Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Please be aware that a degree of flexibility is required when travelling to Papua New Guinea. Whilst every effort will be made to provide the itinerary detailed we made need to make changes at any time. Festival dates are set in advance but can change for a number of reasons, should any changes need to be made to the itinerary we will contact you at the earliest possible opportunity.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
Local Currency: Kina
Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP, USD and EUR
Where to Exchange: On arrival at the International Terminal in Port Moresby. There will be limited opportunities to exchange money outside of Port Moresby.
ATM Availability: ATMs are available throughout the tour aside from on the Sepik River.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Best avoided for this tour due to the logistics of changing them.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Papua New Guinea |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$4.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$5.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$5.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$5.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$30.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$50.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
$40.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
$20.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Papua New Guinea - A single entry visa is required for UK, US, Australian and Canadian passport holders. To apply for the visa you will require a completed application form, a passport with at least 12 months validity and one clear page plus 2 passport photos. You will also need to submit your travel itinerary with the application. Applications can be made through Visa Swift, www.visaswift.com or through the Papua New Guinea High Commission in London, www.pnghighcomm.org.uk
British nationals can also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival for £26, payable in local currency.
For all other nationalities please consult your nearest embassy for up to date visa information.
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Vaccinations & Protection
There is no risk of yellow fever in Papua New Guinea however a certificate is required for entry. There are no compulsory vaccinations required however we recommend protection against Diptheria, Hepatitus A and B, Tuberculosis and Typhoid. Cholera and Rabies vaccinations should also be considered. Consult your travel clinic on malaria prophylaxis as the disease is present in Papua New Guinea below 1800m.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Papua New Guinea enjoys a hot, tropical climate at sea level with the highlands having a cooler climate. The majority of rain falls between December and March (northwest monsoon) and from May to October (southwest monsoon) although you should be prepared for rain at any time.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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Please note that the maximum luggage allowance on the internal flights within Papua New Guinea it is 16kgs. Please do not overload yourself.
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One main piece of luggage and a daypack. Your daypack needs to be sufficiently large to accommodate your things for the 3 night Sepik River safari during which the main luggage will be stored at the hotel in Wewak. Alternatively you may wish to bring an additional folding bag with you which will fit in your main bag during flights. Due to the chance of water spray or showers during the safari this should be waterproof or lined with a plastic bag or you could bring a dry bag.
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘Hot Conditions’ but with some warmer clothing (i.e. a warm sweater/fleece) and for cooler nights and mornings in the Central Highlands. Lightweight rain wear/umbrella is essential all year. A sunhat is essential for the canoe safari. Don't forget your swimming things.
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Footwear
Comfortable sandals plus some walking shoes/lightweight boots if you are planning on doing the optional Mount Kaibu crater hike.
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Equipment
A sleep sheet for use at the village houses, torch, water bottle, good quality sunglasses, insect repellent, and high factor sunscreen are all essential. Binoculars will be useful for bird spotting along the Sepik river. Although not essential, if you have a "Thermarest" type mattress, you may wish to bring this for use at the village houses where the mattresses are quite thin. A dry bag or dustbin liner will help protect your bag during the canoe safari. If you wish to snorkel during the Simpson harbour cruise, availability of equipment locally may be limited, so consider bringing your own mask and snorkel.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Please note:
Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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