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Papua New Guinea III

Wednesday 11 Sep 2024 Tuesday 17 Sep 2024

7 days · 6 nights

Wander Expeditions

Wander Expeditions

Verified Organization

5+ years group traveling

Papua is a land of immense cultural diversity, with over 1000 ethnic groups and 1000 languages. We'll explore deep in the highlands to attend the most fascinating Cultural Show in the World, where dozens of tribes gather to dance and showcase their skills. We'll meet and have a chance to experience how the famous Asaro Mudmen live, as well as the Skeleton Tribe of Mindima. This is a photogenic and adventurous journey to the tropical jungles of Oceania where you will experience first hand one of the most misunderstood countries in the World. And always, with the best group of people to share it with. Our spots are very limited so don't think twice and apply now!

Itinerary

Day 1: Mt. Hagen

Welcome to majestic Papua! To make the most of our time, Our Expedition starts in the early morning from Port Moresby Airport with an early flight to Mt Hagen. Today, we'll have a whole day to explore villages around Mt Hagen,  known for its rich artistic tradition. We'll experience the company of the Huli wig men, to observe their wig growing and face painting.

Overnight in Mt Hagen.

Day 2: Skeleton Tribe, Dust Walkers and Insect Hunters.

We'll drive to Mindima, and there we will meet the "Narku Dust Walkers" aka The Ash Kondai Pia tribe. After lunch we will attend a performance by the Skeleton Tribe in the mystical cave where their legend started. We'll then go back to spend some time with the Insect Hunters and experience their traditions. We'll finish the day at our Ecolodge near the village.

Overnight in Mindima.

Day 3: Asaro Village. 

After breakfast we will drive across the Central Highlands of Papua to Goroka, where we will to see the Moko Moko Tribal dances of Victory, a very spectacular show that Mudmen used to dance after victory of their tribal fights. Tonights dinner will be a mumu, a pig will be slaughtered and with fresh vegetables wrapped in banana and kapiak leaves cooked covered in hot stones and soil. You are welcome to watch the process of pig killing, cutting and mumu done the Goroka way.

Overnight in Goroka.

Day 4: Asaro Village. 

Morning walk to Mount Gurupoka to enjoy the ceremony and Ghost walk of the Asaro Mudmen. In their company, we will visit the old sacrifice cave and the cross on top of the holy mountain of Gurupoka. Back to basecamp for lunch and in the afternoon you will see the traditional making of the Asaro Masks.

After lunch, we will visit Gimisave village to see a very special dance and songs performance of the Arunumuna women, dressed in full traditional regalia and covered in red paint. An insights into the distinctive culture of Gimesave women through song and dance enacting how widows use to dress and behave in the old days. This performance is special as it aims to give a deeper understanding of the traditions surrounding mourning and the unique way in which the Asaro people honor their departed loved ones.

Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

Day 5: Goroka Festival

First day of the cultural show and after early breakfast, you board your bus for the festival grounds, the earlier you get there gives you the chance to catch the performances getting dressed up, a portrait photographer's dream!

Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

Day 6: Goroka Festival

Another day at the festival grounds, after breakfast you depart again to enjoy another day of the sing-sings and performances before heading back to the lodge in the afternoon. The Goroka Cultural Show is an annual event that attracts tribes from all across Papua and an excellent opportunity to experience their traditions, performances and outfits up close.

Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

Day 7: Goroka to Port Moresby.

Today will fly back to the capital. After landing, we will do a tour of the city, it's townships on silts by the coast and the main landmarks and museum. We'll relax in the hotel pool in the afternoon before enjoying our last dinner together.

Overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 8: Fly out of Port Moresby.

After breakfast, the Expedition is over. We'll catch our onward flights (here, we recommend to fly with Philippine Airlines or Qantas, and NOT Air Niugini).

What this expedition offers

Domestic Flights. Two domestic flights to Mount Hagen and Goroka.
Hotels. Shared rooms in 3-4star lodges in Mt Hagen and Port Moresby. Local Homestays with the tribes in Goroka and Mindima.
Transportation. Private vehicle and driver.
VIP Tickets to Mt Hagen Cultural Show. VIP tickets for this one in a lifetime show.
Meals. Breakfast and meals in homestays in Goroka and Mindima are included (where it's hard to find restaurants or other food options).
Local Guides. Expert crew that will help us navigate and squeeze the most juice of our adventure.
Entrance Fees. All activities, dances and festivities mentioned in the itinerary.
Contribution to local communities. We make sure our visit directly impact and contribute to the economy of the tribes and local communities we meet.

Things to know

5.0·136 reviews
L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·14 expeditions
·Papua New Guinea I·about 1 month ago

The best way to see not only the Mt Hagen festival but also the highlights of the PNG highlands. Safe, exciting, and lots of fun.

L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·14 expeditions
·Indian Himalayas & Bhutan·about 1 month ago

A spiritual and cultural-focussed expedition, not the typical style of other Wander trips, but I absolutely loved it. Bhutan is beautiful and this expedition was the best way to see it, the tricky visa and tour guide requirements were all handled and the itinerary gave the very best of the country in a few days. Northern India was equally serene and even as someone who hates hiking, having a great group to champion you along the way made it fun.

L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·14 expeditions
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The best overland adventure you could ever ask for. Two weeks, 22 people, 6 cars, endless laughs. Sure, the days are long, and you definitely need to bring snacks, but it’s so much fun and the best way to see the parts of Africa that most people don’t go to! And it has everything - beach, nature, pool days, local communities, cities and middle-of-nowhere adventures. I’d even go as far as to say I’d do it again….. never say never!

J
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LOVED IT!

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My trip to Libya with you Wander Expeditions was unreal! Everything was super well organized, the group vibe was like family, and the guide kept things fun with stories and games along the way. Libya itself blew me away amazing people, amazing places, and good energy everywhere we went.

L
🇩🇪Germany·2 expeditions
·Malta: Every Country Twice·4 months ago

A pure pleasure celebrating with Alvaro and the gang - vibes unbeatable & can’t wait for the next reunion!

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