See 100+ tribes perform in one unforgettable PNG festival

Imagine experiencing a kaleidoscope of colour, dancing, drums and costumes, rituals that are drenched in over 60 years of tradition. Now stop imagining – because with South Sea Horizons, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world-famous Goroka Festival, where culture comes to life and every moment is a feast for the senses.

South Sea Horizons has been helping visitors fulfil their dreams of attending Papua New Guinea’s Goroka Show since 2007, and our proud, locally owned PNG tour company supports low-impact tourism that gives back to the communities we interact with. 

About the Goroka Show and Firedance Festival

In September every year, over 100 tribes gather together in the Highlands for a festival that isn’t like any other festival in the world. The energy is contagious, with colourful face paint, feathered headdresses and drumbeats that give you goosebumps. 

With South Sea Horizons, your adventure starts in Goroka, where you’ll meet your guide and settle in before you experience the Goroka Show. You’ll see traditional “sing-sings” — performances that celebrate each tribe’s unique identity through dance, music, and dress. It’s loud, it’s joyful, it’s emotional, and it’s honestly something photos can’t do justice. You just have to be there to feel it! 

Each performance tells a story of warriors preparing for battle, of courtship rituals, of ancestral legends passed down through generations. The Firedance Festival adds even more magic, with men dancing barefoot through flames and hot coals in a powerful ritual that will leave you without words. It’s not staged or rehearsed for tourists, it’s real, raw, and an experience of a lifetime.

But as much as this tour is about the show, it’s also about the people. Our guide will take you to visit local villages, learn about everyday life in the Highlands, and meet artisans and elders who’ll happily share their stories. 

What you’ll love about this PNG tour

If you are only interested in authentic travel experiences that take you below the surface to discover the real culture of Papua New Guinea, this tour is for you. You’re not just attending a festival, it’s a complete cultural immersion and an opportunity to build true connections. 

Here’s what makes this tour so unforgettable:

  • Real cultural connection – Meet local tribes and witness traditions that have been passed down for generations.
  • Once-in-a-lifetime experiences – From tribal sing-sings to the incredible Firedance Festival, you’ll see things most people will never experience.
  • PNG hospitality – Be welcomed by locals who are proud to share their culture, stories and everyday life with you.
  • Community-first travel – Travel in a way that supports local people, with low-impact tourism that benefits the communities you visit.
  • Small group comfort – Enjoy a more personal journey with like-minded travellers and expert local guides.
  • Beyond the festival – Visit remote villages, stunning highland scenery and artisan markets for a full cultural immersion.

Book your Goroka Show experience with South Sea Horizons

With the next Goroka Show experience coming up in September, now is the perfect time to start planning your PNG tour. We’ll help you discover the rich culture of Papua New Guinea, with our Goroka Show tour packages and expert local guides who’ll be with you every step of the way. 

Whether a regular visitor to PNG or it’s your first time venturing into the PNG Highlands, South Sea Horizons takes care of all the details so you can be fully present in the moment. 

Don’t just visit Papua New Guinea. Feel it. Contact us to learn more!

Back to the blog