Embark on a 10-day journey through Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands and jungles, from the misty Tari Valley to the mighty Karawari River and onto the Goroka Show — an unforgettable celebration of tribal culture, colour, and tradition.
Each September, the Goroka Cultural Show bursts to life with a spectacular gathering of sing-sing groups, showcasing the vibrant dress, music, and dance of Papua New Guinea’s many tribes. This unforgettable celebration is the highlight of a journey deep into the country’s diverse cultural heart.
From Port Moresby, venture into the Papuan Highlands, where entire tribal communities remained undiscovered until the twentieth century. Stay at the acclaimed Ambua Lodge overlooking the Tari Valley, home of the Huli people, renowned for their elaborate wigs and striking bilas. Spend three days immersed in village life and local traditions.
Continue into the remote Karawari jungle, where tribes express their beliefs through dramatic masks, drums, and carvings. Cruise the river to reach hidden villages, encountering communities whose way of life has changed little over centuries.
Your adventure culminates with the dazzling Goroka Show weekend, reached by short scenic flights, where you will witness one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural spectacles before beginning your journey home.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Partner Tours 
Welcome to Papua New Guinea, a land of striking contrasts where ancient cultures thrive amid rugged landscapes and vibrant coastlines. Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff, you will then be transferred to your Hotel. (D)
Overnight – Airways Hotel or similar
This morning you will transfer from your hotel to Jackson’s airport for your domestic Air Niugini flight to Mount Hagen, where you will continue your journey via small aircraft to the Ambua Lodge. Spend the afternoon enjoying Ambua’s beautiful jungle trails that wind through lush rainforest, past gushing waterfalls and over traditional vine bridges. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Ambua Lodge or similar
This morning you will transfer from your hotel to Jackson’s airport for your domestic Air Niugini flight to Mount Hagen, where you will continue your journey via small aircraft to the Ambua Lodge. Spend the afternoon enjoying Ambua’s beautiful jungle trails that wind through lush rainforest, past gushing waterfalls and over traditional vine bridges. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Ambua Lodge or similar
This morning, you will fly by charter aircraft to Karawari airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. From the airstrip, you will be transferred by river boat to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense tropical jungle. After lunch, travel by boat to a nearby village. Visit with the villagers and learn about the way they harvest and prepare sago, the staple food of the river people. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Karawari Lodge or Similar
Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast, enjoy touring programs that provide an insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area. A full day of excursions will enhance your understanding of traditional village culture in the Sepik region. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Karawari Lodge or Similar
Fly by charter from Karawari to Mount Hagen. During the flight, mountains rise up to startling heights out of the flat lands of the Sepik Basin. Mount Hagen town is in the upper Wahgi Valley – a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Rondon Ridge or similar
Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga Airport for your charter flight to Goroka. Meet and transfer to the Show Grounds. Full day at the show with buffet lunch provided at the showground. Transfer from the show to Goroka Airport for your return charter flight to Mt. Hagen. Arrive at Kagamuga airport, meet and transfer to Rondon Ridge. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Rondon Ridge or similar
Transfer from Rondon Ridge to Kagamuga Airport for your charter flight to Goroka again. Meet and transfer to the Show Grounds. Full day at the show with buffet lunch provided at the showground. Transfer from the show to Goroka Airport for your return charter flight to Mt. Hagen. Arrive at Kagamuga airport, meet and transfer to Rondon Ridge. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Rondon Ridge or similar
This morning, you will transfer to Kagamuga Airport for your Air Niugini flight PX181 (not included) to Port Moresby. On arrival, you will be met and assisted with your connection to your onward international departure. (B)
Run by our trusted local partner Trans-Niugini, made easy through Crooked Compass.
Travel with ease on a carefully selected group departures run by Trans Niugini, Papua New Guinea’s leading inbound operator. Established over 38 years ago, these larger group tours, which average between 17-22 guests, are designed and operated by Trans Niugini, while Crooked Compass takes care of your booking and provides additional support along the way. Enjoy the convenience of booking through Australia, knowing that you have our team behind you to make the process simple and stress-free – so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Why you will love Join-In Tours (or Partner Tours)
Tour Operator – Trans Niugini Tours
Travel with ease on a carefully selected group departures run by Trans Niugini, Papua New Guinea’s leading inbound operator. Established over 38 years ago, these larger group tours, with up to 18 guests, are designed and operated by Trans Niugini, while Crooked Compass acts as an agent for Trans Niugini Tours and takes care of your booking, providing additional support along the way. Enjoy the convenience of booking through Australia, knowing that you have our team behind you to make the process simple and stress-free – so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Group Size:
This tour will have a maximum of 18 travellers.
The minimum group size sis from 12 to 15 guests. We will confirm with you once sufficient guests have booked for the tour to be a guaranteed departure.
Single Supplement:
Single Supplements do not apply to Rondon Ridge.
Luggage Limit:
As you have multiple charter flights on this itinerary, maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person and a maximum of 5kg carry-on baggage per person. Large, hard-sided suitcases are not permitted on charter aircraft.
Charter Flights Aircraft Details:
The aircraft is a P-750 – XSTOL, taking up to 9 passengers.
Power: 750 Hp Pratt & Whitney Turbine Engine
Speed: 260 km/hr
Quiet and comfortable with a powerful, ultra-reliable engine and high-lift wing, the PAC-750 purpose-built STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) masters our flying conditions with ease.
Air Charter Flights – Included in Cost:
Your itinerary includes 5 x charter flights for the following sectors:
The amount of $8550 AUD per person for these flights is included in your total tour cost
Commercial domestic Flights – Not included in Cost:
The following domestic flights are not included in the cost of your tour and need to be booked separately:
You book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights together with your international flights. We can assist with this, or alternatively, your Travel Agent will be able to book these for you.
Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person + Air Charter Flights cost is needed to confirm your booking.
Final payment is due 60 days prior to travel.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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Itinerary and pricing are accurate as of 15 October 2025 and are subject to change by Trans Niugini Tours without prior notice. Crooked Compass acts solely as an agent for Trans Niugini Tours, the principal operator. All travel arrangements are made subject to the terms and conditions of Trans Niugini Tours and Crooked Compass. Trans Niugini Tours reserves the right to amend tour inclusions, routing, accommodation, or transportation due to weather, operational requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances. Deposits, including Air Charter flight costs, are non-refundable once paid to the operator. Deposit, final payment, change and cancellation terms follow Crooked Compass’ standard booking conditions, available at crooked-compass.com/terms-conditions. For the full Terms and Conditions of Trans-Niugini Tours, please refer to https://pngtours.com/terms/
Strict luggage limits apply for charter flights. Minimum group size applies and we recommend not booking flights until we advise you that your tour is a guaranteed departure. Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa, health, and entry requirements for Papua New Guinea. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation, cancellations, and delays is mandatory.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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