Ambua Lodge, located at 7000 feet in the Tari Gap area,
borders on pristine rainforest at the beginning of the valley
grasslands. This location promises the visitor eternal spring
weather and magnificent views of the Tari Valley.
Mountain
slopes are covered in moss forest which continues up to the
Tari Gap. A combination of open grassland and moss forest
create cool climate patches and an environment that is rich
in flora and fauna. Beautiful orchids, large varieties of
butterflies and moths, cicadas, beetles and other insects
live within these forests. The Tari Basin and surrounding
mountain slopes are also home to the Tari Wigman and their
Huli clan groups, one of the largest ethnic groups in the
Southern Highland Province and also one of the most culturally
intact.
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 - cross traditional
vine bridges, discover a secluded waterfall, and spot high
altitude orchids and rhododendrons.
The
Huli were only discovered in 1935 and were one of the last
groups to come under Government control. The human hair
wigs of the men are decorated with everlasting daisies,
bird of paradise plumes and mountain flowers. For sing-sing
performances heir faces are painted in bright yellow, red
and blue and at first sight you are reminded you of a bird
of paradise mimicry. Despite their gaudy appearance the
men were and to some degree still are ferocious tribal fighters.
Their villages and family group compounds are fortified
by solid mud walls toped with sharpened stakes. The interconnecting
trenches you see not only delineate clan boundaries and
control pigs, they were also used as secret passages during
clan wars.
The
Tari and Huli males spend up to 18 months in a bachelor's
village cloistered away from women to grow their human hair
wigs. Growth of the wig is guaranteed by using magic water
and the assistance of an experienced male who instructs
them. The fully grown wigs are then decorated with flowers,
birds of paradise plumes and lichens from the forest. The
wigs are often worn all day and night. A special sleeping
block of wood is used to support the head and avoid damaging
the wig at night.
Ambua
Lodge blends into the valley with its external construction
designed in the local style. Inside you find every modern
western convenience; individual bungalows with downy doonas
and evenelectric blankets, hot showers and comfortable bathroom
facilities. Dining and entertainment is in a central building
that also houses the bar and an open log fire. Ambua is
an ideal base to explore this exciting area of Papua New
Guinea. The Tari Valley is home to what must be the most
colourful display of male decoration to be found anywhere.
Ambua Lodge is the recipient of the 1991 Pacific
Asia Travel Association's "Pacific Heritage Award"
which cited Ambua Lodge as "superb example of culturally
sensitive and ecological responsible tourism".
Take advantage of the bird watching in the Tari Gap area
where one may have the chance to observe up to 10 species
of the birds of paradise.
Independent
