Australia’s Coral Expeditions is allowing adventurous travellers to take a trip up the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea.

The company has unveiled plans for a short series of four expeditions, departing from Madang on Papua’s north coast on 6, 13, 20 and 27 February 2018.

The new seven-day itineraries will see the Coral Expeditions I cruise boat travel inland as far as the middle Sepik, “where,” the company claims, “few have ventured before”. Guests will visit local tribes, pass through rainforests and view local species including birds of paradise. Smaller vessels will also be used to allow passengers to explore the river’s tributaries.

“Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations with many areas isolated and difficult to access. Having explored the Lower Sepik River for many years, our interest to explore further has led to the introduction of our Sepik River Discovery Expedition. This provides a unique opportunity to explore rarely visited sites of the Middle Sepik,” said Mark Fifield, Coral Expeditions’ group general manager.

“We have collaborated with experts, with many decades of experience and relationships with these remote communities, to assist with the planning and navigation of our expedition vessel Coral Expeditions I for this program. These expeditions offer our guests a true journey of exploration into new frontiers whilst supporting the local communities we visit.”

Coral Expeditions I can carry 44 passengers in a series of spacious cabins and staterooms, some of which have private balconies. It also features a sun deck and dining room.