Trek Notes - Papua New Guinea

Benaria Trek - Southern Highlands


Benaria Trek - Southern Highlands

Explore an area isolated by geography and history. The area came under government control only in 1951 and the life of the Huli people is still governed by sorcery and ancestral beliefs. Trek through the Benaria Valley with Huli Wigmen and learn about their incredible culture. Accommodation is in village houses.

Itinerary

Day 1. Depart Port Moresby, Arrive Tari or Ambua Airstrip from Port Moresby, Karawari Lodge. Afternoon activities. Overnight Ambua Lodge Hotel. Overnight - Ambua Lodge Hotel (LD).

Day 2. Full day trek to Benaria Valley. Today is a long day leaving Ambua at 8 am and at a reasonable pace with plenty of rest stops. Most of today's trekking is through high-canopied pristine rainforest. Prior to descending into the Benaria Valley we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Valley and the surrounding mountains. Tiem villagers are our host for the next two nights. Overnight - Village Guest House (BLD).

Day 3. Explore Benaria Valley. Today is much more leisurely, exploring this part of the valley. Highlights include sacred cave, wigmen, waterfalls, local market, vine bridge, trout fishing (local style). In the evening an elderly man will tell stories of his life and ancestors, your guide will translate. Overnights - Village Guest House (BLD).

Day 4. Benaria. Half day trek to Benaria station experiencing good mountain views, a few river crossings, cane bridge crossing, waterfalls, traditional houses and gardens and traditional gravesites. Visit the Benaria market and tonight will be a wonderful experience starting with a traditional "mumu" dinner and ending with a "courtship singsing". Overnight - Village Guest House (BLD).

Day 5. Benaria to Ambua. Fly from Benaria to Ambua. Afternoon for relaxing. Overnight - Ambua Lodge Hotel (BLD).

Day 6. Ambua. Full day activities in the Tari Valley and Ambua Lodge. Overnight - Ambua Lodge Hotel (BLD).

Day 7. Departure day. At leisure until you are transferred to your onward arrangements (B).

Inclusions

Accommodation as specified above, airport transfers, air Benaria to Ambua, touring, meals as specified, government taxes and local guides.

Suggested Equipment list

Please note the following points:

Do not bring too much! You will be travelling to remote areas by small aircraft with limited space. Accordingly there are strict baggage weight requirements on some of these flights. We recommend no more than 10 Kilograms (22 pounds) per person. Excess luggage can be stored at the Trans Niugini Tours office in Port Moresby at no extra cost. Ensure luggage is tagged (inside and outside) with your name and address. It is important that you hand carry your day pack with you, containing all important items such as passport, tickets, credit cards, money, medicine, camera, etc. However, we suggest you leave all travel documents and credit cards at Ambua Lodge for safe keeping when going out on the trek. Please pack clothes into strong plastic bags for protection from water. Dressing in Papua New Guinea is casual, including at most hotels and lodges. Washing cannot be done on the trekking/Sepik canoe trip.

Clothing
  • Shirts - 2 cotton long-sleeved (for protection from sun and insects), 4 cotton short-sleeved shirts
  • Sweater - warm sweater or jacket for high altitude areas such as Tari
  • Trousers - 2 long pants or jeans. 2 loose fitting walk shorts
  • Footwear - 1 pair comfortable shoes or boots for hiking. 1 pair of Teva type sandals
  • Socks - 2 thin cotton and woollen socks for treks
  • Towel - 1 light weight
  • Raingear - make sure it is water proof and covers your backside
  • Sunhat - with wide brim essential for sun protection
Equipment
  • Backpack - with frame for overnight trekking trips
  • Dufflebag - with shoulder straps for other shorter trips. This packs easier for aircraft
  • Day Pack - to carry daily essentials
  • Sleeping Bag - light weight and compact for treks
  • Sleeping Sheet - cotton sheet to keep sleeping bag clean
  • Sleeping Mat - closed cell is sufficient or self-inflatable if desired
  • Flash Light - essential
Accessories
  • Water Bottle - at least one litre that does not leak
  • Sunglasses
  • Suntan Lotion - the sun is very strong in the tropics - lip balm is also useful
  • First Aid Kit - containing personal medications (including some bandaids, antibiotic cream, anti-malarial, antibiotics, diarrhoea treatment, aspirin for headache). Iodine tablets for water treatment
  • Umbrella - fold down variety
  • Snack Food - optional

 
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