1 / 7

Papua New Guinea & Bougainville IV

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 – Thu, 21 Aug 2025

8 Days 7 Nights

About this expedition

Mt. Hagen Festival & Bougainville

  Explore Papua New Guinea and Bougainville, potentially to become the 198th country, with the best Wander Fam! Papua is a land of immense cultural diversity, with over 1,000 ethnic groups and 1,000 languages. We’ll venture deep into the highlands to attend the most fascinating cultural show in the world, where dozens of tribes gather to dance and showcase their unique skills. For the first time, we will also visit the most remote island in the archipelago:the autonomous island of Bougainville. This is a photogenic and adventurous journey into the tropical jungles of Oceania, where you’ll experience firsthand one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. And as always, you'll share this incredible adventure with the best group of people. Spots are very limited, so don’t think twice—apply now!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Port Moresby

  • Welcome to majestic Papua! Take this day to arrive in Port Moresby and rest. We will have a welcome dinner before taking an early morning flight the next day to Mt. Hagen.
  • Overnight Port Moresby.

Day 2: Mt. Hagen

  • To make the most of our time, our expedition starts early in the morning from Port Moresby Airport with a flight to Mt. Hagen. We’ll have a whole day to explore villages around Mt Hagen, known for its rich artistic tradition.
  • Overnight in Mt Hagen.

Day 3: Mt. Hagen Festival

  • Today, we will make our way to the Mt. Hagen showgrounds. Tribes from all over the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea and neighboring tribes from the Jiwaka Province will congregate to display their unique ‘sing sings’ (cultural dances), offering an unforgettable introduction to the region's vibrant traditions.
  • Overnight in Mt. Hagen.

Day 4: Mt. Hagen

  • Today, we continue indulging ourselves in the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a world-famous event and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The different tribal groups will showcase breathtaking performances in massive, colorful decorations within the arena. In the afternoon, we will take a flight back to Port Moresby.
  • Overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 5: Fly to Bougainville Island - Buka

  • We will take an early flight to Bougainville Island. After our arrival, we will drive along the highway, stopping for photo opportunities and lunch and we will arrive to Arawa
  • Overnight on Bougainville Island.

Day 6: Bougainville Island - Arawa

  • Today, we will explore Bougainville Island, a destination with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Bougainville is an autonomous region with a strong sense of cultural identity. You’ll have opportunities to learn about the island’s history, culture, and how its people have maintained their traditions in harmony with nature. Whether it’s visiting local markets, trekking through verdant scenery, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, this day promises to be both enriching and memorable.
  • Overnight on Bougainville Island.

Day 7: Fly Back to Port Moresby

  • In the early morning, we will travel to Buka, passing through some of the island’s most scenic spots along the way. After enjoying these final glimpses of Bougainville’s beauty, we’ll take a flight back to Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby. Upon arrival, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey.
  • Overnight Port Moresby

Day 8: Fly Out

  • The final day of our expedition. Feel free to take your flight home at any time today.

 

 

What's included

  • Domestic Flights — Four domestic flights to Mount Hagen and to Bougainville.
  • Hotels — Shared rooms in 3-4star lodges and Local Homestays
  • Transportation — Private vehicle and driver.
  • VIP Tickets to Mt Hagen Cultural Show — VIP tickets for this one in a lifetime show.
  • Entrance Fees — All activities, dances and festivities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Contribution to local communities — We make sure our visit directly impact and contribute to the economy of the tribes and local communities we meet.

Things to know

HOW DO I GET A VISA FOR PAPUA?

PNG has an evisa for most nationalities, which we can help you navigate. We can also offer support if your passport doesn’t allow evisa.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?

Wander Expedition doesn't book flights for you and is ultimately not responsible for your flight connection, but we can offer guidance and support when you research the best options for you. You will be flying to and from Port Moresby. Flights from Manila or Singapore are only 400 euros return!

IS PAPUA SAFE?

This is a fantastic opportunity for those of you that want to explore this secluded region with a great group and the best local crew.

WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?

This Expedition is for everyone looking to have a fun time, explore an off the beaten path destination, make new travel friends and memorable travel stories. Papua is the perfect unique off the grid adventure, offering great cultural depth, secluded tribes, and stunning outdoors. It will be filled with travel stories!

WHAT IS THE PRICE?

Wander Expeditions is not a traditional travel agency where the first to pay is the first to go. We take you to stunning destinations, but we know the people you share it with is even more important when you travel. That’s why we have a refined selection process where we filter and vet candidates to ensure that groups are fun, balanced, diverse and interesting! We make sure candidates are on the same page and share our values of being fun, flexible and fearless, so we can guarantee everyone will have an amazing experience. We create travel families, so #trusttheprocess. Halfway through our process, we share the price with all pre-selected applicants. It only takes 15 min to apply, so you literally have nothing to lose! What are you waiting for to join the Wander Fam?

Traveler stories

5.0 126 reviews

Laurie

Laurie "Dublin"

15 expeditions 8 months ago

Papua New Guinea I

The best way to see not only the Mt Hagen festival but also the highlights of the PNG highlands. Safe, exciting, and lots of fun.

Laurie

Laurie "Dublin"

15 expeditions 8 months ago

Indian Himalayas & Bhutan

A spiritual and cultural-focussed expedition, not the typical style of other Wander trips, but I absolutely loved it. Bhutan is beautiful and this expedition was the best way to see it, the tricky visa and tour guide requirements were all handled and the itinerary gave the very best of the country in a few days. Northern India was equally serene and even as someone who hates hiking, having a great group to champion you along the way made it fun.

Laurie

Laurie "Dublin"

15 expeditions 8 months ago

West Africa III

The best overland adventure you could ever ask for. Two weeks, 22 people, 6 cars, endless laughs. Sure, the days are long, and you definitely need to bring snacks, but it’s so much fun and the best way to see the parts of Africa that most people don’t go to! And it has everything - beach, nature, pool days, local communities, cities and middle-of-nowhere adventures. I’d even go as far as to say I’d do it again….. never say never!

Jose

Jose "Managua"

4 expeditions 8 months ago

Malta: Every Country Twice

LOVED IT!

Mustafa

Mustafa

1 expedition 9 months ago

Libya III: East Libya

My trip to Libya with you Wander Expeditions was unreal! Everything was super well organized, the group vibe was like family, and the guide kept things fun with stories and games along the way. Libya itself blew me away amazing people, amazing places, and good energy everywhere we went.

Laurent

Laurent

2 expeditions 11 months ago

Malta: Every Country Twice

A pure pleasure celebrating with Alvaro and the gang - vibes unbeatable & can’t wait for the next reunion!

Where you'll be

About us

Wander Expeditions avatar
Verified

Wander Expeditions

Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.

6 years traveling200+ expeditions3.9k+ travelers120+ reviews

You might also like

Burkina IV cover image

Burkina IV

16 Oct 2026 – 18 Oct 2026

3 days 2 nights
Mali IV cover image

Mali IV

7 Oct 2026 – 10 Oct 2026

4 days 3 nights
Niger II: Agadez, Zinder & Gerewol cover image

Niger II: Agadez, Zinder & Gerewol

10 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026

7 days 6 nights

Papua New Guinea & Bougainville IV

14 Aug 2025 – 21 Aug 2025

Sold out