Crocodile Festival & Mount Hagen Show – The Ultimate Papua New Guinea Tribal Experience

Introduction

This extraordinary journey takes you deep into the cultural heart of Papua New Guinea, where ancient traditions and vibrant festivals bring the country’s spirit to life. Over 18 days, you will witness two of the nation’s most spectacular events: the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival and the legendary Mount Hagen Cultural Show.

Your adventure begins along the mighty Sepik River, where stilt villages, spirit houses, and the iconic crocodile initiation ceremonies reveal the deep spiritual bond between people and nature. At the Crocodile Festival, tribes gather to perform powerful dances, display intricate carvings and masks, and celebrate the totemic animal that has shaped their identity for centuries.

From there, the journey carries you into the highlands, where hidden waterfalls, mystical forests, and remote tribal communities await. You will encounter the haunting Skeleton Tribe, the Bird Spirits of Wii Towai Waterfall, the Burning Heads of Gimisave, and the ghostly Asaro Mudmen—each performance a living link to ancestral stories and ancient rituals.

The experience culminates at the world-famous Mount Hagen Show, the largest cultural gathering in Papua New Guinea. Here, more than 80 sing-sing groups converge in a kaleidoscope of feathers, paint, music, and rhythm, creating one of the most unforgettable cultural spectacles on earth.

This is more than a trip—it is an immersion into one of the world’s last great frontiers, a journey where tradition, legend, and living culture meet in breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable encounters.

Witness Sacred Practices, Traditional Performances and Unique Festivals in Papua New Guinea's Highlands

Group Size

Maximum 15 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Moderate schedule
  • Travel by car or minibus
  • Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and some hiking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

In June, Goroka and Mount Hagen, both located in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, experience cool temperatures with an average high of around 21°C (70°F) and an average low of around 12°C (54°F). The region is known for its misty and foggy weather, especially in the early morning and evening, with occasional rainfall.

Includes

  • 16 Days
  • Travel, landscape, seascape and nature photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Maximum 15 Guests
  • 4 or 5-star hotels
  • Breakfasts
  • National park permits
  • Local transportation

Tribes you will see on this trip.

Asaro Mudmen – Moko Moko Dance – Widow ceremony – Gimisave Arunumuna Tribe Women Group – Burning heads of Gimisave – Yangpela Asaro Mudboys – Bere Tribe – Skeleton Tribe – Narku dust Walkers aka The Ash Kondai Pia – The Insect Hunters of Mindima – Bogo Tribes – Graiku Tribe –  Sekaka Tribe – Jiwaka Tribes – Forest Skull Kids of Koskala

Your Photographer

David Van Driessche

www.davidvandriessche.com 

David Van Driessche, also known as David Dennis, is a travel photographer with a flair for capturing eye-catching photographs of places and people. Originally from Belgium, David studied photography and film in Europe and worked as a tourism product manager in the 1990s, where he traveled the world photographing some of the finest hotels and resorts around the globe. Eventually, he settled in Thailand and has since explored much of Asia over the past 20 years, photographing destinations and leading hotels in countries such as Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, and China.

David offers photography services and tours throughout Asia, combining his passion for travel with his profession and background in tourism and hospitality. He also provides web-design services and consultation to the tourism industry. His photography tours cater to both beginner and advanced photographers, offering them a chance to capture stunning images in some of the most remote and exotic locations in Asia, including Myanmar’s Chin state and the Mergui archipelago.

David’s work has been featured in various online channels and mediums, including TTR Weekly eMag, Myanmore Magazine, Phuket Gazette, thetravelmagazine.net, Expression Magazine, Gisborne Herald New Zealand, HLN Belgium, Primo Magazine, Fah Thai Bangkok Airways inflight Magazine, Airasia Inflight Magazine, and Thaiger. He has also worked on main stories in TRAVEL + LEISURE magazine and GEO, a family of educational monthly magazines similar to the National Geographic magazine, known for their detailed reports and pictures.

ITINERARY

Own hotel arrangements
Overnight in Port Moresby.

Early morning flight to Wewak, where we meet our local Sepik guides. Drive through lush scenery and village settlements to Pagwi, gateway to the Sepik River.
Arrival at Savanaunt Lodge in Ambunti, where we settle into traditional-style guesthouses. Evening at leisure by the river.
Overnight at Savanaunt Lodge.

Attend the opening day of the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival.

  • Morning: witness the spectacular opening ceremony with traditional crocodile initiation performances.
  • Afternoon: explore artisan stalls, woodcarvings, masks, and woven crafts, and join interactive workshops.
    Return to the lodge in the evening.
    Overnight at Savanaunt Lodge

A full day at the festival.

  • Morning: cultural dances, music performances, and encounters with different Sepik tribes.
  • Afternoon: sample traditional food, meet carvers and artists, and enjoy storytelling sessions with elders.
    Evening canoe ride back to Ambunti.
    Overnight at Savanaunt Lodge.

Leave the festival atmosphere behind and journey deeper into the Sepik River villages.
We take canoes to Chambri Lakes, famous for their spirit houses and intricate tribal artistry. Visit carvers and painters renowned across PNG for their skills.
Experience traditional singsings and learn about local legends surrounding crocodiles and ancestral spirits.
Overnight at Savanaunt Lodge.

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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Port Moresby.

This morning we fly to Mount Hagen, the cultural heart of the highlands. On arrival, transfer to the beautiful Waterfall Lodge, nestled in lush forest surroundings.

The day begins at the mystical Wii Towai Waterfall, where the Bird Spirits glide through the mist in dances that mirror the movements of the birds-of-paradise. The chants of the Voice of Bird of Paradise echo through the jungle, binding past and present in song. Soon after, the Sinamuglae Black Bird of Paradise dancers perform their hypnotic movements, embodying mystery and transformation. As the midday sun filters through the canopy, the Bow and Arrow Boys re-enact ancient hunting traditions, their cries sharp and powerful against the forest backdrop.

Today the Honey Bee Girls take the stage with a synchronized dance symbolizing unity and resilience. After a refreshing break by the waterfall, the Green Leaf Girls appear, moving like spirits of the forest.
As evening approaches, the Gapabulko Girls and Galmagaki Girls fill the valley with rhythmic stomping and chants, celebrating the endurance of their people. The night ends with the vibrant music of the Towa Rocks String Band, their beats echoing through the night sky.

This weekend we attend the world-famous Mount Hagen Cultural Show, one of the greatest cultural festivals in Papua New Guinea. Over 80 unique sing-sing groups gather from across the country, each presenting their heritage through dazzling headdresses, colorful body paint, and energetic dances. The day is a spectacular celebration of PNG’s rich diversity.

The second day of the festival begins as the tribes gather, carefully painting their faces and adorning themselves with elaborate bilas (traditional regalia). Arriving at the showgrounds early, you’ll have time to wander among the performers, interact with them, and take photographs.
Soon, the arena comes alive as each group performs its sing-sing, building into a powerful crescendo of drumming, chanting, and dancing. It is an awe-inspiring cultural experience.
In the evening, transfer to Skeleton Lodge.

After breakfast, venture deep into the jungle to witness the haunting performance of the Skeleton Tribe, their skeletal adornments connecting them to ancestral spirits. The day also brings encounters with the Insect Hunters and Dust Shakers, who roast insects on their burning heads.
As evening falls, the Doko Daka Tribe performs a solemn ritual that tells the story of orphaned children guided by ancestral ghosts through the highlands. Their chants echo through the forest, blending sorrow and strength. Dinner and overnight at the Skeleton Eco Resort.

At sunrise, visit the Kamunyombglo Tribe in Gumbo village. A towering treehouse serves as the residence of the tribe’s sorcerer. Inside, experience ancient divination practices or hear songs recounting tribal history.
In the afternoon, meet the Veecap Fighters Tribe, known as “Pea Pea.” Their performance showcases ancestral martial traditions through choreographed fighting dances. The climax is a dramatic reenactment of tribal conflict, ending with the symbolic burning of a house—a powerful reminder of sacrifice and resilience.
Overnight at Skeleton Eco Lodge.

After a two-hour transfer to Gimisave Village, the day begins with a peaceful river walk and a visit to coffee plantations. After lunch, enjoy a women’s performance that offers a glimpse into local traditions.
As twilight falls, the valley is illuminated by the incredible Burning Heads of Gimisave performance, staged during the magical blue hour. Witness traditional bamboo cooking and sample local dishes before continuing to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the Burning Heads of Gimisave Lodge.

This morning, take a short walk (about 25 minutes) to Mount Gurupoka, where the legendary Asaro Mudmen perform their ghost walk. Visit the ancient sacrifice cave and the cross atop the holy mountain.
In the afternoon, return to base to learn how the Asaro masks are made, followed by the dramatic Moko Moko victory dance, once performed to celebrate triumph after battle.
Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

After breakfast, transfer to Goroka Airport for your flight back to Port Moresby, where the journey concludes.

OPTIONS & BENEFITS

Price: 4500 Euro PP in shared double room

Single occupancy: 1200 Euro

8 persons is one person free of charge (no flights included)

– Local English speaking guide

– All room nights in shared double room

– Transportation for the whole trip

– Breakfast lunch and dinner (all meals)

– Performances for all cultural groups and tribes

– Guided walks to caves and mountains

– Taxes and fees

– Basic Laundry

– International and domestic flights to: Goroka Airport

– Insurance (recommended)

– Personal expenses (drinks and alcohol with your food, souvenirs, phone bill, etc.)

Accommodation is basic but clean, and at some places can be with shared toilet or showers. We stay with the tribes at local homestay guesthouses. Electricity is available during most of the whole trip, also you will have internet access. (For Phone access you need to pay extra SIM card at the airport)

Due to unforeseen events the organizers can change the program during the execution of the trip. We will do our best to follow the program and include all events mentioned. We make plans to cover most problems should they arise, which is very seldom, but the visitor must be aware of the small possibility of plans not working out as per schedule and accept this warning.

FOR BOOKING SEND AN EMAIL TO info@tribesofpapuanewguinea.com

We ask for a deposit of 50% to be paid. As soon as we have the deposit your booking reservation is confirmed. The deposit is non-refundable but valid for next year’s trip to join.

We ask for the final balance of payment 2 months before the expedition commences.

Cancellation within 3 weeks of the commencement of the expedition incurs a penalty of 100% of monies paid to date. Payments can be done by international bank transfers in PNG, EU, USA or Thailand (Asia).

– Please bring warm clothing for the evenings.

– There is no mosquito problem in the highlands

– Extra money can be changed at the airport upon arrival

– Sim card possible to buy at POM airport the company to choose is DIGICELL

– You need a passport valid for 6 months + VISA application and approved VISA

– https://ica.gov.pg/

– At the airports you need a printed version of all your vaccinations (this might change in 2023)