Rabaul National Mask & Warwagira Festival 2027 & Skeleton Festival

The Ultimate Tribal Experience in Papua New Guinea is an immersive cultural journey through the diverse and unique highland communities of this fascinating country. The itinerary is filled with exciting activities such as visiting coffee growers, witnessing sacred practices, traditional performances and unique festivals. Visitors get to experience firsthand the warmth and hospitality of these communities, sample their traditional cuisine, and learn about the ancient rituals and practices that have been passed down through generations.

Skeleton Festival & Rabaul Mask Festival 2027 4–17 July 2027 | 14 Days / 13 Nights Goroka • Asaro • Gimesave • Wii Towai • Mindima • Skeleton Festival • Mt Hagen • Rabaul • Kokopo • National Mask & Warwagira Festival

An Extraordinary Journey Through the Living Cultures of Papua New Guinea

Few destinations in the world offer the cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea. Hundreds of communities continue to maintain distinctive languages, ceremonies, body decoration, masks, dances and traditions, many of which have survived for generations in remote mountain valleys and islands.

This special 14-day expedition combines intimate cultural encounters at our tribal eco-lodges in the Highlands with two remarkable cultural gatherings.

Our journey begins in Goroka and the Asaro Valley, home of the legendary Asaro Mudmen. From here we meet the Burning Heads of Gimesave before travelling deeper into the mountains of Chimbu Province.

We spend a night beside the waterfalls of Wii Towai, continue to Mindima for three nights with the Skeleton Tribe and attend our special Skeleton Festival on 9 July.

We then cross Papua New Guinea to tropical East New Britain for the grand finale: the 30th Anniversary National Mask & Warwagira Festival, 14–16 July 2027.

Here we experience the pre-dawn Kinavai Ceremony, three days of extraordinary mask and cultural performances, and the legendary Baining Fire Dance.

This is much more than a festival tour. By staying within the communities and working directly with local people, we can experience Papua New Guinea beyond the large festival grounds.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

  • 14 days / 13 nights
  • Skeleton Festival – 9 July 2027
  • National Mask & Warwagira Festival – 14–16 July 2027
  • Pre-dawn Tubuan Kinavai Ceremony
  • Baining Fire Dance
  • Asaro Mudmen and Gurupoka Ghost Walk
  • Burning Heads of Gimesave
  • Overnight at Wii Towai Waterfall
  • Three nights in the homeland of the Skeleton Tribe
  • More than 40 tribal and cultural groups throughout the journey
  • Dedicated cultural and portrait photography opportunities
  • Tavurvur volcanic landscapes and Old Rabaul
  • WWII history of East New Britain
  • Tolai culture and traditions
  • Tribal eco-lodge accommodation in the Highlands
  • Seaside resort accommodation in East New Britain
  • Suitable for photographers and non-photographers

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

  • 14 Days
  • Travel, landscape, seascape and nature photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Maximum 15 Guests
  • 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 professionally as David Dennis, is a Belgian travel photographer and tour leader with a professional background in photography, film, tourism and hospitality.

After studying photography and film in Europe, David worked as a tourism product manager before spending decades travelling and photographing destinations throughout Asia and the Pacific.

His photography and travel work has appeared across international travel publications and media, including contributions to publications such as TRAVEL + LEISURE and GEO.

Today, David combines photography with his tourism background to develop specialist cultural expeditions and tribal eco-lodges across Papua New Guinea.

ITINERARY

Welcome to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Upon arrival at Goroka Airport, meet our local team and travel approximately 20 minutes into the beautiful Asaro Valley.

Our destination is Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge, where we spend our first two nights surrounded by the community that made the Asaro Mudmen one of Papua New Guinea’s most recognizable cultural traditions.

After checking in, we begin gently with an introduction to the village and its people. Depending on flight arrival time, we can take a short walk through the surrounding gardens and community.

This first afternoon is deliberately relaxed, allowing guests to settle into the Highlands and become acquainted with our hosts.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge and an introduction to Asaro history, legends and traditions.

Overnight: Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner, depending on arrival time

Today provides our first major cultural and photographic experience.

We begin with the legendary Asaro Mudmen.

Huge clay masks, pale bodies and slow, deliberate movements create an extraordinary sight as the Mudmen emerge from the vegetation during the Gurupoka Ghost Walk.

Because we are staying with the community rather than simply seeing the Mudmen at a large festival, we have time to photograph individual performers and learn about the traditions behind their masks.

We can also experience traditions such as the Moko Moko Victory Dance and learn how the famous Asaro mud masks are made.

Later we continue to nearby Gimesave, home to another remarkable collection of cultural groups.

The highlight is the dramatic Burning Heads of Gimesave, whose traditional headdresses incorporate fire and smoke.

Other possible cultural encounters include:

Arunumuna Ladies • Mini Mudmen • Yangpela Asaro Mudboys • Korokuvo Masked Tribe • Moko Moko and other Eastern Highlands groups.

Time is reserved for individual and small-group portrait photography.

After an extraordinary first full day in the Highlands, return to our lodge for dinner.

Overnight: Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we leave the Eastern Highlands and begin our journey west into Chimbu Province.

The drive itself provides a fascinating introduction to life in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. We pass mountain villages, gardens, roadside markets and dramatic valleys as we travel deeper into the mountains.

Our destination is Wii Towai Waterfall Bungalow, situated in the homeland of the Giure clan.

Unlike a conventional festival ground, here the forest, rocks, waterfalls and natural pools become our photographic studio.

During the afternoon we meet local cultural groups that may include:

Bird Spirits of Wii Towai
Honey Bee Girls
Frog Hunters
Bow & Arrow Boys
Voice of Bird of Paradise
Towa Rocks String Band
Gapabulko Girls

Performances and photography take place around the waterfall and surrounding forest.

As the day visitors leave, we remain in the community and spend the night beside the waterfall.

Overnight: Wii Towai Waterfall Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake in the mountains beside Wii Towai.

The morning gives us another opportunity to photograph around the waterfall and village before continuing to nearby Mindima.

Our destination is Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Resort, our base for the next three nights.

Mindima is home to one of Papua New Guinea’s most visually extraordinary cultural traditions: the Skeleton Tribe.

After checking in, we meet members of the community and learn the story behind their famous black-and-white body painting.

Depending on conditions, we arrange an introductory performance and portrait session during the afternoon.

The next two days will allow us to explore the cultural traditions of Mindima before the main Skeleton Festival.

Overnight: Skeleton Tribe Eco Resort, Mindima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is deliberately designed as an intimate cultural day rather than a large festival.

Mindima and the surrounding mountains are home to a remarkable variety of cultural groups and ceremonial traditions.

We spend the day working with selected communities and preparing for tomorrow’s festival.

Depending on community arrangements, experiences can include groups and traditions such as:

Insect Hunters • Dust Shakers • Doko Daka • Sorcerer traditions • Bamboo Flute performers • Mindima women’s groups and other Chimbu cultural traditions.

Smaller sessions provide excellent opportunities for photography because we can work with individual performers, control backgrounds and spend considerably more time with each group than would normally be possible during a large public festival.

There may also be an opportunity to visit the area associated with the Skeleton Tribe’s traditional story and cave.

Return to the lodge for dinner and an early night before tomorrow’s festival.

Overnight: Skeleton Tribe Eco Resort, Mindima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is devoted entirely to one of the signature experiences of our expedition — the Skeleton Festival of Mindima.

The central performers are the famous Skeleton Tribe, whose bodies are transformed using dramatic black-and-white painting.

But the festival goes far beyond the Skeleton Tribe.

Invited cultural groups and traditions are expected to include:

Skeleton Tribe • Dust Shakers • Insect Hunters • Doko Daka • Sorcerer Tribe • Dead Body tradition • Mindima Women’s Singsing • Chimbu ceremonial performers • Bamboo Flute performers • Courtship & Friendship Ceremony and other invited groups.

From the first preparations and body painting through to the main performances, the day offers exceptional opportunities for cultural photography.

Our local relationships allow us to spend time close to the performers and document not only the dances but also portraits, preparations and details.

The festival concludes with time together with the community and a traditional Highlands mumu.

Overnight: Skeleton Tribe Eco Resort, Mindima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts in Mindima and begin our journey toward Mt Hagen.

The road crosses spectacular Highlands scenery, with photographic stops made whenever conditions and timing allow.

After several intensive cultural days, today’s program is intentionally easier.

We arrive in the Mt Hagen area during the afternoon and check into our accommodation.

The evening is free to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s journey from the mountains to the islands.

Overnight: Mt Hagen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we cross Papua New Guinea.

Transfer to Mt Hagen Airport for our domestic flights:

Mt Hagen → Port Moresby → Tokua Airport, East New Britain

The contrast could hardly be greater.

We leave the cool Highlands behind and arrive in the tropical world of East New Britain, with coconut plantations, volcanic landscapes and the warm waters of the Bismarck Sea.

Our local East New Britain team meets us at Tokua Airport for the transfer to Rapopo Plantation Resort.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax, swim and enjoy the seaside setting.

Overnight: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we explore the extraordinary volcanic landscape surrounding Rabaul.

Rabaul was once considered one of the most beautiful towns in the South Pacific before volcanic eruptions dramatically changed its landscape.

We explore the area around Mt Tavurvur, with its volcanic terrain, hot springs and steam vents.

We also discover the remains of Old Rabaul, where the consequences of the devastating 1994 eruption can still be seen.

The combination of tropical vegetation, black volcanic landscape, sea and active geothermal areas makes this one of the most unusual environments of the expedition.

Return to Rapopo in the afternoon.

Overnight: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we explore another fascinating layer of East New Britain’s history.

Rabaul became one of the most important military bases in the South Pacific during World War II, and an extraordinary network of tunnels and military sites remains.

Depending on access and timing, we visit selected Japanese tunnels, bunkers and wartime sites, as well as locations associated with Rabaul’s colonial history.

We also explore aspects of Tolai culture, including the traditional shell-money system that continues to hold cultural significance.

The afternoon is kept relatively relaxed.

Tomorrow we leave our hotel in darkness for one of Papua New Guinea’s great cultural spectacles.

Early dinner and early night.

Overnight: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today begins before sunrise.

5:00–6:30 AM
Tubuan Kinavai Ceremony – Butuwin Beachfront

In the darkness before dawn, we gather along the beachfront for the Kinavai Ceremony.

Traditional canoes approach from the sea carrying masked Tubuan figures as chanting and the beating of kundu drums announce their arrival.

Slowly the tropical dawn illuminates the performers, canoes and coastline.

For photographers, it is one of the defining moments of the expedition: silhouettes, masks, smoke, movement and changing morning light.

Following the ceremony, we return for breakfast before continuing to the main festival venue.

8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Tubuan Mask Rituals & Official Opening

At Takubar Sports Ground, the festival continues with Tubuan mask rituals and traditional protocols.

The morning also includes the official opening of the 30th Anniversary National Mask & Warwagira Festival.

1:00–3:00 PM
Cultural Mask Performances

The afternoon is devoted to further mask traditions, with cultural groups representing areas including:

East New Britain • New Ireland • Autonomous Region of Bougainville • West New Britain and other participating regions.

After an extraordinary first festival day, return to our resort.

Overnight: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is one of the most spectacular photographic days of the entire expedition.

9:00 AM–3:00 PM
National Mask Performances

Return to the festival grounds for a full program of mask traditions.

Groups are scheduled from regions including:

East New Britain • New Ireland • Bougainville • Momase • Highlands and other parts of Papua New Guinea.

The day’s program brings together dramatically different masks, costumes, body decoration and dance traditions.

Scheduled traditions also include Baining masks, Fire Eaters and Asaro Mudmen.

We remain at the festival throughout the main daytime performances.

Then, as evening approaches, another completely different experience begins.

Approximately 6:00 PM
Journey to Gaulim

We join the organized convoy travelling to Gaulim for the famous Baining ceremony.

Approximately 7:00–8:00 PM
BAINING FIRE DANCE

Night falls.

Huge fires illuminate the ceremonial ground.

The Baining Fire Dancers emerge from the darkness wearing enormous traditional masks.

To the hypnotic rhythm of bamboo percussion, dancers move around and through the flames, sending clouds of sparks into the night.

Fire, smoke, movement and masks combine to create one of the most dramatic cultural spectacles in Papua New Guinea.

Following the ceremony, return to Kokopo.

Overnight: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Our final full day is dedicated to the closing program of the National Mask & Warwagira Festival.

9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Cultural Performances

The final day expands beyond the mask traditions and brings together cultural groups representing different regions of Papua New Guinea.

Performers are scheduled from:

Momase • Southern Region • Highlands • New Guinea Islands

The day provides another wonderful opportunity to photograph the enormous variety of traditional dress, body decoration, dance and ceremonial traditions found across Papua New Guinea.

A special feature of the official program is a Fire Eater from the Duke of York Islands.

We spend our final hours at the festival photographing performances, portraits and details before returning to Rapopo.

Tonight we enjoy our farewell dinner beside the sea.

Over the past two weeks we have travelled from the misty mountains of the Highlands to waterfalls, remote villages, volcanic landscapes and tropical islands — meeting some of Papua New Guinea’s most extraordinary cultural communities along the way.

Overnight: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy your final breakfast in East New Britain.

Depending on flight time, there may be time to relax at the resort before our transfer to Tokua Airport.

Fly to Port Moresby for your international connection or continue your travels elsewhere in Papua New Guinea.

Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONS & BENEFITS

One of the defining features of this expedition is that we do not simply travel from conventional hotels to cultural performances.

In the Highlands, we stay within or close to the communities themselves.

Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge

2 nights

Our own tribal eco-lodge in the Asaro Valley, providing direct access to the Asaro and Gimesave communities.

Wii Towai Waterfall Bungalow

1 night

A small and remote mountain property beside the Wii Towai waterfall, surrounded by the Giure community and spectacular natural scenery.

Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Resort

3 nights

Our base in Mindima and home of the Skeleton Tribe, allowing us to experience the community before, during and after the Skeleton Festival.

Mt Hagen

1 night

Comfortable overnight accommodation before our flight to East New Britain.

Rapopo Plantation Resort

6 nights

Our seaside base for Kokopo, Rabaul and the National Mask & Warwagira Festival.

The Highlands lodges are small locally operated eco-lodges rather than international luxury hotels. Accommodation is simple but clean and comfortable, and staying close to the communities is an important part of the expedition

This expedition has been designed with photographers in mind, but you do not need to be a photographer to join.

It is suitable for:

Beginners • Enthusiasts • Advanced photographers • DSLR • Mirrorless • Compact cameras • Smartphones

Our smaller cultural sessions in the Highlands provide opportunities that are difficult to achieve at major public festivals.

Where possible, we arrange dedicated portrait sessions and work with performers to find attractive natural backgrounds and good light.

We photograph:

Portraits • Tribal culture • Ceremonies • Festivals • Landscapes • Waterfalls • Villages • Environmental portraits • Low-light ceremonies • Fire photography • Travel and documentary photography

USD 5,190 PER PERSON

Based on two guests sharing a twin or double room.

Single supplement: USD 1,200

Special conditions for travel agencies and organized groups

8 paying guests = 1 person free of charge

Domestic and international flights are not included in the free-place arrangement.

  • 14-day / 13-night expedition
  • 13 nights accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified
  • Private ground transportation
  • Airport transfers specified in the itinerary
  • Local English-speaking guides
  • Expedition coordination
  • Professional photography guidance
  • Asaro Mudmen cultural program
  • Gimesave cultural program
  • Burning Heads performance
  • Wii Towai cultural program
  • Mindima cultural experiences
  • Skeleton Festival
  • All scheduled tribal performances
  • National Mask & Warwagira Festival
  • Kinavai Ceremony
  • Baining Fire Dance
  • Village visits
  • Guided cultural walks
  • Photography sessions where scheduled
  • Community fees
  • Festival entrance fees
  • Entrance fees and permits specified in the itinerary
  • Basic laundry at selected Highlands lodges
  • International flights
  • Domestic Papua New Guinea flights
  • Flight to Goroka
  • Mt Hagen → Port Moresby → Tokua flights
  • Tokua → Port Moresby departure flight
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Papua New Guinea visa costs where applicable
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks unless specifically included
  • Personal expenses
  • Souvenirs
  • SIM card and mobile data
  • Tips and gratuities

https://tribesofpapuanewguinea.com/privacy-policy-page/
Everybody who book this trip agrees to the Travel and Privacy page that you can read above.

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.

A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.

The deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to the following year’s corresponding expedition, subject to our booking conditions.

The final balance is due two months before the expedition begins.

Because we use small tribal lodges and work directly with communities, group capacity is limited.

Maximum group size: 15 guests

For reservations:

info@tribesofpapuanewguinea.com

Papua New Guinea is an adventure destination. Roads, weather, domestic flights, community events and cultural performances can occasionally change at short notice.

For this reason, the expedition organizers reserve the right to adjust the sequence of activities when necessary. We will always make every reasonable effort to deliver the cultural experiences described in the itinerary.

Highlands evenings can be cool, so warm clothing is recommended.

Guests should travel with comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

Passport, visa, immigration and health requirements should be checked shortly before travel, as government requirements can change.