Mt. Giluwe Eco Tourism

About us

Mt Giluwe Eco-Tourism Services — Founding & Background

Mt Giluwe Eco-Tourism Services was established in 2002 as a community-driven initiative created by local landowners from the Tambul–Nebilyer District in the Western Highlands Province.
The organization was formed to protect the natural beauty of Mt Giluwe while creating sustainable income opportunities for surrounding communities.

Since its early years, the service has functioned as the main locally owned tour operator for Mt Giluwe trekking, village experiences, and highlands cultural immersion programs.

The service is widely recognized for its community-based model and continues to play a key role in promoting eco-friendly tourism around the Giluwe ranges.

Founder / Managing Director — Edward Tama

Edward Tama, from the Tambul–Nebilyer district, is the Founder and Managing Director of Mt Giluwe Eco-Tourism Services. He has led the organization since its inception in 2002.

Experience & Contributions to Tourism

• Over two decades of experience organizing trekking and climbing expeditions on Mt Giluwe.

• Has successfully hosted international tourists from Japan, Australia, Russia, the United States, and Europe.

• Pioneered the development of local-guided trekking, ensuring that porters, guides, cooks, and cultural performers are recruited from nearby villages.

• Promotes authentic community tourism — incorporating local guesthouses, singsing groups, traditional welcome ceremonies, and village hospitality.

• Advocates strongly for landowner participation in tourism, insisting that local people must benefit from any tourism activity on Mt Giluwe.

• Uses tourism as a platform to support youth employment, reduce rural-urban drift, and create long-term livelihoods for highlands communities.

1000+

2022

Since

Happy clients

Who we are

Mt. Giluwe Eco‑Tourism Service is a community-based initiative from the Tambul/Nebilyer district in the Highlands. Established by local residents, it promotes sustainable tourism focused on Mount Giluwe and surrounding highland areas.

Their goal is to involve local communities directly — as guides, porters, or cultural hosts — ensuring that tourism benefits villages rather than external operators.

The service is committed to respecting the environment and sacred sites. Hunting is prohibited in the area to preserve local fauna, flora, and cultural heritage.

Through this community-led, conservation-driven approach, Mt. Giluwe Eco‑Tourism Service offers more than just a climb. Visitors gain cultural immersion, support local livelihoods, and experience the real Highlands responsibly.

Based in Tambuil District, we offer guided treks and cultural tours around Mt. Giluwe, sharing PNG’s rich highlands heritage.

Our Mission

Why Choose Us

We provide authentic, locally guided experiences that connect visitors deeply with Mt. Giluwe’s nature and cultures.

What we do

Core Services & Offerings

1. Guided Trekking & Adventure

   • Expert-led treks on Mt. Giluwe and nearby highland terrains, supported by local guides and porters.

   • Treks typically involve alpine grasslands, rainforest, and rugged mountain paths, culminating in panoramic summit views.

   • 3–4 day itineraries are common, with flexibility for longer or custom treks.

2. Accommodation & Meals

   • Stays in community-run base camps or eco-lodges at the mountain’s foot.

   • Locally sourced meals provided, reflecting authentic Highland hospitality.

3. Cultural Immersion

   • Village stays, traditional dances (“singsings”), feasts, and interactive experiences with local communities.

   • Opportunities to observe or participate in local customs, festivals, and highland traditions.

4. Nature & Wildlife Exploration

   • Bird watching, flora and fauna observation, and exploration of montane ecosystems.

   • Ideal for photography, ecological study, and connecting with the Highlands’ biodiversity.

5. Flexible Tours

   • Packages can combine trekking with cultural tours, valley drives, and nature-based stays.

   • Suitable for both serious trekkers and travellers seeking a more relaxed cultural/nature experience.

Typical Trek Experience

• Start from Mount Hagen or another regional hub for supplies and preparation.

• Drive via 4WD to high-altitude access points, then trek through diverse landscapes.

• Overnight at base camps with meals; early morning summit ascents often required.

• Expect cold nights, steep trails, and high-altitude conditions; experienced guides ensure a safe and rewarding experience.

Destinations & Regional Reach

• Western Highlands & Mount Hagen: common starting points for treks.

• Southern Highlands / Ialibu Basin / Highlands Interior: broader trekking zones.

• Tours may extend to Jiwaka, Simbu (Chimbu), and Eastern Highlands, incorporating cultural festivals, village visits, and multi-province itineraries.

Conservation & Community Impact

• Mt. Giluwe Conservation Foundation works with local communities to protect forests, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

• Tourism is regulated to balance environmental protection, community benefit, and visitor experience.

• Accommodation is developing gradually, with eco-friendly and community-focused facilities.

Why Choose Mt. Giluwe Eco‑Tourism Services

• Offers authentic Highlands trekking with cultural and ecological immersion.

• Supports local communities and sustainable tourism practices.

• Provides an opportunity for visitors and partners to experience Papua New Guinea’s highest accessible peaks, biodiversity, and highland culture in a socially responsible manner.

Our services

Provide a general summary of the services you provide, highlighting key features and benefits for potential clients.

Tour Operations

Management and coordination of all logistics required for visitors.
Includes: Transport arrangements, accommodation coordination, trekking logistics, cultural program schedules.

Guided Tours & Experiences

Providing expert-led, on-ground experiences for tourists.
Includes: Mt. Giluwe trekking guides, Mt. Wilhelm extension tours, Skeleton Man & Asaro Mudmen cultural immersion, birding and nature walks.

Activities focused on raising awareness and showcasing the natural, cultural, and adventure attractions of Mt. Giluwe, Tambul District, and the PNG Highlands.
Includes: Marketing campaigns, community engagement, destination branding.

Tourism Promotion

Get in Touch

Reach out to us for bookings, questions, or to plan your Mt. Giluwe adventure.

Phone

+675 7123 4567 | +675 7105 2809

Email

info@mtgiluwetours.com

etama@gmail.com

giluweecotourism@gmail.com