Who we Are?

Sepik Adventure Tours is a proudly locally owned inbound tour operator based in Wewak, East Sepik Province. Founded and operated for over 30 years by the late Alois Mateos, the business is now carried forward by his son, Paul Mateos, who continues the tourism legacy his father began. For the Mateos family, tourism has always been more than a livelihood—it has been a way of life, a journey shared with visitors from around the world.

Today, we warmly welcome all our friends and esteemed guests to experience the Sepik with us. The Spirit of Tourism lives on, and we remain dedicated to sharing the rich traditions, stories, and cultural treasures of our communities.

Whether you are a returning friend or connecting with us for the first time, we sincerely invite you to reach out and book your next adventure with Sepik Adventure Tours.

From canoe journeys along the Sepik River and immersive village visits to cultural festivals and cruise shore excursions, we offer trusted, safe, and authentic itineraries tailored to your interests.

If you are looking for a genuine blend of authenticity, cultural immersion, and local expertise, Sepik Adventure Tours is your ideal choice.

Canoe Journeys

Festivals

Cruise Excursions

Explore our Tour Packages

Adventurous Canoe Ride

Explore Sepik River—meet locals, experience traditions, and authentic river life.

NEW COLLECTION

Fesitval Celebrations

Come enjoy our unique festivals. Common being the Crocodile Festival.

Island Visits & Surfing

Come visit the pristine islands, beautiful sea shores, amazing islanders.

Festivals of east sepik

East Sepik is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals that celebrate tradition, community, and identity. The Tongra Mula Festival showcases traditional dances, songs, and rituals highlighting unity and heritage. The Yam Festival marks harvest time with feasts, ceremonies, and exchanges symbolizing fertility and prosperity. The iconic Crocodile Festival along the Sepik River honors the crocodile as a spiritual totem, featuring scarification rituals, cultural performances, and river traditions. Together, these festivals offer visitors an immersive experience into the living culture of the Sepik people.

TONGRA MULA FESTIVAL

Celebrates Sepik traditions with dance, music, art, and rituals showcasing community unity and cultural identity.

APANGAI YAM FESTIVAL

Marks the harvest, honoring ancestral spirits with feasting, dance, and ceremonies symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and communal exchange.

CROCODILE FESTIVAL

Crocodile Festival

Honors the crocodile’s spiritual significance with scarification rituals, dances, and displays, celebrating strength, heritage, and Sepik River identity.

Festivals & Events - 2025

Explore authentic cultural experiences with our diverse tour itineraries in East Sepik.

Wewak Highlights + Canoe & Village Tour

What to Expect

• Explore key cultural and historical sites around Wewak—such as WWII landmarks and village visits (sometimes branded as "Wewak Highlights" or "Maur Village experience")

• Transfer by vehicle through the Prince Alexander Range to reach Pagwi—your gateway to the Sepik River

• Embark on a motorized canoe journey along the river, visiting village communities and exploring their traditions (e.g., Haus Tambaran, carving demonstrations)

Middle Sepik Cultural Tour (3–5 Days)

Overview

• Ideal for immersing deeply in local culture and traditional river life.

• Often includes visiting the “crocodile men” who practice sacred scarification rituals and exploring the Haus Tambaran spirit houses.
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Sample Itinerary Highlights

1. Day 1: Arrival in Wewak and overnight at a local hotel.

2. Day 2: Drive to Pagwi, then canoe upstream to Palimbei–Kanganaman.

3. Day 3: Full-day tour of Middle Sepik villages—meet artists, witness rituals, and stroll through spirit houses.

4. Day 4: Return via canoe to Pagwi and drive back to Wewak.

5. Day 5: Transfer to Wewak airport or extend your journey.

Festival-Based Cultural Trip

• Timed around the Sepik Crocodile & Arts Festival, this brings visitors deep into local culture with performances, village life, and artisan experiences.

• Includes domestic flights, river travel, festival attendance, and special birdwatching excursions.
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Typical Flow

• Fly from Port Moresby → Wewak, with overnight at a boutique hotel.

• Road trip through scenic ranges to Pagwi, then canoe to Wagu Lagoon upstream.

• Stay several nights in a Wagu guesthouse; enjoy foam-mattress accommodations with power at night.

• Attend festival performances over two days, visit remote villages like Meno and Tongijamb, and take dawn birding trips.

• Return through Middle Sepik to Wewak after the festival.

Sepik Crocodile Festival Tour (6–7 Days)

How to get Here

Flight Options to Wewak (Boram Airport – WWK)

1. Direct from Port Moresby

   • Air Niugini and PNG Air operate daily direct flights from Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport) to Wewak (Boram Airport).

   • Duration: about 1 hour 40 minutes.

   • This is the fastest and most reliable option for international tourists.

2. Via Mount Hagen (Domestic Connection)

   • Some flights route Port Moresby → Mount Hagen (Kagamuga Airport), then connect to Wewak.

   • Useful if travelers are touring the Highlands Region (Mount Hagen, Goroka, Tari) before heading to Sepik.

   • Flight time is longer, and availability is more limited than direct services.

Recommendation for Tourists:

• For first-time visitors → Direct from Port Moresby is easiest.

• For cultural explorers combining Highlands & Sepik Tours → consider the via Mount Hagen route.

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