Goroka Classic Show
Goroka Classic Tour
Sep 5-17, 2024
The “Goroka Classic Tour” is an unescorted 13 day/12 night program. Escorted programs have the same guide throughout whereas with unescorted programs, you still have guides to assist you at each location, the only difference being that guides change at the different locations.
Your journey begins in Mount Hagen in the upper Waghi valley with a night at the luxurious Rondon Ridge, overlooking the Wahgi Valley, a valley unknown to the outside world until 70 years ago. From Mount Hagen travel by charter aircraft into the Sepik Region, for a 3-nights aboard our “floating lodge” the Sepik Spirit. Explore the waterways of the Sepik River and its tributaries. From there, travel across the majestic Central Ranges to Ambua Lodge located in the Hela Province in the land of the “Hulis". On the Friday of the show weekend, your charter aircraft will fly you to Goroka for two full days of show festivities before traveling back to Port Moresby.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Port Moresby to Mount Hagen
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your Air Niugini flight from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen; the heart of the PNG highlands. On arrival you will be transferred to Rondon Ridge. From its location in the mountains on the edge of the valley, Rondon Ridge boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.After settling in, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon on a guided birding and nature walk in the surrounding nature trails.
Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (D)
Day 2: Karawari
This morning fly by charter flight into the deep heart of the jungle where your wondrous journey continues at the Karawari Lodge in the Sepik region. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, the lodge boasts a spectacular view of hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Proceed with lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to a nearby village to learn about the customary process of harvesting and preparing the sago palm; the staple food for the Karawari tribes.
Overnight: KARAWARI LODGE (BLD)
Day 3: Sepik Spirit
After breakfast you will be transferred from Karawari Lodge to the comfort of the Sepik Spirit.Its’ unique design was inspired by the local art and architecture of the "Haus Tambaran" or Spirit House. Enjoy lunch onboard as you begin the cruise along the swirling waters of the Karawari River,cruising past the remote villages and wild jungle that line the banks of the river. This afternoon travel into one of the local villages to catch your first glimpse into the unique tribal traditions of the river people.
Overnight: SEPIK SPIRIT (BLD)
Days 4 + 5: Sepik
Your journey on this trip will focus on the tributary system of the Sepik River, beginning at the Karawari river and traveling to the Krosmeri river junction and Black Water Lakes.This extremely remote area of the East Sepik Province is home to some of the most untouched villages in the region. Find yourself meandering along the dark water as it weaves through thick jungle, past small riverside villages and men poling silently through the waters in traditional dugout canoes. More than just a cruise, each day you will travel via open-air jetboat to reach the remote villages, where you will learn the Sepik customs and experience their day to-day life in modern times (which still closely reflects their traditional tribal lifestyle).
Overnights: SEPIK SPIRIT (BLD)
Day 6: Ambua
This morning you will take a short flight across untouched rainforest and mountains to the Tari Valley. The Huli tribe that inhabit this area in the largest as well as one of the most colourful and iconic tribes of PNG. Once you arrive you will be transferred to Ambua Lodge; nestled at the edge of the lush green rainforest and overlooking the serene Tari Valley below. Spend the afternoon enjoying Ambua's winding forest trails that take you through lush rainforest, past gushing waterfalls and over traditional vine bridges. While on the nature walk you may chance to observe up to 13 species of the birds of paradise alongside a wide variety of coloured flowers, exotic plants and insects.
Overnight: AMBUA LODGE (BLD)
Day 7: Ambua
Spend one full day touring the villages and countryside of the iconic Huli tribe. The Huli's are famed for their colorful bilas (traditional dressing) and unique traditions. The Huli men pride themselves on their beautiful bilas with its elaborately constructed human hair headdress which they lavishly decorate with flowers, mosses and ornate bird feathers. Their bilas, combined with their unique sing sing is intended both to enrapture their audience, as well as intimidate enemies. Visit the men's wig school and tour 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.
Overnight: AMBUA LODGE (BLD)
Day 8: Mount Hagen Show
This morning fly to Mount Hagen. Today’s full day tour will include a visit to a local village of Kopeng, located 15km outside Mount Hagen city. Kopeng is a beautiful example of a Melpa village, entrenched in both the traditions of the past and the influences of the present. The villagers will proudly stage a mini show to share some of their central traditions, such as traditional methods of fire-making, log pulling, bamboo cooking and tapa cloth dressing. The main highlight of your day will be the traditional Melpa singsing group whom will proudly perform their celebratory dance for their honored guests.
Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (BLD)
Day 9: Goroka Show
Fly by charter from Mount Hagen to Goroka, which will be your base for the duration of 2022 Goroka Cultural Show.
Overnight: BIRD OF PARADISE HOTEL (BLD)
Days 10 + 11: Goroko Show
Spend two days at the Goroka Cultural Show. The show is truly a unique and splendid cultural experience unparalleled both in diversity and authenticity. It is a stunning reflection of the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea’s cultural landscape.The Show brings together more than 50 unique and colourful sing-sing groups from across Papua New Guinea; each of whom share their unique celebration display through colorful traditional dress, dance and song.
Overnights: BIRD OF PARADISE HOTEL (BLD)
Day 12: to Port Moresby
As your Goroka Classic tour draws to a close, you depart from Goroka to Port Moresby. In the afternoon enjoy a half-day city sightseeing tour which includes visits to the National Parliament (outside view only), and the National Museum. Time permitting, a visit will also be made to the Nature park, which is home to a wide variety of birds and animals of PNG.
Overnight: AIRWAYS HOTEL (BLD)
Day 13: Departure or onward travels
In the morning Trans Niugini Tours staff will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your outgoing international flight. (B)
* Contact us for up-to-date itinerary, availability and costs. Stay long and go diving!
