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.