Papua New Guinea Cultural Journey
Papua New Guinea Cultural Journey
Venture into a land of dramatic contrasts, where cool highland ridges, glassy inland lakes and remote river systems sit side by side with some of the world’s most vibrant living cultures. This journey takes you across that tapestry in comfort, travelling from the highlands of Mount Hagen to the expansive shores of Lake Murray and on to the forested banks of the Karawari River in the Sepik region.
Along the way, you’ll stay in characterful lodges, travel by charter flight and boat, and spend unhurried time in villages where traditional ways of life are still very much alive. From the clay masks of the Mudmen and the customs of Melpa communities in the highlands to lakeside traditions at Lake Murray and the artistry of Sepik carvers along the Karawari, this itinerary offers an immersive, gently paced introduction to Papua New Guinea’s people, landscapes and stories.
Highlights
- Journey through three contrasting regions of Papua New Guinea
- Stay in remote lodges set in spectacular highland and lowland locations
- Be guided by passionate local experts who bring each region to life
- Meet Melpa communities and the legendary Pogla Mudmen near Mount Hagen
- Cruise Lake Murray to visit lakeside villages and experience traditional sing-sing
- Travel by boat along the Karawari River, visiting river communities and carvers
- Soar over untouched forests and valleys on scenic charter flights
- Balance guided touring with relaxed time to soak up lodge views and atmosphere
What's Included
- Accommodation as stated in itinerary
- Domestic and chartered flights required for tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Tours on a “seat in a bus” basis
- Local English-speaking guides
- Sing-sing entry free
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Port Moresby to Mt Hagen
Rondon Ridge - Full Day Tours
Fly to Lake Murray
Lake Murray Full Day Tours
Fly to Karawari
Karawari Full Day Tour
Back to Port Moresby - Half Day Tour - Check Out
A view from Above
Accommodation Options
Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen
Perched 7,100 feet above sea level on the fringes of the Kubor Range, Rondon Ridge is a sleek mountain lodge with sweeping views over Papua New Guinea’s Wahgi Valley and the city of Mount Hagen far below. It feels wonderfully remote, surrounded by pristine rainforest and cool, clean highlands air, yet it’s only a short drive from town and under an hour from the airport, making it an ideal first or last stop on a highlands journey.
Stay in one of 24 contemporary rooms, each with modern ensuite bathrooms and cosy warmed king beds for the crisp highland nights, powered by the lodge’s own hydroelectric system. Days are spent exploring forest trails with expert guides, searching for birds of paradise and orchids, or heading out to learn about the ancient farming traditions and rich culture of the Melpa people, with the chance to meet the famous Pogla Mudmen. With its striking architecture, dramatic views and immersive cultural and nature experiences, Rondon Ridge perfectly balances highland wilderness with modern comfort
Karawari Lodge
Perched on a lone ridge 300 metres above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge looks out over an endless sweep of untouched lowland rainforest in one of the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea. With no roads or shops, access is only by river or private airstrip, so it feels truly off the grid. Guests stay in ten cottages built from local bush materials and inspired by traditional architecture, each with private twin rooms, modern ensuites and a shared veranda. Despite the isolation, there’s 220V electricity, hot and cold water, mosquito-netted beds and ceiling fans, creating a very comfortable base after a day exploring.
At the heart of the lodge, the haus tambaran–style main building houses the dining room, cosy lounge, ‘Puk Puk’ Bar and an impressive collection of Sepik artefacts. From here, sunset over the jungle canopy is unforgettable. Days are spent travelling by jet boat to riverside villages to see ceremonial dances and master carvers at work, or spotting some of the 200+ bird species that live in the surrounding rainforest, including the elusive 12-Wire Bird of Paradise.
Lake Murray Lodge
Tucked among the trees on a tiny island spit, Lake Murray Lodge gazes out over the vast, glassy waters of Papua New Guinea’s largest lake. Out here, in one of the country’s most remote corners, life moves to a gentler rhythm. Dugout canoes glide silently past stilted villages, and the stillness is broken only by birdsong and the soft splash of paddles. The tribes who call Lake Murray home still practise many of their traditional customs, and visits to nearby villages offer the chance to experience weaving, face and body painting, warrior displays and colourful sing-sing celebrations.
The lodge itself is fresh and contemporary in design, with a wraparound veranda at the main building for unforgettable sunsets over the water. Guests stay in 12 individual cabin rooms set along the lake’s edge, each built from local timber and sago matting, with king or twin beds, modern ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and a private veranda for sunrise views and morning birdwatching. Entirely powered by modern solar technology and supplied with produce from its own garden and wood-fired kitchen, Lake Murray Lodge is an eco-friendly lakeside escape that feels a world away from everywhere.
Too much to choose from? This is where we come in
Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Papua New Guinea adventure for you.
As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.
Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.
Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Chat Now
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Chat Now
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation