Tari

Tari, Papua New Guinea - Complete Travel Guide

Tari is a remote highland town in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands Province, serving as the cultural heart of the Huli people and gateway to some of the country's most spectacular natural landscapes. Situated at an elevation of over 1,600 meters, this small but significant settlement is renowned for its vibrant traditional culture, particularly the famous Huli wigmen who create elaborate ceremonial wigs from their own hair, and serves as the primary access point to the pristine wilderness areas surrounding the region. The town offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Papua New Guinea's indigenous cultures, with opportunities to witness traditional ceremonies, visit local villages, and explore the dramatic highland scenery that includes rolling grasslands, dense forests, and towering mountain peaks. Tari's isolation has helped preserve ancient customs and ways of life, making it one of the few places in the world where travelers can experience truly untouched Melanesian culture while also serving as a base for adventure activities in the surrounding wilderness areas.

Top Tari

Huli Wigmen Cultural Experience

Meet the famous Huli wigmen who grow elaborate wigs from their own hair as part of ancient cultural traditions. Witness traditional ceremonies, learn about their unique customs, and observe the intricate process of wig cultivation and decoration that can take years to complete.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits through local guides or your accommodation for around $50-100 per person. Best experienced during cultural festivals or by advance arrangement with village elders. Look for operators who work directly with Huli communities to ensure authentic experiences.

Traditional Village Visits

Explore authentic Huli villages to observe daily life, traditional architecture, and ancient customs that have remained unchanged for centuries. Participate in welcome ceremonies, learn about subsistence farming practices, and interact with local families in their natural environment.

Booking Tip: Village visits cost $30-60 per person and require advance coordination with village leaders. Best visited during morning hours when daily activities are in full swing. Choose guides who have established relationships with village communities.

Highland Trekking Adventures

Trek through the spectacular Southern Highlands landscape, traversing rolling grasslands, mountain ridges, and pristine forests. Experience diverse ecosystems, spot endemic bird species, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges while camping under starlit skies.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks range from $100-200 per day including guide and basic camping equipment. Dry season (May-October) offers best conditions. Select operators with proper safety equipment and emergency communication devices.

Bird Watching Expeditions

Discover Papua New Guinea's incredible avian diversity in the highland forests around Tari, home to numerous endemic species including birds-of-paradise, parrots, and hornbills. Early morning expeditions offer the best opportunities to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Half-day birding tours cost $40-80 per person, best scheduled for early morning starts around 5-6 AM. Bring binoculars and camera with telephoto lens. Choose guides with ornithological knowledge and proven bird-finding skills.

Traditional Market Experience

Visit Tari's colorful local markets where Huli people trade traditional goods, fresh produce, and handcrafted items. Observe the vibrant social interactions, sample local foods, and purchase authentic cultural artifacts while supporting the local economy through direct trade with artisans.

Booking Tip: Markets are typically free to visit and most active on weekends and market days (usually Saturday). Bring small bills for purchases ($1-20 for crafts). Go with a local guide to help with language barriers and cultural etiquette.

Getting There

Tari is accessible primarily by air through Tari Airport, which receives regular flights from Portmoresby (approximately 1.5 hours) and Papua New Guinea (45 minutes) operated by Airlines PNG. Road access is extremely challenging and generally not recommended for tourists due to poor road conditions, security concerns, and the need for 4WD vehicles. Most visitors arrange transportation as part of organized tours or through their accommodation, as independent travel requires significant local knowledge and preparation.

Getting Around

Transportation within Tari is limited to walking, local PMVs (public motor vehicles), and arranged vehicle transport through tour operators or accommodations. The town center is small enough to explore on foot, but visits to surrounding villages and attractions require 4WD vehicles due to rough terrain and unpaved roads. Most activities and cultural visits are best arranged through local guides who provide transportation as part of their services, as vehicle rental is not readily available for independent travelers.

Where to Stay

Tari Town Center

Near Tari Airport

Huli Village Guesthouses

Highland Lodge Areas

Cultural Center Vicinity

Mission Station Compounds

Food & Dining

Dining options in Tari are limited but authentic, centered around local guesthouses, small eateries, and traditional food experiences. Most accommodations provide meals featuring local ingredients like sweet potato, taro, fresh vegetables, and occasionally pork or chicken prepared in traditional earth ovens. The Male offers fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, while some small shops provide basic supplies. Visitors should expect simple, hearty meals rather than restaurant dining, with many cultural tours including traditional feast experiences as part of village visits.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tari is during the dry season from May to October when rainfall is minimal, roads are more accessible, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round due to the highland elevation, with cool nights and pleasant days. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy rainfall that can make transportation difficult and limit outdoor activities, though the landscape is lush and green. Cultural festivals and ceremonies often occur during the dry season, making this period ideal for experiencing traditional Huli culture.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing as highland temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in tropical Papua New Guinea

Always arrange cultural visits through proper channels and village leaders to show respect and ensure authentic experiences

Carry cash in small denominations as ATMs and card payments are not available, and most transactions are cash-only