Rascals in Papua New Guinea
Tomorrow it Won't be the Same
Trip Length: 15 days

Discover an equatorial wonderland of snowcapped volcanoes, impenetrable mountain ranges and lowland rainforests, featuring some of the most biologically diverse plant life on this planet. Witness customs, beliefs, traditions and ceremonies as old as man himself. From the last great wilderness of the Sepik River Basin to the remote and beautiful Highlands, our RASCALS itinerary is the only itinerary to Papua New Guinea for families.

Continue your family's education with this 15-day adventure into the last outpost of Stone Age culture. A superb combination of visiting homes, villages and schools in the Highlands and the Sepik River area where native children may teach your kids how to canoe.

Highlights include:

• Sepik and Karawari Rivers.
• Wigmen and Highlands.
• 15 day itinerary, fully escorted.

Day 1 - 3
Depart USA. Day lost crossing International Dateline. Arrive into Port Moresby via Cairns, Australia.

Day 4
Fly to Mt. Hagen and connect to Tari. Fly by charter aircraft to Ambua airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. The country between Ambua and the Sepik region is an amazing array of jagged limestone that seem to rise and drop at impossible angles. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley - home of the Huli, a colourful and proud people, still largely living the same way that their ancestors did. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua - high mountain forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveller.

Day 5 - 6
A full day of ecological and culturally based touring are sure to satiate those yearning for discovery. For the adventurous, there is an opportunity to have a bona fide village experience. Enjoy a further full day of cultural and ecological touring. The Tari area is home to an incredible 13 species of birds of paradise, as well as numerous orchid species.

Day 7
Return to Mt. Hagen and overnight.

Day 8
Day exploring the Waghi Valley and mysterious Mudmen.

Day 9
You will be transferred by river boat to the air conditioned comfort of the MV Sepik Spirit. Inspired by the architecture of the "haus tambaran" or spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design. With its shallow draught, it allows travel to rarely visted areas of the Sepik River and its tributaries in comfort.

Day 10 - 11
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 peoples is their amazing carvings, now famous the world over.

Day 12
Disembark boat. Karawari Lodge 2 nights. You will be transferred by four wheel drive to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, while still providing modern comforts. 

Day 13
Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area.

Day 14
Flight to Mt. Hagen and on to Port Moresby.

Day 15
Flights back to the USA.

Optional stopovers in the Madang and New Britain areas are also available.