12 DAYS
4-6 PEOPLE
4/3* HOTELS +
GUESTHOUSES
Papua New Guinea. The last frontier. The edge of the world. A place that time forgot. The ultimate tribal experience.
We will step back in time and get face-to-face with a dizzying variety of authentic, raw tribal cultures.
From painted faces & bodies to wigs, masks and feathers, Papua will bring to life your wildest exotic images, and easily exceed them.
This is the most spectacular of my photo trips. A pinnacle of tribal photography. It simply doesn't get any better than that.
We will visit a major festival in Mount Hagen, and will also venture into homelands of two of the most exciting tribal groups in Tari and Sepik river.
Full-time photographic coaching
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Daily photo reviews
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Small group
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No hidden costs
(domestic flights & tips included)
Level of Difficulty
This is an adventure trip. Visiting remote tribal cultures in their natural environment comes at a price of basic accommodation and lengthy transport - but that is where you get the most eye-opening experiences and lasting memories. We will stay in a mix of good hotels where available, and basic local guesthouses.
You need to be prepared for:
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A total of 8 hours in a canoe in Sepik (up to 2h at a time)
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Very basic accommodation in Sepik (hole-in-floor toilets, scoop showers)
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4 domestic flights in 2 weeks
Locations
Tari
Hidden deep in Papua's highlands, this is home to Huli tribe, famous for their elaborate face paintings and wigs. In Huli tradition, women do all the work, so that men can concentrate on their appearance - which they do with a great gusto. Especially during tribal wars - when you can see warriors in full colourful attire having a snack on the roadside before joining the fight.
Mount Hagen Festival
Once a year, the highland town of Mount Hagen hosts a 2-day festival, which brings together over 50 tribal groups - with dazzling variety of stunning dresses, face paintings and masks - to perform their tribal dances. A hair-raising, other-worldly experience and an ultimate photographers paradise. With VIP tickets, we will be free to move among the dancing groups, as close as we want.
Sepik River
The Sepik River, winding its way through the lush landscapes of Papua New Guinea, is home to a remarkable cultural and linguistic diversity - with over 300 languages spoken, impressive spirit houses (Haus Tambaran) and unique traditions like crocodile worshipping and skin-cutting initiation of young men. This canoe trip will give an insight into diverse local rituals and traditions.
Itinerary
Tue 17 Aug
Arrival in Port Moresby (5:25am)
Flight Port Moresby - Tari 10:30-12:15
Drive to Makara lodge (1h)
Afternoon rest
Wed 18 Aug - Tari
Huli tribesmen face painting & dance
Widows village & Fortunetellers
Overnight in Makara lodge
Thu 19 Aug - Tari
Waterfall shoot with a Huli wigman
Huli wigmen spitting water
Visit to men's house
Overnight in Makara lodge
Fri 20 Aug
Drive Tari - Mt. Hagen (6h)
Sat 21 Aug - Mount Hagen
Mount Hagen Festival
Sun 22 Aug - Mount Hagen
Mount Hagen Festival
Mon 23 Aug
Flight Mt Hagen - Wewak 14:00-15:00
Overnight in Wewak hotel
Tue 24 Aug - Sepik River
Drive to Pagwi by car (5h) + transfer by canoe (2h)
Dance at Kamindimbit village
Overnight in Kamindimbit village guesthouse
Wed 25 Aug - Sepik River
Crocodile men & Haus Tambaran in Palimbei village
Dances & Haus Tambaran in Kanganamun village
Overnight in Kamindimbit village guesthouse
Thu 26 Aug - Sepik River
Dance in Apangai village
Canoe & drive back to Wewak
Overnight in Wewak hotel
Fri 27 Aug
Flight Wewak - Port Moresby 13:30-15:10
Overnight in in Port Moresby airport hotel
Sat 28 Aug
Departure to Singapore (15:00)
Photographic Coaching
This travel portrait masterclass includes full-time coaching by Pawel Lipski:
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3-step system for travel portraits & specific tips for Papua
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How to approach strangers & how to take candid portraits without getting noticed
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Location-specific briefings & assignments
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On-location coaching & support while shooting
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Daily reviews of best photos
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Written feedback on your 15 best shots after the trip
Included:
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Full-time travel portrait coaching
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Accommodation in 4/3-star hotels where available, and guesthouses in remote areas
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All meals (with beverages)
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All domestic flights
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Private car / boat transportation
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Airport transfers
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Performance fees
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Entrance fees
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Security where needed
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Tips for guides & people we photograph
Not Included:
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International flight into Port Moresby
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Visa
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses (e.g. room service, porters, laundry)
Price
PAYMENT
20% (CHF 1,500) refundable deposit to reserve your place
Balance by 31 January 2027
DISCOUNTS
CHF 750 (10%) Early Bird discount until 31 July 2026
CHF 750 (10%) for returning trip guests
SUPPLEMENTS
Single room occupancy: CHF 700
Based on twin room sharing
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
31 January 2027
CHF 7,495
Important To Know
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Information pack including a packing list and clothing recommendations will be sent 5 months before the trip
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Malaria prophylactic is required
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Online eVisa (processing time up to 3 weeks, cost $50)
Equipment
You need a good camera with a telephoto lens up to at least 200mm (full frame) - plus a wider lens when we can get up close to our subjects.
Personally, I will bring 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8.
Recommended Flights
Currently there are only 4 options to fly into Papua:
Air Niugini from Singapore (€ 800)
Air Niugini from Hong Kong (€ 800)
Air Niugini from Manila (€ 400)
Air Niugini / Qantas from Australia (€ 400+)
Cancellations
If YOU cancel participation:
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100% refund if canceled by 31 January
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50% refund if canceled between 1 January and 30 April
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0% refund if canceled after 30 April
If the TRIP is cancelled:
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If the trip is cancelled due to force majeure, it will be postponed to the next year OR full refund will be given minus costs I have already paid that cannot be recovered.
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If the trip is cancelled due to insufficient number of participants or any other reason than force majeure, full refund will be given.
