Highlands & Coastal Odyssey Tours

The flight will arrive in Port Moresby early in the morning at 05:10. After passing airport controls, we can exchange cash into the local currency (PG Kina) and acquire a SIM card. Then, we will transfer to the hotel.

After resting and having lunch, we will take a half-day tour of Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. Situated along a beautiful bay and home to a population of 300,000, it is the only city in PNG that bears some resemblance to Western cities, serving as the country's governmental and economic hub.

Our tour will include visits to the National Parliament, the National Museum, the stilt neighborhoods, and Port Moresby Nature Park, located on the city's outskirts. The park showcases nearly all species of flora and fauna endemic to Papua New Guinea, including birds of paradise, crowned pigeons, cassowaries, kangaroos, and reptiles. We will also explore the vibrant fish market of Koki.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel. (Full Board)

Breakfast. Depart from the capital towards the Roro and Mekeo tribal territories, a region that rarely receives tourists. Our main focus will be the tattooed women of both tribes and the Mekeo dances, where men and women showcase their stunning facial and body paintings.

Upon arrival at the Bereina mission, we will settle in and meet with village elders over lunch. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to meet the first Roro tattooed women, as only the older generation still bears the original body tattoos. This will be followed by a chat and a photo session.

Accommodation: Local mission (guest house). (Full Board)

Breakfast. Today, we will drive to Inawaia village to meet the Mekeo people, known for their unique body painting techniques and beautifully crafted headwear used in ceremonies. Through responsible tourism, we aim to help revive these traditions within the community.

Although missionaries once forbade religious and dance practices, they are gradually making a comeback. During our visit, we will meet the village chief and elder women who still bear full-body tattoos. After lunch, we will experience a traditional Mekeo dance. Following this cultural immersion, we will return to our base at the Bereina Mission.

Accommodation: Local mission (guest house). (Full Board)

Breakfast and a final photo session with the beautiful Roro people. We will then drive back to Port Moresby, arriving in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, we will explore an art gallery and visit a popular neighborhood to engage with the locals.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel. (Full Board)

Early morning flight from Port Moresby to Tari. Upon arrival, we will proceed to Lakuanda Lodge, our basecamp for exploring the Huli tribes in the Tari Valley.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Huli Wigmen community, known for their vibrant body decorations made from colored clay and their elaborate ceremonial headdresses. This intricate culture has long fascinated visitors, and our English-speaking guide will explain the significance of their aesthetics and traditions. We will also enjoy tribal songs and meet the famous Long Hair (Bachelors’ Boys). With deep-rooted tribal customs, these men are exceptional farmers, continuing to cultivate their lands and raise pigs as their primary livelihood.

Men and women still live separately, and while single men traditionally resided in large communal homes, this practice is now exceptionally rare.

Accommodation: Lakuanda Lodge (guest house). (Half Board)

We will proceed with our visit to the Huli tribe’s Wigmen in the Tari Basin. Over the next two days, highlights include experiencing traditional face painting and tribal songs. We will visit the site where the famous Huli men’s wigs are crafted and walk across cane bridges, built by the locals, to reach the caves of the skulls and the fortune teller. Our time with the Tari community will involve these cultural activities, as well as several hours of hiking through the surrounding area to better understand the traditions and environment of this community. Accommodation will be at Lakunda Lodge (guest house) on a half-board basis.

We will travel by road, accompanied by a police escort, to Mount Hagen, making a stop at the Mendi Cultural Center Omi for refreshments. This will provide an opportunity to explore the cultural representations of the tribes from this intermediate region.

We are expected to arrive in Hagen between 2 and 3 pm, allowing time to rest before taking a tour of the city. During the tour, we will encounter locals dressed in traditional clothing, with body decorations and face paintings. We will visit Rondon to meet the Melpa tribe of the Highlands and observe their traditional methods of building homes, farming, and hunting. Accommodation will be at Mc Royal Hotel, on a full-board basis.

After breakfast, we will travel along the Highlands Highway, heading further east towards the province of Simbu. We will follow the Okuk Highway through the Waghy Valley, making a brief stop at the Awi Tourism Center before continuing into the Waghy Valley. Our journey will then take us into Chanty Town, Kundiawa, where we will enjoy lunch at the Mindima Eco Village Lodge.

Following lunch, we will cross the province of Jiwaka, passing through tea and coffee plantations, until we reach the town of Mindima. Here, we will meet the Omo Buramo people, also known as the "Skeleton tribe." Dressed in their striking clothing made from human skeletons, they will perform a traditional ancient ritual. This will be another opportunity for incredible photo sessions.

In the evening, we will arrive in Kundiawa, the capital of Simbu Province, for dinner and rest. Accommodation will be at either the Mindima Eco Village Lodge or Tabare Village Resort, on a full-board basis.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the rich and diverse traditions of the Chimbu tribes. We will visit the men's house, where the chiefs gather to make decisions, learn about the life of widowed women, witness the initiation ritual of young women, and observe traditional dances. The vibrant headdresses made from bird of paradise and parrot feathers are a highlight, making the Simbu dance one of the most colorful and captivating in the country. We will also share traditional mumu food with the locals.

In addition, we will attend a Chimbu wedding ceremony and spend the afternoon interacting with the two communities of Tabare in Sinesine, enjoying the cultural experience before returning to our accommodation. To conclude the day, we will participate in a nighttime activity at the Men’s House, where a courtship ceremony will take place. Accommodation will be at either the Mindima Eco Village Lodge or Tabare Village Resort, on a full-board basis.

After breakfast, we will begin our journey along the Highland Highway to Goroka, the capital of Eastern Highlands Province. At the end of the Daulo Top mountain pass, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Bena Valley before descending into the fertile River Asaro Valley, where we will arrive at our accommodation. After a rest, we will travel to a nearby town to witness the world-famous ritual of the Asaro tribe, also known as the "Mudmen." We will experience their unique painted faces and white clay masks, gaining insight into their traditional way of life.

We will collaborate with the villagers to prepare and cook our food in the traditional earthen oven, or "mumu," which we will enjoy together with them. After lunch, we will return to our accommodation and have some time to relax. In the afternoon, an Asaro tribal group will perform the Moka Moka ritual for us—a traditional celebration of victories over rival tribes. Accommodation will be at Pacific Gardens Hotel, on a full-board basis.

We will have an early breakfast before departing by road from Goroka, heading towards Kainantu, the gateway between the coast and the Papua New Guinea Highlands. The journey will take most of the day, but we will be treated to breathtaking views as we travel along a scenic road, passing through picturesque towns nestled in green mountains and valleys.

In Kainantu, we will stop to learn about the production of clay utensils. Continuing our route, we will descend into the province of Madang. En route, we will enjoy lunch at a sugar plantation. If we arrive at a good time, we may also have the opportunity to take a sunset walk along the Madang seafront, which is located close to our hotel. Accommodation will be at Madang Resort, on a full-board basis.

Today, we will have a relaxed day to fully enjoy the stunning coastal area of Madang. Situated on the coast of the Bismarck Sea, Madang is often referred to as "the most beautiful city in the South Pacific" because of its palm-fringed beaches, nearby islands and volcanoes, and scenic parks—all set against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

We will begin by visiting the Balek Wildlife Sanctuary, where a stream of blue sulfur water flows from a limestone formation, surrounded by lush jungle. This location, featured in the movie Robinson Crusoe, is home to an aquifer teeming with turtles, eels, and fish. Local people visit the area to cure illnesses. Nearby, we will explore the coastal village of Bil Bil, known for its traditional pottery, which is fired over an open flame.

After returning to our hotel for lunch, we will spend the afternoon at the Madang Museum. Though small, the museum offers a rich glimpse into the history and culture of the northern coast of Papua New Guinea, which was colonized by the Germans at the end of the 19th century. Here, we can see a collection of dance costumes, carvings, masks, ceramics, boat models, and more. Accommodation will be at Madang Resort, on a full-board basis.

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After breakfast, we will depart early along the coastal road heading west towards the Ramu River, one of the great rivers of Papua New Guinea. Originating in the Kratke mountain range, the Ramu River travels 720 km, descending toward the Bismarck Sea, and ends just 32 kilometers from the Sepik River. Both rivers share a similar basin, and cultures with striking resemblances thrive along their meanders.

During the journey, with the Bismarck Sea to our left, we will enjoy stunning views of numerous islands near the coast, including active volcanoes like the island of Manam near Bogia. Once we reach the Ramu River, we will board a dinghy (motorboat) to navigate up to our destination, the town of Dongan in the Bosmun tribal area. The Bosmun people rarely receive visitors from outside, making our visit a special event. They regard their lands and the river as sacred, which is reflected in their traditions.

Upon arrival, we will be warmly welcomed by the elders of the local community. After settling into our rooms, we will enjoy dinner and rest at the guesthouse. Accommodation will be at Bosmun Pastoral Guesthouse, on a full-board basis.

After breakfast, we will continue our journey along the Ramu River to the village of Rom, where we will be greeted with a vibrant traditional welcome dance. Following this, we will spend time with the locals, observing a cooking demonstration featuring their precious sago, an essential staple in their diet. After enjoying the meal, we will return to Dongan for a performance of traditional dances in front of the sacred Haus Tambaran (men's house), a special celebration shared with the community.

In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional dinner with our Bosmun hosts. Accommodation will be at Bosmun Pastoral Guesthouse, on a full-board basis.

After breakfast, we will take a walk to the neighboring village of Goingbang along a beautiful jungle path, surrounded by towering trees. According to the oral traditions of the locals, these trees date back to the Tertiary era. The villagers will celebrate our visit with lively welcome dances, and we will be invited to participate in the festivities.

We will spend a pleasant time with the locals, watching a traditional cooking demonstration, after which we will share the meal together. Following this, we will return to Dongan by boat, cruising along the river through its lush, leafy beds.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a performance of contemporary dances composed by a local artist, accompanied by traditional instruments, including the garamut—a hollowed trunk drum, which is characteristic of the cultures along the Sepik and Ramu rivers.

Accommodation will be at Bosmun Pastoral Guesthouse, on a full-board basis.

We will have breakfast and say goodbye to the Bosmun community. Then, we'll head back along the river towards Madang, exploring the beautiful coastline once again. Our aim is to arrive at our hotel in the early afternoon. After checking in and leaving our belongings, if time allows, we’ll take a leisurely walk along Madang’s seafront. Accommodation is at Madang Resort. FB

We will have breakfast early to catch the 7 am flight to Port Moresby. Depending on our arrival time, we may visit the popular Boroko Market or a craft business run by locals. Accommodation will be at the Hilton Hotel. FB.

Free day. At the agreed time, we'll transfer to the airport for international departures. Overnight flight. BB.