Inclusions
Exclusions
What's it all about?
Come visit one of the world’s most fascinating river cultures as they celebrate the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival in style in Papua New Guinea.
Every August, the Sepik people honour the sacred crocodile through an incredible display of tradition, dance, and body art. This festival lets you witness ancient customs, complex carvings, and ceremonies that have been passed down for generations.
We’ll begin in Port Moresby, where we’ll visit key sites before flying to Wewak, the gateway to the Sepik. From there, we’ll tour by road and canoe deep into the remote river region, arriving in Ambunti, where we’ll stay in village guesthouses.
Then comes the highlight—three full days at the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival! We’ll make sure to be there to see the spectacular opening ceremony, crocodile-themed performances, and cultural displays by various Sepik tribes. We’ll explore artisan markets, meet master carvers, and attend crocodile races and storytelling sessions with local elders.
After the festival, we’ll journey back to Wewak for a chance to visit the War Museum and explore the local markets before returning to Port Moresby.
Combine this tour with our special Mount Hagen Festival Tour directly after this trip. Enquire for more info!
Highlights
Where?
Port Moresby – Wewak – Pagwi – Ambunti – Pagwi – Wewak – Port Moresby
When?
August 4 – 11th, 2026
Visa?
PNG has an e-visa system in place. We will send you an invitation letter which allows you to apply for the visa online.
The Itinerary
Port Moresby – Wewak – Pagwi – Ambunti – Pagwi – Wewak – Port Moresby
August 4th - Port Moresby - Wewak
- Own arrival in the capital Port Morseby and transfer to the hotel.
- Port Moresby city tour including the Parliament House, National Art Gallery, museum, craft market and parks.
- Head out for a group dinner and some drinks at the yacht club. We will discuss the trip in more detail and it will also give you a chance to get to know your guide and fellow travellers.
- Overnight in Port Moresby.
August 5th - Wewak - Pagwi - Ambunti
- Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Wewak.
- Upon arrival, we will meet our local guides and begin our journey into the Sepik region.
- The Sepik Region is known to host some of the last known cave people on this planet.
- We’ll travel by road to Pagwi, a riverside trading post and gateway to the Sepik River. Along the way, take in the lush scenery and local village life.
- At Pagwi, we’ll board motorized canoes for a scenic three-hour ride along the Sepik River to Ambunti. As we cruise past traditional stilt villages and crocodile-shaped spirit houses, you’ll get a first glimpse of the rich culture of the Sepik people.
- Upon arrival in Ambunti, we’ll settle into our village guesthouses, where we’ll experience authentic Sepik hospitality. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful river setting before our festival adventure begins.
August 6th - Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival
- We head to the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival.
- In the morning, attend the opening ceremony and experience traditional crocodile ceremonial performances. Engage with local tribes and learn about their customs.
- In the afternoon, explore the festival stalls featuring local artisans and their crafts. Participate in workshops on traditional art forms.
- In the evening, return to Ambunti.
- Overnight in Ambunti.
August 7th - Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival
- Have breakfast to start off your day.
- We head back to the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival.
- In the morning, enjoy more festival activities, including cultural dances and music performances that showcase the traditions of the region.
- In the afternoon, sample local cuisine for lunch at the festival and meet artisans as they display their crafts and skills.
- In the evening, return to Ambunti again for an overnight stay.
August 8th - Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival
- We head to the final day of the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival.
- In the morning, attend exciting festival events, including crocodile races and storytelling sessions with local elders, where they’ll share their cultural tales.
- In the afternoon, enjoy your last opportunity to explore the festival and purchase crafts to take home.
- We’ll wrap up our time at the festival and head back.
- Overnight in Ambunti.
August 9th - Ambunti - Pagwi - Wewak
- We depart Ambunti and begin our journey with a scenic ride by motorized canoe to Pagwi.
- Afterward, we continue by road, travelling back to Wewak, taking in the breathtaking landscapes along the way.
- Once we arrive in Wewak, you’ll have free time to explore the markets, where you can shop for some souvenirs.
- Alternatively, you have the chance to visit the beach!
- Later in the afternoon, we visit the War Museum, where you’ll learn about the significant history of the region, including its role during World War II and the battleground PNG was for the Japanese and Americans. The museum offers fascinating insights into the past.
- Enjoy a dinner in Wewak.
- In the evening, we’ll head to a boutique hotel in Wewak for an overnight stay.
August 10th - Wewak - Port Moresby
- We depart Wewak and board our flight to Port Moresby.
- Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore Port Moresby at your leisure. It’s an opportunity to view the sights we may have missed on our arrival day.
- Enjoy a final dinner in PNG before checking into your accommodation for an overnight stay in Port Moresby.
August 11th - Port Moresby
- Enjoy breakfast before departing for the airport.
- End of Sepik River Crocodile Festival tour.
**Due to limited domestic flight availability, especially in this period – Early booking is advised. If booking late then the tour cost is liable to increase in line with the flight prices. **
What else?
Apply for your spot on the tour now or simply request more info below.
August 4 - 11th, 2026
Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival Tour
Start / Finish in Port Moresby
Optional extension in Mount Hagen!
Standard hotel
7 Nights
The price
$3,150 USD