A journey into the cultural heart of Papua New Guinea
Discover the Extraordinary Cultures of Papua New Guinea
Join Tribes of Papua New Guinea on an unforgettable 11-day cultural and photography expedition through the spectacular Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
This unique adventure combines the famous Goroka Show with privately arranged tribal performances, remote village encounters, fascinating cultural traditions and exclusive photography opportunities.
Our expedition begins in Mount Hagen and travels into the mountains of Simbu Province, where we visit the extraordinary cultures of Wii Towai Waterfall and the famous Skeleton Tribe. From there, we continue to Asaro, home of the legendary Asaro Mudmen, before attending the spectacular 71st Goroka Show on 25 and 26 September 2027.
We conclude our adventure at Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge, where we experience remarkable cultural performances and enjoy more opportunities for photography and interaction with the local communities.
Along the way, we encounter the Huli Wigmen, Bird Spirits, Frog Hunters, Dust Shakers, Insect Hunters, Doko Daka, Veecap Fighters, Asaro Mudmen, Burning Heads of Gimesave and many other fascinating Highland cultural groups.
Unlike conventional tours, our expedition includes specially arranged private performances organised directly with the communities. We stay in our tribal eco-lodges, allowing visitors to experience village life and photograph the people in their own environment.
Who Is This Expedition For?
This journey welcomes photographers, cultural travellers, adventure enthusiasts and anyone interested in discovering the remarkable traditions of Papua New Guinea.
You do not need to be a professional photographer. Whether you use a smartphone, a mirrorless camera or professional photography equipment, you are welcome to join.
Our expedition is designed to be enjoyable and accessible, with no strenuous trekking required for most activities. Some village walks and uneven paths are unavoidable, and the excursion to Pispis Rock involves walking on natural terrain.
DAY 1 – SUNDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2027
Arrival in Mount Hagen – Wii Towai Waterfall Lodge – Huli Wigmen
Welcome to Papua New Guinea!
Upon arrival at Mount Hagen Airport, our local team will welcome you and begin our journey into the spectacular Highlands.
We travel directly towards Wii Towai Waterfall Tribal Eco Lodge, passing traditional Highland villages, mountain valleys and beautiful tropical landscapes.
After checking into the lodge, we begin our first exciting cultural encounter with the famous Huli Wigmen, one of Papua New Guinea’s most recognisable cultural groups.
The Huli are known for their magnificent traditional wigs, colourful yellow-and-red face decorations, elaborate feather ornaments and striking ceremonial appearance.
Our privately arranged performance provides excellent opportunities to photograph the performers in their traditional dress, capture individual portraits and learn about their fascinating culture.
This is the perfect introduction to the extraordinary diversity of Papua New Guinea.
Dinner and overnight at Wii Towai Waterfall Tribal Eco Lodge.
DAY 2 – MONDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2027
Bird Spirits of Wii Towai – Frog Hunters & Waterfall Photography
After breakfast, we begin a full day exploring the remarkable cultural traditions of the communities surrounding Wii Towai Waterfall.
Our first encounters are with the extraordinary Bird Spirits, also known as the Voice of Bird of Paradise group.
Their imaginative decorations and dramatic performances create spectacular photographic opportunities, particularly against the surrounding tropical forest.
We also meet the Frog Hunters, a fascinating cultural group with distinctive body decorations and traditional performances.
Throughout the day, we photograph the participants in carefully selected natural settings around the waterfall, forest and village.
Unlike large public festivals, these private cultural sessions give photographers time to work with individual subjects, explore different compositions and enjoy personal interactions with the performers.
Dinner and overnight at Wii Towai Waterfall Tribal Eco Lodge.
DAY 3 – TUESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2027
Honey Bee Girls, Kopa Warai & Remote Highland Tribes
Today we continue our cultural exploration of the remote mountain communities around Wii Towai.
Our privately arranged program features the remarkable Honey Bee Girls, Kopa Warai and additional traditional groups from the surrounding Highlands.
Each group presents its own distinctive decorations, traditional costumes, performances and cultural expressions.
We arrange photography sessions around the lodge, nearby villages and beautiful natural surroundings.
The lush tropical environment provides excellent backdrops for individual portraits, group compositions and environmental photography.
There will also be opportunities to photograph local village life and interact with the communities.
Dinner and overnight at Wii Towai Waterfall Tribal Eco Lodge.
DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2027
Transfer to Mindima – Skeleton Tribe, Dust Shakers & Insect Hunters
After breakfast, we leave Wii Towai Waterfall and travel to Mindima, home of the world-famous Skeleton Tribe.
Upon arrival, we check into Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge before beginning one of the most fascinating cultural days of our expedition.
Today we photograph three extraordinary traditional groups.
The Skeleton Tribe
Known internationally for their dramatic black-and-white skeletal body painting, these performers create an unforgettable visual experience.
Their striking appearance is particularly impressive against the dark forest, village houses and surrounding mountain landscapes.
The Dust Shakers
The Dust Shakers are famous for their energetic movements, creating dramatic clouds of dust that surround the performers.
These performances offer outstanding opportunities for action photography and atmospheric images.
The Insect Hunters
Inspired by their surrounding natural environment, the Insect Hunters wear unusual costumes and elaborate decorations made with natural materials.
Their striking appearance makes them fascinating subjects for portrait photography.
Throughout the day, we work with the performers in natural settings, allowing time for cultural interaction and photography.
Dinner and overnight at Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge, Mindima.
DAY 5 – THURSDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2027
Doko Daka – Penis Gourd Traditions – Pispis Rock & Veecap Fighters
Today we discover more of the fascinating cultural traditions of Mindima and the surrounding Simbu Highlands.
Our morning begins with the Doko Daka, a distinctive local cultural performance featuring unusual characters, costumes and traditional expressions.
We continue with a photography session featuring men wearing traditional penis gourds, part of the traditional dress associated with certain communities of Papua New Guinea.
These encounters offer fascinating opportunities to document traditional clothing, cultural identity and the diversity of Highland customs.
Later, we take a guided walk to Pispis Rock, a dramatic natural location surrounded by Highland scenery.
Here we meet the Veecap Fighters, whose traditional fighting displays and striking appearance create excellent opportunities for action and portrait photography.
The rocky landscape provides a spectacular backdrop for the performers.
Throughout the day, our local guides explain the cultural significance of the different performances and help photographers find suitable locations.
After our activities, we return to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
DAY 6 – FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2027
Mindima – Goroka – Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge
After breakfast, we depart Mindima and travel towards Goroka in the Eastern Highlands Province.
Our journey takes us through beautiful mountain valleys, traditional Highland settlements and spectacular landscapes.
Our destination is Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge, located in the homeland of the legendary Asaro Mudmen.
After settling into our accommodation, we explore the surrounding village and learn about the traditions of the Asaro people.
Depending on our arrival time, we may visit the traditional mask-making area, where local artisans demonstrate how the famous clay masks are created.
We also have opportunities for village photography and interaction with the community.
In the evening, our expedition leader explains the arrangements for the upcoming Goroka Show.
Dinner and overnight at Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge.
DAY 7 – SATURDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2027
THE 71ST GOROKA SHOW – FIRST FESTIVAL DAY
Today we experience one of the greatest cultural festivals in the Pacific.
The famous Goroka Show brings together cultural groups from different parts of Papua New Guinea, presenting an incredible diversity of traditional costumes, body painting, magnificent feather decorations, music and dancing.
After breakfast, we travel to the festival grounds to witness this extraordinary gathering.
Throughout the day, we photograph elaborately decorated performers, spectacular traditional headdresses, ceremonial dress and colourful singsing groups.
The festival provides exceptional opportunities for both individual portraits and large cultural group photography.
Our experienced local guides help us navigate the festival and identify interesting performances and photographic opportunities.
The Goroka Show is more than a spectacular festival. It is a celebration of the cultural diversity and living traditions of Papua New Guinea.
Dinner and overnight at Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge.
DAY 8 – SUNDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2027
THE 71ST GOROKA SHOW – SECOND FESTIVAL DAY
We return to the Goroka Show for another full day of extraordinary cultural celebrations.
With so many cultural groups participating, two days allow us to experience the festival at a relaxed pace and concentrate on the subjects that interest us most.
Today offers further opportunities to photograph spectacular feather headdresses, colourful body decorations, ceremonial performances and traditional dancing.
We can revisit favourite groups, concentrate on portrait photography or explore different areas of the festival.
Our guides will be available throughout the day to assist with cultural interactions and photography opportunities.
After an unforgettable second day, we return to Asaro.
Dinner and overnight at Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge.
DAY 9 – MONDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2027
Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge – The Burning Heads of Gimesave
After breakfast, we depart Asaro and travel to Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge, one of our community-based tribal eco-lodges near Goroka.
Today we experience the extraordinary Burning Heads of Gimesave, one of the most visually dramatic cultural performances in the Eastern Highlands.
The performers create remarkable scenes featuring elaborate traditional decorations and fire, offering exceptional opportunities for dramatic photography.
Our privately arranged cultural performance allows plenty of time for photographing individual performers, traditional costumes and group compositions.
Unlike the busy Goroka Show, these sessions take place in a quieter village environment, allowing more personal interaction with the performers.
We also explore the surrounding community and photograph village life.
Dinner and overnight at Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge.
DAY 10 – TUESDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2027
Arunumuna Ladies – Young Asaro Mudboys – Mini Mudmen
Our final full day in Papua New Guinea is dedicated to the remarkable cultural communities of Gimesave.
Today we meet the Arunumuna Ladies, who present their distinctive traditional decorations and cultural performances.
We also photograph the Young Asaro Mudboys and Mini Mudmen, offering an opportunity to see younger generations participating in the cultural traditions of the Highlands.
Throughout the day, we organise photography sessions in natural settings around the village and lodge.
These private encounters allow us to create individual portraits, photograph cultural performances and interact with members of the local communities.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to take our final photographs, exchange memories and reflect on the extraordinary cultural experiences of the past ten days.
In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner with our local team.
Dinner and overnight at Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge.
DAY 11 – WEDNESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2027
Goroka Airport – Departure to Port Moresby
After breakfast, we transfer to Goroka Airport for your domestic flight to Port Moresby.
Our unforgettable 11-day journey through the Highlands comes to an end.
You return home with extraordinary photographs, unforgettable cultural experiences and memories of the remarkable people and communities who welcomed us into their world.
ACCOMMODATION
During our expedition, we stay at three specially selected community-based tribal eco-lodges and our lodge in Asaro.
Wii Towai Waterfall Tribal Eco Lodge – 3 nights
Located in the mountains of Simbu Province, surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, forests and traditional villages. Accommodation is in simple local rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge – 2 nights
Located in Mindima, home of the famous Skeleton Tribe. This community-based lodge provides convenient access to the cultural performances and traditional villages of the surrounding area.
Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge – 3 nights
Located in Asaro Village in the Eastern Highlands, this lodge provides an excellent base for attending the Goroka Show and discovering the traditions of the Asaro Mudmen.
Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge – 2 nights
Located near Goroka, this tribal lodge offers accommodation close to the Burning Heads community and other traditional cultural groups.
Our eco-lodges are not luxury hotels. Accommodation is basic but clean and maintained by local teams. Some facilities are shared, and electricity or internet access may be intermittent.
EXPEDITION PRICE
Price per person sharing a double or twin room: 3890 USD PP
Single-room supplement: 840 USD
The revised expedition includes 11 days and 10 nights, with private tribal performances and two full days at the Goroka Show.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- 10 nights of accommodation
- All meals during the expedition
- Airport pickup at Mount Hagen
- Airport departure transfer to Goroka
- All ground transportation and transfers
- Experienced expedition leader and local guides
- Photography instruction and guidance
- All privately arranged tribal cultural performances
- All agreed performance and model fees
- Traditional costumes and cultural performance arrangements
- Village entry fees
- Goroka Show admission for two festival days
- All scheduled cultural visits and photography activities
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- International flights
- Domestic flights from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen and Goroka to Port Moresby
- Papua New Guinea visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- SIM cards and mobile internet packages
- Personal gratuities
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
Arrival date: Sunday, 19 September 2027
Arrival airport: Mount Hagen (HGU)
Departure date: Wednesday, 29 September 2027
Departure airport: Goroka (GKA)
Guests should plan to arrive in Mount Hagen in time for our transfer to Wii Towai Waterfall Lodge and the afternoon cultural activities.
We recommend confirming your domestic flight arrangements with us before purchasing non-refundable tickets.
Travel Conditions
Papua New Guinea is an adventurous destination, and travelling through remote Highland communities requires flexibility and understanding.
Road conditions, weather, airline schedules or other circumstances may occasionally require adjustments to the program.
We will make every reasonable effort to provide the scheduled cultural performances and activities, although the order of events may change.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm clothing for cool Highland evenings
- Lightweight rain protection
- Camera equipment, batteries and memory cards
- Personal medication
- Insect repellent and sun protection
- Passport and approved Papua New Guinea visa
Please consult your travel health professional regarding vaccinations, malaria prevention and other health precautions.
PAYMENT & BOOKING CONDITIONS
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.
The remaining balance is payable two months before the expedition begins.
The deposit is non-refundable under our standard booking conditions, subject to applicable law. Please review the full cancellation and refund terms before booking.
Payments can be arranged through international bank transfer, credit card or PayPal.
BOOK YOUR 2027 GOROKA SHOW EXPEDITION
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the cultural heart of Papua New Guinea.
Our expeditions offer a unique combination of spectacular festivals, privately organised tribal performances, remote Highland villages and direct interaction with local communities.
Places are limited because of the capacity of our tribal eco-lodges and the special arrangements made with participating cultural groups.
TRIBES OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Website: https://tribesofpapuanewguinea.com
Email: info@tribesofpapuanewguinea.com
WhatsApp: +66 86 977 7027
Discover the tribes. Experience the culture. Capture the extraordinary.
YOUR PhotograpHY GUIDE
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.
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