Tribal Lands of Papua New Guinea (Goroka Festival)
Tribal Lands of Papua New Guinea (Goroka Festival)
14 Days
Visiting: Port Moresby, Wewak, Mushu Island, Sepik River, Mount Hagen, Kumul Lodge, Simbai, Goroka, Rabaul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PNG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
One of the most culturally diverse countries on the planet, Papua New Guinea is home to more than 850 known languages. One of the least explored countries anywhere in the world, both culturally and geographically, Papua New Guinea has adventure written all over it! This stunning journey allows us the opportunity to experience its astonishingly rich natural landscape and cultural traditions.
First we’ll travel down the Sepik River to visit the crocodile people and learn about their fascinating traditions, before venturing up to the Bismarck region to experience remote village life with the Simbai people. Ending our journey we will witness the spectacular Tribal Festivals, which are some of Papua New Guinea's most celebrated events before making our way back to Port Moresby and, eventually home.
Please note that the dates of the festival for 2025 are yet to be released and may change.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Begins In Port Moresby; Fly To Wewak
Location: Port Moresby, Wewak
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: In Wewak Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starting in the country’s capital early this morning (08:30) we will meet at the Sanctuary Hotel in Port Moresby and have a chance to enjoy a reviving breakfast. Depending on the flight time, we may have time for a little sightseeing, before flying on to Wewak on the northern coast of New Guinea. The capital of the East Sepik province, Wewak provides the gateway into the swamplands and tropical rainforests of the Sepik River, New Guinea’s longest river. On arrival we will be transferred to our comfortable boutique hotel, where the rest of the day is free to relax from the long journey.
Day 2: Wewak To Sepik River
Location: Wewak, Mushu Island, Wewak
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After meeting up with our local guides this morning, we then embark on a four-hour drive to Pagwi, on the Sepik River. From here we travel down river by motor canoe, a journey of some two hours that brings us to the village of Kanganamun, in the heart of the Middle Sepik. This region is home to the famous crocodile-men of Yatmoul, whose rituals include marking the skin in deep cuts to resemble the teeth marks of the great crocodile spirit. Their immense spirit houses are considered cathedrals of primitive art and on arrival we will be settled with our hosts in basic homestay accommodation.
Day 3: Sepik River
Location: Sepik River, Wewak
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spending the day exploring the Middle Sepik region, today we have an opportunity to visit at least a couple of traditional dance ceremonies, as well as a number of different spirit houses and villages. Travelling by motorised canoe, we will explore some of villages to learn more about the traditions of their initiation ceremonies of the local people, before continuing on to Palembe, where we take a short walk to one of the oldest Haus Tambarans in the Sepik region. NB, Please be aware that the course and content of today’s visits are very much dependent on the safety conditions and water levels along the river.
Day 4: Sepik - Abelam - Wewak
Location: Sepik River
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Wewak Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We depart our village this morning and reach Pagwi, where our bus takes us to an Abelam village near Maprik. Here we encounter one of the Abelam tribes who live in the Bismarck range, and are known for their incredible skills to grow giant yams, celebrated in their Yam festivals. They are also renown for their fantastic Spirit houses and dances, both of which you will witness during our visit. After a local lunch in the village, we return to Wewak and our comfortable hotel.
Day 5: Wewak - Mt Hagen
Location: Mount Hagen, Sepik River, Kumul Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Highlander Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take a short flight on to Mount Hagen in the heart of the Western Highlands. Located amongst the fertile landscapes of the Wahgi Valley, the city is named after the eroded volcanic peak of Mount Hagen. Activities today will be dependent on flight times. On arrival in Hagen we can settle into our hotel.
Day 6: Mount Hagen - Birdwatching - Mount Hagen
Location: Kumul Lodge, Mount Hagen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Highlander Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a very early start this morning to prepare us for our bird-watching experience, where we will have the chance to spot the Bird of Paradise. Leaving early in the morning we will drive for just under an hour to reach our destination before heading on foot to reach the birding spots. We will then return to our hotel for breakfast before departing for Kumul Lodge where we can enjoy time in the beautiful gardens and will have our lunch here. Kumul Lodge is one of the few bird lodges in PNG that where the Bird of Paradise is regularly spotted. We will have a chance to observe more birds at the feeding station from the balcony including Brehm's Tiger Parrot, Smoky Honeyeater and Island Thrush. In the afternoon you might wish to take a walk to the nearby waterfall or stay at the lodge looking for more birds. We then return back to Hagen for our dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Mt Hagen - Simbai Village
Location: Simbai, Mount Hagen
Accommodation Name: Simbai Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we take a short charter flight to reach Simbai, a remote governmental station in the Bismarck range. Up here, there is a very limited infrastructure away from any roads and the life of the local people is still very traditional. From the air strip it’s a 30 minute walk to the nearby village where we stay in a charming guest house, surrounded by beautiful gardens, for the next three nights. In Simbai we experience a living culture of this tribe, who have impressive body adornments and will have plenty of opportunity to learn about their lives and traditions. We will have the chance to explore on foot the beautiful surrounding area, as well as our host village and the local school.
Day 8 - 9 : Days 8 - 9: Simbai Village
Location: Simbai
Accommodation Name: Simbai Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over these two days we get a chance to share in the daily life of the village. The Kalam wear impressive helmets covered in beetle heads so during our time here we will see how the famous beetle head headdresses are prepared. We will step back in time to learn more about the ancient culture and rituals of this tribe, which are in their 8th generation. On one of the days we will witness the festival atmosphere as the village ladies prepare food for a “mumu” feast, when a whole pig is skillfully butchered and cooked on hot stones in the ground. The opening of the mumu is celebrated with a traditional ‘singsing’, which for the villagers could last long into the night!
Day 10: Simbai Village - Mount Hagen
Location: Simbai, Mount Hagen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Highlander Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we say farewell to the Simbai community and depart the Northern Highlands and take a privately chartered flight back to Mount Hagen. Depending on the arrival time of our flight we may have lunch and a short coffee tour at Banz Coffee, one of New Guinea famous roasters, or a visit to Rondon Ridge for lunch and an afternoon walk. After our activity we will return to Mount Hagen for the night with some time to relax at our comfortable hotel.
Day 11: Mount Hagen - Goroka
Location: Goroka, Mount Hagen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Emmanuel Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Considered one of PNG’s most attractive towns, Goroka lies some five hours by road from Mount Hagen. Each year, around the country’s independence celebrations (16 September), the town hosts the famous Goroka Show, a two-day cultural event that sees tribes from all across the region gather to take part in one of the most colourful festivals in the country. Today we get to journey east along the Highlands Highway across the mountains and fertile vegetable gardens of the region. The Central Highlands provide ample opportunities to stop and enjoy the landscapes, before we finally arrive in Goroka later this afternoon.
Day 12: Goroka Festival
Location: Goroka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Emmanuel Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a whole weekend to enjoy this spectacular festival, we’ll have an opportunity to watch some 1,000 men and women partake in one of Papua New Guinea’s most celebrated events. Over 100 different tribes are represented, in a dazzling display of colour, songs and energy that perfectly encapsulates the rich cultural ethnicity of this remarkable island.
Day 13: Goroka - Port Moresby
Location: Port Moresby, Goroka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sanctuary Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There will be more time to take in the sights and sounds of this stunning annual event before departing Goroka on a late afternoon flight back to Port Moresby for the evening. Later we enjoy our farewell dinner and our final night in the capital.
Day 14: Tour Ends Port Moresby
Location: Rabaul, Port Moresby
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have a relaxing morning before heading to the airport where the tour ends.
What's Included
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MEALS
14 x Breakfasts13 x Lunches13 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses, motorised canoe, and domestic flights.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for Papua New Guinea but this can be applied for on arrival and is currently free of charge. (NB, this information is subject to change)
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
This is an adventurous trip in an undeveloped country so a sense of humour and flexibility are a pre-requisite. If you are in a reasonable state of health and fitness you should be able to cope with this tour. However, please note that the conditions in the Sepik River are extremely basic with few frills, and the accommodation is shared and rustic at best. The roads and infrastructure are poor and drives can be long and tiring even though distances are short. Some food in the most remote regions may be limited in terms of variety. You will have a couple of days sitting in motorised canoes. If you are up for the challenge you will be hugely rewarded!
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except for the two nights on the Sepik River and the three nights in the Simbai Village where we stay in village guest houses. During the nights in Goroka at the Goroka Festival please note that single rooms are also not available due to limited bed space.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Book with Confidence
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