Goroka Classic Show Tour 2022
Tour Introduction
The Goroka Classic Show tour is an unescorted program, taking guests to various cultural highlights of Papua New Guinea, before ending in Goroka for the yearly cultural show. The tour begins in Mount Hagen in the upper Wahgi Valley, where guests spend a night at the resplendent Rondon Ridge in a valley which was only discovered by the outside world 70 years ago. The journey then takes you to Karawari, where guests board the Sepik Spirit – the ultimate floating lodge allowing all the comforts of civilisation on the Karawari River. Exploring the waterways of the Sepik River and its tributaries will unearth many interesting local villages and wonderful scenery. After three nights on board, transfer by river boat to Karawari Lodge, also in the Sepik Region. After a night at the lodge, fly to Tari Valley – the home of the flambouyant Huli, a colourful and proud people who still live largely as their ancestors did. Ambua Lodge is located high on the slopes of the Tari Valley, commanding magnificent views of the below valley and the surrounding peaks. Learn about the fascinating ecology, culture and history of this remote corner of the world. Next, head to Goroka to attend the famous two day Goroka Cultural Show where you will encounter the legendary Asaro mud men. Finally, return to Port Moresby to catch your outgoing international flight.
NB: This is an unescorted group, which means you will have a different local guide in each location.
Full Itinerary
Depart Singapore on Air Niugini flight to Port Moresby.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Arrive Port Moresby. Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of day free to relax (OPTIONAL afternoon tour to the Varirata National Park to see Raggiana Birds of Paradise displaying).
Staying at Airways Hotel. Includes No Meals.
Arrive in Port Moresby, where you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your Air Nuigini flight to Mount Hagen. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Rondon Ridge is perched high on Mount Kuta, commanding extraordinary views of the Wahgi Valley. Over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the forest surrounding the lodge, including 13 species of birds of paradise.
Staying at Rondon Ridge. Includes Dinner.
Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga Airport for charter flight to Karawari.
Transfer to Karawari Lodge. After lunch, enjoy a visit to Kundiman village for a sago making demonstration
Staying at Karawari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Transfer from Karawari lodge to the Sepik Spirit. This stationary floating lodge has nine spacious en-suite guestrooms and is uniquely designed in the style of the local 'haus tambaran' or spirit house. Enjoy lunch on board, before beginning your voyage of discovery to a local village.
Staying at Sepik Spirit. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy a full day touring the area from the Sepik Spirit, with picnic lunch provided. Visit local villages where the people are prolific an skilled carvers. From here you can purchase many fascinating items such as elaborately carved masks, hooks, ancestral figures, hand drums, baskets, bilums and gourds. Yous will also visit the remote Black Water Lakes.
Staying at Sepik Spirit. Includes All Meals.
Another day of exploration in the area, as detailed in day six. In the evening, the Sepik Spirit will cruise back to Karawari in preparation for early morning departure the following day.
Staying at Sepik Spirit. Includes All Meals.
Charter flight to TARI. Tfr to the lodge. Afternoon guided nature walk exploring the area surrounding Ambua.
Staying at Ambua Lodge. Includes All Meals.
A day of ecological and culturally based touring.
Staying at Ambua Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Fly by charter flight to Mount Hagen and transfer to the lodge. After lunch, enjoy a guided nature walk around the trails at the lodge.
Staying at Rondon Ridge. Includes All Meals.
Morning pick up from the lodge and transfer to airstrip. Take charter flight to Goroka, home of the famous and intriguing Asaro mudmen. This will be your base for the duration of the 2020 Goroka Cultural Show.
Staying at Bird of Paradise. Includes All Meals.
Pick up from the lodge and transfer to the show ground. Spend the day at Goroka show, a marvellous opportunity to gain an overview of PNG cultural diversity. Amongst the performers are the legendary mud men of Asaro. Later transfer back to the hotel.
Staying at Bird of Paradise. Includes All Meals.
Pick up from the lodge and transfer to the show ground. Spend another day at Goroka show.
Staying at Bird of Paradise. Includes All Meals.
Morning pick up from the lodge and transfer to the airport. Catch flight to Port Moresby. Met on arrival and assisted with connection to Air Niugini flight to Singapore.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Download the full details of this itinerary and start planning your trip today.
Download FileTour Accommodation
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Airways Hotel
Airways Hotel
Overview
The luxurious Airways Hotel art deco-style hotel was built in 1987 very close to the international airport at Port Moresby. Facilities include restaurant, bar, lounge, outdoor tennis court, swimming pool with separate children’s pool, spa, gym, conference centre, 24-hour reception desk, currency exchange and ATM.
The comfortable and modern rooms have cable TV, phone, safe, ceiling fan, mini-bar, balcony and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is available at a surcharge.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private facilities, cable TV, restaurant, bar and lounge, outdoor tennis court, swimming pool with separate children’s pool, spa, conference centre, safety deposit box, 24-hour reception desk, currency exchange and ATM.
Optional Activities
Guided tours of Port Moresby.
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Rondon Ridge
Rondon Ridge
Overview
Rondon Ridge is a modern lodge situated at 7100 feet on Kum Mountain, near Mt Hagen, enjoying magnificent views of the Hagen Range, Mount Giluwe, the Sepik Divide, the Baiyer Gap and Wahgi Valley. The climate is one of pleasant, spring-like weather. Guests are accommodated in spacious, simply decorated rooms, each featuring 180-degree views, modern bathroom, electric blankets and duvets for the cool highland evenings. The main building houses the lounge, bar, dining room, conference centre and is warmed by a cosy fireplace. There is 24-hour electricity supplied by its own hydroelectric power plant.
Rondon Ridge is a 40-minute drive from Mount Hagen and close to pristine rainforest,. There are abundant orchids and amphibians. This is the land of the Melpa tribe and visitors can observe their traditional customs and lifestyles.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, lounge, 24-hour electricity, conference centre, electric blankets, seating area and TV and a fireplace.
Local Wildlife
180 bird species including Macgregors’s bowerbird and brown sicklebill, and 10 species of bird of paradise including Stephanie’s astrapia, the superb bird of paradise and King of Saxony. Amphibians and orchids are abundant. Mammals are present but are extremely difficult to see.
Optional Activities
Bird and wildlife watching excursions in the local rainforest and cultural activities such as visits to Melpa villages.
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Karawari Lodge
Karawari Lodge
Overview
Perched upon an isolated ridge amid a huge expanse of lowland rainforest in one of the remotest parts of PNG, attractive Karawari Lodge can only be reached by boat, and light aircraft which land at its private airstrip. It is the highest grade accommodation in the area.
Accommodation is in rustic yet comfortable cottages built of local bush materials. The main building, in the shape of a haus tambaran (spirit house of the local Arambak people) contains a dining area, lounge and bar. There is 220-volt electricity, hot water showers, ceiling fans, mosquito netted beds and veranda with a beautiful vista.
Wake up to the chattering of lorikeets and eclectus parrots and enjoy a programme of tours which include guided walks, boat trips and cultural displays.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Dining room, lounge, bar, electricity, ceiling fans, mosquito nets and verandas.
Local Wildlife
The bird watching in the area is superb, much of it observable from the lodge. At least 229 species have been recorded in the area, including twelve-wire bird of paradise and various species of cockatoos, parrots, hornbills and water birds. The forest also contains a large diversity of orchids and amphibians.
Optional Activities
Excursions to local villages, cultural displays, river boat trips, bird watching and forest hikes. For the adventurous, overnight stays in the local village can be arranged.
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MV Sepik Spirit
MV Sepik Spirit
Overview
The purpose-built Sepik Spirit was originally used as a tourist cruise vessel along the Sepik River. It is now moored at a strategic location next to Kaminimbit Village on the Sepik River and nowadays acts as a comfortable (stationary) floating lodge. There are only nine spacious en suite guest rooms equipped with large windows and air conditioning. Other facilities include a dining room, well stocked bar and lounge as well as an insect proof roof top observatory deck.
The Sepik Spirit keeps 18-seater speedboats to take visitors deep into the remote tributaries and mingle with the local tribal communities. These isolated settlements are still relatively unscathed by modern life and still live in very traditional ways, their fascinating cultures finding expression in the many tribal carvings and artefacts for which the region is justifiably famous.
The only tourism access to the Sepik River is by light aircraft from Mount Hagen or Ambua Lodge on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, bar, lounge and air conditioning.
Optional Activities
Cultural tours and wildlife spotting along the Sepik River and its tributaries.
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Ambua Lodge
Ambua Lodge
Overview
Set in the Southern Highlands at 7000ft with stunning views of the Tari Valley below, long-established Ambua Lodge is an inspired example of environmentally sensitive building. The lodge offers two styles of accommodation: individual thatched bungalows built in traditional highlands style, and a main block with modern hotel rooms. A small hydroelectric unit supplies the electricity. Ambua is a perfect base from which to explore neighbouring Huli villages, and nature walks taken around the lodge and at the nearby Tari Gap offer excellent opportunities for bird of paradise sightings and encounters.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, electric blankets, private bathrooms, 24-hour electricity.
Local Wildlife
The Tari Valley and forest around Ambua is a birder’s paradise. Although many species can be seen, it is particularly famous for birds of paradise, of which 13 species can be regularly spotted (some actually in the lodge grounds). Those include the spectacular blue bird of paradise and the bizarre black sicklebill with its energetic courtship display. Other montane species include lesser melampitta, Stephanie’s astrapia, yellow-browed melidectes and the notorious skulking Forbes’s forest rail.
Optional Activities
Birdwatching excursions in the Tari valley and visits to local Huli wigmen villages.
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Bird of Paradise Hotel
Bird of Paradise Hotel
Overview
This simple hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Goroka Town, with views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The hotel has 3 bars and a restaurant with an a la Carte menu featuring Asian, European and modern Pacific Rim dishes.
The standard rooms are small and simple, with en-suite facilities, while the more spacious premier rooms are more comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, mini fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Wi-Fi is also available (charged locally).
Other facilities include a small swimming pool, gym/ fitness room, laundry service, room service, and currency exchange.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private facilities, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, Wi-Fi (charges apply), laundry service and currency exchange.
Optional Activities
Cultural tours in the Goroka villages where the Asaro mud men tribes are found. The famous Goroka show held every year close to Independence day (16 September), when over 100 native tribes from around the country gather to showcase their traditional dance, dress and music.
Route Map
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Departure Dates
Tour Dates
Adult Price
Single Supp
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
Yes
Flight Info:
Return flight with Air Niugini from Singapore to Port Moresby are included. Please enquire for flight fares from London Heathrow.
Best Visited:
May to October
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
Extensions are possible, please ask for more details.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Of all the very special places in the world, Papua New Guinea is unique. Those happy, honest, open people and the spectacular natural world they inhabit deserve protection and censervation.
