Papua New Guinea - A Tribal Odyssey

How big are the groups?

Each group is limited to 16 participants. Small groups are an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for more interaction and more personalized service throughout the itinerary.

What is included in the tour price?

All accommodations throughout; all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); bottled drinking water throughout the trip; all internal transportation; airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary; tips for hotels (porterage), bus driver, restaurants and spot guides; services of a trip leader.

What is not included in the tour price?

International flights, tips to ElderTreks tour leader, national guide, alcoholic drinks, visa’s and travel insurance.

Are these “educational” tours?

Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, “educational”. We visit museums, national parks and reserves and have talks and discussions on many aspects of history, culture and nature. But this is only a portion of the educational experience. We believe that it is equally educational to meet local people on a non-commercial basis, visit their homes and even try to learn a few words in the native language. Sometimes the most “educational” moments can be wandering through a local market of a small town.

How do we travel during the tour?

All local transportation is included in the land price of the trip. We travel by domestic flights, micro-bus, 4 wheel drives, wooden canoe, motorized longboats and by foot.

What are our accommodations like?

Accommodation in Port Moresby, Mt. Hagen, Goroka, Madang, Wewak and in the Trobriand Islands are in hotels that range from 2 star to 4 star and each room has private toilet and bathroom facilities. On the Sepik River we will be spending 2 nights in basic dormitory accommodation (bush longhouses) with limited bathing and toilet facilities. Each person will have a foam mattress with sheets and a pillow with pillowcase as well as a mosquito net. Single supplement rooming requests cannot be accommodated on the Sepik River nor in the Trobriand Islands.

Please note that for our journey on the Sepik River, large suitcases cannot be accommodated; please bring a small overnight bag for these two nights.

What about the weather?

Papua New Guinea is south of the equator, so when it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s winter there. From April to November, the days are generally in the 80-90°F (26-32°C) with nights in the 70°F (21°C). It’s always warm and humid, with a chance of rain. The farther inland and higher in elevation you go, the cooler it will be, especially at night.

When is payment due?

A non-refundable deposit of $500 USD (plus insurance if you require it) is due at time of booking and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment of the full land cost is due 100 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the “Terms and Conditions” section of our brochure.

Is medical insurance required?

Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that medical insurance is not required for this adventure but is recommended. ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance and we are happy to provide you with a quote if you call our office. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible.
*Please note those travelers with pre-existing medical conditions must take out travel insurance at the time of deposit

What should I take on the tour?

There is a detailed “What to Take” list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip.

What meals are included?

All meals during the itinerary are included, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day. We eat a variety of local foods prepared in a wide range of settings.

Can you arrange my flights?

We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.

What if I would like more information?

If you have any further questions about the adventure, please call our office for more details. A Trip Specialist will be happy to answer your questions. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip.