Goroka Show 2023 with Mount Hagen Birding, Madang and Sepik River
Tour Introduction
This is an exceptional group tour led by local expert guides and combining many of Papua New Guinea’s cultural and birding highlights. Begin with a simple highland lodge near Mount Hagen for the rare opportunity to see numerous birds of paradise. Then continue your special adventure with the spectacular Goroka Show, the largest cultural extravanganza in the country in which more than 100 tribes display their music and dancing skills over the two glorious days of this extraordinary sing-sing. Next comes the Pacific coastal resort of Madang for snorkeling on some of the world’s best reefs and relaxation time by the sea. Finally, explore the Sepik River by motorised canoe with a two-night stay in a river settlement, allowing full immersion in the local life and culture of the longest river in the island of New Guinea. Your final night in Port Moresby includes a visit to nearby Varirata National Park for the chance to spot Raggiana bird of paradise, PNG’s resplendent national bird and a fitting end to an extraordinary trip.
Full Itinerary
Depart Singapore on Air Niugini flight to Port Moresby
Includes In-flight Meals.
Arrive Port Moresby and connect with Air Niugini flight to Mount Hagen. Met and transfer to the lodge.
Staying at Kumul Lodge. Includes No Meals.
Visit selected birding site. Target birds include King of Saxony, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia and Blue Bird of Paradise.
Staying at Kumul Lodge. Includes Breakfast.
Visit selected birding site. Target birds include King of Saxony, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia and Blue Bird of Paradise.
Staying at Kumul Lodge. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer by road to Goroka. En route witness the Oma Masalai performance. Transfer to the hotel.
Staying at Pacific Gardens Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Spend the day at the Goroka Show.
Staying at Pacific Gardens Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Spend the day at the Goroka Show.
Staying at Pacific Gardens Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer by road to Madang. En route stop at Yonki Hydro Dam. Transfer to the hotel
Staying at Madang Resort Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Morning harbour cruise to include a visit to Siar Island and Pig Island for snorkelling. Afternoon tour to Amele villages, including Hobe, Suyao and Haya with sing sing performance at Haya Village.
Staying at Madang Resort Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport and catch flight to Wewak. Met and transfer to the hotel.
Staying at In Wewak Boutique Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer by road to Pagwi and commence Sepik Rive canoe Safari to Wagu Lake.
Staying at Wagu Guest House. Includes All Meals.
Early morning visit to the nearby Rainforest to see the Lesser Bird of Paradise. Later, visit the Wasukuk area Blackwater tributaries - Meno, Tonginmjam with sing sing included at one of the villages.
Staying at Wagu Guest House. Includes All Meals.
Return to Pagwi by canoe, then transfer by road to Maprik and enjoy a mini cultural show. After the show, transfer by road to Wewak. Transfer to the hotel.
Staying at In Wewak Boutique Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to the airport and catch PNG Air flight to Port Moresby. Met on arrival and visit the Adventure Park.
Staying at Stanley Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Early morning visit to Varirata National Park to see Raggiana Bird of Paradise. Return to the hotel, then transfer to the airport. Catch 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
Kumul Lodge
Overview
Owned and run by local people, Kumul Lodge stands at 2,800m (8,500 ft) above sea level in a montane forest area near Mt Hagen. The word kumul means bird of paradise in Pidgin English: there are not many other properties in PNG where you can see wild birds of paradise inside the lodge grounds, sometimes even from your room. Nearly 100 avian species have been recorded in the lodge grounds alone, including three species of birds of paradise, and more can be found at nearby sites at various altitudes on guided tours.
Kumul Lodge was locally designed and built with regional natural materials and all the staff are from the local community. Accommodation is in simple rooms with private bathroom. There is also a stove to keep the lodge warm in the cool evenings and electric blankets are provided on the beds.
The lodge has a strong ethos concerning the environment and uses some of its funds to increase awareness of the vulnerability of the forest and the birds among the local population. The local owners hope that eventually the area will be declared a national park and are working towards that end.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant / bar, en suite rooms, feeding platform for birds
Local Wildlife
The lodge’s feeders encourage a plethora of birds into the lodge grounds and create outstanding photographic opportunities. Some which regularly visit the feeders include smoky honeyeater, Brehm’s tiger parrot, Belford’s melidectes, brown sicklebill, ribbon-tailed astrapia, island thrush, Belford’s melidectes, Brehm’s tiger parrot and chestnut forest rail. There are trails through excellent moss forest where crested satinbird, lesser melampitta and New Guinea woodcock might be encountered. Excursions from the lodge can produce sightings of blue, King of Saxony, and lesser birds-of-paradise. For instance, on a guided visit to Pigites Site at 2,500m (7600 ft) one can find King of Saxony bird of paradise, Princess Stephanie’s astrapia, Loria’s satinbird, wattled ploughbill, regent whistler, tit berrypecker, black-breasted boatbill and garnet robin.
Optional Activities
Guided birdwatching in the local forest and excursions to visit tribal villages.
Pacific Gardens Hotel
Overview
The Pacific Gardens Hotel is a simple but comfortable hotel located in the lush Pacific Gardens Estate close to the airport in Goroka. The property, one of the best options in Goroka, is within a safe gated park with walking trails and BBQ area.
The hotel has a well-stocked bar and lounge, and a good a la carte restaurant serving international and traditional Papuan dishes.
The standard rooms are small and simple with en suite facilities, while the spacious premier rooms are set further away and much more comfortable and spacious, having en suite bathroom and direct dial phones. Wi-Fi is available in the main building (charged locally) and there are self-catering apartments for rent.
Other facilities include conference room, laundry service, room service, currency exchange, gift shop and pleasant gardens to enjoy.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private facilities, restaurant, bar, lounge, direct dial telephones, Wi-Fi (charges apply), laundry service and currency exchange.
Optional Activities
Cultural tours in Goroka villages where the Asaro mud men tribes are found. The famous Goroka show is held every year close to Independence day (16 September), when over 100 different tribes from around the country gather to showcase their traditional dance, dress and music.
Madang Resort Hotel
Overview
A large comfortable hotel ideally located at the entrance of the beautiful Madang harbour. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and offers a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets from standard rooms to executive waterfront bungalows.
The standard rooms are small and simple with en suite facilities, while the spacious en suite premier rooms are much more comfortable and spacious, recently refurbished with flat screen tv and balconies overlooking Dallman Passage.
The hotel has two restaurants including the new “Haus Win” featuring open dining along the waterfront.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private facilities, 2 restaurant, 2 bars, 4 swimming pools, tennis courts, air conditioned gymnasium and fitness centre, as well as a lagoon with kayaks and canoes available for guests. There is a dive shop with full PADI Dive training facility.
Local Wildlife
Hundreds of species of coral, small fish, larger pelagic species including barracuda, jacks, rays and turtles.
Optional Activities
Snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, jungle hiking, coastal boat tours and tours to BilBil village,
In Wewak Boutique Hotel
Overview
In Wewak Boutique Hotel is a beautiful colonial-style property situated on a hillside on the outskirts of Wewak town overlooking the beautiful Bismarck Sea.
The rooms have private facilities, fridges, direct dial telephones, flat-screen satellite TV and air conditioning: the deluxe rooms also have private balconies. All rooms are cleaned daily and a laundry service is available.
There are two restaurants on site, both with good service and air conditioning. The Cocoa Café offers breakfast and lunch daily and the Vanilla Room serves dinner. The hotel has a small outdoor swimming pool and showcases excellent examples of local East Sepik Province artefacts and art throughout the building.
The hotel is ideally placed for trips in the Pagwi district, famous for its diverse culture, village worship houses and wildlife.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
En suite bathrooms, two restaurants, bar, lounge, direct dial telephones, TV, fridge, laundry service, swimming pool, sundeck area and Wi-Fi.
Optional Activities
Cultural activities in the nearby Pagwi region.
Wagu Guesthouse
Overview
Wagu Guest House offers very basic accommodation in a remote Sepik village. The beds provided have mosquito nets. There is a flush toilet and cold water shower adjacent to the accommodation building.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Flush toilet and cold water shower, adjacent to the main accommodation building. Mosquito nets provided.
Optional Activities
Cultural tours along the Sepik River and its tributaries. Bird watching.
The Stanley Hotel and Suites
Overview
The Stanley Hotel and Suites is a modern, luxurious accommodation option in Waigani – the Government and Commercial heart of Port Moresby. Directly connected to Port Moresby’s only integrated shopping complex, Vision City Mega Mall, guests have easy access to restaurants, bars, a bank, cinema and nightclub. With well-appointed standard and deluxe rooms offering five star amenities, and even more luxurious suites providing access to the exclusive club lounge, the Stanley has everything guests may need for a comfortable and convenient stay in the city.
Many rooming options are available, from standard twins to deluxe and executive Kings, to corner and junior suites and the Presidential suite on the top floor. Rooms offer commanding views of either the beautiful pool area or the Owen Stanley mountain range. Guests staying in suites have exclusive access to the Executive Club Lounge facilities as well as kitchens and dining areas. The hotel has six impressive dining options, ranging from buffets at the Green Haus Restaurant, to snacks on the pool deck, to fine dining in the Silver Leaf. Meals are also served in the Club Lounge, and the Mezz Bar on the 19th floor serves exquisite cocktails.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
The hotel has six dining options, a cocktail bar, conference facilities, a ballroom, a 40-metre lap outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym and grocery store. Rooms have either queen, king or super king beds, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes and slippers, safety deposit boxes, hairdryers, mini-bar, TV, air conditioning, luxury toiletries, coffee and tea facilities, telephone, alarm clock, iron and board, en-suite bathroom and work desk. Suites also have dining rooms and kitchens and provide access to the executive club lounge facilities.
Optional Activities
Due to its premium location, the Stanley is a great base from which to explore the local attractions of Papua New Guinea's capital city. Visit the nature park or adventure park for a fun day out, or rent a boat to visit fisherman's island. The new harbourside development feature five great restaurants. Alternatively, on-site, guests can relax on the large pool decking, indulge in a spa treatment or use the gym.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Tour Dates
Adult Price
Single Supp
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
Yes
Flight Info:
Return flights with Air Niugini from Singapore to Port Moresby are included. Please enquire for flight fares from London Heathrow.
Best Visited:
January to September
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.
Claire Pote
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
It is difficult to comprehend that the holiday is over. PNG is a special, amazing place where you still feel like a traveller/explorer, not a tourist. The images of the extremely varied birds, culture, people and scenery will remain with me always. Thank you for arranging it!
About 90 percent of the tour was wonderful. Reggiana’s Bird of Paradise displaying on the first afternoon, awesome! Food was superb throughout (a first for Shirley and I!). Logistics were essentially smooth and punctual. Regarding the lodges Raintree Lodge served it’s purpose, a comfortable base. Rondon was contemporary and well appointed (lovely rooms). Kumul was, as expected, rudimentary but an experience enhanced by THAT BIRD FEEDING STATION!). I was literary just two metres away from a Bird of Paradise! Wailindi was relaxing and very efficient. Everywhere the people were so affable and welcoming!! Incomprehensible levels of diversity regarding the culture, remarkable.
