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.

The SEPIK SPIRIT accommodates 18 passengers in 9 deluxe and spacious twin bedrooms each with private bathroom. Facilities aboard also include a dining room, lounge, bar, video and covered upper observatory deck. The entire vessel is air conditioned. Because the "SEPIK SPIRIT" is the ideal size for exploration, it provides intimate exposure to the area without the mass tourism often experienced elsewhere. The river banks where the vessel operates are dotted with many large traditional villages each with its own unique "haus Tambaran" or spirit house decorated with ancestral figures, carvings, massive garamut drums and secretive ritual flutes. The Sepik is a gallery of tribal art, each village boasts a unique style, and every villager is an artisan. Mingle with the friendly people and experience a culture that encounters few outsiders annually. Long after you have left the lush jungle, raucous birds, spirit houses and carvings, and endless water ways, the mysticism of the Sepik will remain unforgettably etched in your memory.

Day 2 Sat, Day 3 Sun — Two full day are spent exploring the Hagen Area and Wahgi Valley. The Mount Hagen area is the home of the Melpa people, a people with a strong culture, who in the face of moderninity, still live largely traditional subsistence lifestyles. In the mountains surrounding the Wahgi Vally live a stunning array of bird, orchid and plant life. Overnights: - RONDON RIDGE (BLD)

Day 4 Mon, Day 5 Tue, Day 6 Wed — Charter flight from Mt. Hagen to Sepik, join MV SEPIK SPIRIT for a three night cruise in the Sepik area. Overnights - MV SEPIK SPIRIT (BLD)

Day 7 Thu — Transfer by riverboat from the MV SEPIK SPIRIT to KARAWARI, afternoon activities. Overnight - KARAWARI LODGE (BLD)

Day 8 Fri — Charter flight from Karawari to Tari, transfer to Lodge, afternoon activities. Overnight - AMBUA LODGE (BLD)

Day 9 Sat — Transfer to international departure flight.

Day 10 Sun — This morning you depart for Port Moresby on Air Niugini PX865. Upon arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met and transferred to your ongoing international flight. (B)

• SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT COST: - US$1081.00 per person
• SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT THROUGHOUT EXCEPT SEPIK SPIRIT: - US$460.00 per person
• LAND COST INCLUDES: Accommodation, airport transfers, tours, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), and local guides.
• LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International, domestic or air transfer flight air fares or items of a personal nature.

Required flights for this itinerary:

• International flights to/from Port Moresby
• AIR NIUGINI(PX) DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:
    Day 1, PX180 Port Moresby to Mt Hagen
    Day 10, PX865 Tari to Port Moresby