Papua New Guinea: Featuring the Kenu & Kundu Festival
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Papua New Guinea: Featuring the Kenu & Kundu Festival 11 Days Papua New Guinea: Featuring the Kenu & Kundu Festival Experience the energy of Papua New Guinea on this spectacular 11-day trip that includes the vibrant Kenu and Kundu Festival — one of the country's top cultural highlights! Once a year in November over 40 tribes paddle from their remote island homes to Alotau, where they gather to celebrate the region's drums and canoes. Hear the traditional beats of PNG as you witness canoe races, sing-sings, ritual exchanges, and vivid performances that combine ritual and revelry. This special departure also explores tropical Tufi and the scenic Western Highlands — home to the famous Asaro Mudmen. Details Testimonials Arrive: Brisbane, Australia "We experienced great adventures in this seldom visited and wonderful land." Depart: Brisbane, Australia John P. Duration: 11 Days "This was my 10th trip with MT Sobek and I hope to Group Size: 6–16 Guests do more!" Maria B. Minimum Age: 13 Years Old Activity Level: . REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 MT Sobek has been offering unique Our itinerary has been crafted in This itinerary is one of the few to and immersive adventures in Papua consultation with expert local guides include access to the amazing New Guinea for 3 years — with who understand the complexities Kenu and Kundu festival, an every departure a sell-out success. of traveling in Papua New Guinea. annual event with over 600 tribes. ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Immersive cultural encounters, Enjoy stays in comfortable hotels, In the lowland and coastal areas fjord cruising with opportunities rated among Papua New Guinea's it will be hot with high humidity. for swimming and snorkeling, best, and spend three nights In the highlands regions it rainforest walks, and the incredible at the excellent Tufi Resort. is cooler with less humidity. Kenu and Kundu Festival. Ray Andrews is a gifted natural historian, communicator, and guide. A born nature lover, Ray’s passion is seeing people share in his delight of all the sounds, smells and sights in nature. He has an Associate Diploma in Wilderness Reserves & Wildlife and a Degree in Tropical Plant Sciences. Ray has a unique ability convey the history and culture of the region in a comprehensible way to guests, and is driven by a deep fascination & passion for all things Papua New Guinea. MT Sobek guests consistently discover a sense of wonder about what they have experienced and learned through trips with Ray. Ray Andrews Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA . Meet your guide at Brisbane Airport for an early morning flight to Port Moresby. From here, catch your transfer flight to Oro Province and Tufi. Often described as "Scandinavia of the Tropics," you'll be amazed by Tufi's soaring tropical fjords as you settle in at Tufi Resort. Gather for a cocktail and a full briefing, then savor a welcome dinner surrounded by masks, sculptures, and carvings depicting village life in Papua New Guinea. Meals: D DAY 2 EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF TUFI Over the next two days, cruise the stunning fjords and enjoy opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling and swimming in the Coral Triangle — known as the "Amazon of the Seas" for its incredible bio-diversity. Savor beach BBQs and the freshest seafood and tropical fruits, which grow in abundance in this paradise. Activity: Cultural touring & fjord cruise with water activities Meals: B, L, D DAY 3 CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS IN TUFI Go deep into Tufi's fjords, where you will be met by traditional warriors in outrigger canoes and taken to visit ancestral villages. See amazing wood-carving traditions and learn how the villagers survive living off the land and sea. There is also an opportunity to head out to McLaren Harbour Village and follow locals through their sacred spirit-filled land. Activity: Cultural touring & fjord cruise with water activities Meals: B, L, D DAY 4 FLY TO THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS After breakfast, take a flight to the Western Highlands and check in at the Highlander Hotel, our base for exploring the scenic landscape over the next two days. This afternoon either relax by the pool at the hotel or take an optional visit to the local market. The market is the main place where all the locals in colorful traditional attire go to shop and trade. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5 EXPLORE THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS Step back in time as you unravel the mysteries of the Western Highlands, from Mount Hagen to remote highland villages. Encounter the Asaro Mudmen known for their eerie clay masks, hear tales of black magic from real witchdoctors, dine on muu muu feasts cooked in underground oven pits, and learn about traditional tool making. Be amazed by Papua New Guinea's history and traditions. Meals: B, L, D DAY 6 BIRDS OF PARADISE IN THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS See birds of paradise in the wild and marvel at the amazing color of the abundant birdlife. Also visit the bustling Mount Hagen Markets and taste an amazing array of produce grown in this tropical paradise. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7 JOURNEY TO PORT MORESBY Fly back to Port Moresby and transfer to the Gateway Hotel, our base for exploring the city. First, take a guided walk in Port Moresby Nature Park, the nation's leading botanical and native zoological park and garden, and then explore the National Museum Meals: B, L, D DAY 8 KENU & KUNDU FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE IN ALOTAU Head to Milne Bay's Annual Kenu and Kundu Festival. Fast becoming a highlight for locals across the country, this is a top pick of the calendar in Papua New Guinea! Tribes from the region's 600-plus islands descend on the provincial capital of Alotau for canoe races, sing-sings, ritual exchanges and performances — all to the sounds of traditional drums (kundu) and conch shell horns. Observe and explore this authentic experience, and become immersed in the festivities! Meals: B, L, D DAY 9 KENU & KUNDU FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE CONTINUED The festival attracts Kula trading canoes from the Trobriand Islands, Sailua sailing canoes from as far afield as the Louisiade Archipelago, and Lopo war canoes from Milne Bay. Some crews paddle days or weeks to reach the festival and we'll have front row seats for traditional and contemporary performances that continue long into the night. Enjoy all the food, color and energy of a big celebration! Meals: B, L, D DAY 10 FINAL DAY OF KENU & KUNDU FESTIVAL The final day opens with morning Worship and then right into the last of the festivities, with the dramatic canoe races, and more traditional dancing and singing. There will be opportunities after the races for guests to have a ride on the canoes around the bay. Or take a breather by wandering through the local market stalls where arts Meals: B, L, D DAY 11 DEPART FROM BRISBANE Enjoy a farewell breakfast before flying to the airport in Port Moresby, where you will catch your connecting flights to Brisbane, Australia. Meals: B Oct 25 - Nov 4, 2019 2018 $ 6,495 per person Additional Cost $ 700 Single Supplement 2019 $ 6,795 per person Additional Cost $ 700 Single Supplement PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Expert leadership from experienced adventure International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess guides baggage charges Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs Potable water and snacks throughout Arrival and departure transfers All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) Optional travel protection All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation .