Day 3 • Monday August 1

Port Moresby

Arrive in Port Moresby, where we are met and transferred to Airways Hotel. (Meals Aloft,D)

Days 4-6 • Tuesday-Thursday, August 2-4

Port Moresby / Embark Sepik Spirit

Fly to Mount Hagen, in the upper Wahgi Valley on a commercial flight and connect right away with our first private flight. This beautiful flight will take us from the highlands down to the tropical lowland forest of the middle Sepik, where we embark our fine ship, the Sepik Spirit. Our home for three nights, the Sepik Spirit is specially designed to cruise the waterways and tributaries of the Sepik River. Inspired by the architecture of the haus tambaran or spirit houses, the Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design and includes beautiful wood carvings, air conditioning, ample cabins and social areas and a friendly, service-oriented crew. With its shallow draft, it allows travel to rarely visited areas of the Sepik River and its tributaries in comfort. We’ll visit villages along the Sepik and explore some of the backwaters and lakes formed by the river. Our itinerary is kept flexible so that we can take advantage of any special events. Steeped in mystery, the people of the Sepik area have fascinated anthropologists like Margaret Mead since the area was first visited. Part of the mystery and attraction of the Sepik peoples is their amazing carvings, now famous the world over. The people of the Sepik have highly developed traditional beliefs and rituals, and villages are very different from one another. We’ll visit the “spirit houses” that are the focal points of several villages, many filled with carvings that tell the legends of the area. At some villages you may witness a traditional “sing-sing,” the crocodile men and woman, and in each place there is the chance to buy exquisite local art. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 7 • Friday, August 5

Disembark / Karawari

Disembark the Sepik Spirit and take a riverboat to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over dense tropical jungle. The lodge is resembles a spirit house, and furnishings include a collection of local tribal art. While here, listen to the chattering of lorikeets, eclectus parrots, cassowaries and cockatoos, and connect with the fascinating culture and people in the remote villages. (B,L,D)

Day 8 • Saturday, August 6

Karawari / Tari Gap Region

Take a private chartered flight to Tari, over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world, and transfer to Ambua Lodge, our home for two nights. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Ambua offers accommodation in nicely furnished rondavels. Thirteen species of elusive birds of paradise have been recorded here, many with long plumes and brilliant colors. On our previous expeditions, International Expeditions’ guests have spotted 11 birds of paradise species on the lodge grounds and at the Tari Gap, just minutes away. This area is also home to one of the world’s largest in-habitat orchid gardens of the world. The afternoon is spent exploring the surrounding mountain forests and roaring waterfalls. (B,L,D)

Days 9 & 10 • Sunday & Monday, August 7 & 8

Tari Gap Region

Tari is the land of the Huli “wig” men. The Huli’s live their lives inspired by the birds of paradise and practicing ancient sorcery. Some of them choose to avoid contact with females for up to three years to grow their own hair to make ceremonial wigs, under the tutoring of a master sorcerer. These wigs are later decorated with flowers and birds of paradise feathers. During these days we will enjoy morning birding and excursions that will truly allow us to connect with the Huli people as we learn about their customs and beliefs. Included in these excursions is a visit to the “wig school” and enlightening discussion with natives, where you have the opportunity to ask questions. With luck, we may even watch a spirit dance! (B,L,D Daily) 

Days 11-13 • Tuesday-Thursday, August 9-11

Tari / Madang

This morning take a chartered flight to Madang, where we stay at the Malolo Plantation Lodge. The area is alive with cultural and natural diversity, the last mainly underwater. Because of this we will have the opportunity to snorkel in the Bismarck Sea, enjoy leisurly walks along the beach and visit remote coastal villages. Spend three nights at the Malolo Plantation Lodge (B,L,D Daily)

Day 14 • Friday, August 12

Madang / Mount Hagen

Our morning charter flight whisks us to Mount Hagen, perched high on Mount Kuta. Spend our afternoon watching tribes finish their preparations for the Mount Hagen Show before spending the night at the Airport Resort. (B,L,D)  

Days 15 & 16 • Saturday & Sunday, August 13 & 14

Mount Hagen Sing-Sing

Our small group spends two full days at the Mount Hagen Sing-Sing — also referred to as the Mount Hagen Show — to fully enjoy this renowned spectacle. The “Show” was established in the 1950’s and is a gathering of 60-120 clans from across Papua New Guinea. Thousands of colorfully decorated locals gather, using birds of paradise, various paints and fabrics in their ornate costumes. They dance and sing in an almost cathartic state while being evaluated by judges. Once the judges finish their evaluation, visitors are allowed to enter the filed and mingle with the clans. You will get face to face with the clans and have the most impressive cultural experience of your life, not to mention the superb photography opportunities! Each year, only a few explorers are lucky enough to visit the show. International Expeditions is one of only a few tour companies with guaranteed seating arrangements (and we’re in a nice, shady location!). On both show days, we arrive early for a privileges look at the scene as the dancers prepare themselves for the show. Our knowledgeable, local guide will be on hand to explain each clan and their traditions. We stay at the Airport Resort. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 17 • Monday, August 15

Mount Hagen / Port Moresby

Fly to Port Moresby, where we have an afternoon at leisure. Spend tonight at the Airways Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 18 • Tuesday, August 16

Port Moresby / Cairns

This morning we fly to the resort town of Cairns, Australia, and transfer to the Sebel Cairns Hotel. Lunch is on your own. Then we take an afternoon and evening excursion to the Atherton Tablelands, in search of some of the unique wildlife of the mountain rainforest including the elusive platypus. Enjoy a barbecue featuring Australian wines at a great nature spot before returning to the hotel. (B,D)

Day 19 • Wednesday, August 17

Cairns / U.S.

Early this morning, we depart Cairns on connecting flights to the U.S. After re-crossing the International Date Line, we arrive in the U.S. the same day. (Meals Aloft)