Young Pioneer Tours

Kepi Korowai Tribe Tour (7d/6)

Tour Description:
Embark on a journey into the uncharted jungles of West Papua to meet the Korowai, one of
the world’s most remote tribes. Known for their elevated tree houses and traditional hunter-
gatherer lifestyle, the Korowai offer a unique glimpse into life deeply connected to the
forest. This 7-day adventure promises cultural immersion, challenging treks, and
unforgettable experiences in untouched wilderness. Expect basic accommodations and no
modern amenities.


Day 1: Arrival in Merauke – Tour Around Town
Morning:

  • Arrive in Merauke, Papua’s southernmost city, and transfer to your hotel, the best available in town.
  • Settle in and enjoy some downtime after your journey.


Afternoon:

  • Explore Merauke, a historic city established as a Dutch military base in 1902, located on the southern coast of Papua.
  • Visit the nearby Wasur National Park, renowned for its vast savannas, endemic birds, and towering termite mounds.
  • Observe unique wildlife and stunning landscapes before heading back to your hotel.
  • Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Merauke.

Day 2: Flight to Kepi – Journey to Korowai Settlements
Morning:

  • Take an early morning flight to Kepi with a luggage allowance of 10 kg per person.
  • Arrive in Kepi, a small town surrounded by wetlands, where you’ll purchase essential supplies for the journey ahead.
  • Begin your journey by speedboat, navigating the swampy rivers surrounded by dense rainforest. Admire local villagers fishing from canoes and huts made of natural materials.
  • Stop along the way to explore or rest as needed.

Afternoon:

  • Pass through Senggo, a larger riverside town, where you can take a short break to
    buy refreshments and observe daily life.
  • Continue deeper into the remote swamps, encountering crocodile habitats, dense
    vegetation, and vast wilderness.
  • Reach a small village by the river, where you’ll spend the night in a local house.
  • Optional: Join a crocodile-spotting excursion to explore the mangroves by night,
    learn traditional fishing, and enjoy a jungle dinner by the campfire (additional cost).

Day 3: Trek to Korowai Tree Houses
Morning:

  • Begin your trek through the swampy lowland forests to reach a Korowai village.
  • The hike takes 2–4 hours and involves traversing wetlands, balancing on logs, and navigating through knee-high mud in some areas.
  • Arrive at a Korowai family village, where you’ll see their iconic tree houses built approximately 8 metres above the ground.


Afternoon:

  • Learn about the Korowai’s way of life, including how they use the tree houses for socialising, resting, and staying safe.
  • Interact with villagers, observing their daily routines and hearing stories about their unique traditions.
  • Enjoy a simple dinner prepared locally and sleep in a traditional hut. Bring a mosquito net or small tent for comfort and insect protection.


Day 4: Korowai Tribal Activities
Morning:

  • Join the Korowai in their Sago forest, where you’ll observe the traditional process of extracting and preparing sago, their staple food.
  • Learn about their hunting and gathering techniques and how they live harmoniously with the forest.


Afternoon:

  • Spend time with villagers, participating in their daily tasks and exchanging stories about their culture and lifestyle.
  • If conditions allow, climb into one of the tree houses for a unique perspective on their elevated living spaces.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in the Korowai settlement, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the jungle.

Day 5: Return to Kepi
Morning:

  • Begin the return journey by speedboat, retracing your path through the vast river systems and dense forests.
  • Enjoy the changing scenery and make stops as needed along the way.


Afternoon:

  • Arrive back in Kepi by late afternoon and check into your hotel for a well-earned rest.
  • Relax in the comfort of Hotel Avista, the best available accommodation in town, and enjoy a hearty dinner.


Day 6: Flight to Merauke
Morning:

  • Take a flight from Kepi back to Merauke, where a driver will meet you at the airport.
  • Spend the morning at leisure, with options for sightseeing, visiting local markets, or enjoying a coffee at a local café.


Afternoon:

  • Continue exploring Merauke or relax at your hotel, enjoying modern comforts after your jungle adventure.
  • Overnight at the Swiss-Belhotel, staying in a Superior Room with excellent facilities.


Day 7: Transfer to Airport
Morning:

  • After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, bringing an unforgettable journey to a close.
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