Goroka Show & Birding Scouting Photo Tour – Papua New Guinea 2025
Dates: September 19 – 30, 2025
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Group size: only 6 guests + 2 guides
Join us for an unforgettable photography exploring adventure deep into the heart of Papua New Guinea. Timed to coincide with the spectacular Goroka Show, this 12-day tour combines vibrant tribal festivals with immersive birding in some of PNG’s most pristine natural environments.
You’ll photograph traditional dance groups in full ceremonial dress, capture the dazzling Birds of Paradise in remote montane forests, and experience intimate portrait sessions with hand-picked tribes in their home villages—away from the crowds.
Led by expert local guides and designed for passionate photographers, this tour offers rare access, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural moments that few ever witness. Whether you’re drawn by wildlife, people, or pure adventure, this scouting journey is crafted to inspire and deliver unforgettable images.
Highlights:
- VIP access to the Goroka Show main arena
- Private photo sessions with Asaro Mudmen, Huli Wigmen, Skeleton Dancers & more
- Birding at Magic Mountain, Kumul Lodge & Warirata National Park
- Comfortable accommodations and seamless logistics throughout
Spaces are limited – reserve your spot now!
Day 1 – Friday, 19th September 2025
Arrival in Goroka
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Meet and greet upon arrival at Goroka Airport, followed by transfer to your hotel/lodge for check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a brief orientation tour of Goroka town. There are 2 flights to Goroka from Port Moresby and you can take any of them. Most of international flights will arrive to Port Moresby – there are connections via Manila (Philippines airlines) or Hong Kong. Most likely you will be able to buy these separate air tickets:
- Your home to Port Moresby (POM, Jacksons) return with arrival 19 September and departure back home on 30 September
- domestic ticket POM to Goroka 19 September (2 flights per day – choose any suitable for your connection)
- domestic ticket Mt Hagen to POM on 29 September 10:00 PX 181
Day 2 – Saturday, 20th September 2025
Goroka Show – Day 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early breakfast followed by transfer to the Goroka Showground. The show begins at approximately 9:00 AM.
Experience one of the most vibrant cultural festivals in Papua New Guinea, featuring over 80 tribal groups from the Highlands and coastal regions. Witness traditional dancing, singing, and body art including charcoal, clay, and feathered headdresses—many featuring birds of paradise.
Photography Access: Guests will have special access to the main arena with a tourist pass, providing unparalleled photo opportunities up close.
In the late afternoon, return to your hotel for a short break before heading out with a selected dance group to their village for a more intimate photography session in a natural, undisturbed setting.
Note:
- Select and photograph one group of your choice in their village setting.
- Performers will remain in full costume and face paint.
- Group selection will be local to Goroka.
- All related fees are included in the tour price.
Day 3 – Sunday, 21st September 2025
Goroka Show – Day 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast, then return to the Goroka Show for the second day of festivities. The event winds down in the early afternoon.
Later in the day, meet and photograph another hand-picked group in their traditional village environment. This setting provides a raw and authentic background, away from modern structures and tourist crowds.
Day 4 – Monday, 22nd September 2025
Goroka to Mt. Hagen – Village Encounters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, visit the Asaro Mudmen village for an exclusive photo session. Continue with a scenic drive to Mt. Hagen, stopping en route to photograph the Mindima people performing traditional courtship rituals with body paint and decorations.
Check-in and overnight at Traveller’s Hut, Mt. Hagen.
Travel Notes:
- Distance: ~115 km / ~4 hours (sealed road)
- Enjoy breathtaking highland landscapes—rugged mountains, deep valleys, river crossings, and village scenes.
Day 5 – Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
Huli Wigmen & Birding at Magic Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Split day itinerary (group choice):
Option 1 – Cultural:
Visit a Huli Wigmen village for traditional portraiture photography.
Option 2 – Birding:
Set up at Magic Mountain Lodge’s bird feeding stations. Expect sightings of:
- Brown Sicklebill
- Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia (male & female)
- MacGregor’s Bowerbird (forest trail)
Full-day birding with excellent photographic vantage points.
Day 6 – Wednesday, 24th September 2025
Paiya Village Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Paiya Village. Spend the day photographing Hagen Wigmen and women in full traditional regalia.
Enjoy a Mumu feast—traditional underground cooking using hot stones, pork/lamb, and vegetables.
Day 7 – Thursday, 25th September 2025
Skeleton Men & Sili Muli of Enga + Kumul Lodge Birding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning: Photograph the Skeleton Men and Sili Muli group of Enga at Avi village.
Afternoon:
- Transfer to Kumul Lodge (~45 mins)
- Photograph birds at the feeding tables—expect Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Papuan Lorikeets, and more.
- Optional forest walk to see birds in their natural habitat.
Overnight at Magic Mountain Lodge.
Day 8 – Friday, 26th September 2025
Birding – Blue Bird-of-Paradise & Loria’s Bird-of-Paradise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early start at 4:30 AM. Drive (~1 hour) to the Blue Bird-of-Paradise lek site. Porters will assist with a short (~15-minute) forest walk.
Spend the day photographing Blue and Loria’s BOP in their natural habitat.
Note:
- September is prime display season.
- Lek location is accessible and not strenuous.
Day 9 – Saturday, 27th September 2025
Regina’s & MacGregor’s BOP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer early to Regiana Bird-of-Paradise display site. After capturing your desired shots, continue to the nearby MacGregor’s BOP site.
Enjoy another full day immersed in avian photography.
Overnight at Magic Mountain Lodge.
Day 10 – Sunday, 28th September 2025
Alkena Village Cultural Photography
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit Alkena village to photograph the Engawal group. Expect dramatic spirit dances and traditional costumes. Additional groups may also participate.
Return to lodge for overnight stay.
Day 11 – Monday, 29th September 2025
Transfer to Port Moresby & City Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning flight to Port Moresby. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in and lunch.
Afternoon city tour includes:
- Port Moresby Botanical Gardens (Birds of Paradise in aviaries)
- National Museum
- Parliament House
- Local markets
Overnight at Holiday Inn, Port Moresby.
Day 12 – Tuesday, 30th September 2025
Full Day Birding – Varirata National Park & Wildlife Park
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Varirata National Park (~45 km / 1 hour drive). The park, located at ~800 meters elevation, offers:
- Scenic overlooks of Sogeri Plateau and Port Moresby
- Excellent birding including Regiana BOP, parrots, and other endemic species
Afternoon departure to airport to your international flight. In case you have a flight in the morning you can skip the park visit. Transfer will be provided to any flight this day.
Price: 6900 USD
For booking: please inquire sending mail at Mail@danielkordan.com or send request via form below the page.
What’s Included
- Accommodation in Goroka, Magic Mountain Nature Lodge, and Holiday Inn Port Moresby – TWIN bas
- All land transfers and ground transportation
- Meals as per program
- Guided birding tours in Mt. Hagen, including all associated fees
- Local guide services, driver allowances, and birding access fees
- Entry to the Goroka Show, including access to the performers’ arena
- Village visits and exclusive traditional dance performances (including full costume and makeup sessions)
- Cultural tours including visits to the Asaro Mudmen, Huli Wigmen, and other tribal groups
Not Included
- Domestic airfares (Please book your domestic flights with Air Niugini, Papua New Guinea’s national airline)
- Meals or items of a personal nature (e.g., phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, or artifact purchases)
- International airfare, travel insurance, or visa fees (if applicable)
- – Single supplement (1450 USD) – if you do not want to share with guest of the same gender
Not included in the price:
– Airfare to and from Salta airport
– Taxi from Hotel to Airport on day 10
– Visas (if applicable)
Difficulty:
All locations are reachable by car, no hiking involved. Easy tour.
