For decades, adventurous Australians have travelled to Africa, South America and Central Asia searching for cultures and sights untouched by modern tourism. Yet one of the most extraordinary cultural experiences on earth is also our closest neighbour - Papua New Guinea.

 PNG remains one of the few places on earth where traditional tribal cultures are still lived rather than performed for tourists. In the Highlands, Huli wigmen maintain ceremonies and customs passed down through generations. Along the Sepik River, villagers practice artistic and spiritual traditions inspired by a long history of legends and dreams. 

This remarkable small-group journey combines the spectacular Mount Hagen Festival with remote tribal encounters in the Highlands and a voyage deep into the legendary Sepik River region.
This is not simply a sightseeing tour. It is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations.

 Tour Highlights

• Attend the spectacular Mount Hagen Show, Papua New Guinea’s most famous tribal gathering
• Spend time with the legendary Huli Wigmen in the remote Tari Highlands
• Visit traditional Huli wig schools and village communities
• Fly deep into one of PNG’s most remote regions to stay at spectacular Karawari Lodge
• Cruise the legendary Sepik River aboard the Sepik Spirit for three nights
• Visit remote villages known for spirit houses, carvings and extraordinary artistic traditions
• Experience one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries in a small group setting
• Stay in PNG’s most iconic lodges: Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge and Rondon Ridge 
• Travel seamlessly with charter flights that make remote regions accessible
• Maximum 12 guests
• Fully escorted by Michael Gebicki

Who This Journey Is For

This journey is designed for well-travelled, curious travellers seeking something truly different — an opportunity to experience one of the world’s most culturally fascinating destinations with expert guidance and a high degree of comfort. If you value authentic cultural encounters and access to places few visitors ever reach, this trip was created for you.

Papua New Guinea is remote and occasionally unpredictable, but the itinerary has been carefully designed to balance adventure with well-chosen lodges, charter flights and experienced local support throughout. Travellers should be comfortable with some early starts, boat travel and walking on uneven ground, but no extreme fitness is required.

About Michael Gebicki

Since his first trip in 1985, Michael has made more than a dozen visits to PNG, to the Highlands, along the Sepik River in a dugout canoe and into the islands of the Bismarck Sea. His knowledge, curiosity and long experience in PNG help open doors to encounters that ordinary visitors rarely experience. Travelling with an experienced leader is particularly valuable in PNG, where logistics, local relationships and cultural understanding are essential.