Tari advice and Pandu Lodge in Tari?

Has anyone heard of or stayed at Pandu Lodge in Tari? My travel agent just quoted me an all-inclusive package from them that includes village visits with wigmen, most meals and lodging for $865 pp for 4 nights. Which, compared with Ambua is a little too good to be true. I'm afraid it's going to be a dump, or not exist at all since google turns up nothing.

Also, if anyone can weigh in on Tari vs Goroka (mudmen) --we only have time for one... And if 4 nights is enough for the Sepik. I mean, I know it's not enough, it's never enough, but is it ridiculous and not even worth it to go for such a short time?

Thanks!

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

I have not heard of Pandua Lodge and you don't say which company you are booking with or how you will get there. There is considerable tension in Tari at the moment but safe places to stay would include Ambua and the Catholic Mission in Tari. Tari is a very small place but in a beautiful location.

Rich

Thanks Rich --my travel agent is working with New Guinea Expeditions and says that Pandu Lodge is new... The fact that there's not a single thing online about it though --no one has reported staying there or seeing it --is really odd and a little worrisome. I believe that it is in Koroba, actually, not in Tari itself.

We would fly into Tari and be transferred via car (I'm assuming, they didn't specify a car) to Pandu.
Ambua is very expensive unless you're doing your whole tour thru TransNiugini --I believe it's around $435 per person, per night. We're looking into a package from them too, though.

What is the nature of the tension in Tari right now? Is there hostility toward foreign travelers, or is it inter-clan type tension?

thanks,

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

I have been to Lake Kopiago but not Koroba. Koroba would be much smaller and quieter than Tari. Perhaps they could email you some photos of the lodge?

Tari is one of the areas impacted by the huge new LNG project and there have been occasional problems caused by land disputes. The MSF medical team at Tari hospital have pulled out once or twice because of unrelated violence. The risk to you on an organised tour would be extremely remote though. It is a beautiful place and a fascinating culture at a moment of great change.

Not sure if that helps. If I hear any more from up there I will let you know. I think you are already negotiating with Ambua.

Rich

Jennifer,

Many Europeans and myself have visited the Wigmen in Tari here:

Peter Hariwa; Lumuria Guesthouse; 76382502; helatourism05@yahoo.com (pleasant 2 – 3 hour walk from Women’s Guesthouse – he’ll arrange a carrier for your bags for 20 Kina.) 30 Kina per night with lots of extras. Contact for full pricing.