Papua New Guinea, a country full of cultural diversity and exuberant natural beauty, has become a new “heaven on earth” for lovers of cultural photography and birdwatching.

David Van Driessche, a renowned Belgian photographer and photographic travel leader, discovered this hidden treasure and decided to share it with the world. His adventure in this country has led to the creation of accommodations in remote tribal villages, where tourists and photographers can immerse themselves in the daily lives of local tribes and capture unique images.

Photographer David Van Driessche was looking for new locations for his photo trips when he decided to explore Papua New Guinea and its fascinating cultures. What started as a simple trip ended up becoming an unforgettable experience when he established a close friendship with the members of the tribe.

In addition to finding new friends and colorful settings for his photographic tours, Van Driessche managed to convince the tribes to build accommodations in their remote villages, thus providing visitors with a unique opportunity to live a “total immersion experience” in the culture and way of life of the tribes.

Today, several tribes are building small cabins and rooms using wood collected from the surrounding forests. These units are ingeniously designed, offering home comforts such as comfortable beds, showers and toilets. Due to the mild mountain climate, air conditioning is not necessary in these cabins.

Previously, tourists stayed in hotels located in distant cities, which limited the time they could spend with the tribes. However, thanks to these new cabins, Van Driessche can take groups of tourists and photographers from one tribe to another without having to return to the city. This allows visitors to obtain a more authentic and profound experience by living with the tribes and learning about their way of life.

Two of the most famous tribes in Papua New Guinea have built eco-lodges in collaboration with Van Driessche and American photographer Randy Hanna.

The Asaro Mudmen and Mindima Skeleton tribes now offer lodges for those wishing to explore their culture and participate in unique festivals and ceremonies. The Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge, located on the road between Goroka and Mount Hagen, has ten rooms and more are under construction.

Here, photographers can witness six different cultural events, from the Moko Moko victory dance of the Asaro warriors to the Gimmesave Fire Heads.

Just a two-hour drive from the Asaro Mudmen lodge is the Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge. This lodge offers five budget rooms and three deluxe rooms, and alongside the Skeleton tribe are the Insect Hunters, Dusk Shaker cultures and the famous Chimbu Bila with their impressive long feather headdresses.

In addition to these tribes, Van Driessche has two other eco-lodge projects underway. One is located in the Jiwaka province, with the Sekaka tribe, known for their elaborate headdresses made from the colorful feathers of different birds.

The other project is located in the Enga province, with the Suli Muli Black Face Tribe, an isolated ethnic group that has maintained its ancestral way of life. Both initiatives offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in unique and little-explored cultures.

In addition to the rich culture of Papua New Guinea, another attraction for visitors are the “birds of paradise” that inhabit the region. Of the 42 species of birds of paradise existing in the world, all – except two – are found in Papua New Guinea.

These birds, known for their spectacular and colorful plumage, are a challenge to capture in photographs due to their habitat, as they hide in the dense foliage. However, members of local tribes have acquired a deep knowledge about the habits of these birds and the places where they are found, which facilitates their location.

Papua New Guinea, a country that in the past was known for cannibalism, is today a safe destination for travelers in search of a colorful culture and unique tribal traditions.

The inhabitants of these tribes are eager to share their customs and history with tourists. If you are a photographer, a bird watcher or simply an adventurer, Papua New Guinea awaits you to offer an unforgettable life experience.