Choose Your Activity
Choose Where You Sleep
- Ambua Lodge
- Karawari Lodge
- Rondon Ridge
- RV Sepik Spirit
Papua New Guinea Festivals

Choose where you sleep
- Ambua Lodge
- Karawari Lodge
- Rondon Ridge
- RV Sepik Spirit
Held in September every year, the Goroka Show is famous for its dazzling array of singsing groups, showcasing some of the many cultures of Papua New Guinea - the Goroka Cultural Show is an event not to be missed.
The Highlands Journey is an unescourted 11 day/10 night program including a cruise on the MV Sepik Spirit, three nights at the award winning Ambua Lodge with the highlight being attendance at the famous Goroka Cultural Show. The maximum number on this tour is eight people - allowing for intimate experiences.
The Goroka Show Classic is an unescourted 13 day/12 night program with a maximum of eight guests. In addition to attendance at the Goroka Show, a touring program taking in the Sepik River, Mount Hagen and the Tari Valley, while staying at Trans
See some of these superb pictures from the 2010 Goroka Show by Australian photgrapher, Ingetje Tadros, here.
Goroka Classic Tour
The “Goroka Classic Tour” is an unescorted 13 day/12 night program. Escorted programs have the same guide throughout whereas with unescorted programs, you still have different guides to assist you in each location.
From Port Moresby fly across the majestic Central Ranges to Ambua Lodge in the Tari Valley - home of the flamboyant Huli Wigmen. During your 3-night stay at Ambua, you will learn all about this fascinating culture and have the opportunity to see rare Bird of Paradise on the morning birding tours.
From Tari travel by private charter aircraft into the Sepik Region, for a 3-nights aboard our “floating lodge” the Sepik Spirit. Explore the waterways of the Sepik River and its tributaries. From there travel to Mount Hagen, with a night at the luxurious Rondon Ridge, overlooking the Wahgi Valley, a valley unknown to the outside world until 70 years ago.
On the Friday of the show weekend, your private charter aircraft flies you to Goroka for two full days of show festivities before traveling back to Port Moresby.
Day 01 Arrive in Port Moresby. Overnight Airways Hotel.
Day 02 Fly with Air Niugini to Tari. Afternoon Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 03 Full Day Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 04 Full Day Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 05 Charter flight to the Sepik. Afternoon Tour. Overnight Sepik Spirit
Day 06 Full Day Tour. Overnight Sepik Spirit
Day 07 Full Day Tour. Overnight Sepik Spirit
Day 08 Fly with Air Niugini to Mt Hagen. Afternoon Tour. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 09 Charter flight to Goroka. Overnight Bird of Paradise Hotel
Day 10 Full Day Goroka Show. Overnight Bird of Paradise Hotel
Day 11 Full Day Goroka Show. Overnight Bird of Paradise Hotel
Day 12 Fly with Air Niugini to Port Moresby. Half Day Tour. Overnight Airways Hotel
Day 13 Transfer to international flight out
Land Cost: US$7,393.00 per person (twin share). US$8529.00 single throughout except on the Sepik Spirit and Bird of Paradise.
Charter Flights: US$1,662.00 per person.
Monday 7 September Tari/Timbunke
Thursday 10 September Timbunke/Mount Hagen
Friday 11 September Mount Hagen/Goroka
Special Note Regarding Charters:
Maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person and a maximum of 5kg carry on baggage per person.Large, hard sided suitcases are not permitted on charter aircraft.
This is an Unescorted Program and Land Cost Includes:
Accommodation,airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 4 September to breakfast on 16 September, local guides and show gate fees.
Land Cost Does Not Include:
Domestic and international flights, gratuities, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills etc.
Important Note:
Symbiosis Custom Travel can help you to book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights together with your international flights. We will book the Air Charter flights
The Air Niugini flights that are needed are:
Friday 4 Sept PX180 Port Moresby / Mt Hagen
Monday 14 Sept PX961 Goroka / Port Moresby
Notes
This quote has been based on the Westpac Inward Telegraphic transfer US Dollar rates to Kina of between .35-.45. Should the exchange rates fall outside of these parameters we will re-quote on this itinerary.Highlands Journey
The Goroka Highlands Journey is an 9 day/8 night unescorted program. This program takes you on a journey through Highlands and Sepik cultures. Beginning in Mount Hagen, at the resplendent Rondon Ridge, you are transferred to and from Goroka each day by private aircraft. Flights are only a short 20 minutes each way. Your journey continues to Karawari Lodge, perched on a ridge overlooking the Karawari River and the Sepik Basin.
You will learn about the amazing ecology, culture and history of this remote and amazing corner of the planet.
Continue back into the highlands to Ambua Lodge - home of the flamboyant Huli people. Thirteen species of birds of paradise, human hair wigs and spectacular views await the intrepid traveller seeking the ultimate journey.
Day 01 Fly with Air Niugini from Port Morersby. Overnight Airways Hotel
Day 02 Fly with Air Niugini to Tari. Half day tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 03 Full Day Tour. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Day 04 Charter flight to Karawari. Half Day Tour. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Day 05 Full Day Tour. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Day 06 Charter flight to Mount Hagen. Half Day Tour. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 07 Charter flight to Goroka. Full Day Goroka Show Tour. Charter flight back to Mt Hagen. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Day 09 Fly with Air Niugini to Port Moresby. Transfer to international flight out
Land Cost: US$4963.00 per person (twin share). US$1204.00 single throughout.
Charter Flights: US$1920.00 per person.
Wed 9 Sept - Tari/Karawari
Fri 11 Sept - Karawari/Mount Hagen
Sat 12 Sept - Mount Hagen/Goroka/Mount Hagen
Sun 13 Sept - Mount Hagen/Goroka/Mount Hagen
Special Note Regarding Charters:
Maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person and a maximum of 5kg carry on baggage per person.Large, hard sided suitcases are not permitted on charter aircraft.
Land Cost Includes: Accommodation, transfers, tours, meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure, and local guides.
Land Cost Does Not Include:
Domestic and international flights, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills etc.
Important Note:
Symbiosis can book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights together with your international flights if needed, or can only take care of the domestic scheduled flights for you. We will book the Air Charter Flights.
The Air Niugini flights you are to book and ticket are:
Mon 7 Sept PX864 Port Moresby / Tari
Fri 14 Sept PX181 Mount Hagen / Port Moresby
Ambua Lodge
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.
Comprehensive bird & orchid lists are available... please ask.
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.
The Lodge features Highlands architecture with a main building housing the lounge, bar, dining room, and a cosy central fireplace. Separate are the video room, heated spa, and sauna.
Guests are accommodated in thirty individual units set in a sea of flowers, each unit featuring 180 degree picture windows, modern bathroom, and electric blankets and continental quilts for the cool highland evenings. In 1991, Pacific Asia Travel Association's "Pacific Heritage Award" cited Ambua Lodge as a "superb example of culturally sensitive and ecological responsible tourism".
General Information
- Name : Ambua Lodge
- Destination : NewGuinea
- Location : At 7,000 ft (2,100m), Ambua Lodge occupies a dramtic vantage point over the Tari Valley, home to the flamboyant Huli "Wigmen", high in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Access is by private light aircraft to the lodge's own airstrip, or by a torturous though adventurous drive from Tari, about 2 hours away, depending on the road conditions.
- Seasons : Year round
- Capacity (max no. guests) : 60
Accommodation
- Room Types : Individual units set in mature gardens, each featuring 180-degree picture windows overlooking tehe Tari Valley. Electric blankets and continental quilts for the cool highland evenings.
- Showers & toilets : en suite
- A/C : not needed
- Hot Water : yes
Further Information
- Electricity : 220V, generated by Ambua's own mini hydro-electric power plant
- Fire warning system : N/A
- Fire extinguishers : yes
- Fire escapes : N/A
- Entertainment :
Karawari Lodge
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.
You are in `Arambak' country here, one of the most remote and unspoilt areas of Papua New Guinea, with the Karawari River only 300 feet (100 meters) below as your only way in or out.
This 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.
Exploring villages in small river boats along the jungle fringed waterways is as rewarding as it is exhilarating. See the people make use of the land - weaving baskets for catching fish in the river, or gathering,
preparing and cooking their staple food from the Sago Palm - taste it for yourself.
The main building of the lodge is built in the form of a `haus tambaran' or spirit house, which contains the dining area, bar, lounge, and an incredible collection of Sepik artifacts.
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.
General Information
- Name : Karawari Lodge
- Destination : Papua New Guinea
- Location : Sepik Basin
- Seasons : Year round
- Capacity (max no. guests) : 24 approx
Accommodation
- Room Types : twin
- Showers & toilets : en suite
- A/C : no
- Hot Water : yes
- Electricity : diesel generator provides power 220V
- Fire warning system : N/A
- Fire extinguishers : Yes
- Fire escapes : N/A
- Entertainment : Village tours to visit Sepik Villages
Rondon Ridge
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.
Rondon Ridge has twelve tastefully furnished rooms with modern bathrooms, warmed beds and quilts for those chilly highlands nights. Power is supplied by its own hydro system, providing uninterrupted clean electricity.
Villa Wingti
In 2017 a Presidential Suite has been added to Rondon Ridge named the Villa Wingti after a previous PNG Prime Minister who was born in the Mount Hagen area .
The Presidential suite is a two storied unit with two bedrooms and two bathrooms up-stairs, and a kitchen, bar, lounge area and fireplace downstairs.
Mount Hagen City 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.
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.
With daily flights from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen, Rondon Ridge is also the perfect ''Jumping off'' point for access to Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge and to exploring the Sepik from the MV Sepik Spirit.
The RV Sepik Spirit
Luxury in the deepest Sepik...
The Sepik Spirit is best described as a deluxe floating hotel. Originally commissioned as a vessel for cruising the Sepik and Karawari Rivers, the Sepik Spirit is now permanently moored at a strategic site on the Sepik River.
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.
Here in the remote middle Sepik region, life continues as it has for centuries. Meet the people who live in the villages. Talk to them about daily life. Walk pathways amongst their homes built from materials that grow nearby. Listen for the calls of exotic birds.
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.
After a day of touring, guests return to the comfort of the Sepik Spirit's air-conditioned lounge, bar and dining areas. The outdoor spaces include a covered and screened upper level deck.
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.