The "Tumbuna Show Tour" is an 11 day / 10 night program beginning in Port Moresby. From there you will fly with Air Niugini to Tari for 2 nights at the award winning eco-lodge - Ambua - home of the flamboyant Huli Wigmen. During your stay at Ambua, you will learn all about this fascinating culture and have the opportunity to see rare Bird of Paradise on our morning birding tours. Escorted programs have the same guide throughout whereas this is an unescorted program. You still have guides to assist you at each location, the only difference being that guides change at the different locations. From the Hela Province we fly you across the majestic Central Ranges into the lowlands of the Sepik Basin for 1 night at Karawari Lodge before you transfer to the Sepik Spirit and journey on the Karawari River, the storied tributary of the Sepik River, and on to the Krosmeri River which allows entry to the mysterious Blackwater Lakes.
After an unforgettable Sepik experience we fly you to Mount Hagen for the highlight and grand finale of the tour, of course, the "Tumbuna Show", where you spend a full day immersed in the "Tumbuna" festivities. The Tumbuna Show is a grand celebration of culture and tradition - celebrating 'pasin bilong tumbuna,' - the way of the ancestors. The 'Tumbuna' Show (Tok Pisin for ancestors) is held annually on the beautiful Kum mountain.
The show is attended by over 100 tribesmen and women from more than 10 different tribes in the highlands and coastal areas of the mainland. The show is "small" in comparison to the more famous provincial shows, but its relaxed intimacy and friendliness, combined with its stunning village location make it one of the most memorable shows in PNG. Our guests are treated to watching the groups dress up and prepare their bilas (traditional dress) before the dancing starts, and are then free to mingle with the performers and even take part in the festivities. In true "Tumbuna" style for a celebration of this nature a big "mumu" (underground oven) is fired up for lunch and guests are free to explore the village and socialize with the local residents.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF:
Day 1 Fri Arrive in Port Moresby. Fly with Air Niugini to Mt Hagen. Overnight Rondon Ridge 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. All nature and birding walks are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable nature guides. Comprehensive bird and orchid lists are available for Rondon Ridge.
Day 2 Sat Full Day Tour. Overnight Rondon Ridge A favored destination amongst birders, Ambua's rain forests have been the star of many a wildlife documentary. An incredible 217 species have been recorded here and Ambua is home to 13 different species of Bird of Paradise. Ambua employs knowledgeable local birding guides and caters for all interest levels, from early morning birding excursions for guests on more culturally orientated tours, keen to catch a glimpse of these spectacular birds; to fully specialized birding tours tailored to the seasoned enthusiast.
Day 5 Tue Full Day Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge Sepik's express their culture and beliefs through their art, inspiring the carving of incredible masks, drums, baskets and sculptures that integrate with their daily life and animist beliefs. Village tours allow you to observe master carvers at work and purchase from a selection of finely hand-crafted artifacts. This tropical lowland rainforest is one of earth's most complex of habitats, housing an immense variety of flora and fauna - a staggering 229 different bird species have been recorded at Karawari. Optional birding cruises are available with opportunities to spot elusive 12-Wire Birds of Paradise, cockatoos, parrots, hornbills, cormorants and other water birds.
Day 9 Sat Full Day Tour. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Day 1 Sun Arrive in Port Moresby. Fly with Air Niugini to Mt Hagen. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 2 Mon Full Day Tour. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 6 Fri -- Fly to Timbunke. Transfer from Timbunke airstrip to our floating lodge the Sepik Spirit. The lodge is based in the village Kaminimbit I. Inspired by the architecture of the "haus tambaran" or spirit house, the Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design. Begin your voyage of discovery into the mystical world of the Sepik with a slow jet-boat cruise to the air conditioned comfort of the Sepik Spirit. After lunch enjoy an afternoon tour to Kaminimbit I, Kaminimbit II and Kororua village. While touring the mighty Sepk you will visit villages where the people are prolific and famous carvers. Here you can purchase many interesting items such as masks, elaborately carved hooks, ancestral figures, hand drums, baskets, bilums and gourds. The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world - in terms of flow. Steeped in mystery, the peoples of the Sepik area have fascinated anthropologists like Margaret Mead since the area was first visited. Overnight SEPIK SPIRIT (BLD)
Day 7 & 8 Sat & Sun -- Two full days are spent exploring the many waterways of the Sepik and its tributaries including visits to traditional Sepik Villages. The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world - in terms of flow. 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. Overnight SEPIK SPIRIT (BLD) Day 9 Mon Charter flight to Tari. Afternoon Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 10 Tue Full Day Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
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