Goroka Highland Festival
Goroka Highlands Journey
Sep 7-16, 2024
Held in September every year, the Goroka Cultural Show is famous for its dazzling array of sing-sing groups that showcase the unique traditional dress, song and dance of some of the many tribal groups of Papua New Guinea. This colourful and dazzling cultural demonstration offers a comprehensive glimpse into the ancient and hugely diverse tribal culture of the country.
From Port Moresby, your journey will take you into the heartland of the Papuan highlands. The highlands tribes were completely undiscovered until well into the first half of the twentieth century, when Australian surveyors wandered into the mountains and happened upon multiple mountain tribes.The acclaimed Ambua lodge is located in the mountains overlooking the Tari valley; the home of one of these most iconic mountain tribes. The Huli’s are most famous for their men’s hair-wigs and colourfully and artistic male bilas (traditional dress). Spend three days exploring the local Huli villages.
From Tari you will fly to the steamy Karawari jungle. The tribes of this remote area express their beliefs through their artistic sculptures,drums and tribal masks. Spend your days here traveling along the jungle-fringed waters of the Karawari river to reach the villages that line its shores where you can view their beautiful tribal art and catch a glimpse a traditional village life.
Your journey will culminate with the Goroka Cultural Show weekend. For the Goroka Show weekend you will take short 30 minute flights to and from the highlands town of Mount Hagen to Goroka to witness this dazzling spectacle. Depart the following day for your journey home.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff. You will then be transferred to your Hotel.
Overnight: STANLEY HOTEL (D)
Day 2: Ambua
This morning you will transfer from your hotel to Jackson's airport for your domestic Air Niugini flight to Mount Hagen, where you will continue your journey via small aircraft to the Ambua Lodge. Spend the afternoon enjoying Ambuas’ beautiful jungle trails that wind through lush rainforest, past gushing waterfalls and over traditional vine bridges.
Overnight: AMBUA LODGE (BLD)
Days 3 + 4: Highlands
Spend two days touring the villages and countryside of the iconic Huli tribe. Including a visit to the men’s hairwig school and the local villages to experience how this proud mountain tribe has evolved in the modern age, while still maintaining the stories, beliefs and traditions of their ancestors.
Overnights: AMBUA LODGE (BLD)
Day 5: Karawari
This morning, you are fly by charter aircraft to Karawari airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. From the airstrip, you will be transferred by river boat to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense tropical jungle. After lunch, travel by boat to a nearby village. Visit with the villagers and learn about the way they harvest and prepare sago, the staple food of the river people.
Overnight: KARAWARI LODGE (BLD)
Day 6: Karawari
Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide an insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area. A full day of excursions will enhance your understanding of traditional village culture in the Sepik region.
Overnight: KARAWARI LODGE (BLD)
Day 7: Mount Hagen
Fly by charter from Karawari to Mount Hagen. During the flight mountains rise up to startling heights out of the flat lands of the Sepik Basin. Mount Hagen town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley.
Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (BLD)
Day 8: Goroka
Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga Airport for your charter flight to Goroka. Meet and transfer to the Show Grounds. Full day at the show with buffet lunch provided at the show ground. Transfer from show to Goroka Airport for your return charter flight to Mt. Hagen. Arrive at Kagamuga airport, meet and transfer to Rondon Ridge.
Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (BLD)
Day 9: Goroka Show
Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga Airport for your charter flight to Goroka again. Meet and transfer to the Show Grounds. Full day at the show with buffet lunch provided at the show ground. Transfer from show to Goroka Airport for your return charter flight to Mt. Hagen. Arrive Kagamuga airport, meet and transfer to Rondon Ridge.
Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (BLD)
Day 10: to Port Moresby or onward travels
This morning you depart for Port Moresby.Upon arrival in Port Moresby, meet and further transfer to the ongoing international flight. (B)
* Contact us for current itinerary, pricing and availability.
