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Festival Celebration Luxuries in Papua New Guinea

Festivals of Goroka and Kalam

Best time to travel
September
Ideal length
14 nights
Perfect for
Couples
From (incl flights)
€12,349 pp

At a glance

  • International return flights from Dublin to Port Moresby.
  • All domestic and charter flights, private transfers and shared vehicle and boat transfers.
  • 14 nights’ accommodation in Port Moresby, Tari Valley, Karawari River, Mount Hagen and Simbai Valley.
  • Incredible festival nights at the Goroka and Kalam festivals.
  • Guided village tours and cultural experiences with the Melpa and Huli tribes as well as a cruise along the Karawari River, visiting the villages of the Sepik tribe.
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Introduction

Celebrate custom and tradition as you immerse yourself into Papua New Guinea’s remarkable festivals and tribal gatherings. An in-depth discovery of the Goroka and Kalam festivals, prepare to encounter festivities that few ever witness. This suggested itinerary combines these celebratory Skom Guesthouse moments with guided experiences in the highlands and heartlands, introducing you to local tribes, meandering rivers and dense tropical forests.

View all of our luxury holidays to Papua New Guinea.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Port Morseby.

Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your luxury airport hotel for your overnight stay. In the morning, depart for the wonderful Tari Valley, the home of the flamboyant Huli tribe. Check in to your luxury lodge for your three-night stay.

Tour the villages of the famed Huli tribe.

The Hulimen take pride in their traditional bila dress and create elaborate headpieces using flowers, moss and colourful bird feathers. Learn the tradition behind their customs and visit the wig school where they learn to create these intricate works of art.

Hulimen, Port Moresby
Fly by charter plane deep into the depths of the jungle of Karawari.

Journey to a remote river lodge where you’ll spend three nights visiting stilted river villages, walking through dense jungle forest and learning the process of preparing sago palm, a staple food for the Sepik tribe.

Karawari jungle
Cruise along the Karawari River.

Journey along the peaceful river, stopping off at local villages that line the shores. Witness ceremonial dance performances and celebrations before browsing the tribe’s wonderful creations on offer including woven baskets, carved masks and sculptures.

Karawari river
Depart by charter plane to Mount Hagen, the heart of the highlands.

Spend four nights exploring the fertile lands and stunning mountain ranges. You’ll visit the farming village of Kopeng, home to the Melpa tribe. Today’s highlight will be a traditional performance of singing and celebratory dance.

Papua New Guinea jungle
Depart by charter flight to Goroka, to experience the Goroka Cultural Show.

The marvellous festivity includes over 50 sing-sing groups who gather from all over the country. Each group will share their unique celebration display to the crowds through colourful dress, song and dance.

Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Enjoy the incredible festivities once again!

After returning to Mount Hagan, take another charter flight to marvel at the experience one last time. Revel in the atmosphere, where tribal groups passionately perform to the sounds of the beating drums. Return to Mount Hagen by charter flight.

Tribal ceremony
Depart for the remote Simbai Valley.

A local representative will be waiting to accompany you on a short hike to your traditional guesthouse. Spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the local villages for an insight into daily life in the highlands.

Local craftsman
Enjoy two days of celebration.

Witness the incredible performances of the Kalam festival, where traditional celebrations like coming-of-age festivities, mumu presentations and unique Simbai tribe sing-sings take place. Your guide will be on hand to explain each custom in detail.

Tribal ceremony with fire
Say your farewells to the Simbai people and transfer to the international airport.

Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

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Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Airways Hotel Papua New Guinea

Airways Hotel

Airways Hotel is a luxurious property set within its own botanical estate overlooking Bootless Bay, with bright and airy interiors featuring floor to ceiling windows for optimum views.

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Ambua Lodge

Ambua Lodge

Ambua Lodge lies amongst the Doma Peaks of the Tari Valley. Set amid indigenous forest, the property provides wonderful views of the surrounding area.

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Karawari Lodge

Karawari Lodge

Karawari is a wonderfully remote lodge in the undisturbed landscape of East Sepik Province, offering guests an exclusive and private experience in Papua New Guinea.

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Rondon Ridge

Rondon Ridge

Rondon Ridge lies in the Western Highlands Provence, 7,100 feet above sea level, with eye-catching architecture that has been created to ensure optimum views throughout.

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What people are saying

Conor in OROKO arranged a holiday this summer for us and our four teenage boys. We were unsure where to go and his advice was fantastic! He took over completely after a consultation about our expectations, taking into consideration our boys’ needs too! He most certainly delivered a tremendous holiday for us all – way beyond what we could have done ourselves, with each of our three destinations better than the last. All incredibly located and absolutely stunning!

Everything was done for us – check-ins/five-star transfers/individual bag tags/ferry transfers with all seats pre-booked! Conor was incredibly helpful, patient, knowledgable and open. It made our trip truly memorable from conception to finish and I cannot fathom planning a trip again without OROKO! Thank you for everything we will never forget it!

Valerie & family – Greece, 2022

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