Papua New Guinea: Wildlife and Wilderness

Begin in Port Moresby before flying into the Highlands and settling at Rondon Ridge overlooking the Wahgi Valley.
Discover Mount Hagen’s rich traditions, meeting the Melpa people whose vibrant culture thrives amid modern industry.
Fly to the tranquil waters of Lake Murray, exploring remote waterways and timeless village life.
Journey to Tari and meet the Huli wigmen, adorned in feathers and paint beneath misty mountain skies.
Cruise the Karawari River through dense jungle, visiting villages where ancient artistry and river life endure.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,242 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,242 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive Port Moresby

DAY

Mount Hagen

DAY

Mount Hagen to Lake Murray

DAY

Touring

DAY

Touring

DAY

Arambak Country

DAY

Touring

DAY

Karawari River

DAY

Karawari River

DAY

Karawari to Port Moresby

DAY

Depart Port Moresby

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive Port Moresby

Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your flight Air Niugini Port Moresby to Mount Hagen. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley.

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Port Moresby

Meal

Dinner

Your Accommodation

Rondon Ridge Lodge

Rondon Ridge is a 40-minute drive from the town of Mount Hagen and just under an hour from the airport. There are several daily flights between Mount Hagen and the capital, Port Moresby. Rondon Ridge is a perfect hub for access to Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge, MV Sepik Spirit and Bensbach Wildlife Lodge.

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DAY

Mount Hagen

Enjoy a full day of touring featuring the unique culture and tradition of the melpa people who live near the Mount Hagen City which is the business heart of the Papua New Guinea highlands, supplying a number of important industries, such as tea, coffee and mining. It is a city where stone meets steel, where tradition and history is juxtaposed against modern ways. A comprehensive touring 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.

Multi Day Tour

Mount Hagen

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Rondon Ridge Lodge

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DAY

Mount Hagen to Lake Murray

Fly by charter from Mount Hagen to Lake Murray. Upon arrival at Lake Murray transfer to the lodge for lunch and then proceed on with a half day tour.

Multi Day Tour

Mount Hagen to Lake Murray

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Lake Murray Lodge

Nestled among the trees on an island spit, Lake Murray Lodge overlooks beautiful Lake Murray. The lodge has found its' home in this very remote area and on the largest lake in Papua New Guinea. Guests are accommodated in individual cabin rooms overlooking the lake. They are furnished with king twin or double beds, ceiling fans, modern en-suite bathrooms, an elevated veranda and wonderful view of the lake. The Main Lodge building with a wraparound veranda houses a dining room, lounge, bar and reception. This veranda will be the place to enjoy exceptional sunsets over the water. All of the buildings have made use of local sago woven matting and timber providing a natural setting to fit with the location. In keeping with lodges eco-friendly philosophy, the entire lodge operation is powered with the latest technology in solar power. This provides 24 hour a day electricity with 240 volt power, a luxury in this remote location.

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DAY

Touring

Enjoy tours exploring the waterways of Lake Murray and visiting local villages in one of the remotest parts of Papua New Guinea.

Multi Day Tour

Touring

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Lake Murray Lodge

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DAY

Touring

Enjoy your second day of tours exploring the waterways of Lake Murray and visiting local villages in one of the remotest parts of Papua New Guinea.

Multi Day Tour

Touring

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Lake Murray Lodge

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DAY

Arambak Country

Transfer to the Airstrip for your flight to Tari over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. Ambua Lodge is an inspired mixture of local architecture, spectacular views and modest luxury off the beaten track. Located at 7000 feet (2100 meters) in the PNG Southern Highlands, homeland of the Huli clan with their human hair wigs adorned with colourful flowers. Afternoon guided nature walk through the alpine forest looking for the exotic bird of Paradise.

Multi Day Tour

Arambak Country

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Ambua Lodge

Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level, is Ambua Lodge. An award-winning, eco-friendly lodge boasting magnificent views of the Tari Valley below. Guests are accommodated in forty round houses, set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost exclusively from natural materials.

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DAY

Touring

Enjoy a full day of cultural touring. In contrast to the Sepik people whose art is manifested in ceremonial and decorative carvings, these Highland people employ as their art, body decoration, face painting and human hair wigs decorated with feathers, flowers and moss. The Huli culture is the most vibrant intact and colourful to be experienced anywhere.

Multi Day Tour

Touring

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Ambua Lodge

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DAY

Karawari River

Fly by charter aircraft to Karawari airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. The country between Ambua and the Sepik region is an amazing array of jagged limestone that seem to rise and drop at impossible angles. From the airstrip, you will be transferred by river boat to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, while still providing modern comforts. Located on a ridge overlooking the Karawari River, in the Sepik region is a time-warped mixture of pre-technological and technological architecture - is the perfect base for some old-fashioned jungle, river and village exploration. You are in the middle of Arambak country - locals' pole dug-out canoes, the drums throb, the wild birds call, and, traditional village lifestyles continue largely unchanged. 'Something likes a National Geographic expedition. No roads. Thick jungle. Locals poling dugouts. Crocodiles. You wind up at the surprising Karawari Lodge. Proceed with lunch then followed by an afternoon visit to Kundiman village for sago making demonstration. Sago is the Staple food for the river people.

Multi Day Tour

Karawari River

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Karawari Lodge

Guests are accommodated in ten separate cottages, each built out of local bush materials and inspired by traditional architecture. Each cottage has two private twin rooms, each with modern en-suite bathrooms, and a communal veranda. Despite its remoteness, the lodge has 220V electricity, hot and cold water, comfortable mosquito-netted beds, ceiling fans, and a breezy veranda - all make for a welcome sanctuary after a day's exploration.

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DAY

Karawari River

A day excursion along the jungle-fringed waterways of the Karawari River where boatmen, standing upright, paddle their slender dugout canoes with sculpted silhouettes of crocodile masks. Village life including carved totems, drums, woodcarvings and different expressions of art are also experienced. See bountiful bird life along the rivers and nearby lakes. Excursions will enhance your understanding of traditional village culture in the Sepik region.

Multi Day Tour

Karawari River

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Karawari Lodge

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DAY

Karawari to Port Moresby

Fly by charter from Karawari to Mount Hagen. Arrive at the Airport you will be met by our Trans Niugini Staff and who will transfer you to Banz Kopi for lunch before your onward flight to Port Moresby. Arrive in Port Moresby where you will again meet your representative who will transfer you to Airways Hotel.

Multi Day Tour

Karawari to Port Moresby

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Airways Hotel

Airways Hotel is Papua New Guinea's leading hotel, Australasia's leading airport hotel and one of the most unique airport hotels in the world. Nestled into the mountainside in its own botanical gardens, with stunning views from crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges, the hotel it is located just 2 minutes from Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby.

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DAY

Depart Port Moresby

This morning you depart for your outgoing international flight back home.

Multi Day Tour

Depart Port Moresby

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Mt. Hagen

Hulu Mudmen

Lake Murray

Ambua Lodge

Karawari River

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

Port MoresbyPartly Cloudy

31°C / 88°F

7mm / 0.3"

Mount HagenPartly Cloudy

31°C / 88°F

7mm / 0.3"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,242 Reviews

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I had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie Williams

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The destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years. If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek Travel

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Such thoughtful and sincere communication with my advisor Katie! Even though the trip didn’t come into fruition as expected, she still remained committed to adjusting around our itinerary every step of the way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity she gave us as well as just general ideas for the trip.Jenna

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Working with Isabella on a families trip to Ireland! The itinerary was 2 weeks, self drive with many excursions and a family wedding in the middle of it all! She was amazing from start to finish! She answered every question my clients had! She gave the best recommendations! So many details and planning went into this amazing trip! If i could give 10 stars I would! She would call me to make sure everything looked great! Thank you Isabella at Goway! You are the BEST and made this so easy for everyone! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christine Amling

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What do the experts say?

Steve Hope

Team Lead

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You should try a Zen meditation session. Imagine slipping into a silk kimono for the day—carefully tied by an expert dresser, every fold precise, every colour chosen to suit the season. It’s a ritual that feels as personal as it is timeless.

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Steve Hope

Team Lead

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What do I love about Japan? In a word - EVERYTHING. The incredible contrast that Japan offers - new/innovative vs old/traditional, the warm and welcoming people, the incredible rich culture, the culinary wonders awaiting around every corner, the cleanliness, efficiency and safety. It's one of the best places to visit in Asia in my opinion.

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Marieflor Tanfelix

Team Lead

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Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a local favourite with very inexpensive drinks. It's also a great place to try the local delicacy, BBQ frog.

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Marieflor Tanfelix

Team Lead

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I love how laidback and relaxed Laos is compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. It's like the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand all rolled into one, and then sent back in time 20 to 30 years.

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