THE FACTS
Location: Papua New Guinea, Oceana
Start point: Rabaul, East New Britain
Best time to visit: March - November
Activities: Trekking, snorkeling, amazing stone age culture, sing-sings, mumu-mumus, plus diving as an optional extension!
Tribe: Bainings, Gazelle Peninsula and Tolais, Duke of York Islands
Duration: 10 days
Guideline Price: From £2,550 (US$ 4,590)
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Arrive approximately 0730 into Rabaul domestic airport on the morning flight from Port Moresby (POM). Soak up PNG culture at local markets and the history by visiting old Japanese war relics and amazing "Bunker" tunnels. Visit the volcano observatory and watch the active volcano at night.
Day 2: Travel via boat (4 hours) and then by 4x4 to meet the Bainings - stay and watch their fire dances and visit their customary houses.
Day 3: Start trekking through the jungle, across the Gazelle Peninsula of East New Britain and spend the night by a river in your very own bush camp.
Day 4: Continue your jungle trek ending at the Baining village of Rhungagi where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Your trek will take you to Vunga, another Baining village, where you will witness traditional village singing and dancing. You will stay in this village for the night.
Day 6: Take a 4x4 to Kokopo Beach and then a stunning 40 min. boat ride to the Duke of York Islands, snorkeling along the way. These islands are the epitome of the azure sea, white sand idyll.
Day 7: Enjoy life in the coastal villages and witness the Duk Duk traditional dance of the Tolais.
Day 8: Short vehicle hop from hotel in Rabaul, then hike the Mother Volcano on the North East tip of East New Britain island. Set set up camp next to Tavurvur Volcano - which is constantly rumbling and active.
Day 9: Soak up the atmosphere on your last full day - amazing views across the sea and over to the active volcano. Take down camp and transfer to Rabaul by vehicle. Spend the afternoon shopping in Rabaul, overnight the best hotel in town!
Day 10: Return flight home from Rabaul, via Port Moresby.
DIVING
For only an extra £750 you can extend this trip to include 3 days of diving (2 dives per day) near Rabaul, staying in Rabaul. PNG has an amazing array of marine biodiversity and the Bismark Sea is superb for marine, small tropical island and reef diving as well as W.W.2 wreck diving. If you are interested tell us and we will arrange this separately, but please be aware that you must have 24 hours between your last dive and flying!
"Leave this century behind and return to a life where metal is barely used. Watch firedances with men wearing giant white masks dance amongst flames. Live in dense jungle in the Baining Mountains with outstanding history: in 1942 Austrailian soldiers retreated ahead of 15,000 Japanese invaders to reach evacuation points on the South Coast, the reason why this trip is called 'Escape from Rabaul'."
LOOK FORWARD TO
- Step back in time and enjoy Tribal singing and fire dancing as well as living with the locals along the little travelled jungle trail
- Trekking into deep jungle, up jungle clad volcanos and then on to the beautiful Duke of York Islands
- Taking in the military history of this area, even snorkelling over old Japanese tanks or a submarine base.
- Spend the night next to the famous Tavurvur Volcano, with its constant rumbling and erruptions!
GETTING AROUND
Use a combination of 4x4s, boats and your feet to take you from deep jungle to desert islands.
EATING AND SLEEPING
Jungle camps and tribal villages will ensure you get the most culture and adventure from this amazing trip. You will eat a combination of expedition food (mainland) and local food (Duke of York Islands). All food will be prepared for you so all you have to do is chat to the locals and make the most of your time in PNG!
Further details on what's included, kit, medical advice, flights and insurance can be read on the NITTY GRITTY page, or give us a ring!
