Authentic Journeys (2025)

15/02/2018

It's not easy to travel to Papua New Guinea. The exact qualities that make the country so attractive to adventurers—its rugged natural beauty, thriving traditional cultures, an anachronistic lack of infrastructure—is precisely what makes it such a challenging destination.

15/02/2018

With little tourist infrastructure outside the main tourist areas, getting around can be tough. But Papua New Guineans themselves are wonderfully welcoming people who will go to great lengths to accommodate strangers. Tourism is well developed and growing in a handful of locations.

25/10/2017

To promote our cultural diversity of the Land Of Unknown, Cultural Shows are staged each year. Those interested in witnessing and experiencing a spectacular event of a lifetime, get ready for 2018 cultural festivals in Papua New Guinea. Witness over 100 different cultural groups displaying their unique culture just in 2 days and in one location.

2018 Cultural Events will be staged as follows;
* SEPIK RIVER CROCODILE FESTIVAL - 04/08 July
* ENGA CULTURAL SHOW - 11/12 August
* MT HAGEN SHOW - 19/20 August
* GOROKA FESTIVAL - 15/16 September
* MOROBE -10/11 October

Be prepared well in advance, book now to avoid wait-list issues. Witness these special and spectacular events. Don't miss out! Contact us for bookings/enquiries.

04/06/2017

Mount Hagen Cultural Show partaken by more than 100 cultural groups will be staged on 19th & 20th August 2017. Last minute bookings are welcome no later than 30 June 2017. Hurry!!!!
Contact Junior via [email protected]

05/05/2017

MT WILHELM TREKKING ADVENTURE
For your personalised and exclusive tour in Papua New Guinea, contact us.
Authentic Journeys
Papua New Guinea
+675 7366 8510
[email protected] or
[email protected]
We specialise in:
* Birding/birdwatching
* Cultural Shows/Festivals
* Mt Wilhelm Trekking Adventure
* Tari Trekking Adventure
* Sepik Canoeing Safari
* Lodge based touring programs
Tour: Wilhelm Trekking Adventure - 3 Nights.
Graded. Hard - Strenuous
Duration: Variable
Departure: Everyday (as and when available)
This trip can be taken as a weekender or any day during the week. Fly to Goroka, travel by road to Mt Wilhelm, either climb to the summit or enjoy casual day hikes around the Mt Wilhelm lakes, and return to Goroka. You could take an extra night and make it a 4-night trip so that you can spend an extra night at Base Camp and do some day hiking around Lake Piunde in order to acclimatise to the high altitude before attempting to climb to the summit. Warm wind-proof clothes and an alpine sleeping bag are essential but Mt Wilhelm is a non-technical climb and no special gear is required. Light hiking boots or sturdy trainers are adequate footwear.
* Airfares POM/GKA/POM are not included – you can book these through us. Port Moresby - Goroka return: from 528 US$ or Port Moresby/Mt Hagen return: from 429 US$.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
Meet and greet at Goroka or Mt Hagen airport
Road transfers to Mt Wilhelm and return
Two (2) nights share twin or triple accommodation at Lodge (or similar) including meals
One night accommodation at Base Camp guest house including basic dinner, breakfast and tea flask
Guides to carry water, tea flask, torch, first aid kit, spare blanket and assist you with the climb
Local trekking fees
Tour monitoring and 24-hour assistance
EXCLUSIONS:
Airfares
Bar drinks, snacks, tips, souvenirs, personal items
Meals not specified as included eg lunch on Day 1 and Day 4
Aadditional excursions in excess of those specified in the itinerary
Sleeping gear (BYO sleeping bag, inflatable mattress and pillow).
Personal gear such as water bottle, rain poncho, personal backpack and personal first aid kit
Mobile phone or satellite phone
Rates per person in USD for treks departing from Goroka are:
1 person $1995
2 people $1260
3 people $1165
4 people or more $995
If you are not pressed for time, it is possible to do the trek using public transport, as public transport cannot be guaranteed to turn up everyday, and leave early in the morning. This is not possible during the Goroka Festival period around mid-September. If choosing this option it is best to plan for the fourth night to be in the Bird of Paradise Hotel in Goroka with a flight out the following day to allow for delays and late departure.
1 person $980
2 people $870
3 or more people $795
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: ARRIVE MT WILHELM Depart Port Moresby on Air Niugini morning flight to Goroka or Mt Hagen. At the airport you are met by your vehicle and driver. You may wish to stop for lunch at a local hotel or restaurant before commencing the drive to Mt Wilhelm (or pick up take-away pizza or Chinese). There is also plenty of fresh fruit available from roadside stalls along the way. The drive to Mt Wilhelm takes about 4-6 hours along the scenic Highlands Highway, via the mountain ranges of the Chimbu Province and through the provincial capital Kundiawa, arriving at the little town of Kegesugl late afternoon. You will overnight here before continuing on foot tomorrow morning. Overnight Kegesugl (2 star lodge, includes all meals).

DAY 2: MT WILHELM Commence hiking with your guides up the scenic lower slopes of Mt Wilhelm, arriving at Lake Piunde in the afternoon (a packed lunch is supplied by the lodge). Lake Piunde is the base camp for climbing to the summit. Here you will stay at the base camp guest house which is rather more basic but adequate for resting up and getting used to the higher altitude. After a hot dinner, turn in early to get some sleep before rising in the middle of the night to climb to the summit. Overnight base camp guest house (1 star! includes meals).
DAY 3: MT WILHELM Rise at 01.00am and commence the 6-hour climb with your guides to the summit. The track is clear with guides and and reasonably easy to follow in the dark by moonlight or torch light. Clear views from the summit of Mt Wilhelm are only possible at sunrise before cloud cover obscures the vista so it is important to reach the summit by 07.00am.
Your guides will carry hot tea flasks to keep you warm. This is not a technical climb and no special equipment is required but you will need to be fit, you will need warm clothing and you must be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness. (If you have any doubt about your ability to gain the summit, you can wait at base camp.) By 08.00am, descend from the summit, stop for lunch at base camp and continue down to Kegesugl arriving late afternoon in time for dinner. Overnight Kegesugl (2 star lodge, includes all meals).
DAY 4: DEPART MT WILHELM Depart Kegesugl after breakfast arriving Goroka or Mt Hagen around lunchtime. Your driver will take you to check in at the airport for the afternoon flight to Port Moresby, or drop you at a hotel or elsewhere if you are taking other arrangements. If you are staying for the night in Goroka or Mt Hagen you may wish to take our optional half-day tour.
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05/05/2017

SEPIK CANOEING SAFARIS
Duration: Variable
Departure: Everyday (as and when available).

(This program can be extended to the Highlands for 4 additional nights).

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: International Flight/Port Moresby/Wewak
Arrive in Port Moresby and connect to your onward flight to Wewak on PX126 at 15:30. Overnight at a Wewak Lodge. (No meals)

Day 2: Wewak/Palambe
Transfer by vehicle to Pagwi for your canoe expedition and start your river expedition to Palambe where you will see two Haus Tambarans (Spirit Houses) and village study. Overnight at Palambe Guesthouse. (All meals)

Day 3: Palambe/Chambri Lakes/ Kanganamun
Journey into Chambri Lake by motorized canoe. En route stop at Aibom where its people are famous for their pottery making. After Chambri Lake continue onto Kanganamun and overnight at Guesthouse. (BLD)

Day 4: Kanganamun/K**anabit
After breakfast visit the Kanganamun HausTambaran, village study and interact with the villagers of Kanganamun. Have lunch and then transfer to K**anabit further downstream. You will see their haus tambarans, a possible crocodile hunt with the locals after dinner. Overnight at K**anibit Guest House. (BLD

Day 5: K**anabit/Blackwaters/Govemas
After breakfast board your canoe to Krosmeri River into Black Water. Interact with the locals and also encounter myriad of birds and wild life. Continue your journey upstream to Govase and overnight. (BLD)

Day 6: Govemas/Kangriman/K**anabit
Village tour of Govemas Village. Interact with the locals and explore their traditional cultural lifestyles. After lunch motorized downstream to Kangriman’s Haus Tambaran (spirit house). Continue on to K**anabit and Overnight. (BLD)

Day 7: K**anabit/Pagwi
Today bid farewell to your friendly hosts at K**anabit village and continue your journey to Wewak via Pagwi. On arrival check into a Wewak Lodge or Hotel and overnight. (BL)

Day 8: Wewak/Port Moresby
Transfer to the airport and board flight PX 125 at 06:00 to Port Moresby via Madang for your next destination. The flight arrives at 08:10. END OF PROGRAM. Or Extend the program to the Highlands

03/05/2017

ADVENTURES AND WONDERS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Papua New Guinea is indeed the land of adventure. It is a land of natural wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, tropical jungles, high mountains and fascinating flora and fauna. The waters surrounding PNG are exotic and still vastly unexplored. Considering the vast areas of mountainous terrain, where the only way to get from village to village is to fly or walk, it's surprising that bush walking in PNG has not caught on the same way trekking has in the Himalayas. A couple hundred people canoe down the Sepik River each year, but you have to be fit, independent and well-equipped to tackle it. There is so much adventure in this lost paradise to experience so if you are a person who likes to try new things, come and see it yourself. Our adventure tours include some of the most remote areas in PNG that present challenging and exciting experiences.

03/05/2017

TARI (HULI WIGMEN) TREKKING ADVENTURE (PAPUA NEW GUINEA)
Tari is a township renowned for its Huli Wigmen. Located in the Southern Highlands Province, the fascinating culture of the Huli people endures today.
Life in Tari hasn’t caught up with the modern times and so locals still sustain a mostly primitive existence. People still wear traditional garb, and land and pigs remain the definitive icons of wealth. Young men are still reared to be self-sufficient braving the surrounding jungle alone for extended periods as a rite of passage to manhood. When it’s cause for celebration, the Huli Wigmen dedicate much time and effort to attiring in their spectacular costumes.
The Huli Wigmen can be seen performing in sing-sings at some of the colourful annual shows in Papua New Guinea. Easily identified by their yellow painted faces, the Huli Wigmen adorn elaborate wigs made predominantly of real hair. Young Huli men attend a school operated by an official wig master for a number of years to perfect the art of wig making.
Things to see and do
Visiting Tari offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich and diverse culture of the Huli people.
With lush rainforest at your doorstep, it’s difficult not to embark on a trekking tour to immerse yourself in the natural surrounds.
Cultural attractions worth checking out
Wig School
Hela Spirit Dancers
Wedding ceremony
Sing-sing
Sun dance
FOR TREKKING ADVENTURE PROGRAM IN THE TARI VALLEY, contact Junior or Bill via: [email protected] or [email protected]

28/04/2017

The people of this ecologically diverse region speak more than 250 languages and are knitted together in systems of trade and cultural interaction. Ritual, genealogical and historical knowledge defines one group from another and maintains the distinctions that facilitate trade.

Life in the Sepik area revolves around the river, with men paddling narrow dugout canoes full of goods for trade, women fishing or making sago and children joyfully swinging from trees to splash down in the river. The Sepik is a gallery of tribal art, each village boasts a unique style and every villager is an artisan.

Head hunting was a river culture practice in the Sepik area. The fact that young men could only come of age in these regions by taking a head, suggests how incessant warfare must have been. The Iatmul people of the Sepik would take the heads in battle, boil away the flesh and hang the painted and decorated skulls as trophies in the men's houses. The head hunters were not necessarily cannibals, but many were. Human flesh was eaten until fairly
recently and some of the older men from villages remember tasting it as
children, they will tell you that it tasted a little bit like chicken.

The men's house is the place where important decisions regarding the village are made, where boys are initiated and become men and ceremonies to please the spirits are performed. Here the crocodile is worshiped as the water spirit. In excruciatingly painful ceremonies young men have their backs cut to resemble the markings of the crocodile, which is a symbol of strength and power.

We have travellers stay in village huts to explore all of the mystery and mystique the remote Sepik area has to offer. Authentic Journeys provides canoeing adventure programs to this fascinating part of Papua New Guinea. Our experienced, knowledgeable local guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the lifestyle and culture of the river villages.

For your custom tour and details do not hesitate to contact Junior or Bill via:
[email protected]
[email protected].

27/04/2017

SEPIK HIGHLANDS REMOTE ODYSSEY #003 (15days/14 nights). Graded Easy-Moderate.
- 2nights Port Moresby
- 2nights Wewak Hotel
- 3nights Middle Sepik Canoeing
- 4nights Mt Hagen Hotel
- 3 nights Tari Trekking.

This 15day itinerary provides an in-depth experience into Papua New Guinea’s mighty Sepik River region and Highlands including Mt. Hagen and Tari (home to the Huli Wigmen).

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
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Day 1
PORT MORESBY – WEWAK (Meals: D)
On this first day, you’ll arrive at the Port Moresby Airport and met by a local guide who will accompany you to the domestic air terminal for your onward flight to Wewak. Here, you’ll be met by another local guide and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Wewak.
Day 2
WEWAK – SEPIK RIVER (Meals: B, L, D)
After an early breakfast, you’ll start the journey to Pagwi (about 3.5 hours) by 4 wheel-drive vehicle. Here, you’ll board a motorized canoe and travel to Korogu. You’ll have a chance to tour this village, see artifacts on display and visit with the people. You’ll then depart for Kanganamun where you’ll be treated to a traditional welcome spirit dance by the villagers. Your knowledgeable guide will provide information about this region and the culture here. Overnight in Kanganamun.
Day 3
SEPIK RIVER (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll depart by motorized continue to Aibom to witness poetry making – famous in this region – and then travel onward to Yajamin Village. Here, you’ll spend some time with the people as they perform a singsing. You’ll also watch them make sago, weave baskets, carve and paint with traditional materials. You’ll have a chance to tour a haus tambaran while learning about the importance of these buildings as well as the initiation ceremonies. Overnight in Yajamin Village.
Day 4
SEPIK RIVER (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll head to Palimbe Village where you will tour another haus tambaran and see the numerous wood carvings and artifacts (many for sale) from this area. You’ll then continue by canoe to Marringe and on to Chambri Lake. You may have the opportunity to accompany villagers on a crocodile hunt! You’ll continue on to Kanganamun Village. Overnight in Kanganamun.
Day 5
SEPIK RIVER (Meals: B, L)
After breakfast, you’ll board the canoe once again and continue back to Pagwi where you’ll board your vehicle for the drive back to Wewak. Overnight in Wewak.
Day 6
Wewak – Port Moresby
On this morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to Port Moresby. (There are few direct flights from Wewak so you must transfer back to POM prior to going to the Highlands.) Upon landing, you’ll be met by local a guide and transfer to your hotel in Port Moresby. Depending on your flight, you might have time to visit some sights in Port Moresby including Parliament Haus, the Botanical Gardens and the Boroko Market. Overnight in Port Moresby.
Day 7
TARI VALLEY (Meals: B, D)
After breakfast, you’ll head back to the airport and onward to Tari (home to the Huli Wigmen). There, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to a village guesthouse about 40 minutes away via public motor vehicle, PMV. (Note that there are few cars available for hire in Tari and most transport is by public transport).
Despite the road being in rough shape, this will be an exciting drive through small villages where you’ll see the local people and their gardens. In the afternoon, you’ll have time for a nature walk and brief tour of nearby villages. Overnight in Tari.
HIGHLIGHT! Tari is a land of lush, high valleys wedged between impressive limestone peaks. The people of Tari still maintain their cultural heritage and it’s normal to see them in their traditional attire on special occasions and market days. Their culture is deeply rooted and you will see them tending their gardens and pigs as well as being involved in daily activities. They are among PNG’s last people to be exposed to Western culture which is why they still maintain their strong culture and traditions.
Day 8
TARI VALLEY (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll have a full day tour (on foot) of Tari and the region that will include seeing the Huli Wigmen Dance, Huli bachelors and widows as well as their burial grounds. You’ll also see the Tari Basin and a special spirit dance. Overnight in Tari.
Day 9
TARI VALLEY (Meals: B, D)
After breakfast, you’ll continue your tour of Tari with a bit of village trekking to see waterfalls, birds and exotic wildlife in the surrounding forests. Overnight in local in Tari.
Day 10
TARI – MT HAGEN (Meals: B, D)
After breakfast, you’ll head off to Mt. Hagen by road (either PMV or private car) or by small airplane (which runs weekly flights). In Hagen, you’ll be meet by a local guide upon arrival and transfered to private lodge just outside of Mt. Hagen. Overnight near Mt. Hagen.
Day 11
MT HAGEN (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll go to a small village that hosts a cultural center and museum. Here you’ll find spiritual artifacts believed to be over 200 years old that have been worshiped as gods. You’ll also meet the local chief (Bigman) and his wives who dress in traditional attire and body ornaments.
You’ll also see a special welcome dance by the women of the village, mock fighting in which participants use traditional bows and arrows, and a re-enactment of a marriage ceremony in which pigs, money and food are exchanged for the bride. You’ll see the traditional cooking of food in a mumu (an underground pit using hot stones to cook the food). In the afternoon, you’ll head back to your lodging. Overnight near Mt. Hagen.
Day 12
MT HAGEN (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll head to the Waghi Valley to visit the local coffee and tea plantations and processing plant. You’ll also see an orchid garden and be treated to a special regional dance and a Mudmen show before continuing on to the town of Mt. Hagen. Here, you”ll visit the market, reportedly the biggest in all of the South Pacific and best known for its fresh and tasty fruits and vegetables. Overnight near Mt. Hagen.
Day 13
MT HAGEN (Meals: B, D)
After breakfast, you’ll have the chance to take a nature walk into the rain forest and see orchids, exotic plants and birds. In the afternoon, you’ll go to a nearby lodge to spend time birdwatching the amazing variety of birds that are attracted to the feeders and flowers. Overnight near Mt. Hagen.
Day 14
MT HAGEN – PORT MORESBY (Meals: B)
After breakfast, you’ll head to the Mt. Hagen airport and head back to Port Moresby. There you’ll be met by your local guide. You’ll have a last chance to do some shopping and sightseeing in the city. Overnight in Port Moresby.
Day 15
PORT MORESBY – Departure (Meals: B)
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight home.
*****

Any area of touring or canoeing or trekking maybe substituted for security reasons.

While in the Highlands, you’ll be amazed at the lush greenery, high mountains, fast flowing rivers, wide valleys and, of course, the people and their rich culture. Many large festivals happen in the Highlands, including the Mt. Hagen and Goroka shows, however there are smaller singsings (often impromptu ones) that you may be able to see off season. Note that accommodations tend to sell out at least a year in advance for Hagen and Goroka so consider traveling during the off season for fewer crowds and lower prices.
The Sepik region is famous for its waterways that branch off from the mighty Sepik River. The people in this area maintain a traditional lifestyle, spending their days farming, fishing and hunting. Each village is unique in both nature and culture.
Nearly all flights arrive into Port Moresby via Brisbane, Cairns or Tokyo.
Tari.
HIGHLIGHT! Tari is a land of lush, high valleys wedged between impressive limestone peaks. The people of Tari still maintain their cultural heritage and it’s normal to see them in their traditional attire on special occasions and market days. Their culture is deeply rooted and you will see them tending their gardens and pigs as well as being involved in daily activities. They are among PNG’s last people to be exposed to Western culture which is why they still maintain their strong culture and traditions.

You will be led by experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about their particular area of the country.

This itinerary may be personalized to match your particular interests, dates and length of travel.

***
This itinerary can easily combine with either one of the show cultural events:
- Enga Cultural Show
- Mt Hagen Cultural Show
- Goroka Festival
- Morobe Agro-Cultural Show.
***

For help in customizing this or any other tour to Papua New Guinea, please contact:

For bookings or more details, contact Junior or Bill via [email protected] or
[email protected]

26/04/2017

It’s not easy to travel to Papua New Guinea. The exact qualities that make the country so attractive to adventurers—its rugged natural beauty, thriving traditional cultures, an anachronistic lack of infrastructure—is precisely what makes it such a challenging destination. The Australian government’s travel guidelines for the country is one long warning about a terrifying compendium of biblical and modern-day plagues: Landslides! Car-jackings! Gang violence! Venomous snakes! Civil unrest!

The eastern half of the second largest island on earth, Papua New Guinea first gained notoriety in the Western world after Errol Flynn visited in 1927 and declared the land one of his greatest loves. In 1930, while searching for gold, Australian brothers Mick and Dan Leahy discovered a million isolated people living in the lush, secluded valleys of the Highland. Previously thought to be uninhabited, it was actually the most densely populated region—a colossal anthropological discovery. Altogether, Papua New Guinea has one of the world’s most diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes, with over 800 indigenous languages, or 25 percent of the world’s spoken tongues.

The site of Amelia Earhart’s doomed final flight as well the 1961 disappearance of Michael Rockefeller, the 23-year-old son of New York governor Nelson Rockefeller, the country remains steeped in a history, mystery, and myth that overrode the potential hazards. With its unique topography, prolific birdlife, and remote indigenous cultures, PNG had captured many visitors' imagination.

23/04/2017

PNG BIRDING IN PARADISE ADV ( #002) - 13Days/12Nights.
- 1night Port Moresby
- 4nights Kiunga/Tabubil
- 3nights Kumul (Mt Hagen)
- 3 nights Tari Valley

RETAIL LAND COST PER PERSON: US$3,630.00 (Min 5 Pax, Max 8 Participants)

LAND COST INCLUSIONS.
- Twin share room/accomm.
- Meals from breakfast on day #1 to Lunch on day #13.
- Transfers/transports/birding.
- Local guide/Entrance fees.

LAND COST EXCLUSIONS.
- International departure tax
- Visa Fees
- Domestic flight sectors
- Bar/Beverages
- Laundries
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- Any services not included in the tour.

ADDITIONAL COSTS
- Single Supplement: US$1058
- Domestic flights: US$1155 net per person (Port Moresby/Kiunga, Tabubil/Mt Hagen, Mt Hagen/Tari & Tari/Port Moresby)

Full day by day itinerary will be available upon request or booking.

Discounts or commissions are applicable.

For more info and details, contact us via [email protected] or message Bill Tombe on facebook.

22/03/2017

Don't Miss Out!!!

!!!Spectacular Mt Hagen Cultural Show Is On Again!!!

Dates:
19th & 20th August 2017.

Venue:
Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea.

Partakers:
More than 100 different cultural groups from countrywide.

INVITATION: is extended to all INTERESTED individuals, party and groups to attend and witness this cultural event, for an once in a lifetime experience.

Photographers:
A rare opportunity NOT to be missed. Culturally rich event, 100 cultural groups in one location just in two days.

Bookings.
If you want to come to the show, book well in advance to avoid wait list issues.

Availability
Spaces are limited and becoming very critical.

Every one welcome! See you there!

Booking contacts.

Bill Tombe or Junior Bike via
[email protected] or
[email protected].

AUTHENTIC JOURNEYS,
P. O. BOX 1090, Mt Hagen,
Western Highlands Province,
PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

17/03/2017

Everything about Papua New Guinea is diverse. From the multitudes of rare animal species to the 841 documented languages, from the lush rainforests to the Technicolor coral reefs, PNG is big on disparities. Despite all its exotic trappings, PNG is not a destination for the thin-skinned, inexperienced traveler. If you prefer big box resorts and umbrella-festooned cocktails, then this may not be your spirit destination. But, if you’re big on choosing your own adventure, going not just off the beaten track, but practically off the map, and you're keen to answer the call of cultural curiosity, PNG might be for you. There’s no better way to experience the array of tribal cultures that PNG has to offer than at the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.

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Mt Hagen Show Weekender
- 4Days /3 Nights
(18-21 August 2017)

Book Now! And dont miss this rare opportunity to see 100 different cultural group displays in one spot.

A spectacular event, a lifetime experience.
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For bookings, contact Bill Tombe or Bike Junior via emails:

[email protected]
[email protected]
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Mt Show Weekender - 4 Days/ 3 Nights (19th & 20th August 2017)

Itinerary in brief:

Friday 18 August Mt Hagen Arrival.
Meet, greet and assist.
Transfer to your hotel
Afternoon brief Mt Hagen Local Market visit.
Overnight at Kimininga Lodge (LD)

Saturday 19 August Mt Hagen Show
Return transfer to the Showground
Show badge included
Overnight Kimininga Lodge (BLD)

Sunday 20 August Mt Hagen Show
Return transfers to the Showground
Overnight Kimininga Lodge (BLD)

Monday 21 August Depart Mt Hagen
Transfer to your onward flight (B)

RETAIL LAND COST PER PERSON
US$1133. 00

LAND COST INCLUSIONS
Airport and show transfers
Twin share rooms
Meals indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner,
Show badges for two days

LAND COST EXCLUSIONS
Single Supplement
Domestic flight fares
Any expenses of personal nature
Our services only as stated in the itinerary.

Spaces are limited and becoming critical. To avoid wait-list issues, book NOW.

Spaces on domestic flights/hotels are limited and becoming critical. Book Now to avoid wait-list issues.

Book and ticket all your required domestic flights and take advantages of available discounts from your end.

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
Book into any one of our Mt Hagen Show tours to win yourselfa fb discounts.

We will discuss about your other pre/post service arrangements.

Mt Hagen Cultural Show
19th & 20th August 2017.

Each year during the third weekend in August, Mount Hagen hosts Mount Hagen Cultural Show, one of the largest singsings (tribal gatherings) in Papua New Guinea. Upwards of 100 tribes attend this event where they peacefully share their cultural traditions through costume, dancing and music. Disguised in anthropomorphic body paint, clad in elaborate headdresses, jewelry made of shells and boars’ tusks and skirts made from leaves and fur, the groups perform their primal dances; the tribe that garners the most applause and biggest reaction from the crowd wins. It is, to say the least, see pictures.

Flying Feathers & Mud Baths
Tribes convene at the showground and perform simultaneously, so you can imagine the sensory overload that takes place. Feathers fly, feet stomp, drums beat and voices soar high above the tree canopies in the distance.

Costumes and performances are, of course, not arbitrary. Each tribe has its own legend and lore that it conveys through masks, face paint and dance.

15/03/2017

MAJOR BIRDING SITES.

Birds.
Over 20 birds-of-paradise possible on the standard circuit including Blue Bird-of-paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Raggiana, Greater, Lesser, King, Twelve-wired, King-of-Saxony, Magnificent and Superb Birds-of-paradise, Black and Brown Sicklebills, Princess Stephanie's Astrapia, Carola's and Lawes's Parotias, Magnificent (and Eastern/Growling) Riflebird(s), Short-tailed Paradigalla, Lesser Melampitta, manucodes, Crested and Loria's Satinbirds, bowerbirds including Flame, Palm Cockatoo, Southern and Victoria Crowned Pigeons, Rufous-naped Whistler (now Rufous-naped Bellbird, in the Australian-Papuan Bellbird family with Crested Pitohui which also occurs in Papua New Guinea and Crested Bellbird of Australia), Blyth's Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Wattled Ploughbill, Painted Quail Thrush, Torrent Lark, Lesser Frigatebird and White-bellied Sea Eagle, as well as Salvadori's Teal, Oriental Darter, Pied Heron, Brahminy Kite, New Guinea Eagle, Black-mantled Goshawk, Masked Lapwing, Comb-crested Jacana, Australian Pratincole, cuckoo doves, fruit doves, imperial pigeons, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, lories, lorikeets, pygmy parrots, tiger parrots, Eclectus, Papuan King and Pesquet's Parrots, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Australasian Grass Owl, Greater Sooty Owl, owlet nightjars, Marbled and Papuan Frogmouths, Moustached Treeswift, Blue-winged and Shovel-billed Kookaburras, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, paradise kingfishers, Rainbow Bee-eater, Dollarbird, Hooded and Red-bellied Pittas, fairywrens, honeyeaters, New Guinea Logrunner, Fan-tailed, Tit and Crested Berrypeckers, Black-breasted and Yellow-breasted Boatbills, Great Woodswallow, Lowland and Mountain Peltops, butcherbirds, cuckoo shrikes including Golden, Black Sittella, whistlers including Dwarf and Regent, pitohuis including Hooded, fantails, monarchs including Frilled and Golden, Blue-capped Ifrita, robins including Garnet and Grey-headed (Ashy), Torrent Flycatcher, Island Thrush, Golden and Yellow-faced Mynas, Blue-faced and Papuan Parrotfinches, and munias. Also a chance of Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Greater Melampitta, Blue, Chestnut-backed and Spotted Jewel Babblers, Black-billed Brush Turkey, Spotted Whistling Duck, Great-billed Heron, Chestnut and Forbes's Forest Rails, White-browed Crake, Dusky Woodcock, Pheasant Pigeon, Mountain Kingfisher, Papuan Whipbird, and Spotted and White-eared Catbirds. Also present, off the usual circuit, at Bensbach in the Trans-Fly region, are Brolga Crane, Black-necked Stork, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australasian Bustard and Spangled Kookaburra, while seabirds present around New Ireland include White-tailed Tropicbird, White Tern and Red-footed B***y.

PORT MORESBY
Varirata National Park:
Raggiana Bird-of-paradise (display site), Magnificent Riflebird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Painted Quail Thrush, Barred Owlet Nightjar, Marbled Frogmouth, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher, Red-bellied Pitta, Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Frilled Monarch. Also a chance of Crinkle-collared Manucode, Black-billed Brush Turkey, Pheasant Pigeon, Chestnut-backed Jewel Babbler, Dwarf Whistler, White-eared Catbird and Wallace's Fairywren.

KIUNGA/TABUBIL
KM 27 out of Kiunga Greater and Raggiana Birds-of-paradise (both at display site), Trumpet Manucode and Rufous-bellied Kookaburra. Also a chance of Blue Jewel Babbler.
Boystown Road near Kiunga Flame Bowerbird and Palm Cockatoo. Also a chance of Blue Jewel Babbler.
Fly and Elevala Rivers out of Kiunga King and Twelve-wired Birds-of-paradise (both at display sites), Glossy-mantled Manucode, Palm Cockatoo, Southern Crowned Pigeon, Blyth's Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Common and Little Paradise Kingfishers, and Hooded and Red-bellied Pittas. Also a chance of Flame Bowerbird (at bowers), Forest Bittern, Black-billed Brush Turkey, Great-billed Heron, Pesquet's Parrot, Spangled/Starry (Kwatu) and Wallace's (Kwatu) Owlet Nightjars, Blue Jewel Babbler, Spotted Catbird and Emperor Fairywren.
Dablin Creek, Tabubil Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, Carola's Parotia, Dwarf Whistler and Obscure Berrypecker. Also a chance of Torrent Lark.
Ok Ma Road, Tabubil Magnificent Riflebird, Crinkle-collared Manucode, Palm Cockatoo and Shovel-billed Kookaburra. Also a chance of Greater Melampitta and Chestnut-backed Jewel Babbler.
Ok Menga, Tabubil Salvadori's Teal and Torrent Flycatcher. Also a chance of Torrent Lark.

TARI VALLEY
A fantastic male Ribbon-tailed Astrapia in the Tari Valley above Ambua by Mark Harper. There are still, relatively, quite a lot of Ribbon-tailed Astrapias in the Tari Valley but adult males with full tails like this are few and far between.
Tari Valley cater for Blue, King-of-Saxony and Superb Birds-of-paradise, Ribbon-tailed and Princess Stephanie's Astrapias, Black and Brown Sicklebills, Lawes's Parotia, Short-tailed Paradigalla, Loria's Satinbird, Lesser Melampitta, Wattled Ploughbill, Papuan King Parrot, Australasian Grass and Greater Sooty Owls, New Guinea Logrunner, Fan-tailed, Tit and Crested Berrypeckers, Black-breasted Boatbill, Great Woodswallow, Regent Whistler and Blue-capped Ifrita. Also a chance of Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Torrent Lark, New Guinea Eagle, Chestnut and Forbes's Forest Rails, Feline Owlet Nightjar, Papuan Whipbird, Spotted Jewel Babbler, Garnet and Grey-headed Robins, Spotted Berrypecker and Hercules Moth, as well as Striped Possum, Coppery Ringtail and Long-fingered Triok.

KUMUL/TONGA
Kumul and Area Blue (at Tonga, 30 minutes away by road), King-of-Saxony, Lesser (display site at K**a, Minamba Valley, 1.5 hours away by road) and Superb Birds-of-paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Brown Sicklebill (males are rare but sometimes visit the bird table), Crested and Loria's Satinbirds, Lesser Melampitta, Sanford's and Yellow-breasted (Minamba Valley) Bowerbirds, Wattled Ploughbill, Blue-capped Ifrita, Torrent Lark (Lai River near Lesser Bird-of-paradise site), Brehm's Tiger Parrot, Mountain Owlet Nightjar, Fan-tailed, Tit and Crested Berrypeckers, Black-breasted Boatbill, Regent Whistler, Torrent Flycatcher (Lai River) and Island Thrush. Also a chance of Chestnut Forest Rail and Dusky Woodcock.

MT HAGEN (RONDON RIDGE)
Rondon Ridge King-of-Saxony and Superb Birds-of-paradise, Princess Stephanie's Astrapia, Black and Brown Sicklebills, MacGregor's and Yellow-breasted Bowerbirds, Lesser Melampitta, Wattled Ploughbill and Blue-capped Ifrita. Also a chance of Orange-crowned Fairywren, Loria's Satinbird, Blue Bird-of-paradise, Papuan Parrotfinch and Silky Cuscus

Authentic Journeys

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