Expedition to Korowai tribe
who build their houses high up on the trees in remote jungles
who build their houses high up on the trees in remote jungles
PAPUA
October 9 - 22, 2023
Tour Papua, Indonesia
Tour Papua, Indonesia
Tour to Papua expedition tour to
tour to Papua, expedition to Korowai tribe, ethnic expedition
Have you ever made geographical discoveries? Would you like to experience the feeling close to that of Nikolai Miklukho-Maklai or James Cook? It is unbelievable, but there is such an opportunity even in the 21 century!
Two days by airplane, two more days by boat on fast rivers among primeval rainforest and one day of hiking across swampy jungles, falling under water at waist level, in order to see THIS! – People living in the real Stone Age, building their houses high up on the trees and, as it is said, still practicing cannibalism.
To look for last cannibals in the jungle which landscape you won't find on any map – it's a true discovery and a real challenge.
Two days by airplane, two more days by boat on fast rivers among primeval rainforest and one day of hiking across swampy jungles, falling under water at waist level, in order to see THIS! – People living in the real Stone Age, building their houses high up on the trees and, as it is said, still practicing cannibalism.
To look for last cannibals in the jungle which landscape you won't find on any map – it's a true discovery and a real challenge.
Tour to Korowai Papua. Have you ever made geographical discoveries? Would you like to experience the feeling close to that of Nikolai Miklukho-Maklai or James Cook? It is unbelievable, but there is such an opportunity even in the 21 century!
Two days by airplane, two more days by boat on fast rivers among primeval rainforest and one day of hiking across swampy jungles, falling under water at waist level, in order to see THIS! – People living in the real Stone Age, building their houses high up on the trees and, as it is said, still practicing cannibalism.
To look for last cannibals in the jungle which landscape you won't find on any map – it's a true discovery and a real challenge.
Two days by airplane, two more days by boat on fast rivers among primeval rainforest and one day of hiking across swampy jungles, falling under water at waist level, in order to see THIS! – People living in the real Stone Age, building their houses high up on the trees and, as it is said, still practicing cannibalism.
To look for last cannibals in the jungle which landscape you won't find on any map – it's a true discovery and a real challenge.
SHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: October 9 - 22, 2023
Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 10
Cost per person:
- USD 3 350 subject to 10 participants,
- USD 3 490 subject to 8 – 9 participants,
- USD 3 790 subject to 6 – 7 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before May 9, 2022)
Everything is included except from:
- international flight to Jayapura,
- international medical insurance,
- Indonesian visa,
- lunches and dinners in Jayapura and Dekai.
Estimated cost of international flight Moscow – Jakarta – Jayapura – Jakarta – Moscow: USD 1800 – 2200.
Single supplement: USD 320 (provided in guesthouse and in tents)
Single supplement for tents: USD 200 (provided tents only)
TRAVEL PROGRAM:
TOUR TO
Day 0. October 8, 2023 (Sunday). Departure flight for Jayapura
Flight from Moscow (other city) to Jakarta via Dubai or Abu Dhabi (or another city). Connection to the direct flight Jakarta – Jayapura.
* Recommended flights from Moscow (or another city) to Jayapura:
— from Moscow to with Qatar Airways and Garuda Indonesia, departure from Moscow at 0:55 am on October 8, arrival in Jayapura at 6:50 am on October 9, with stopover 2h45m in Doha and with stopover 2h00m in Jakarta,
— from Jakarta with Lion Air, departure from Jakarta at 22:00 on October 7, arrival in Jayapura at 8:10 am on October 8, direct flight,
— from Kuala Lumpur with Batik Air, departure from Kuala Lumpur at 20:45 on October 7, arrival in Jayapura at 7:20 am on October 8, with stopover 2h15m in Jakarta,
— or any other flight with arrival in Jayapura before 9:00 am on October 9.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: no
Day 1. October 9, 2023 (Monday). Jayapura – Dekai
In the morning arrival by international flight to Sentani, meeting with the guide and catch up for the short meeting while breakfast/lunch in the airport of Sentani or in local cafe.
While our guide drives to Police authorities in Jayapura city center for arranging travel permits (Surat Jalan) for everyone, we visit local market, buy local cash and take rest.
In the afternoon transit flight to the central part of the island – to Dekai. Flight to Dekai takes about 1 hour.
Arrival to Dekai in the middle of the jungle, by our car head directly to the police station to report about the purpose of our journey and give them a copy of the document.
After the report transfer to the guest house.
While the crew goes to the local market for some last shopping, we can walk around Dekai to get first acquaintance with Papuans and local life, and also have dinner in local cafe.
Accommodation: guest house
Meals included: no
Day 2. October 10, 2023 (Tuesday). Dekai – River bank of Siret
After having breakfast in our guest house by car we go to the Lotpon village – harbor (40 min) and make the last report to the police station at Lotpon harbor.
By long boat we sail through Brazza river to Asmat village. You can enjoy the beauty of the wild (flora and fauna) and the tribes that live on the river bank.
Midway of our journey we stop for lunch for 40 min in Asmat village (Binamsen or another one) and our cook prepares everything. We have a chance to witness what is the lifestyle of Asmat tribe.
We continue our challenging journey upstream of Siret river and we stay for overnight on the riverbank of Siret (on the river beach). You can swim in the river and have a rest in the wild. Journey from Lotpon to the riverbank bivouac takes about 8-10 hours.
We have dinner on the riverbank and overnight in camp set up close to befak - hut on the riverbank that local tribes use for resting after hunting.
Accommodation: tents on the riverbank
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. October 11, 2023 (Wednesday). River bank of Siret – Missionary village (First Korowai village) – Korowai traditional village deep in the jungle
After breakfast we continue our journey to the first village of Korowai tribe – missionary village of Baigon (or another one, depending on the information about Korowai traditional villages at the moment). By motor boat through Siret River it takes around 3 – 5 hours, overcoming challenging stream and rapids, which is big adventure in itself. The places here are wild with very old rainforest on the banks and remote tribes living deep in the jungle.
On the way we can see some locals searching for gold in the outskirts of Siret river and we can stop for a few minutes to see.
Upon arrival to the first village of Korowai (motor boat crew waits for us in this village or upper/lower of the stream until we return), while engaging our porters, getting information about the village in the jungle, our cook preparing lunch and we have a lunch.
After lunch and getting all information about Korowai villages in the jungle*, together with porters we set off on foot into the jungle to Korowai traditional village deep in the rainforest. Walk about 4 to 6 hours before reaching the traditional Korowai village with tree houses.
First getting into acquaintance with Korowai traditional village and its people.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
* Depending on the information about Korowai villages in the jungle (distance, direction etc.), that we get in the Missionary village and depending on availability of local guides and porters, the team leader can take a decision to stay overnight in local house in missionary village and set off on foot into the jungle early morning.
Days 4 – 9. October 12 – 17, 2023 (Thursday – Tuesday). Korowai tribes in 3 – 4 different villages
Within these days we live in different Korowai villages (3 to 4 villages) deep in the jungle, engaging porters from each new village in order to find the further way. We walk approx. 5 to 10 hours a day when we are changing location, overcoming rivers and swamps – a very big adventure! We sleep in our tents on the earth or in the traditional tree houses together with Korowai people.
Tribal Korowai are commonly called tree house people because they build houses high on the trees to avoid the threat from another tribe or from black spirits. They used to practice cannibalism less than decade ago, and people say that in some villages it is still the case. Korowai live in the Stone Age and do not have any appliances made of metal. In the jungle in one village we can see one or two families. Each Korowai family has the territory to find food. Korowai are nomadic people and they always move from one place to another looking for the food. Hunting animals in the wild, fish in the creek or in the swamp is their lifestyle, which is considered the work for men. Korowai women are responsible for gathering such kind of food like insects, sago (sago is one of the palm trees they process to get starch – Korowai's staple food) etc. They eat everything what lives in the jungle and if they serve food on you, then you should eat it or do what they are asking you for, as saying "no" may really offend Korowai people. In every village if Korowai want to make something special, they can invite their neighbors to join.
In one particular village we can stay 1 or 2 days and see what their activity is and join them. On different days we participate in following activities of Korowai tribe: experience how the whole village process sago from sago palm tree and collect sago larvae, go with Korowais to hunt wild pigs or cassowary, traditional way of fishing with Korowai, traditional folklore and storytelling around fireplace in the tree house, traditional dances, having meals etc. If we have chance, we will witness tree house building or, otherwise, discuss with tribal men about the process.
Our purpose is to find remote Korowai villages as deep in the jungle as possible within this timeframe and to find traditional habitable tree houses built high up on the trees (up to 20-40 meters high).
While Korowai tribe we sleep in our tents on the earth or can stay in tree houses.
On Day 9 after breakfast together with Korowai tribe, we start walking towards the first village or another place on the riverbank.
On day 9 overnight in tents in first village of Korowai (Baigon or Debol or another one) or at the riverbank camp.
Accommodation: tents or Korowai tree houses
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10. October 18, 2023 (Wednesday). First village of Korowai – Asmat tribe village called Binamsen
After breakfast we load everything to the boat and continue the journey by motor boat downstream Siret river and then upstream Brazza river until the village of Binamsen (it takes around 6 – 8 hours). This is the missionary village where Asmat tribe lives.
En route we can swim in Siret river.
After lunch in Binamsen we walk around Asmat village and see what are their activities. Asmat tribes, in the past well known for traditional carving and also for being severe headhunters and cannibals, nowadays live close to rivers or swamps and practice fishing and hunting. In order to learn closer Asmat lifestyle we go for fish hunting at night time with canoe.
Dinner and overnight in local missionary house under our own mosquito nets.
Accommodation: local missionary house
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11. October 19, 2023 (Thursday). Binamsen village of Asmat – Dekai
After having breakfast we continue the journey from Asmat tribe to Dekai. It takes about 5-7 hours, by boat to Lotpon and then by car.
Lunch and swimming in the river en route.
Transfer to the hotel and having a rest.
Dinner in local cafe.
Accommodation: guest house
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 12. October 20, 2023 (Friday). Dekai – Sentani – Depapre ocean beach
After breakfast, by car we go directly to the airport for flight back to Sentani (check-in time 10:00 – 11:00)
Upon arrival to Sentani, we buy some meals, fresh fish and fruits, and by our car head directly to Depapre harbor, take a boat to the ocean beach.
We set up our tents or just mosquito nets on the ocean shore and have dinner on the beach of Pacific ocean.
Accommodation: overnight open air on the ocean shore
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 13. October 21, 2023 (Saturday). Depapre ocean beach
After breakfast, we swim in the Pacific ocean and enjoy the wild place where you can also bath in the cold river falling from the mountains. This rest is well deserved after harsh Korowai jungles. If you still want to trek into the jungle, you have a chance to hike even here :)
Accommodation: overnight open air on the ocean shore
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14. October 22, 2023 (Sunday). Depapre ocean beach – Sentani – Return flight
Early morning after breakfast we directly go to the Sentani airport for return flight scheduled on 12 pm or later.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
* Recommended flights from Jayapura to Moscow (or another city):
— to Moscow with Qatar Airways and Garuda Indonesia, departure from Jayapura at 12:25 am on October 22, arrival in Moscow at 20:25 on October 23, with stopover 16h00m in Jakarta and with stopover 2h30m in Doha,
— to Jakarta with Batik Air, departure from Jayapura at 12:00 pm on October 22, arrival in Jakarta at 18:05 on October 22, direct flight,
— or any other flight with departure from Jayapura no earlier than at 11:30 am on October 22.
* The participant of the expedition to the Korowai people should be motivated, respect the culture of the Korowai, be aware of the purpose of the trip and possible adjustments to plans depending on weather conditions, be in a good shape (physical conditions) and the ability to adapt in an strange environment and culture.
** The itinerary can be changed in the course of expedition by team leader for the sake of the interests of the expedition team and due to safety reasons.
Cost includes:
· 3 times a day meals, both in the jungle and in towns
· flight Jayapura – Dekai – Jayapura, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage
· twin/double accommodation in hotels (in Dekai), in local houses and in tents
· 3 times a day meals in the jungles and on the beach
· breakfast in Dekai
· Drinking water for Baliem valley trekking part
· all transfers according to the program
· motor boat, motor drivers,
· cook and porters
· hiking equipment (tents, dishware)
· very experienced local guide and Russian and English speaking team leader Mzungu throughout the
· Korowai local guides and porters in the jungle
· Special Permission fees
· Entrance fee to protected areas
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
· international flight to Jayapura
· international medical insurance
· Indonesian visa,
· meals not specified in the program,
· excess baggage charge
· alcohol and drinks, personal expenses
· single room supplement
To take with:
· two wear sets (trousers, long sleeve shirt, T-shirt, underwear, socks, sun hat;
· comfortable and hard wearing shoes: 1) light ones for the city; 2) HIGH rubber boots (waterproof) for jungles; 3) trekking snickers or shoes for time in the tribe;
· light trekking jacket;
· raincoat;
· swimsuits;
· sun glasses and sun protection cream;
· personal medical kit (analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medicine);
· personal hygiene items (towel, dry tissues, soap);
· forehead torch;
· travel backpack (better waterproof), not more than 70 liters capacity;
· small backpack for personal stuff and photo-, videocameras;
· sleeping bag for warm weather,
· tourist sleeping mat;
· anti mosquito net (is a must!);
· various anti mosquito repellents;
· anti malaria prevention medication (up to you to decide but recommended);
· COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that you were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure. The certificate must be issued in both English and a local language of the country where passengers were vaccinated (requirement may change);
· "Pedulilindungi" mobile app to be uploaded onto your smartphone before departure (requirement may change);
· waterproof case for the documents;
· additional batteries for cameras and powerbank,
· waterproof case for camera would be appropriate.
· 3 times a day meals, both in the jungle and in towns
· flight Jayapura – Dekai – Jayapura, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage
· twin/double accommodation in hotels (in Dekai), in local houses and in tents
· 3 times a day meals in the jungles and on the beach
· breakfast in Dekai
· Drinking water for Baliem valley trekking part
· all transfers according to the program
· motor boat, motor drivers,
· cook and porters
· hiking equipment (tents, dishware)
· very experienced local guide and Russian and English speaking team leader Mzungu throughout the
· Korowai local guides and porters in the jungle
· Special Permission fees
· Entrance fee to protected areas
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
· international flight to Jayapura
· international medical insurance
· Indonesian visa,
· meals not specified in the program,
· excess baggage charge
· alcohol and drinks, personal expenses
· single room supplement
To take with:
· two wear sets (trousers, long sleeve shirt, T-shirt, underwear, socks, sun hat;
· comfortable and hard wearing shoes: 1) light ones for the city; 2) HIGH rubber boots (waterproof) for jungles; 3) trekking snickers or shoes for time in the tribe;
· light trekking jacket;
· raincoat;
· swimsuits;
· sun glasses and sun protection cream;
· personal medical kit (analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medicine);
· personal hygiene items (towel, dry tissues, soap);
· forehead torch;
· travel backpack (better waterproof), not more than 70 liters capacity;
· small backpack for personal stuff and photo-, videocameras;
· sleeping bag for warm weather,
· tourist sleeping mat;
· anti mosquito net (is a must!);
· various anti mosquito repellents;
· anti malaria prevention medication (up to you to decide but recommended);
· COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that you were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure. The certificate must be issued in both English and a local language of the country where passengers were vaccinated (requirement may change);
· "Pedulilindungi" mobile app to be uploaded onto your smartphone before departure (requirement may change);
· waterproof case for the documents;
· additional batteries for cameras and powerbank,
· waterproof case for camera would be appropriate.
TESTIMONIALS OF OUR CLIENTS
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS TO PAPUA:
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS TO PAPUA:
- Alina Nikulinaпубликация на FacebookВсе самые яркие и незабываемые путешествия только с Mzungu 😃🤩 краткий видео отчёт о путешествии в Папуа
✅ http://mzunguexpeditions.com/ - Victoria Kashnikovaпубликация на FacebookАлина тут сделала видео про наш Папуа)
И, да, за супер-путешествиями обращайтесь в Mzunguexpeditions.com к Alexey Kolbov
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO KOROWAI
Papua, Indonesia
Best season: March – October
A 5-day trip on several airplanes, boats and on foot in rubber high boots across swamps of the Western part of the New Guinea island, which still remains the one of the last islands on Earth where people live in Stone Age. People from small tribe of Korowai build their houses high up in the canopy, hunt cassowaries, believe in spirits and in some remote parts of the jungle still practicing cannibalism.
Hunting with Korowai people, fishing in a traditional way by means of drying river bed, together with the whole village getting sago starch from sago palm tree trunk (which forms up to 90% of their ration!) and Korowai favorite treat – Capricorn beetle larvae, something which you may not refuse :)
Overnights in tents or together with the indigenous people in their house on iron tree built with no nails at 40 meters height!
Overnight in Asmat people village, who half century ago were known as headhunters and held in fear all neighbor tribes (including Korowai), and nowadays peacefully fish in Brazza river and visit Protestant Church.
Tracking on wet inhospitable jungles, wading rivers through or on fallen trees, sinking up to waist level in swamps, losing the way, orienting with the help of local guides by the sun at daytime and by stars at night time.
Rest on a desert beach in Pacific Ocean and nights under starry sky one-to-one with crabs and cicadas.
Papua, Indonesia
Best season: March – October
A 5-day trip on several airplanes, boats and on foot in rubber high boots across swamps of the Western part of the New Guinea island, which still remains the one of the last islands on Earth where people live in Stone Age. People from small tribe of Korowai build their houses high up in the canopy, hunt cassowaries, believe in spirits and in some remote parts of the jungle still practicing cannibalism.
Hunting with Korowai people, fishing in a traditional way by means of drying river bed, together with the whole village getting sago starch from sago palm tree trunk (which forms up to 90% of their ration!) and Korowai favorite treat – Capricorn beetle larvae, something which you may not refuse :)
Overnights in tents or together with the indigenous people in their house on iron tree built with no nails at 40 meters height!
Overnight in Asmat people village, who half century ago were known as headhunters and held in fear all neighbor tribes (including Korowai), and nowadays peacefully fish in Brazza river and visit Protestant Church.
Tracking on wet inhospitable jungles, wading rivers through or on fallen trees, sinking up to waist level in swamps, losing the way, orienting with the help of local guides by the sun at daytime and by stars at night time.
Rest on a desert beach in Pacific Ocean and nights under starry sky one-to-one with crabs and cicadas.
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5LOW PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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