The Amazing Skies program is a highly exclusive 14 Day/13 Night private air safari through some of the most spectacular and remote areas of Papua New Guinea, with the highlight being attendance at the Mount Hagen Show. With a minimum of two guests, and maximum of four, this itinerary offers a highly intimate insight into a wide cross section Papua New Guinea's unique and highly varied ecosystems and cultures.

SUMMARY - 10 to 22 August 2007
2 nights	Bensbach Wildlife Lodge, Western Province
3 nights	Ambua Lodge, Souther Highlands
2 nights	Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
3 nights	Rondon Ridge, Western Highlands
3 nights	Malolo Plantation Lodge, Madang
1 night	Airways Hotel, Port Moresby

ITINERARY
Fri. 10 Aug.	This exclusive air safari starts at the northern tips of tropical Queensland. Upon arrival in Horn Island from Cairns on QF2488, you will be met by your pilot to assist you clear Australian Customs and Immigration before departing for Papua New Guinea. Your flight will lead you over the Torres Straight to Daru for Customs and Immigration clearance. A scenic excursion to the huge Fly delta one of PNG´s longest river that had been used as a “road” to explore unknown parts of PNG in the late 19th century. Your entry day into the PNG world ends with a welcome sing sing at Bensbach Wildlife Lodge, inside the Tonda Wildlife Management Area. Overnight Bensbach Wildlife Lodge.
Sat. 11 Aug	Today you enter the Bulla Plains by private rivertruck. The amazing river system of the Bensbach River leads through the Tonda Wildlife Management area which is in the process of being nominated for World Heritage Listing. On your way along the river wallabies and deer will greet you. The sky is the home of the giant sea eagle and trees are spotted with migratory birds. Bensbach is also a home for crocodiles and beautiful orchids. The area is sometimes visited by fishermen waiting to catch Barramundi but remains untouched by regular tourism. Overnight Bensbach Wildlife Lodge.
Sun. 12 Aug	Your private air safari continues to Tari, overflying Lake Murray, named after Governor Murray who presided over the territory of Papua for more than 30 years in the early 20th century. The territory between Bensbach and Lake Murray is extremely flat and forested, it is an epicentre for eco-forestry projects by Greenpeace. The Southern Highlands Province is made up of lush valleys and limestone. Most of the people living here, especially the Hulis in the Tari Valley still live and dress traditionally. A welcome at Tari airstrip is always accompanied by curious locals who wish to express their pleasure over this visit. A road transfer to Ambua Lodge will give you a first insight into Huli country passing rivers, missions and villages. In the afternoon a nature walk will enable you to explore the surrounding forests and its magic waterfalls. You will cross traditional vine bridges and enjoy the variety of plants and fruits growing in the forest. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Mon._13 Aug	A private charter from Ambua’s own airstrip will take you to Kaffa near Lake Kutubu. You are still in the Southern Highlands. In contrast to the geography around Ambua this Southern Highlands village is located in the lowlands and experiences a slightly humid climate. It is the geography that separates the different cultures in the Highlands and the people in Kaffa are proud of their traditional longhouse which is a sacred men’s house. Kaffa people dress themselves with tapa cloth made from a tree bark. Enjoy a traditional sing sing and walk around the village to explore the cultural differences. You will be returning to Ambua today. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Tue. 14 Aug	Today you explore the Tari Valley on a private full day tour leading you to villages observing young Hulis growing their hair for human wigs. A village study, were you will be learning about how the Hulis combine traditional and modern way of life will enable you to take a deep insight into their culture. The day concludes with a colourful and vibrant Huli Sing Sing. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Wed. 15 Aug<	The day starts early and your private air safari continues to the mighty Upper Sepik where part of your day will be spent in a motorized canoe exploring the region and its villages. Its villages are smaller, further apart and do therefore have each their very own unique style. Art in the villages is very simple in contrast to the Middle and Lower Sepik areas. Watch the Sepik people paddling in their canoes and searching for a good catch while riding along the fast flowing river. In the afternoon you will fly to Karawari Lodge on the Karawari River, a main tributary of the Sepik. This evening the local bamboo band will entertain you. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Thu. 16 Aug	Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast enjoy a touring program by private jetboat that provides insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area. In contrast to the Sepik this river system is much more narrow and the tropical jungle is almost part of the river. Watch the Sepik kids swimming in the rivers, waving at you while enjoying the refreshing breeze on the jetboat. In the evening you will be given a lecture on your room veranda while enjoying a complimentary bottle of cool white wine. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Fri. 17 Aug	Fly by private charter from Karawari to Mount Hagen, during the flight mountains rise up to startling heights out of the flat lands of the Sepik Basin. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley. In the afternoon you will take part in the Mt. Hagen Show 2007 pre-show activities together with other Trans Niugini Tours clients. You drive through scenic mountains towards the Tomba Gap visiting a village where you take part in village activities and watch local sing sing groups performing their traditional dances. Overnight Rondon Ridge
Sat. 18 and Sun. 19 Aug	Two full days are spent at the Mt. Hagen Show. By private vehicle and with your own private guide you will attend this annual gathering of sing sing groups from all over the country. The Mt. Hagen show starts early in the morning with excellent opportunities to watch the performers during their dressing and painting preparations. The groups usually start performing after the big opening late morning and finish early afternoon just in time before the Highlands rain usually puts an end to outdoor activities like the Mt. Hagen Show. Overnights Rondon Ridge
Mon. 20 Aug	In the morning private charter flight to Madang. It is a 40 minute scenic drive along the North Coast Highway to Malolo Plantation Lodge surrounded by coconut palms and huge gardens. The Lodge faces the sea and boosts picturesque views towards Karkar Island. In the afternoon Rempi village invites you to a private sing sing on the lagoons beach. PNG´s amazing colourful and still healthy reefs invite you to a snorkel excursion before you transfer back to Malolo Plantation Lodge for a private beach dinner. Overnight Malolo Plantation Lodge
Tue. 21 Aug	The North Coast, Astrolabe Bay, Long Island with its crater lake and Karkar Island will be explored airside by a spectacular scenic flight this morning. The shape of the coastline and islands is made by volcanic activity over thousands of years. Karkar Island is a still active volcano, rising about 1800 meter on this fertile island with the countries biggest copra production. After a leisurely picnic in the Coastal Park you visit Bilbil village, a few kilometres south of Madang. Bilbil is the pottery place in Madang Province and the villagers will demonstrate their skills in a short pottery demonstration. Overnight Malolo Plantation Lodge
Wed. 22 Aug	Your day begins extremely early with a transfer for the morning flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be transferred to the Airways Hotel. Your suite will be ready to accommodate you and the poolside awaits you with a leisurely breakfast. After lunch you will be picked up for a private tour of Port Moresby’s government district featuring the National Parliament House, the Botanical Gardens and the National Museum. Your tour concludes with a visit to the PNG Art Gallery. Overnight Airways Hotel
Thu. 23 Aug	Farewell PNG. You will be transferred to your respective International flight. Your private air safari through PNG ends.

INFORMATION