TRIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2027-2028. Below you can book these 4 guided tours for 2027 and 2028 – Crocodile tribe/Hagen Expedition and Goroka programs will be ready beginning of july 2026.
Welcome to the Tribal Heart of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is home to one of the last great frontiers of living culture. With more than 800 languages, hundreds of distinct tribes, and traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries, it offers an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
At Tribes of Papua New Guinea, we invite you to go far beyond ordinary tourism. Our expeditions are carefully designed to provide authentic encounters with remote communities, spectacular tribal festivals, and extraordinary photographic opportunities, while directly supporting the people who preserve these unique traditions.
We are pleased to announce that all of our signature expeditions are now available for both 2027 and 2028. The tours will operate on approximately the same dates each year and at nearly identical prices, making it easy to plan your adventure well in advance.
Choose from our four flagship expeditions:
• Three Mini Festival Trip (June)
Experience three exclusive cultural festivals in one unforgettable journey, featuring the Asaro Tribal Gathering, the Skeleton Tribe Festival, and the spectacular Waterfall Festival.
• National Mask & Warwagira Festival and Skeleton Tribe Festival (July)
Witness the mysterious Duk-Duk and Tumbuan spirits of East New Britain before travelling into the Highlands to experience the unique Skeleton Tribe Festival.
• Crocodile Festival and Mt Hagen Show Expedition (August)
Combine the famous Sepik Crocodile Festival with the legendary Mt Hagen Cultural Show, bringing together river cultures and Highland tribes in one extraordinary expedition.
• The Ultimate Goroka Show Experience (September)
Discover one of the world’s greatest cultural gatherings while exploring the Asaro Mudmen, Skeleton Tribe, and many remote Highland communities found nowhere else on Earth.
Looking for something more personal? Every itinerary can also be arranged as a private expedition with your own guide, vehicle, and flexible schedule. Whether you are a photographer, filmmaker, researcher, family, or simply an adventurous traveller, we can tailor a journey to match your interests, pace, and travel dates.
We look forward to welcoming you to Papua New Guinea—where every journey supports local communities and every encounter becomes a story for a lifetime.
Join an extraordinary Papua New Guinea tribal photography tour into the heart of the Highlands, where ancient traditions, dramatic landscapes, and powerful cultural encounters create unforgettable visual stories. Guided by Canadian filmmaker and travel photographer Alexandre Rouleau, this immersive expedition is designed for photographers seeking authentic access to remote tribes.
This small-group photography workshop combines environmental storytelling with professional studio-style tribal portrait sessions using controlled Godox lighting setups. Under Alex’s personal guidance, participants refine composition, light control, and cinematic framing while working respectfully alongside local communities.
Perfect for beginner to advanced photographers, this PNG photography expedition offers rare cultural access, expert mentorship, and portfolio-defining images in one of the world’s last great tribal frontiers.
Experience the essence of Papua New Guinea with our tailor-made programs, starting from just 2 nights. Choose to immerse yourself in the captivating culture of the Asaro Mudmen or the enigmatic Skeleton Tribe.
Opt for a combination stay, spending a few nights with each tribe, or embark on a week-long adventure exploring multiple tribes, including the Huli Wigmen and the Burning Heads. Whatever your preference, our expertly crafted itineraries promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous communities.
Our basic trip is 10 to 12 days, so you can see many tribes. We also have the short version (2 nights skeleton and 2 nights Asaro) or the full immersion which is 20 days.
Contact us at info@tribesofpapuanewguinea.com to create your personalized program today.
We are thrilled to announce that the Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Resort has been selected to be featured in the prestigious Islands Collection of National Geographic Traveler magazine for 2024.
This recognition is a testament to the unique and immersive experience offered by our resort, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Skeleton Tribe in Papua New Guinea. National Geographic Traveler, known for its commitment to excellence and exploration, has handpicked our resort to be highlighted among the world’s most exceptional destinations.
We are honored to be recognized by such a renowned publication and look forward to welcoming travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences to our eco-resort. —-> URL BELOW
www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/islands-collection-2024
Welcome to The Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge, where tradition meets tranquility in the heart of Papua New Guinea. Surrounded by the lush, vibrant jungles, our eco-friendly lodge offers an immersive experience into the captivating world of the Asaro tribe, renowned for their hauntingly beautiful clay masks and rich cultural heritage.
Just a short 20-minute drive from Goroka Airport, our lodge provides comfortable accommodations designed in collaboration with the Asaro tribespeople, ensuring an authentic and enriching stay. Enjoy mesmerizing performances like the iconic Asaro Mudmen Ghost Walk and the dynamic Moko Moko Victory Dance, all included in our all-inclusive rates.
Each stay at our lodge not only promises adventure and cultural enlightenment but also contributes to the preservation and prosperity of this incredible region.
See details of the Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge here
Introducing our newest addition to the tribal lodge family: The Burning Heads of Gimesave Eco Lodge. Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of Papua New Guinea, this lodge offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Be among the first to experience the charm of our stilt rooms, designed to provide adventure travelers with a comfortable and authentic stay. While the construction will be completed by September 2024, individual visitors (up to 4 people) are welcome to explore this enchanting destination.
Combine your stay with Asaro or Skeleton Lodges for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the unique cultural practice of the Dust Shakers. This fascinating tradition involves a group of widows from the Skeleton Tribe in Mindima village, Simbu province, who perform a poignant post-mourning ritual.
After the mourning period for their deceased spouses, these women adorn themselves in ashes and partake in a graceful ritual of shaking off the dark powder from their bodies. This act symbolizes a transformative journey, marking their readiness to embrace new beginnings and signaling to the community that they are open to courtship once again. See them here
Nestled deep within the lush wilderness, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Imagine waking up to the melodious sounds of the “Voice of the Bird of Paradise” as you immerse yourself in the traditions of the Nauro tribe. The Giure clan, custodians of this magical place, invite you to explore their ancestral land and experience the untouched splendor of the Chimbu-style lodge, which features six cozy cabin single units with shared toilet and showers. With over 20 cultural performances, tribes, and sing-sings, get ready for an unforgettable adventure that transcends the ordinary and connects you with the heart of Papua New Guinea.
The Wii Towai Waterfall Tribal Eco Lodge
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and daily life of the Huli Wigmen on this 4-day cultural adventure in Tari, Papua New Guinea.
Discover the region’s unique customs, breathtaking natural landscapes, and engage with the local villagers for an unforgettable experience. Additional nights can be done on request.
If you are a film group or photography group please let us know so we can prepare the scenes for you.
Important Cultural Advisory for Visitors, Photographers & Filmmakers in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally rich nations on earth, home to over 800 languages and hundreds of unique tribal groups—each with its own customs, dress, and ancestral traditions. While exploring this extraordinary land, it’s essential to understand the context of traditional attire and performances.
Tribal dress, body paint, and ceremonial performances are not part of everyday life for most Papua New Guineans today. These cultural expressions are typically reserved for significant occasions such as weddings, funerals, church openings, new building inaugurations, and in recent decades, organized cultural festivals and tourism events.
Some may ask: Is it authentic? Is it staged?
The answer is: Yes, it is authentic. These are real ancestral customs, performed in traditional ways that have been passed down for hundreds of years, long before the arrival of missionaries or outsiders. What you witness is not a tourist invention, but a deeply rooted cultural revival—proudly maintained and adapted by communities committed to keeping their heritage alive in the modern world.
In fact, tourism and cultural events have played a vital role in preserving many of these practices. They provide motivation, pride, and income for communities, encouraging younger generations to learn and participate in the legacy of their people.
🎥 For photographers and film crews: Please approach with respect, understanding that you’re witnessing sacred and symbolic traditions. Engage with local guides, seek permission where needed, and be aware of the cultural significance behind what you’re documenting.
Let us celebrate these vibrant cultures not as museum pieces, but as living traditions, adapted with dignity and pride by the people of Papua New Guinea.