The Ultimate Papua Discovery: A Journey Through Tribes and the Mt. Hagen Show

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific, Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s last great frontiers. With its remote jungles, towering mountains, and vibrant cultural landscapes, this island nation offers a rare glimpse into the ancient traditions that have shaped human history for millennia. The Ultimate Papua Discovery: A Journey Through Tribes and the Mt. Hagen Show takes you deep into the highlands, where the pulse of traditional life beats strong amidst the rhythms of drum dances, colorful performances, and sacred rituals.

On this unforgettable journey, you will venture through lush landscapes, encountering Papua New Guinea’s most fascinating and diverse tribes. From the Asaro Mudmen, renowned for their clay-covered faces and mesmerizing dances, to the awe-inspiring Huli Wigmen, whose elaborate feathered wigs symbolize power and heritage, this trip is a true cultural immersion. As you trek through remote villages, you will witness ancient rituals performed by tribes that have lived in isolation for centuries, preserving customs that have changed little through the ages.

 

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

Your adventure begins in the highlands of Asaro, where the Mudmen will welcome you with a performance atop the sacred Gurupoka Mountain. Here, you’ll witness the dramatic Moko Moko Victory Dance, a powerful display of ancestral pride. Then, you will move on to Gimmesave Lodge, meeting the Burning Head of Gimmesave tribe, known for their dramatic fire rituals meant to protect banana plantations, and the Mini Mudmen, the young children of Asaro who carry forward their tribe’s rich heritage with their first experience of mask-making.

The journey deepens as you explore the remote Skeleton Lodge, home to tribes such as the Insect Hunters of Mindima, who use fire and their unique skills to hunt edible insects, and the Dust Shakers, widows who honor their lost loved ones by symbolically shaking the dust off their grief. Each tribe you encounter offers its own perspective on life, love, and spirituality—stories passed down through generations, woven into the very fabric of their existence.

Culminating in the celebrated Mt. Hagen Show, one of Papua New Guinea’s most iconic events, this trip brings you face-to-face with the nation’s cultural diversity. Over two exhilarating days, you will witness the most vibrant dance performances, musical displays, and mesmerizing rituals performed by tribes from across the region. From the Hagen to the Fayu, Melpa, and Kewa tribes, the Mt. Hagen Show is a riot of color and sound, offering an unparalleled celebration of the tribal cultures that define this extraordinary land.

This is a journey of discovery, connection, and awe—a chance to witness the beauty of Papua New Guinea through the eyes of its people.

Group Size

Maximum 20 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Easy walking and no hard treks
  • Travel by car or minibus

Weather | Sun

In August, 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

  • Arrival airport: Goroka, PNG
  • Departure Airport: Mt Hagen, PNG  
  • Travel, landscape, and mostly ethnic tribes and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Maximum 20 Guests
  • Eco lodges (Asaro Mudmen, Skeleton eco lodges, with private shower and toilet) – Gimmesave and Waterfall are individual rooms with shared toilets and showers. 
  • Breakfasts – Lunch and dinner during the trip.
  • Fees for more than 80 performers – Traditional dressing
  • Water bottles
  • entry to all three festivals
  • Security officers
  • 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 – Bird spirits of the Wii Towai Waterfall – Voice of Bird of Paradise – Towa Rocks String Band – Widowism – Kids fighting re-enactment – Tomamapre Gapabulko Girls – Sinamuglae – Black Bird of Paradise – Honey Bee Girls – Bow and Arrow Boys – Green Leaf Girls – Galmagaki Girls – Korma Boys – New Camp Mamas –  Kopa Warai Tribe – Harwal Tribe – Black Eyes String Band – Kowane tribe 

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.

READ MORE ABOUT DAVID HERE

ITINERARY

Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will catch a flight to Asaro, where you’ll be transferred to Mudmen Lodge. Asaro is famous for its Mudmen, known for wearing distinctive clay masks during their ceremonies. In the evening, you’ll experience a captivating Widowism performance, where local women demonstrate traditional mourning rituals. This is a powerful introduction to the rich cultural practices of the area.

The day will begin with a performance of the Asaro Mudmen on the sacred mountain of Gurupoka. Witness the dramatic display of mud-covered dancers who will embody ancestral spirits in a vibrant ceremony. In the afternoon, you will be treated to the Moko Moko Victory Dance, a lively and energetic performance marking the success of past warriors. You will also visit the Korokuvo Masked Tribe, exploring the ancient tradition of mask-making. Learn about the historical significance of these masks, which were used to conceal identities during battles. These masks are intricately designed, and you’ll have a chance to marvel at their powerful symbolism and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Your journey continues as you head to Gimmesave Lodge, where you will experience the cultural wealth of this region. First, witness the Burning Head of Gimmesave, a mesmerizing spectacle where fire is set on a large headdress to ward off birds and bats from the village’s banana plantations. This unique ritual symbolizes the close relationship between the Asaro people and their environment. You will also meet the Mini Mudmen, the young children of Asaro who wear the heavy mud masks for the first time, embodying their cultural traditions and giving you a heartwarming view of the new generation’s connection to their heritage. Next, enjoy the Arunumuna Ladies Group, known for their vibrant performances and songs, where the women are adorned with red paint and full traditional regalia. Their music and dance tell the unique stories of their culture and traditions.

Today, you’ll head to Skeleton Lodge, where you’ll discover the fascinating practices of the Skeleton Tribe. Watch their performance that showcases their ancestral beliefs, passed down through generations. Afterward, you’ll meet the Insect Hunters of Mindima, who demonstrate their technique of grilling insects on their heads. This practice is part of their hunting tradition, and they use fire during wet weather to help with food gathering. You’ll also experience the Dust Shakers, widows who, after completing their mourning periods, shake the dust of their deceased spouses, symbolically completing their grief and moving forward in life.

Spend the day with the Four Tribes from Chimbu, where you will meet the Pispis Rock Tribe, known for their mystical sorcery rituals, and the Sorcerer Tribe in the Treehouse, who live high in the trees to keep away from evil spirits. You will also hear the Mekudokodaka, a group telling the stories of orphaned children, and experience the spiritual performances of the Spirits of Welame, who honor their ancestors through sacred dances and chants.

The first day of the famous Mt. Hagen Show immerses you in the vibrant culture of the Western Highlands. The festival brings together dozens of tribes to perform their traditional dances and wear their most elaborate costumes. You will witness performances from the Huli Wigmen, renowned for their stunning feathered wigs and dramatic face paint. The Fayu, Karamui, and Melpa tribes will also showcase their distinctive dances and songs. The open-air venue will allow you to experience the full scale of this colorful festival as thousands of performers and spectators come together to celebrate their culture.

On the second day of the festival, you’ll continue your exploration of the diverse tribes of the Western Highlands. Today, you will see the Kewa tribe, known for their string band music and lively dance routines. The Simbu and Goroka tribes will perform their traditional dances, each telling stories of their tribe’s history, struggles, and triumphs. One of the highlights will be the Kundu Drum Dance, where large ceremonial drums are played in rhythm, creating a powerful and energetic atmosphere. The day will be filled with stunning performances, showcasing a variety of music, dance, and traditional rituals.

After the excitement of the Mt. Hagen Show, you’ll head to Waterfall Lodge for a day of relaxation and cultural immersion. While at the lodge, you will enjoy a performance by the Gapabulko Girls, known for their graceful dances, as well as the Sinamuglae Black Bird of Paradise group. Spend the day surrounded by natural beauty, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past days.

Your time at Waterfall Lodge will be filled with more unforgettable performances. You will witness the Bird Spirits of the Wii Towai Waterfall, an ethereal performance that honors the spiritual significance of the waterfall. Also, the Voice of Bird of Paradise will charm you with their harmonious songs, and the Widowism performance will give you a deeper understanding of the mourning traditions. Other performances include the Galmagaki Girls, Kids Fighting Re-enactment, and Tomamapre, showcasing the diversity and history of the tribes in the region. In the evening, join a vibrant party with the Towa Rocks String Band, who will serenade you with their music while you enjoy the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s rich culture.

Flight From Mt Hagen to Port Moresby

OPTIONS & BENEFITS

  • 3900 USD pp in double room – 650 USD single supplement

– 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 or start a call for more information on Whatsapp (Free call) +66869777027 – Please send a message first and inform you want to talk about making a reservation.

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 8 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 during the dry season

– 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/