“The Sepik crocodile men

The Sepik is not only one of Papua New Guinea’s longest rivers, it’s also a mystical artery where man and crocodile are one. Here, in the heart of a swampy jungle, beats the pulse of a tradition as fascinating as it is secretive: that of the Crocodile Men.

The Sepik River: An open-air art gallery

To sail the Sepik is to immerse yourself in traditional life. What makes this region unique in the world are the Haus Tambaran, the “Houses of the Spirits”. These majestic structures with their slender prows house the secrets of the ancestors and the most refined wood carvings in Oceania.

The myth: Why the crocodile?

For Middle-Sepik ethnic groups such as the Iatmuls, the crocodile is much more than a predator: it is the creator of the world. Legend has it that the river was formed by the movements of a giant crocodile.

To honor this ancestor and acquire his strength, the young initiates undergo a rite of passage of rare intensity:

• Ritual scarification: using bamboo blades, the elders make hundreds of incisions on the backs and torsos of young men.
• The mark of the spirit: Once healed, these marks form keloids that perfectly mimic the relief of crocodile skin.
• Transformation: By shedding blood, the initiate leaves behind the world of women and children to become a warrior, inhabited by the spirit of the saurian.

The “Voyages en Papouasie” experience

We don’t just show you the river; we immerse you in it. Thanks to our decades-long ties of trust with local chiefs, our travelers have the privilege of entering the Houses of the Spirits, where the sound of slit drums ( garamuts) still resonates.

Expert’s note: “Attending a mask dance on the banks of the Sepik is a transformative experience. You feel a spiritual power that you can’t find anywhere else.” – The Voyages en Papouasie team.

Join our September 2026 expedition

As part of our great journey “Rituals and Sacred Naturewe combine a meeting with Mundiya Kepanga on Huli land with an in-depth exploration of the Sepik River.

• Sailing in a traditional pirogue: glide past water lilies and isolated villages.
• Authentic encounters: exchanges with mask sculptors and initiates.
• Exceptional scarification ceremony – the experience of a lifetime!
• Exclusive accompaniment: A trip supervised by Marc Dozierwho is passionate about preserving these age-old cultures.
• Meeting and immersion with Papou chief Mundiya Kepenga

• Tags:
• Sepik