Goroka Show Adventure Group Tour

Land Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital city. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. After lunch enjoy a private sightseeing tour of Port Moresby. Stops include the fascinating National Museum, Port Moresby Nature Park, Parliament House (if open) and other points of interest including a local coastal village situated on the waterfront of Port Moresby. In the evening meet for an optional group dinner or drink where everyone can get acquainted. (B)

Return to the airport for the short flight to Goroka, nestled in the heart of the Eastern Highlands. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation. Settle in and enjoy the peaceful surroundings with some free time to relax or explore the grounds at your own pace. (B)

After breakfast depart for the showgrounds where the Goroka Show will take place. The Goroka Show is an annual festival that has been taking place since the 50’s. This fantastic event presents the opportunity for visitors to witness different tribes from all over the country who gather to display their culture, song and dance in rich colourful costumes, headpieces and magnificently painted bodies.

Early afternoon we stop for lunch and then transfer to a local village for an afternoon spent in a traditional village with the locals. Explore the village and learn how the locals cultivate their gardens and grow their own food sustainably.

Return to your accommodation in the afternoon. Free time. (B)

Enjoy the second day of the show today. Take in all the song and dance the local Highlanders have to offer. As the show winds down for the afternoon we travel outside of the city and visit Asaro Village. Witness the famous Asaro Mudmen present a cultural performance. The Asaro Mudmen are famous for wearing fierce looking masks, with their bodies covered in white mud which made them look like ghosts emerging from the morning mist, when attacking their rival tribes.

After the sing sing visit the “Mens Haus” and learn about the village, mingle with the locals and watch as they prepare a traditional lunch, called Mumu, where food is placed in the ground, covered by hot rocks and banana leaves. Return to your accommodation and free time. (B/L)

After breakfast, travel by private vehicle from Goroka to Mt Hagen, the second largest city in Papua New Guinea. Along the way, pass through scenic valleys, gorges, and remote villages, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. Stop at Daulo Pass, a stunning lookout at 2474m. Upon arrival, visit Mt Hagen’s bustling local market, one of the largest in the country, before checking in to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax. (B)

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before travelling to a remote village for a cultural mini show. The road to the village leads across the Highlands offering spectacular views of the region including Mt. Giluwe, PNG’s second highest peak. After witnessing the mass sing sing at the Goroka Show enjoy a more intimate experience where the villagers perform a number of their traditional sing sings showcasing their culture, song, dance and traditional dresses. Enjoy lunch in the village and be sure to mingle with the locals before you head back to Mount Hagen town. (B/L)

Take the charter flight to Simbai. Simbai is very remote and accessible only by small plane. Due to its remoteness there is a limited number of tourists visiting this area which makes this place and the experience very special. After an hour flight we land in the mountains of Simbai and are welcomed by enthusiastic crowds.

A local guide will meet the arriving plane and accompany guests to the Kalam Guesthouse. After lunch guests will have the opportunity to walk through the village and witness the traditional lifestyle still practiced here as well as the Kalam Festival celebrations which begin today. Enjoy the festivities, song and dance as the locals showcase their culture. Dinner and early night. (B/L/D)

The Kalam Festival takes place every year but, it’s only relatively recently that tourists have been allowed to participate and witness the ceremonies conducted during the two-day event. Ceremonies like initiation of young boys into manhood, bride’s price payment, dispute resolution are part of the annual gathering of neighbouring villages. Young men in their impressive green beetle headpieces present their traditional sing sing as part of the event. Guests are free to walk around villages, visit homes and participate in daily activities of the people, who still live the traditional lifestyle. The number of visitors is low which makes this unique experience intimate. (B/L/D)

Depart for the charter flight before catching an afternoon flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, relaxing or exploring at your own pace. (B)

Check out of your hotel by 10am. Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight from Papua New Guinea. If you wish, you can extend your journey and explore another region of the country. (B)