Description
Located at 7000 feet in the Tari Gap, this area borders on pristine mountain rainforest and the beginning of the valley grasslands. Ambua Lodge promises the visitor eternal spring weather and magnificent views of the Tari Valley. The forest canopy, a dense mass of interlocking tree tops of all shades of green and the occasional bright splash of colour, provides a natural setting and an exhilarating climate for venturing along the nature trails – whether this is crossing traditional vine bridges, discovering a secluded waterfall, or spotting high altitude orchids and rhododendrons. Take advantage of the birding in the Tari Gap area where it is possible to see up to 13 species of the birds of paradise.
One of the central reasons for visiting Ambua Lodge is to see the flamboyant Huli Wigmen. They revere the stunning birds of paradise and imitate them in both daily and ceremonial life, decorating their human hair wigs with the plumage of only the most beautiful birds. Your guide will take you to visit lots of villages and clans, where you will be shown how they go about their daily life according to the tenets of an age old tradition. This area is one of the few left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress every day, and a man’s wealth is still counted by the number of pigs and wives he possesses. Traditional medicine is still trusted and western influences really haven’t made many inroads into this fascinating and ancient culture.
Guests at Ambua Lodge are accommodated in forty round houses built almost exclusively from natural materials. Rooms are powered by 24 hour eco-friendly electricity sourced from the lodge's own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby stream. The guest rooms are set in landscaped gardens and nearby, the main lodge building houses the bar, dining and lounge areas with a cosy central fireplace to warm up the chilly mountain evenings.
Accommodation
Forty individual round house-style cottages each have thatched roofs, ensuite bathrooms and 180 degree views from their picture windows. Electric blankets and duvets are provided for cooler evenings.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Ambua Lodge and families with a keen sense of adventure and an interest in nature and culture will absolutely love it here. Please note, however, that there are no specific facilities for children.
Facilities
Meals are taken in the dining area and there is also a bar and lounge area, perfect for curling up with a good book or watching the world go by.
Activities
Activities at Ambua Lodge very much centre around nature walks, bird spotting and tribal visits and Ambua's knowledgeable guides are from the local area and are experts in all aspects of this region.
When to travel
The climate is the main consideration in deciding when to visit Papua New Guinea. It’s certainly best to avoid the rainy season from December to March as the weather can be wet, muggy and uncomfortable. The dry season is from May to October.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Papua New Guinea
Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari Gap, almost 7000 feet above sea level, in the Southern Highlands.
How to get there
Private charter flight from Port Moresby.
