Celebrating Crocodiles in Papua New Guinea

25/03/2019

Travel to eastern Papua New Guinea at the start of August, and you can be part of a festival that pays tribute to the crocodiles of the Sepik River, one of the largest unpolluted rivers in the Asia-Pacific region.

The WWF-supported crocodile festival in East Sepik highlights the importance of crocodile conservation and the species’ habitat along the Sepik River and is home to some of the world’s largest freshwater and saltwater crocodile populations. However, both species are threatened by ongoing mining, logging and agricultural activities, as well as the dangers of commercial exploitation of crocodile skin and eggs.

Traveller amenities in this region are basic but the chance to be amongst highland forest rich in fauna as well as uncontaminated freshwater wetland systems more than makes up for luxury facilities. Participate in ancient cultures and explore beautiful wilderness areas is a chance that you won’t be offered every day.

Sepik spirit houses
Sepik spirit houses

 

Animal life that calls this area home consists of much more than just crocodiles there are a variety of other reptiles including gigantic pythons, tiny lizards and a variety of snakes. Look out for marsupials as well as amazing birdlife including Birds of Paradise, Herons, eagles, Parrots and Cockatoos. There are also an extensive number of butterflies.

 

Whilst this region is a beautiful place to live, it can be described as challenging from a local perspective. The income that the communities make from visitors goes directly to pay for schooling, medicine, local infrastructure and everyday needs of the community. Visiting a region like this means you are helping to improve peoples lives and to protect their environment whilst also gaining valuable and memorable experience in a region that not many people can say they have visited.

The Sepik River is some 1,100 kilometres long and is geologically a relatively new feature in the landscape, perhaps only 6000 years old. Its catchment and tributaries cover 80,000 square kilometres. Like many other large rivers through coastal plains, there are many wide swaying bends, and cut-off bends resulting in oxbow lakes every season. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Sepik River’s region is thought to be the largest freshwater wetlands that still remain uncontaminated by humans. There are no large cities or industry along the Sepik River, which contributes to its pristine state. Despite the lack of development and industry in the Sepik River region, threats do exist. Proposed mining, invasive species, and industrial logging threaten the area.

If you like the sound of learning and discovering more about this fascinating festival and unique destination then why not join our small group tour, Ambunti Crocodile Festival. This is your opportunity to witness this region of Papua New Guinea, where humanity has frozen in time.

Make this experience yours, let us help you secure your spot on this amazing adventure of a lifetime – Ambunti Crocodile Festival. Contact us today!