Goroka local guide

Hello,
I am looking for a local guide in Goroka for the Goroka Show. Does anyone recommend a local guide and perhaps a place for some home stay during the festival? As every single room is reserved by agencies in Goroka.
Thanks

Hi cardonbarbon, unfortunately there probably isn’t much accommodation as the Goroka Show gets booked up months in advance. I've asked the local PNG Tourist office for advice for you, but I'm not aware of any local guides, and as such, I would advise caution. Try contacting someone like PNG Explorers.

Papua New Guinea is not your average destination for accommodation or guides unfortunately :)

Simon

Thanks Simón. Are u there now? Thanks so much for asking. I am an experienced traveler. Why do You suggest caution? Is ir difficult to travel as a independent? Thanks in advance.

Thanks Simón. Are u there now? Thanks so much for asking. I am an experienced traveler. Why do You suggest caution? Is ir difficult to travel as a independent? Thanks in advance

Hi there - no, I was there last May. I am an experienced traveller too, but believe me, Papua New Guinea is different, more so because it is difficult to travel as an independent. There is also a lot of clan and tribal fighting....you wouldn't want to walk through the middle of one, and it's difficult to know what is going on in the local areas without speaking to someone in the know first.

It might be slightly different because the Goroka Show is more international, but thought I'd mention it just in case :)

tribal fighting should not be overestimated but also not underestimated - in our 3 trips each of a month we have had to change our plans twice to avoid such trouble

we have been to goroka but not to the show - the addition of many thousands of performers and local spectators put a severe strain on transport and accommodation making it difficult for the few hundred foreign tourists unless you are part of a well organised and expensive tour group

just turning up (assuming you can find transport) will be an adventure - you may be lucky or unlucky - people in PNG are generally very hospitable and no doubt at the airport or PMV stop there will be lots of people offering to be guides and giving lodging - use your common sense - ask around and ask other people to verify or vouch for any offer you take up

Hi Cardon,

I attended the Goroka Show in 2012. I arrived in Goroka from Madang the day before the show began with no accommodation booked and, like yourself, was apprehensive about the prospects for finding a place to stay. Much to my surprise, though, I secured two nights at the National Sports Institute without any difficulty. It was the first place I tried, and the location was perfect -- right next to the field where the show is held. The rooms were excellent too, at least given the standards and prices of PNG.

Whenever I wanted to take a walk into town, one of the friendly guards would usually offer to accompany me, although I didn't get a particularly strong sense of danger in Goroka.

I emphasize, I've no idea how typical my experience was. Perhaps I was just extremely lucky. At the very least, it does show that turning up with no hotel booking is not entirely hopeless.

Good luck with your own travels.

Colin

Thanks so much Colin. Much apreciated.

Hi Cardon,

I am thinking about taking in the Goroka Show prior to a Sepik River tour (booked) as well. Just reading the forums now - where did you end up on Goroka accommodation? I have been in contact with Keryn Hargreaves of the Goroka Show and she indicates that she can still arrange budget accommodation.

I am going with the best of PNG and that is already arranged. Thanks

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