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.