Highland Clans and Birdlife
Search for bird of paradise and attend a colourful tribal festival in the Highlands.
This holiday to Papua New Guinea offers a wonderful overview of this wild country’s main highlights, covering varied and fascinating landscapes and cultures.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Fjords of Tufi
Dive in the fjords of Tufi, a virtually unexplored underwater world.
Asaro Mudmen
Journey overland through the Asaro Valley, renowned for the ‘Mudmen’ tribe.
Sepik River
Spot crocodile and local life as you navigate the jungle fringed waterways of the Sepik River.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
This holiday offers true adventure into the heart of Papua New Guinea, staying in the best accommodation available throughout. In such a topographically torturous country, even now the road infrastructure remains modest and the best way to get around is flying. This trip uses a variety of helicopter, charter and scheduled flights and gives intrepid travellers access to exotic wildlife, cultural tradition and epic landscapes. Fly into Mount Hagen to soak up life in the rugged Highland mountains with the mystical traditions of the Melpa people and the effervescent bird of paradise. Continue into the depths of the Sepik River to visit villages where life remains unchanged for centuries and end your stay diving and snorkelling the tropical fjords of Tufi.
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Day 1
Port Moresby
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Day 2
Port Moresby - Mount Hagen
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Day 3 - 4
Mount Hagen
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Day 5
Mount Hagen - Sepik River
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Day 6 - 7
Sepik River
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Day 8
Sepik River - Mount Hagen - Goroka
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Day 9
Goroka - Tufi
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Day 10 - 11
Tufi
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Day 12
Tufi - Port Moresby
Day 1
Port Moresby
Day 2
Port Moresby - Mount Hagen
Day 3 - 4
Mount Hagen
Search for bird of paradise and attend a colourful tribal festival in the Highlands.
Day 5
Mount Hagen - Sepik River
Day 6 - 7
Sepik River
Spot crocodile and local life as you navigate the jungle fringed waterways of the Sepik River.
Day 8
Sepik River - Mount Hagen - Goroka
Journey overland through the Asaro Valley, renowned for the ‘Mudmen’ tribe.
Day 9
Goroka - Tufi
Day 10 - 11
Tufi
Dive in the fjords of Tufi, a virtually unexplored underwater world.
Day 12
Tufi - Port Moresby
More Details
The Highlands - Tribal Clans and Festivals
The highlands are home to a huge variety of tribes including the Melpa people, an industrious community, first “discovered” in the mid-1930s by gold prospectors. 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.
This region plays host to several colourful festivals each year including the Goroka Show, which sees the largest annual gathering of tribes every September. Here you will see the Melpa people with their colourful tribal dances and spectacular headdress as well as the Asaro Mudmen who cover themselves in grey mud and wear huge mud masks. These festivals make for some fabulous photography.
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The Sepik River
The Sepik River flows for over 1,000 kilometres, from the rugged interior to the Bismarck Sea and is a remote area of jungle fringed waterways, rich in culture and birdlife. The traditional mode of transport is the pole dugout canoe and village life continues largely unchanged. Experience sing sings, customary welcome dances performed by local tribes and witness some of their traditional crafts including wood carved totems and drums. This region is also famous for the crocodile initiation ceremonies during which young tribal men are scarified to resemble crocodiles.
There are several ways to experience the river – stay at the remote but comfortable Karawari Lodge, travel by primitive dugout canoe and stay with locals or board the nine cabin Sepik Spirit boat for a three or four-night cruise.
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Diving and the Coast of PNG
The coast of Tufi’s peninsula, or Cape Nelson as it was named by the British, is a place where sea and mountains meet. A paradise accessed only by boat or air. Gnarled green fingers stretch out into the sea creating fjords or technically rias, created from unglaciated river valleys. These inlets give the region a very particular fingerprint of turquoise coral bays, surrounded by steep ridges covered in rainforest and kunai grasslands.
Whilst the impressive fjords of Tufi are spectacular it is the underwater world that is truly magical and the diving and snorkelling here is wonderful. Alternative coastal options include New Britain Island, a land of volcanoes, world class diving and WW11 history.
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Bird of Paradise
over 700 bird species can be found across Papua New Guinea which includes 38 out of the worlds 48 species of bird of paradise. All are endangered and as such protected. During this holiday you will stay at several lovely properties perfectly located to spot birds. Rondon Ridge, perched high on Mount Kuta in the Highlands and Karawari Lodge, a remote and beautiful spot on the Sepik, only accessible by river or a small airstrip. Take early morning walks or river excursions with expert guides in search of some of the many lowland, waterbird, raptor and of course bird of paradise.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £7,475 Per person
When to travel
Papua New Guinea in January
January is the start of the rainy season, and the warmest month meaning it is a great time for diving around Tufi and Milne Bay.
Papua New Guinea in February
The peak of the rainy season and the wettest month. Not a good time to visit.
Papua New Guinea in March
The rainy season continues, especially in the Highlands, as humidity and high temperatures prevail.
Papua New Guinea in April
The rain subsides and becomes sporadic, but the heat and humidity remain. The seas flatten and visibility improves for snorkelling, especially around Milne Bay and Tufi.
Papua New Guinea in May
The start of the dry season, bringing cooler temperatures. Great time for diving and snorkelling around Milne Bay and Tufi.
Papua New Guinea in June
Peak season starts as visitor numbers increase. The country generally continues to dry out and cool slightly, with excellent snorkelling and diving conditions.
Papua New Guinea in July
This is the driest and most popular month to visit. Accommodation may cost a little more than usual, with festivals happening. It is the best time to hike in the highlands.
Papua New Guinea in August
The coolest month, with night frosts above 2,000 metres. A great time for hiking, and snorkelling is still possible in most regions.
Papua New Guinea in September
A quieter time starts after the European and Australasian school holidays. Easier to find accommodation, and it starts to be a good time for snorkelling around Milne Bay again.
Papua New Guinea in October
The end of the dry season, as temperatures and rainfall increase gradually. Good snorkelling conditions right across the country.
Papua New Guinea in November
The start of the wet season, with rainfall common, especially in the Highlands. Visitor numbers remain low.
Papua New Guinea in December
The wet season is picking up pace, with the Highlands getting rain showers most days and roads becoming impassable. The coastal weather off Milne Bay is better so it is best to stick to the coast.
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