2008 Goroka Classic Show Program

Trans Niugini Tours - Papua New Guinea's leading inbound tour operator

GOROKA CLASSIC SHOW TOUR
07 September - 20 September, 2008

The Goroka Classis Show Tour is an unescorted 14 day/ 13 night program. This Classic tour begins in Tari, home of the flamboyant Huli, a colourful and proud people still largely living as their ancestors did. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley with magnificent views of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. From Tari your journey takes you into Mount Hagen, spending two nights at the resplendent Rondon Ridge in a valley that was unknown by the outside world until 70 years ago. From Mt Hagen you will attend the two days famous Goroka Cultural Show before traveling into the Sepik Region to explore the waterways of the Sepik River and its tributaries. Onto 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 corner of planet earth.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Sun,_07 Sep. Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff. You will then be transferred to the Airways Hotel.
Overnight Airways Hotel

Mon, 08 Sep. In the morning, you are transferred to Air Niugini PX864 and fly to Tari. Tari Valley – home of the Huli, a colourful and proud people still largely live the same way that their ancestors did. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley, with magnificent views of the valley below and surrounding forests. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua – high mountain forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveler.
Overnight Ambua Lodge

Tue, 09 Sep. A full day of ecological and culturally based touring are sure to satiate those yearning for discovery. The Tari area is home to an incredible 13 species of birds of paradise, as well as numerous orchid species. Learn how the Huli live and how they interact with their environment.
Overnight Ambua Lodge

Wed, 10 Sep. Fly by charter from Ambua to Mount Hagen, a thrilling flight over the alpine grasslands of the Tari Gap and past the twin peaks of Mt. Giluwe. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelieveable views of the Wahgi Valley. Half day birding and nature tour around the walking tracks of Rondon Ridge.
Overnight Rondon Ridge.

Thu, 11 Sep. A full day is spent exploring the Hagen area and Wahgi Valley. The Mount Hagen area is home of the Melpa people, with a strong culture, who in the face of modernity, still live largely traditional subsistence lifestyles. In the mountains surrounding the Wahgi Valley live a stunning array of birds, orchids and plant life.
Overnight Rondon Ridge.

Fri, 12 Sep. Fly by charter from Mt Hagen to Goroka. Goroka, home of the famous and intriguing Asaro Mudmen, will be your base for the duration of 2008 Goroka Cultural Show.
Overnight Bird of Paradise Hotel.

Sat, 13
and
Sun,14 Sep. Spend 2 days enjoying the cultural extravaganza that is the Goroka Cultural Show.
Overnight Bird of Paradise Hotel.

Mon, 15 Sep. Fly by charter from Goroka to the Sepik, the mountains start to give way until eventually vast tracts of dense tropical lowland rainforest cover the landscape for as far as the eye can see. From the airstrip, you will be transferred to the air conditioned comforts of the MV Sepik Spirit. Inspired by the architecture of the “haus tambaran” or the spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit is a truly unique design. With its shallow draught, it allows travel to rarely visited areas of the Sepik River and its tributaries in comfort.
Overnight MV Sepik Spirit.

Tue, 16
and
Wed,17 Sep. 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 people is their amazing carvings, now famous the world over. Overnights MV Sepik Spirit.
Overnight MV Sepik Spirit.

Thu, 18 Sep. From the Sepik Spirit, you will be transferred to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, the lodge provides modern comforts. After lunch, visit a traditional village and learn about the Karawari people.
Overnight Karwari Lodge
Fri, 19 Sep. Fly by charter from Karawari to Mount Hagen, during the flight mountains rise up to startling heights out of the flat lands of the Sepik basin. Upon arrival in Mount Hagen you will be met and transferred to Highlander Hotel for your sitdown lunch. Return transfer to the airport for your Air Niugini flight PX183 to Port Moresby. On your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight Airways Hotel

Sat, 20 Sep. You will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your international departing flight.

INFORMATION

LAND COST:
US$4,888.00 per person - (twin share room basis)
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT:
US$623.00 per person (Single room EXCEPT at the Bird of Paradise Hotel or onboard the MV Sepik Spirit, which are on a twin share basis).
LAND COST INCLUDES:
Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 07 September to breakfast on 20 September, local guides and show gate fees.
LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Domestic and international flights, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as beverages, laundry charges, phone and fax bills.
ADDITIONAL AIR CHARTER COST:
US$1,332.00 per person
10 Sep. Ambua/Mount Hagen
12 Sep. Mt Hagen/Goroka
15 Sep. Goroka/Timbunke
19 Sep. Karawari/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.
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.
The Air Niugini flights you are to book and ticket are:
Monday 08 September -- Air Niugini PX864 PORT MORESBY/TARI
Friday 19 September -- Air Niugini PX183 MOUNT HAGEN/PORT MORESBY

BOOKING AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES

To secure space, a NON REFUNDABLE deposit of US$500.00 per person is required to confirm the booking .

Full payment is due on 15 July, 2008. We will confirm booking only on receipt of payment.

Deposits and payments should be made into our Wells Fargo US Dollar bank account, details of which can be found on our payment instructions page.

POLICY ON EXCHANGE OF SERVICES & SERVICES NOT TAKEN:
Please note that Trans Niugini Tours is unable to refund any services which appear in the main itinerary, but are not taken. Please also note that Trans Niugini Tours is unable to exchange services which are not taken in the main itinerary for other services. Services must be taken on the day that they appear in the main itinerary, and can not be transferred to a different day.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellations received within a 30 day period prior to the commencement of the tour will attract a 50% fee of the total land and air charter costs. No refund is available after scheduled arrival in Papua New Guinea or in respect of any tour, accommodation, meals or any other service not utilized during the tour. Any additional costs incurred because of changes made during the itinerary by clients, will be to the clients account. Cancellations received after the 15 June, 2008, and prior to the 30 day period before the tour commences, will attract a fee of US$500 per person.

CLIENT INFORMATION:
Upon receipt of deposits, you will be sent a confirmation packet and Client Information Booklet. We cannot stress enough the importance of reading this information prior to your arrival in Papua New Guinea. The Client Information Booklet has been specifically designed to give you vital information about strict luggage weight limits on the small aircraft used throughout the tours, possible delays in aircraft movements, standards of accommodation, etc. - Information in advance may help you to adjust to situations better as they occur.

A copy can also be obtained from this web site by clicking here [GENERAL INFORMATION]