorer and founder of the Academy of Exploration. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the Explorers Club, and the Scientific Exploration Society. He speaks Mandarin, French and some tribal languages. Oliver has travelled, explored and caused trouble in over 100 countries including expeditions in Mongolia, Mauritania, Niger, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, China, Syria, Jordan, the Amazon and New Guinea. “The Real Indiana Jones” – Meredith Viera – NBC TODAY

Oliver is also an acclaimed investigative journalist and broadcaster. In the Discovery Channel series “Solving History with Olly Steeds”, he explores some of the great mysteries of the world including Atlantis, Ark of the Covenant, Nazi Treasure (The Amber Room), Nazca Lines, El Dorado (Lost City of Gold) and even escaped from Devil’s Island (aka Papillion). Oliver has spent a large quantity of time living with and documenting some of the world’s last tribes including presenting 3 acclaimed Tribal Series: ‘Living with the Kombai’ and‘ Living with the Mek’ both in New Guinea and ‘Living with the Machigenga’ in the Peruvian Amazon. His investigative reporting has featured on ABC, Channel 4, BBC and Al Jazeera English. His work has been nominated for Emmys and Overseas Press Awards. Oliver formerly managed ABC News’ Asia news operations from their Beijing HQ. Regarded highly in his industry, Oliver is a reknowned public speaker, entertaining and challenging audiences from schools to board rooms.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Take your flight from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

At 7100 feet above sea level, Rondon Ridge has a prime location on Mount Kuta. Boasting panoramic views of the Wahgi Valley below, Rondon Ridge is the pinnacle of luxury in a remote and rural setting. The lush lodge features the best of all worlds, with 12 well-appointed rooms placed in an earthy setting. Each room has its own bathroom, and is equipped with carefully chosen furniture. Cuisine is prepared by a skilled staff, with influences from across the world as well as the traditions of Papua New Guinea. Take advantage of the hotel’s key placement just 30 minutes from the bustling Mount Hagen City. Get to know the key industries of the highlands, while interacting with the local people. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforests around Rondon Ridge including ten species of Bird of Paradise. The surrounding area is pristine rainforest and home to numerous orchid species. The lodge has hours of walking trails providing ample opportunity to explore the unique ecology of this area.

Overnight at Rondon Ridge.

Day 2 Mount Hagen

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

A comprehensive tour program takes you on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa People. First contact with the Melpa was made in the mid-1930s when the Leahy brothers were prospecting for gold. The Melpa are said by anthropologists, to be “predisposed to capitalism,” because of their complex traditional society in which “big men” earn status by accruing wealth and then giving it all away in ceremonial exchanges. With ten species of Bird of Paradise in the Rondon Ridge area, numerous orchid species and hours of walking trails based out of the lodge, there is ample opportunity for those wishing to get up close and personal with the unique ecology of this area.

Overnight at Rondon Ridge.

Day 3 Karawari

This tropical lowland rainforest is one of earth's most complex of habitats, housing an immense variety of flora and fauna along with a unique culture. Exploring villages in small riverboats along the jungle-fringed waterways is as rewarding as it is exhilarating. See the people make use of the land - weaving baskets for catching fish in the river, or gathering, preparing and cooking their staple food from the Sago Palm.

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Take your flight from Mount Hagen (Kagamuga) to Karawari today.

Airport transfer between Karawari airstrip, and Karawari Lodge, with your driver and guide. Transfer by river boat and four wheel drive.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Karawari Lodge sits along Papua New Guinea's untapped stretches of rainforest and jungle lining the Karawari River. The ten individual cottages each offer two twin rooms and refreshing garden surroundings. Natural building materials and native decor set the tone of rustic, traditional living in Arambak country. Dine on locally-picked produce and succulent grilled meats and fish, all concocted with international and Karawari flavours. Later, take a stroll through the habitats of different creatures, or get to know the lifestyles of those living in the region's villages.

Overnight at Karawari Lodge.

Day 4 Karawari

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area.

Overnight at Karawari Lodge.

Day 5 Tari

Tari Is the centre of Huli country in the Southern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea. Take advantage of the birding in the Tari Gap area with up to 10 species of the birds of paradise. The flamboyant Huli Wigmen of the Tari Valley have formed a strong bond between themselves and these beautiful birds, men revere the birds by imitating them in both daily and ceremonial life, decorating their human hair wigs with the plumage of only the most beautiful birds. Tari is one of the few places left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress as part of daily living.

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Airport transfer between Karawari airstrip, and Karawari Lodge, with your driver and guide. Transfer by river boat and four wheel drive.

Take your flight from Karawari to Tari today.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

The day is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua- high mountains, forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveller. Take advantage of the birding in the Tari Gap area where one can observe up to 13 species of the birds of paradise. The flamboyant Huli Wigmen of the Tari Valley have formed a strong bond between themselves and these beautiful birds, men revere the birds by imitating them in both daily and ceremonial life, decorating their human hair wigs with the plumage of only the most beautiful birds.

Ambua Lodge is seated on a high perch in the Tari Gap area, enveloped by rich rainforest and valley grasslands. The 30 units promise intimacy and privacy, with picture windows illustrating the flowery landscape. Enjoy the cool, crisp heights of this atmosphere and cuddle into electric blankets and quilts offered by the lodge. The technological devices of home are not available, so guests may enjoy nature at its best. Meals are delicious, with continental and local fusions served by friendly staff. Tranquil and warm, one may take walks and hikes through the rainforest trails or go birding. Bask in the refreshing mist of a secluded waterfall.

Overnight at Ambua Lodge -.

Day 6 Tari

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Explore the area of Tari, one of the few places left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress as part of daily living and men's wealth is still counted by the number of pigs and wives they possess. Learn how the Huli live and how they interact with and use their environment. Explore the natural surroundings and enjoy the numerous orchid species.

Overnight at Ambua Lodge -.

Day 7 Port Moresby

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Take your flight from Tari to Port Moresby today. The flight duration is approximately 1 and a half hour.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Port Moresby international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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