NEW GUINEA LAND OF 1000 ORCHIDS Escorted Tours

LAND OF 1000 ORCHIDS 10 days/9 nights

An orchid lover's delight. From the montane forests of the highlands to the tropical jungles of the coast and lowlands, Papua New Guinea is home to an indescribable array of beautiful orchids.

Day 1 Fri Arrive in Port Moresby. Fly with Air Niugini to Mt Hagen. Overnight Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen City is the business heart of the Papua New Guinea highlands supporting a number of important industries such as tea, coffee, mining and transportation. It is a city where stone meets steel and 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 a ceremonial exchange called "Moka". The Lodge has a variety of new touring vehicles and all excursions are accompanied by experienced local guides from the area.

Day 2 Sat Full Day Tour. Overnight Rondon Ridge. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforests around Rondon Ridge including ten species of Bird of Paradise.

Day 3 Sun Full Day Tour. Overnight Rondon Ridge. Orchid List of at least 50 varieties available.

Day 4 Mon Charter flight to Karawari. Afternoon Tour. Overnight Karawari Lodge. One of the most remote and un-spoilt destinations in Papua New Guinea - the lodges private airstrip and the Karawari River being the only way in or out. Stilted villages line the edges of flooded waterways and dug out canoes are the primary mode of transport. There are no roads, no shops and no phones. Sepik's live completely off the land, weaving baskets for catching fish; gathering, preparing and cooking their staple food from the Sago Palm.

Day 5 Tue Full Day Tour. Overnight Karawari Lodge. Orchid List available

Day 6 Wed Charter flight to Tari. Afternoon Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge. Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognizable cultures in Papua New Guinea - the "Huli Wigmen". A proud, flamboyant tribe known for their ornate ceremonial "wigs" with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating rituals of the Birds of Paradise - an encounter with the Huli's is bound to be memorable. Life for the majority of villagers around Tari remained mostly unchanged until the turn of this century

Day 7 Thu Full Day Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge. Orchid List. 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 8 Fri Fly with Air Niugini to Port Moresby. Afternoon Tour. Overnight Airways Hotel, Known for its spacious design and open air restaurant with views across the airport. Amenities include: restaurants, cafes, bar, boutiques, outdoor pool, fitness centre with lap pool and spa.  About a five minute drive from the international and domestic terminals at Jacksons International Airport.

Day 9 Sat Full Day Tour. Overnight Airways Hotel

Day 10 Sun Transfer to international flight out

Land Cost Includes: Accommodation, meals at facilities, transfers, tours and local guides

Important Note: You are only to book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights together with your international flights. We will book the Air Charter flights.

Air Niugini (PX) Domestic Flights: Fri Day 1 PX186 Port Moresby/Mount Hagen Fri Day 8 PX865 Tari/Port Moresby Call 1-800-221-2474 9AM - 6PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time or (516) 248-2042 outside USA/Canada  Although we have provided as much information as possible on our website, we are happy to answer your questions directly on the phone. Sometimes, it is just easier to speak to one of us. We are awaiting your call. Call (800) 221 - 2474 or email