Twelve Days
Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guniea is a journey into a unique environment - home to 1,000 seperate ethnic groups, many living lives unchanged by modern civilization. For some Papuans, the first wheel ever seen was the wheel of an airplane. The "Last Unknown," PNG is truly a special destination, and it requires a special escort. Our specialist guide Bev Blackley has lived and worked in PNG for twenty-three years, as a nurse, with the local airline, as a cruise director and with A&K. She speaks the local Pidgin language and now accompanies all departures of this program.
Each stilt village along Papua New Guinea's Karawari River has its own unique architecture and customs.
A friendly local greets visitors; the rare and beautiful Bird of Paradise
Day 1, Tuesday
USA or Canada - Papua New Guinea
Connect from your home city to Los Angeles, in time to catch the trans-Pacific flight which begins your journey.
Day 2, Wednesday
International Date Line
As we travel across the International date Line, we "lose" a day, to be regained on our return flight.
Day 3, Thursday
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
We arrive in Papua New Guinea - having travelled in a few hours from the Atomic Age to the Stone Age. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel, where we may be joined by A&K clients from other tours extending to PNG. This evening a detail briefing on our upcoming itinerary precedes a welcome dinner. Islander Travelodge, Dinner
Day 4, Friday
Port Moresby - Tari Valley
We rise early this morning to fly due west into the heart of the Highlands, crossing mountain ranges over 12,000 feet high. We land in Tari, to be driven through the fertile Tari valley to Anbua Lodge. This Luxurious hotel consists of only 20 chalets, built in the local style on a mountainside with spectacular views. This afternoon we have time to take a walk throught he rainforest and at dusk we have a good chance to see the exquisite Ribbontail Bird of Paradise.Ambua Lodge, Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Days 5 - 6, Saturday - Sunday
Tari Valley
Here in the Highlands tea and coffee plantations abound, and everywhere we see the "gardens" of the industrious Highlanders. One highlight of our stay: we venture far into the valley to a clan village of the famous Huli Wigmen. We watch them prepare for a "Sing-Sing" or festival, and see their unique dance imitating the Bird of Paradise, whose feathers adorn their elaborate human-hair wigs. Ambua Lodge, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7, Monday
Tari Valley - Sepik River
Early this morning we fly down to the sepik River basin, landing on the grass strip at Timbunkie. Transportation from the airstrip to the vessel is by river truck - there are no roads through this dense jungle. We board the Sepik Spirit, specially designed to navigate through the lake and river systems of the Upper Sepik. The nine-cabin Sepik Spirit is air-conditioned throughout; each cabin has its own private bathroom. We are accompanied by an experienced guide who explains the customs of the various tribes we visit; helps us select from the carvings and artwork they offer for sale; and identifies the many species of birds, flora and fauna we see on this three-night cruise. Sepik Spirit, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 8 - 9, Tuesday - Wednesday
Sepik River
We have two more fascinating days on the river. We watch dugout canoes drift past; see villagers set fish traps and process their staple food, the sago palm, in the settlements we visit; and laugh with the children who play in the wash as our boat passes. Sepik Spirit, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10, Thursday
Sepik River - Karawari
Our cruise ends at Karawari this morning and, after breakfast, we leave the Sepik Spirit to travel to Karawari Lodge by river truck. The lodge is built from local materials in the style of a haus tamburan or meeting house; each of the spacious rooms has a private bath and an airy verandah that looks out to to river or jungle. Using the Lodge as our bae, we explore the upper reaches of the Karawari River, visiting stilt villages of great diversity. Each has its own different style of building, language, art and culture. This evening A&K hosts a farewell dinner in our honor. Karawari Lodge, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11, Friday
Karawari - Port Morsby - Queensland Coast
A morning flight takes us to Port Moresby, where we have lunch and, time permitting, tour the city before boarding an evening flight to Cairns on Australia's tropical coast. Reef House Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12, Saturday
Cairns - Sydney - USA or Canada
We transfer to the airport to board a flight homeward, arriving back in the USA or Canada the same day, courtesy of the date Line. Breakfast
| Land Arrangements | Adult |
| Double Occupancy | $3,590 |
| Single supplement | $400 |
| Internal Airfare | $530 |
| Airfare from West ,Coast Economy Class from | $1,498 |
| 1997 pricing | |
| Double Occupancy | $3,850 |
| Single supplement | $470 |
| Internal Airfare | $610 |
| Airfare from West ,Coast Economy Class from | $1,428 |
| Depart | Return | Depart | Return |
| Oct 15 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 9 |
| 1997 Tour Dates | |||
| Jan 28 | Feb 8 | Jul 22 | Aug 02 |
| Feb 25 | Mar 8 | Sep 23 | Oct 04 |
| Mar 18 | Mar 29 | Oct 28 | Nov 08 |
| Jun 17 | Jun 28 | Nov 25 | Dec 06 |
| 1998 Tour Dates | |||
| Jan 27 | Feb 07 | Mar 17 | Mar 28 |
| Feb 24 | Mar 07 |
Prices and dates are subject to change
Your land arrangements include:
Not included are personal expenses such as laundry; travel insurance; excess baggage fees; communication charges; cost of obtaining passports or visas; scenic flights; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; any airfares.