Categories
Pages
 
+1 (484) 320-7442
+675 7690 0412

18-Day Papua New Guinea Extended Goroka Cultural Show and Kalam Festival Experience

  • Duration: 18 Days (approx.)
  • Product code: PUQ7MQ

18-Day Papua New Guinea Extended Goroka Cultural Show and Kalam Festival Experience

Take in Papua New Guinea's vibrant culture and fascinating culture on this 18-day insightful adventure! 


In this tour, immerse yourself into Papua New Guinea's rich cultural heritage by experiencing the Goroka Show, Kalam Festival, and the Sepik Plains. Join in the fun as you watch the Goroka Cultural Show, which showcases a gathering of over 100 tribes in the heart of Papua New Guinea's eastern highlands. Learn about fascinating traditional customs and practices as you immerse yourself in the interesting Kalam Festival, witnessing traditional bride price exchanges and coming-of-age ceremonies, as well as mumu preparations and celebratory feasts. Explore the vast Sepik Plains, enjoy the tranquility and scenic landscapes, and even get a glimpse into the locals’ way of life. You will also enjoy the sing-sing performances, which showcase Papua New Guinea's unique culture, giving you a unique perspective of its dynamic cultural diversity.


Seize this once-in-a-life opportunity to experience the rich and colorful cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea!


Itinerary


Day 1 - Port Moresby - Goroka

Arrive at Port Moresby International Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your connecting flight to Goroka. Upon arrival, take time to rest and get ready for the upcoming festivities. 


Day 2 - Goroka

Spend the day exploring Goroka and its surrounding areas! Enjoy the pleasant highland climate as well as its picturesque landscapes. Visit the Asaro Village to watch a cultural performance by the famed Asaro Mudmen and get an insight into their history and culture. 


Day 3 - Goroka

Embark on a full-day trek across the Goroka Mountains, with the goal of observing birds of paradise and discovering the picturesque scenery.


Day 4 - Goroka Show

Start the day with a delightful breakfast before heading towards the Goroka Showgrounds. Enjoy the Goroka Show, a yearly festival that has been held since the 1950s. This spectacular festival allows tourists to observe several tribes from across the country assemble to display their culture, singing, and dance in vibrant costumes, attractive headpieces, and exquisitely painted bodies. Enjoy the wonderful sing sing performances by different tribes before heading to a nearby local village in the afternoon to spend time with the locals. You will explore the village and see how the locals grow their crops as well as how Mumus prepare traditional meals.


Day 5 - Goroka - Mount Hagen

Depart Goroka after breakfast and travel by private vehicle to Mount Hagen, passing through numerous villages and see locals going about their daily lives. You will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery as you drive through rugged terrain with canyons and valleys. Upon arrival in Mount Hagen, stop by at one of the largest local markets in the country and check out some of the local produce.


Day 6 - Mount Hagen

Spend the entire day near Kumul Lodge, a magnificent place in a high altitude rainforest where you can learn about the locals' way of life and enjoy bird watching. A wonderful opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature!


Day 7 - Mount Hagen - Simbai Valley

Take a short charter flight to the remote Simbai Valley, where you will check into your accommodation to freshen up and get ready for the upcoming festivities. You will also get the opportunity to walk around the village and see how the traditional way of life is still practiced in the community.


Day 8-9 - Kalam Festival

Participate in the spectacular Kalam Festival filled with vibrant festivities and lively performances. Witness a variety of traditional customs and practices throughout the festival, including traditional bride price exchanges and coming-of-age ceremonies as well as mumu preparations and celebratory feasts. You will also have the chance to mingle with the locals and enjoy the wonderful sing-sing performances of the Simbai tribe.


Day 10 - Kalam Festival - Mount Hagen

Continue the celebration of the Kalam Festival. Enjoy the festivities, song and even dance performances as the locals showcase their culture. After lunch, say goodbye to Simbai Valley, return to Mount Hagen via charter flight, and then to Port Moresby. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.


Day 11 - Mount Hagen

Depart early in the morning for Kagai, a village in Simbu province. The route is not good, yet it offers amazing scenic views. After arriving in Kundiawa, take a more narrow route to reach Kagai. You will spend your time here getting to know the village and its people. Enjoy the specially cooked meals, a walk through the village, and many local traditional activities.


Day 12 - Mount Hagen - Wewak

Take an early morning flight to Wewak, where the vast Sepik Plain is waiting for you. Learn about the main means of transportation in the region as you travel upstream in a motorized canoe to the village of Kanganamun, where you may encounter representatives of the famed crocodile men.


Day 13-15 - Sepik Plains

Spend the next two days exploring the vast Sepik Plains. Experience the distinct cultures of the Middle Sepik as you explore Kanganamun as well as learn more about extracting starch flour from sago palms and fishing along the river from the locals. A mini festival of the Sepik cultures will be organized in Kanganamun, where you will witness rare dances and meet several types of indigenous people. As you navigate through the river's winding arms, discover intricate carvings, elaborate body ornaments, and impressive spirit dwellings. You will also realize how far you have come as you experience the breathtaking moment when the sun sets behind the Prince Alexander Mountains. 


Day 16 - Sepik Plains - Wewak

Return to Wewak after saying farewell to the magnificent Sepik Plains. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.


Day 17 - Wewak - Port Moresby

Depart Wewak early in the morning and head back to Port Moresby. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own leisure. You can check out the bustling local markets as well as the renowned cultural landmarks in the city.


Day 18 - Port Moresby

Check out from the hotel after breakfast, then transfer to Port Moresby International Airport for your onward destination.


Inclusions

  • Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

  • 17 Nights Accommodation

  • Breakfast (17)

  • Lunch (16)

  • Dinner (16)

  • English-Speaking Local Guide

  • Transportation as Per Itinerary

  • Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary


Exclusions

  • Local and International Flights

  • Drinks and Meals Not Mentioned

  • Optional Activities Not Mentioned

  • Visas

  • Travel Insurance

  • Personal Expenses

  • Gratuities (Optional)


Additional Information

  • This experience involves a moderate amount of walking; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

  • This experience requires good weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

  • This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. 

  • If there is insufficient time for all attractions/activities//destinations on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions/destinations. 

  • Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

  • Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

  • Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.

Start Booking Now

    Name

    Email

    Phone (Optional)

    Desired Start Date of Travel

    Group Size

    Home Country

    Subject

    Message

    Reviews
    4.7/5 - (27 votes)
    “Sam himself was a great guide, very reliable, responsible, honest, and hard working. Anyhow, in my opinion the tour was largely a great success. I have great memories from the experience and great pictures too.Thanks again."

    -James Maccallan, USA, Goroka to Madang Walk and Madang Extension

    Book This Tour Now Or Customize
    PNG Value Tours

    Last Minute Goroka Show - Budget Tour

    Four colorfully adorned Papua New Guinean men in traditional attire, including face paint, headdresses, and instruments, stand in a row against a backdrop of tents and trees.
    from $1,450.00
    • Duration: 4 Days (approx.)
    • Product code: PDBZ72

    Last-Minute Goroka Show Package - Budget

    Itinerary:


    Day 1:Friday, September 19

     Upon arrival in Goroka, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your guesthouse. Enjoy dinner and settle in for your first night in preparation for the festival.


    Day 2: Saturday, September 20

    Begin your first full day at the Goroka Show with VIP access and your guide. Experience the vibrant traditional dances, colorful costumes, and cultural performances. A packed lunch will be provided to take along, and you will return to your guesthouse in the afternoon.


    Day 3: Sunday, September 21

    Spend your second day at the festival exploring more performances and traditional displays. Visit the John McCarthy Museum within the festival grounds while enjoying VIP entry and the guidance of your expert host. A packed lunch is included, and you will return to your guesthouse in the afternoon.


    Day 4: Monday, September 22

     After breakfast, you will be transferred to Goroka Airport for your departure. (Overnight accommodation in Port Moresby is not included.)

    Included:

    This package includes three nights of basic accommodation in Goroka, VIP passes to the Goroka Show, expert guides throughout the festival, and transfers to and from the Showgrounds.


    Not Included:

    This package does not include domestic or international flights, accommodation in Port Moresby, meals and drinks outside of the included dinner and breakfast, medical, cancellation, or travel insurance, or tips.


    Start Booking Now
    Reviews
    4.7/5 - (27 votes)
    “Hi, Jasmine.Here are a few of my favorite moments...and my photos (public Facebook albums)Hogave, Lufa
    • Day 1: I am warmly greeted by David Kima, who recounts the story and conservation movement of Hogave. We arrive in the middle of the local village mourning of a recently deceased member, a very rare and local experience, totally unplanned. After 3 hours of very rocky road driving, I arrive at the Hogave Conservation Centre welcomed by two villagers who performed a traditional wind instrument that very few locals can play, and incredibly, I become only the second (or third) tourist ever to stay here.
    • Day 2: I trek through a truly "virgin" rain forest, one of very few remaining in the world (Congo, Amazon, and PNG), guided by three locals bushwhacking the way with machetes, climb a very wild and steep mountain side equivalent of 200 floors (according to my iPhone) to become the first tourist to reach the top of Mt. Michael. (The way down in the pouring rain was our least favorite moment.) As someone who has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, I can truthfully say this was a much more challenging level of difficulty - There the most I've climbed in one day was 134 floors, 3-4 hours max, with a different day dedicated to a descent, but in Michael, it was 200 floor, up and down in one day, for 10-12 hours, with far steeper and unpaved paths without camps. This hike/trek is only for the fittest of the fit!
    • Day 3: I become the first tourist to visit and stay overnight at Hogave Village, an isolated and remote hour-and-a-half walk from HCC, and join the villagers in peeling potatoes and taro, preparing, and eating mumu. I stay overnight with David (another David) and his family.
    • Day 4: I join the villagers gathered to enjoy a traditional hunting performance
    • Day 5: I get cellular reception for the first time since I arrive in PNG and get to upload and share my first batch of photos with my friends. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.837672754956.1073741876.3501655&type=3
    Rabaul/KokopoI hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if I can add more information for future visitors.Thank you for the one-of-a-kind memories!"

    -Grace Forker, Comprehensive Multi-Destination PNG Expedition

    Book This Tour Now Or Customize

    Last Minute Goroka Show - Budget Tour

    SAFETY NOTICE

    PLEASE READ, ALL OF THIS, THEN PROCEED:

    Welcome to Papua New Guinea from the team at PNGVT. Here we use expert guides who grew up in each respective region of the island we offer trips in, both local and international staff, who have all guided for decades, including for government, PNG National Tourism, celebrities, companies, cruise ships, families and businessmen, miners and divers, as well as solo travelers. We have run trips in every region of PNG each year, including some that no other company can. But...

    That is because PNG is one of the most difficult, and one of the most expensive countries, on earth. This is unique and this is probably the last country you should visit on your list, because it will really not be easy. This is the final frontier. The trip prices here are the minimum viable cost of the tour with a guide and organization. (PNG is NOT a safe place for independent travelers except for a few places)

    We realize if you are interested in PNG you may consider yourself adventurous or well-traveled, or smart and knowledgable about how to do any trip. This is ok, and respect due and many of us here share those values - However if you are looking for a tour operator you can use to spend as little as possible, feel entitled to foist your whims on the guide or staff and use them, or to change your tour at will on the fly, we kindly request you consider a different country. If you were shopping to get a Southeast-Asia, African Safari, or backpacker-priced package trip...where everything goes exactly to an itinerary, without flexibility, then we and PNG are probably not for you.

    PLEASE READ and re-read the briefing room. Do you understand the rules and terms and conditions? (https://pngvaluetours.com/briefing-room/)

    OUR TOURS ARE THE CHEAPEST TOURS ON EARTH, IN NATION, AND IN THE WORLD, FOR PNG. PERIOD.

    Try to calculate and plan this trip out for yourself before you ask for any discounts. The prices here are final, do not need a group to go, and do not have set dates (You can go any date you want and tours are private tours!) Sorry but we will not entertain versions of these trips you have heard on Lonely Planet Thorntree or TripAdvisor . Any traveler is free to attempt this destination on their own, and we wish them luck.

    Also, beware of a lot of blacklisted resellers as well as fake competitors selling their own tours on forums pretending to be "travel community" that are more expensive competing tour companies, such as "PNG Travel Geek," "TravelatiPNG," "PNGTourismGovOfficials" and other fake aliases on forums - spamming the web and us. There is a lot of mis and disinformation about PNG. Such as here.

    We do have some comfortable, relaxing, even some luxury trips on the coasts and in the dive spots that are not in the interior, mostly, where we can get great discounts, but FOR STANDARD PRICED, RATHER THAN BUDGET-PRICE TRIPS IN PNG, PLEASE VISIT TNT - www.pngtours.com (not www.pngvaluetours.com - we are NOT the same company.) TNT (transniugini tours) under PNG National Tourism is recommended, and do a good job.)

    We apologize for the screening process here, but it is for your own sake and since we have already had dangerous clients (usually solo travelers in these cases) who have caused problems here for themselves and their guides by not reading what they are doing, where they are going, and the rules, and being dishonest to get discounts or compensation for their own changes or choices, or general intent. You are welcome if you follow the rules and understand where you are going. We would rather you not travel with us if you are going to be an reckless, entitled, or don't do your homework. This is important - Thanks for your understanding.

    This will be one of your favorite countries by the time you depart. We do commit that to you, regardless of how many you saw on the map, and if you are serious, please first decide on a trip with us, and then we may have somebody in PNG in that region speak to you on the phone and make sure you are prepared to go.

    Thanks from the entire team, and...

    Welcome to Papua New Guinea!!!!

    I AGREE AND UNDERSTAND 100% - WELCOME TO PNG!