• Trip Overview
• Photo Gallery
• Detailed Program
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Trip Overview

This 14-day trip offers a complete and intense discovery of Papua New Guinea, combining exploration of the mysterious Sepik River, immersion in the Highlands and participation in the spectacular Mount Hagen Show, one of the world’s largest tribal gatherings.

Your adventure begins in the swampy region of the mighty Sepik River, where you meet the Iatmul people, the famous crocodile-men who ritually scarify themselves. Travelling by motorized pirogue, you’ll discover impressive Spirit Houses and ancestral tribal art in villages where life is lived in the traditional way.

After the Sepik, you’re off to the Highlands for the Mount Hagen Show. For two days, you’re immersed in a whirlwind of color, feathers, song and dance as some 100 tribal groups gather in celebration. Participants don their most spectacular bilas (traditional dress), creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.

• Sailing the Sepik River and meeting the Iatmul crocodile-men
• Visit to several Spirit Houses
• Chambri Lakes: villages of potters (Aibom) and sculptors (Kirimbit)
• Traditional sing-sing in Kanganamun village
• Mount Hagen Show: 2 full days at the festival
• Exclusive cultural encounter
• Bird of paradise observation at Kumul Lodge
• Visit to the Nature Park and National Museum in Port Moresby

Photo Gallery

Detailed Program

• Day 1: Arrival Port Moresby - Flight Wewak
  Early arrival in Port Moresby. Welcome by your guide and transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight to Wewak, capital of the Sepik region. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, the Boutique Hotel, the best in town. Short visit to the hotel’s fine art collection. Rest after the long journey from Europe.

  Accommodation: Wewak Boutique Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 2: Towards the Sepik River - Kanganamun Village
  Morning departure by private vehicle for Pagwi (4h30 drive), then board a motorized pirogue on the majestic Sepik River. Sail about 4 hours downstream to the village of Kanganamun. This is the heart of the Middle Sepik and the most culturally interesting area of the river. It is home to the famous crocodile-men of the Iatmul ethnic group. During initiation rites, they are ritually scarified to resemble the crocodile. The village’s huge House of the Spirits is a veritable cathedral, full of primitive art and culture. After your visit to the village, you continue along the river to a Sepik guesthouse. Here you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable rest.

  Accommodation: Sepik Guesthouse – Meals: P.D.D. – Transfer: 4h30 by bus + 2h30 by pirogue

• Day 3: Middle Sepik - Chambri Lakes: Kirimbit and Aibom
  Today, you leave the main Sepik River and venture deep into the river basin to reach the immense Chambri Lakes. At the village of Kirimbit, you discover a spirit house where politics and village affairs are discussed as they have been for generations, and where sacred art is still preserved. From here, you continue by pirogue to the village ofAibom, the only place in the region where pottery is made, and where even today all the inhabitants of the Sepik come to collect pots and pans to cook their sago. Later, you return to the huge Kanganamun Spirit House. Spend time here with the men, who share some of their legends and stories with you. Playing a magic flute or singing special songs can be part of the storytelling.

  Accommodation: Sepik Guesthouse – Meals: P.D.D. – Transfer : 3h by pirogue

• Day 4: Middle Sepik - Palembe Village - Life of the Sepik women
  It’s another day of exploration in the Sepik. You visit the village of Palembe, where some of the Sepik’s finest art is created. Then spend time with local women as they fish and cook sago. Fish and sago are staples here. This is a special opportunity to visit the women and learn more about their daily lives living with and by the river.

  Accommodation: Sepik Guesthouse – Meals: P.D.D. – Transfer : 1h by pirogue

• Day 5: Sing-Sing to Kanganamun village
  Today, you have the chance to attend dances by various local groups in Kanganamun. Traditional sing-sing organized in your honor with the finest finery, body paint and feather headdresses.

  Accommodation: Sepik Guesthouse – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 6: Sepik to Wewak - Madang flight
  Last morning on the Sepik. Sailing back to Pagwi, then on to Wewak. Flight to Madang, considered Papua New Guinea’s most beautiful city. Check-in at seaside hotel.

  Accommodation: Madang Resort Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 7: Tour of Madang
  A day to discover Madang and the surrounding area. Visit the colorful local market, the port and the town. Excursion to the surrounding area: coastal villages, plantations, panoramic views of the bay. Madang is renowned for its natural beauty, tropical gardens and peaceful atmosphere.

  Accommodation: Madang Resort Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 8: Madang to Mount Hagen
  Spectacular drive through the mountains to Mount Hagen (6-7 hours). Crossing a variety of landscapes, from tropical coast to mountainous highlands. Photo stops and village breaks en route. Arrival at Mount Hagen late afternoon.

  Accommodation: McRoyal Hotel – Meals: P.D.D. – Transfer : 6-7h drive

• Day 9: Exclusive Encounter Encounter PNG
  Morning departure for an exclusive cultural encounter organized for Encounter Papua New Guinea guests. In a picturesque village setting, meet members of tribal groups. Admire their fascinating ornaments and body decorations, and their traditional sing-sings. Later, meet with a group of women to understand the life of Papuan women.

  Accommodation: McRoyal Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 10: Mount Hagen Show - Day 1
  Day one of the Mount Hagen Show! Early departure for the festival grounds. Stroll among the dancers getting ready, with their elaborate headdresses of feathers, shells, leaves and body paint. This is the ideal time for extraordinary portraits. The show begins: hundreds of dancers sing and drum to their own rhythms. An exhilarating travel experience! Picnic on site.

  Accommodation: McRoyal Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 11: Mount Hagen Show - Day 2
  Day two of the Mount Hagen Show. Another full day at the festival to enjoy the different tribal groups and the unique atmosphere. Free time to photograph, interact with participants and immerse yourself in this exceptional cultural celebration.

  Accommodation: McRoyal Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 12: Kumul Lodge - Birds of paradise viewing
  Excursion to Kumul Lodge, well known for its spectacular viewing of endemic species ofbirds of paradise. You can enjoy your time here at your leisure in specially designed bird blinds, allowing you to observe and photograph birds at very close range. Return to Mount Hagen in the late afternoon.

  Accommodation: McRoyal Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 13: Flight Port Moresby - Nature Park and Museum
  Flight to Port Moresby. Visit to the Nature Park, home to the country’s flora and fauna, then to the National Museum with its impressive collection of historical masks and traditional objects. Check-in at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Airways Hotel – Meals: P.D.D.

• Day 14: International flight
  Morning departure for Port Moresby, final city visits as time permits. Transfer to the international airport for your departure flight.

  Meals : Breakfast

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