Papua New Guinea Anthropology & Tribes
Choose where you sleep
- Ambua Lodge
- Karawari Lodge
- Rondon Ridge
- RV Sepik Spirit
The 'Tumbuna' Show (Tok Pisin for ancestors) is held annually in the beautiful Paiyagona Valley, a 45 minute drive from Mount Hagen.
The show is attended by over 300 tribesmen and women from more than 15 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. Guests will be able to watch 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 socialise with the local residents. The Tumbuna Show is a grand celebration of culture and tradition - celebrating 'pasin bilong tumbuna,' - the way of the ancestors.
Our “Tumbuna Show Tour” is an unescorted 12 day / 11 night program beginning in Port Moresby. From there you will fly with Air Niugini to Tari for 3 nights at our 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 Birds of Paradise during morning birding tours.
From the Southern Highlands we fly you across the majestic Central Ranges into the lowlands of the Sepik Basin for a night at Karawari Lodge before boarding the “floating lodge”, the MV Sepik Spirit. Your 3-night Sepik cruise explores the many waterways, villages and cultures of the Sepik River and its tributaries.
The highlight and grand finale of the tour is, of course, the “Tumbuna Show”, so after an unforgettable Sepik cruise we fly you to Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen where you spend a full day in the Paiyagona Valley immersed in the “Tumbuna” festivities.
Ambua Lodge, located in the Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands Province, borders on pristine mid montane rainforest at the beginning of the valley grasslands. This location promises the visitor eternal spring weather and magnificent views of the Tari Valley. The forest canopy, a dense mass of interlocking tree tops of all shades of green and the occasional bright splash of color, provides a natural setting and an exhilarating climate for venturing along the nature trails - cross traditional vine bridges, discover a secluded waterfall, and spot high altitude orchids and rhododendrons.
For nature lovers, the Tari Gap offers a chance to observe up to 13 species of the birds of paradise and an amazing array of orchids. The flamboyant Huli Wigmen of the Tari Valley have formed a strong bond between themselves and these beautiful birds; men revere the birds by imitating them in both daily and ceremonial life, decorating their human hair wigs with the plumage of only the most beautiful birds.
Tari is one of the few places left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress as part of daily living and men's wealth is still counted by the number of pigs and wives they possess.
Karawari Lodge stands majestically on a lone ridge amidst a vast expanse of dense tropical lowland Sepik Basin rainforest which extends beyond the horizon for, what seems like, a thousand miles in every direction.
his tropical lowland rainforest is one of earth's most complex of habitats, housing an immense variety of flora and fauna along with a unique culture.
Your cottage, nestled in the spacious gardens, is constructed from locally gathered bush materials and fashioned after the traditional houses, yet having all the luxuries including a modern bathroom, comfortable mosquito-netted beds, ceiling fans, and a breezy verandah. All a welcome sanctuary after a day's exploration.
From Karawari, the awe inspiring beauty of the view at dusk has to be experienced to be believed. While contemplating the vast expanse of jungle as the setting sun colors the clouds and snaking river below, one could almost believe that the world was born yesterday.
An Optional village stay in a traditional village for 2 days/1 night in a traditional village is also possible from Karawari.
Rondon Ridge is situated at 7100 feet above sea level and sports magnificent views of the incredible Wahgi Valley. Rondon Ridge is the pinnacle of luxury in a rural setting. Only 30 minutes drive from the major centre of Mount Hagen.
Villa Wingti
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.
With ten species of Bird of Paradise in the Rondon Ridge area, numerous orchid species and hours of walking trails based out of the lodge, there is ample opportunity for those wishing to get up close and personal with the unique ecology of this area.
Luxury in the deepest Sepik...
In its new role as a "floating lodge" fixed in the middle Sepik, the Sepik Spirit offers greater booking flexibility, enhanced touring programs and even more comfort. Returning travelers will note the updated decor. As for the Sepik Spirit's renowned hospitality, some new flourishes have been added.
From their base on the Sepik Spirit, guests explore the Sepik River and the connecting tributaries and lakes on eighteen seat jet-boats. These boats have shallow drafts and the ability to maneuver where large vessels cannot go.
Visit Spirit Houses decorated with carved ancestral figures. Hear the sounds of massive garamut drums and mysterious ritual flutes and rhythmic rattle of dancers' shell jewelry. Sepik Spirit guides and village elders will give you insight into the culture, totems and ceremonies.
Marvel at the creativity that thrives in this tropical environment. The region is a gallery of tribal art. Every village boasts its own style and nearly every villager is an artisan.
The Sepik Spirit's nine spacious rooms accommodate a maximum of just eighteen guests. Each has an en-suite bathroom, large windows and personally controlled air-conditioning.
The Sepik Spirit is accessible by private air service. Flights depart from Mount Hagen, where Rondon Ridge is located, and from Karawari Lodge and Ambua Lodge. Charter flights from other departure points can be arranged.
