Authentic Papua New Guinea Tribal Expeditions
Tribes of Papua New Guinea specializes in authentic cultural expeditions and tribal tours across the remote Highlands and the legendary Sepik River region. Our mission is to connect travelers with the living traditions of Papua New Guinea while supporting the communities that preserve them.
Papua New Guinea is home to more than 800 languages and hundreds of distinct tribes, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Many of these cultures remain deeply connected to their ancestral lands, ceremonies, and traditional ways of life.
Through carefully organized expeditions, we provide rare opportunities to experience these cultures in a respectful and meaningful way.
Our journeys take travelers into the heart of tribal regions where they can meet the Asaro Mudmen, Skeleton Tribe warriors, Burning Heads performers, Bird Spirits, and the crocodile clans of the Sepik River. These experiences go far beyond typical tourism and allow visitors to witness traditions that have been practiced for generations.
Founded by Explorer and Expedition Leader David Van Driessche
Tribes of Papua New Guinea was founded by cultural explorer and expedition leader David Van Driessche, who has spent many years working closely with tribal communities throughout the Papua New Guinea Highlands.
Through long-term partnerships with village leaders, clan elders, and landowners, David helped establish a network of tribal eco-lodges that allow visitors to experience authentic culture while ensuring tourism revenue remains within the communities.
The goal has always been to create sustainable tourism that benefits both travelers and the people who host them.
Today, Tribes of Papua New Guinea operates as a cultural travel network connecting international travelers with remote tribal regions that are otherwise difficult to access.
Our Mission: Sustainable Tribal Tourism
Our organization is built around the idea that tourism can help protect culture when it is done responsibly. Instead of large commercial tours, we focus on small groups and community partnerships that allow tribes to share their traditions while maintaining control over their cultural heritage.
Our guiding principles include:
Sustainable tribal tourism
Tourism that generates income for remote villages while encouraging the preservation of traditional customs.
Direct partnerships
Direct collaboration with landowners and clans ensures fair agreements and long-term collaboration.
Small group cultural expeditions
Our tours are designed for small groups, allowing deeper cultural interaction and minimal impact on village life.
Tribal photography expeditions
Unique opportunities for photographers to document powerful traditions in their authentic setting.
Ethical community travel
Respect for local culture, traditions and social structures is central to every journey we organize.
Our Network of Tribal Eco Lodges
To make authentic cultural travel possible in remote regions, we have helped develop a network of eco-lodges located directly within tribal territories.
These lodges serve as gateways into surrounding villages and cultural landscapes while providing comfortable accommodation for visitors.
Our eco-lodge network includes locations across the Papua New Guinea Highlands and the Sepik River region, including:
Each lodge is operated in cooperation with local communities and provides guests with direct access to cultural activities, performances, and village life.
Cultural Expeditions in the Highlands and Sepik River
Our tours focus on two of the most culturally fascinating regions of Papua New Guinea.
The Papua New Guinea Highlands
The Highlands are home to dramatic mountain landscapes and some of the country’s most iconic tribes. Visitors can experience traditional warrior ceremonies, elaborate body paint, ceremonial dances, and village rituals that remain central to tribal identity.
The Sepik River
The Sepik River is one of the great cultural rivers of the world. Along its banks, villages maintain rich traditions of carving, spirit houses, initiation ceremonies, and crocodile scarification rituals that symbolize ancestral power.
Together, these regions offer an extraordinary journey through one of the most culturally rich environments on Earth.
Responsible Travel in Papua New Guinea
Respect for local culture is at the heart of everything we do.
We encourage visitors to approach their journey with curiosity, humility, and appreciation for the traditions they encounter.
By traveling with Tribes of Papua New Guinea, guests contribute directly to community-based tourism that helps support local economies and encourages the preservation of traditional culture.
Designed for Cultural Travelers and Photographers
Our expeditions are particularly popular with travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and with photographers interested in documenting traditional societies.
Our programs are designed for:
We create environments where visitors can experience tribal culture naturally while still providing the logistical support necessary for safe travel in remote areas.
Discover the Living Cultures of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea remains one of the last places on Earth where traditional tribal culture continues to thrive.
Through our eco-lodges and guided expeditions, travelers have the rare opportunity to step into a world where ancient traditions, dramatic landscapes, and powerful cultural identities are still very much alive.
We invite you to explore Papua New Guinea with us and discover one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural destinations.
