The Highlands
Ambua Lodge
Set in the Southern Highlands at 7000ft with stunning views of the Tari Valley below, long-established Ambua Lodge is an inspired example of environmentally sensitive building. The lodge offers two styles of accommodation: individual thatched bungalows built in traditional highlands style, and a main block with modern hotel rooms. A small hydroelectric unit supplies the electricity. Ambua is a perfect base from which to explore neighbouring Huli villages, and nature walks taken around the lodge and at the nearby Tari Gap offer excellent opportunities for bird of paradise sightings and encounters.
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, electric blankets, private bathrooms, 24-hour electricity.
Local Wildlife
The Tari Valley and forest around Ambua is a birder’s paradise. Although many species can be seen, it is particularly famous for birds of paradise, of which 13 species can be regularly spotted (some actually in the lodge grounds). Those include the spectacular blue bird of paradise and the bizarre black sicklebill with its energetic courtship display. Other montane species include lesser melampitta, Stephanie’s astrapia, yellow-browed melidectes and the notorious skulking Forbes’s forest rail.
Optional Activities
Birdwatching excursions in the Tari valley and visits to local Huli wigmen villages.
Claire Pote
Area Specialist
Opt for the detached bungalows rather than the hotel rooms for more style.
If you have any questions regarding our Papua New Guinea tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
An excellent trip which lived up to and exceeded our expectations. A good mix of different locations and an introduction to different cultures which gave us a great insight into life in a very different country from our own.
