Your journey begins upon arrival at Port Moresby International Airport (POM), also known as Jacksons International Airport. Our friendly drivers will greet you and escort you to one of the finest hotels in the heart of Port Moresby.

Depending on your arrival time, we may have the chance to explore or simply unwind at the hotel before beginning our adventure. After lunch, we’ll visit the stilt village houses of Poreporena and the lush Port Moresby Nature Park, which showcases Papua New Guinea’s unique flora and fauna. In the evening, we’ll savour a traditional meal at our hotel.

Overnight accommodation will be at The Sanctuary Hotel Resort and Spa. (4*)

Transfer to the airport for an 8:30 AM departure from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen on flight PX180 with Air Niugini. Upon arrival at 09:30, we’ll check in at our pre-booked hotel. During lunch, we’ll hold a briefing session on the afternoon’s activities.

After lunch, we’ll head to Waghi Valley and drive to Panga village to meet the famous Huli Wigman Tribe. The rest of the afternoon will be spent in the Wigmen village. The Huli Wigmen are known for their ceremonial wigs made from human hair, distinctive face paintings, and body decorations used for special occasions such as marriages, compensations, and other rituals. They will perform a ceremonial dance for us to capture, mimicking the mating dance of the Bird of Paradise.

After the dance, we’ll spend more time with them for private photo sessions. Once we’ve completed these extraordinary sessions, we’ll return to the hotel. During dinner, we’ll discuss the next day’s activities.

Overnight accommodation will be at McRoyal Hotel, Mount Hagen. (3*)

After breakfast, we’ll head to Kumdi village for an immersive experience with the Melpa tribe. The villagers, known for their spectacular clothing and painted faces, will welcome us warmly. We’ll be greeted by the traditional Melpa Chief and his three wives, who will accompany us on a visit to their traditional homes. The chief will also arrange for women from the village to perform their traditional dances, and you’ll even have the chance to have your face painted by them.

You’ll spend time photographing the Chief and his wives, capturing intimate portraits and cultural moments. The day offers rich opportunities for portrait and cultural photography, especially as you capture the tribe’s traditional dances and attire. After today’s incredible photo sessions, we’ll return to the hotel.

Overnight accommodation will be at McRoyal Hotel, Mount Hagen. (3*)

Our journey will begin after breakfast along the Highlands Highway, leading us through the scenic landscapes of Simbu Province to Goroka. On the way, we will stop at Mindima village to experience the unique traditions of the Skeleton Tribe, also known as the Chimbu or Omo Bugamo.

The Skeleton Tribe is known for their striking body paint, which features skeletal designs meant to intimidate their enemies. This remote tribe, with an estimated population of around 60,000 living in the highlands, is recognized by their distinct skeletal body paint and fierce skeletal teeth designs. According to local legend, the tribe’s ancestors were once haunted by the evil forest spirit, Omo Masalai, and began painting themselves as skeletons to ward off the spirit. This ritual is still performed during their ceremonies, where tribe members, painted as skeletons, chase away the evil spirit.

We’ll have ample time for photo sessions with the tribe in the nearby woods and creekside, providing the perfect backdrop to capture their striking appearance. You will spend half the day with them before continuing our drive to Mindima village, where we will spend the next two nights.

In the afternoon, we will visit Nintul village to witness the Simbu Women’s Initiation Ceremony and the Courtship Ceremony at the Men’s Haus. We will have the opportunity to meet the head of the clan and gain insights into the significance of these rituals within the tribe.

During our two-day stay at Mindima village, we’ll arrange different tribal ceremonies, offering dramatic and unique photography opportunities that capture the essence of their cultural legends. Some of the ceremonies include:

• Omo Masalai Spirit demonstration
• Courtship ceremony
• Brideprice ceremony
• Widow women and children rituals
• Death or funeral ceremony
• Pig killing and roasting ceremony

Overnight accommodation will be at Mindima Guest House

On our second day at Mindima Village, we will have the unique opportunity to engage in private and exclusive gatherings with Tribal Singsing groups from various highland tribes, providing an unparalleled photographic experience. In a dedicated, private arena, we will be joined by relevant Highlands Tribal Groups, including those from the Southern Highlands, Mt Hagen, and Jiwaka, with the renowned Huli Wigmen among them.

After scouting the area, we’ll arrange private shoots, utilizing the natural beauty of hillsides, creeksides, or woods as stunning backdrops. We’ll focus on capturing portraiture of the different tribal groups, with performers in their vibrant, traditional dress taking centre stage. This will be a truly special day, allowing us to get up close to the dancers and create unique, intimate photographs.

Overnight accommodation will be at Mindima Guest House.

After breakfast, we will depart from Mindima and head further east to Goroka, embarking on a scenic 2.5-hour drive along the Highlands Highway. Our journey will take us through the fertile Asaro Valley, where we’ll pass by coffee, banana, taro, cassava, sugar cane, and other vegetable plantations nestled among well-organized farms. Our destination is Geremaika, home to the world-famous Asaro Mudmen.

Upon arrival, we’ll witness the captivating performance of the Asaro Mudmen, known for their eerie white mud masks. We’ll have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the villagers in preparing and cooking our food in a traditional earth oven, known as a “mumu,” which we’ll enjoy together.

The day will be spent with the Mudmen, who will perform their ritual and show for us. Afterward, we’ll arrange private photo sessions at selected locations, using the stunning natural surroundings as backdrops. This will be a day of capturing the hauntingly beautiful portraits of the Mudmen tribe, along with the intricate process of their traditional “mumu” cooking.

After our time with the Mudmen, we will continue driving into town.
Overnight accommodation will be at the Phoenix Hotel (3*).

After the sunrise session, we return to the hotel for breakfast. Later in the morning, we rejoin the Mudmen warriors for a second, deeply evocative cultural performance known as Moko Moko—a traditional ritual historically performed after victorious tribal battles. This rare experience offers a deeper understanding of the Asaro traditions and provides another exceptional photographic opportunity.

Today’s photography focuses on both the Asaro Mudmen and Nokondi tribesmen, renowned for their haunting clay masks and dramatic presence. You’ll have private photography sessions with the tribes, capturing striking portraits as well as details of their traditional mumu (earth-oven) cooking process, offering a rich blend of cultural storytelling and visual depth.

In the late afternoon, we continue our drive into town.
Overnight: Bird of Paradise Hotel or similar (4*)

The community then guides us to a sacred limestone cave, an important ancestral site. Elders share the historical and spiritual significance of the cave, offering insight into the beliefs, rituals, and traditions that have shaped Kemase culture over generations. Walking through the cave, we experience its powerful atmosphere while respectfully observing and photographing this meaningful cultural space.

After completing the village visit, we return to the hotel for a late hot lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit the Benabena tribe to witness and photograph their renowned cane-swallowing ritual, a striking ceremonial practice that showcases physical endurance and deep-rooted tradition. This session offers strong opportunities for documentary photography and intimate cultural portraits.

Once today’s sessions conclude, we drive back into town.

Overnight: Bird of Paradise Hotel or similar (4*)

Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel and check in, with time to relax and enjoy the comfort of the facilities after the journey.

In the evening, we enjoy a traditional dinner at the hotel, offering a relaxed close to the day.

Overnight accommodation will be at The Sanctuary Hotel Resort and Spa (4*).

As we bid farewell, it’s time for heartfelt goodbyes—taking with you unforgettable memories, meaningful cultural encounters, and a powerful body of photographs from this remarkable expedition.

This expedition is designed for photographers seeking an authentic, immersive field experience, where access, storytelling, and cultural depth take priority over comfort.

It is ideally suited for:

• Photographers who want to document life from within communities, not as distant observers
• Photographers who understand that meaningful images often require time, patience, physical effort, and trust-building
• Individuals who are adaptable, mentally resilient, and open to basic and remote living conditions
• Story-driven photographers who value depth, proximity, and authenticity over convenience
• Participants who are comfortable working in humid, tropical, and unpredictable conditions

This journey is not about ticking off locations or chasing comfort. It is about being present, staying close to the story, and creating powerful photographic narratives in one of the world’s most culturally rich and challenging environments.

Not at all. Our Photo Tours and Workshops welcome everyone from casual hobbyists to seasoned professionals.

While each participant has their own learning curve, we ensure that everyone benefits from our trips—whether you’re just starting with photography or seeking advanced guidance to refine your vision and processing skills.

You’ll gain valuable insights not only from the instructor but also from the collective knowledge and experiences of the group, enhancing your overall learning experience.

Absolutely. This photo tour is designed as a deeply immersive cultural journey, and non-photographers are more than welcome to join.
Many participants travel with a partner who is a photographer, while others join purely out of a strong interest in ancient cultures, tribal traditions, and authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Over the years, we have hosted several non-photographers on our expeditions, and they consistently find the journey just as meaningful and rewarding.

While the tour is thoughtfully structured around photography, it is equally enriching for anyone interested in culture, anthropology, history, spirituality, and genuine human connections. Spending time in remote villages, engaging with tribal communities, witnessing rituals and ceremonies, and observing daily life in one of the world’s most culturally diverse regions makes this journey unforgettable—even without a camera in hand.

Non-photographers are fully included in all activities, cultural interactions, village visits, and ceremonies. Many guests find that experiencing Papua New Guinea without the pressure of photographing allows for deeper presence, stronger connections, and a more personal understanding of the people and their way of life.

In short, there is a place for everyone on this journey. Whether you photograph every moment or simply live it, Papua New Guinea has a powerful way of leaving a lasting impression.

• Weather conditions can be unpredictable, with occasional rain and dusty conditions in certain regions.
• Most days do not involve hiking; however, during the Asaro Mudmen hilltop photography session, there is an optional 45-minute moderate hike. Participants who prefer not to hike may remain at the hotel.
• Papua New Guinea is dominated by rainforest landscapes, and high humidity can be expected at times, especially during village visits and outdoor sessions.
• Travel will involve early starts on some days to take advantage of the best light and cultural activities.
• Facilities in remote areas are often basic but comfortable, reflecting the realities of travel in rural and tribal regions.
• Flexibility is essential—local conditions, weather, and community availability may require minor adjustments to daily plans.
• This is an immersive experience where patience, openness, and respect for local customs will greatly enhance both the journey and the photographic outcome.

All of the places we visit on this trip will be accessible in our trusty 4-wheel drive vehicles, so physical fitness is not a huge priority on this trip, but a reasonable level of fitness is required. You will need to be able to walk for a few hours most of the time, taking pictures at a gentle pace, remain standing, and get on and off cars and planes. There are very few tarmac roads where we are going. Please bear this in mind before you book.

If you choose not to come with us when we travel on foot, don’t worry, there will be plenty of other things to occupy your time back at camp since we always set up alongside local families who are happy to have visitors. In the past, people have had some very unique experiences by choosing to do this.

The CDC and WHO recommend some vaccinations for travellers to Papua New Guinea including:

• Routine childhood vaccines: Tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B are recommended for travelers to be up to date on.
• Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, and Japanese encephalitis.
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies: Bat lyssaviruses, or bat rabies, can be transmitted to humans through contact with the saliva of an infected bat.
• Dengue fever: There is no vaccine for dengue fever, but you can prevent it by avoiding mosquito bites.

We recommend consulting your doctor for advice on vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations, you can also visit https://www.who.int/travel-advice/all-updates-for-travellers

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. You can check more on this in the Country-Wise Yellow Fever Risk Areas.

• This is not a leisure or holiday-style trip. At times, you may encounter challenging or extreme weather conditions, and plans may need to adapt accordingly.
• Luxury resorts, spa-like comfort, or highly polished tourism infrastructure—this is an expedition-style journey, not a resort experience.
• A rigid, minute-by-minute itinerary. Flexibility is essential, as village life, weather, and cultural activities operate on local rhythms rather than strict schedules.
• Constant convenience or predictable conditions. Remote travel means embracing uncertainty, patience, and adaptability.
• This journey rewards those who are willing to step outside their comfort zone and engage deeply with the experience, the people, and the environment.

In September, Papua New Guinea (PNG) presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking an authentic and intimate cultural experience. During this time, the climate in PNG is ideally suited for exploration – not too hot and with lesser rainfall, creating perfect conditions for both travel and photography. The temperature reaches around 26℃ during the daytime in September, falling away to 19℃ at night.

Reduced Rainfall: While PNG is known for its tropical climate, October typically sees a reduction in rain, meaning fewer disruptions and clearer skies for capturing the vivid landscapes and cultural moments.

Arrival Airport: Port Moresby International Airport (POM)
Departure Airport: Port Moresby International Airport (POM)

You will generally need a tourist visa for the country where we run your chosen tour. On your landing/immigration form, you should state that you are on a group tour if requested, and provide the name of our local tour operator. We will provide the necessary details once your booking is confirmed.

All travellers will require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea, which must be obtained before travel. It is recommended to check with your nearest embassy for the most up-to-date visa regulations. As visa rules can vary according to your country of residence as well as the country that issued your passport, we strongly advise that you research the relevant visa rules before you travel. Go to Visa Map to find out more.

EXPOSURE cannot be held responsible for your entry/exit arrangements, so please note that obtaining the required documentation is solely your responsibility. No refunds will be made in the event of you being refused entry into the country where travel is to take place.

We collaborate closely with our exceptional local team in Papua New Guinea. With over fifteen years of experience in the region, they are fully confident in our ability to conduct safe tours in Papua New Guinea. Our team has provided support to prestigious channels like National Geographic and Discovery. Should you have any safety concerns please do not hesitate to contact us and we can address your concerns.

About 87% of Papua New Guinea’s people live in rural areas, where there are often few facilities and limited access to basic health and education services. Roads are often poor or non-existent, and are hard to maintain due to high rainfall and soil erosion.

This is not a cold-weather trip, so you don’t have to bring warm clothing, but for the night, only bring light warm clothing like a windcheater because it will be slightly cold at night.

This is a suggested packing list to make your trip a fulfilling and comfortable experience.

• Backpack or suitcase
• Comfortable hard wearing shoes
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun care cram
• Raincoat
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Wet tissues
• Anti-mosquito repellents
• Insurance confirmation copy
• Emergency contact number
• Water bottle with 2 litres of capacity
• We’ll provide a sleeping bag but for your hygiene, you can carry your personal one.
• Carry your essential and basic medicines for headaches, fever, stomach upset, etc.
• Anti malaria prevention medicine (up to you)

You should bring cameras, a laptop (for editing in the evenings), and a head torch. These kinds of things instantly spring to mind. Don’t worry about recharging since we will have generators to top up our tent each night. Once you confirm your booking with a 50% deposit, we will send you all the information you need to fully prepare yourself for this epic journey.

This is just an idea about the suggested camera and accessory:

• One or two DSLR or Mirrorless (Full Frame or Crop Sensor) cameras. If you use a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, for much of the time, when photographing tribals in a group, you will want to cover focal lengths of around 16-35mm, 24-70mm or 24-105mm. You can bring an 85mm for staged portraiture, also. However, a kit lens (18-55/3.5 or 4.0) will also work.
• If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide angle at the other end of the zoom range.
• Protector for your lens.
• Power Bank & Electric Socket Extension.
• Adequate memory card and Card reader.
• Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power for your camera and external hard drive with adequate space and a card reader.
• A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you do not have this software, don’t worry we’ll provide it.)
• Carry a microfiber to wipe the lens.

You can choose any flight on Day -1, arriving before 5 p.m. Options include routes via Beijing, Seoul, etc. It’s recommended to arrive a day or two earlier to rest and ensure you don’t miss the next morning’s flight. We can arrange extra occupancy in the same hotel and room if needed, so you won’t have to change rooms later.

• This photo tour requires a minimum of 3 participants to operate. If the minimum is not met, the trip may be postponed or cancelled, and all deposits will be fully refunded.
• This is not a luxury tour. The experience involves extended time outdoors, travel through remote regions, and changing conditions. A reasonable level of physical fitness, adaptability, and patience is required.
• The Highlands of Papua New Guinea are dominated by rainforest landscapes, and high humidity can be expected at times, particularly during village visits and outdoor photography sessions.
• Participation is confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to email confirmation. For any questions or assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Registration is open from 1st January 2026 to 15th July 2026 or till the reservations are filled.

All cancellations must be made in writing (email is acceptable) and will take effect on the date of receipt (by standard mail or electronically). Once the tour begins, there can be no refunds for any unused portions, including rooms, meals, flights, tour days, events, or services. Please note that the cancellation penalties outlined below are based on costs incurred by EXPOSURE on your behalf, including non-refundable deposits or payments to agents, hotels, airlines, etc.

In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, EXPOSURE’s Cancellation and Refund Policy will apply, and you must fully agree to be bound by it. Any refunds will be processed within 15 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, via the same method used for payment.

Cancellation fees are as follows:

• 40% of the total fee if cancelled 90 days or more before the start of the trip.
• 100% of the total fee if cancelled 59 days or less before the start of the trip.

Please carefully read all details on this page and the Detailed Terms and Conditions, as well as the Disclaimer/Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.

Trip cancellation by EXPOSURE

• In the unlikely event that EXPOSURE must cancel a tour or workshop due to a lack of participants or any other reason, a full refund, including the deposit, will be issued.
• We will notify you in advance if a cancellation is being considered. If a photo tour is cancelled, 100% of your deposit and payments will be refunded.
• However, EXPOSURE is not liable for any expenses incurred, such as airfare, accommodations, or equipment costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.