Goroka Show, Enga Show.

We're planning a return trip out to PNG this August/September with the intention of getting to one of the highland cultural shows. High on the list is the Goroka show, however I am having issues establishing exactly when this is likely to be....
The Goroka show website (surely a reliable source?) states that it will be held this year on Sept 19th-20th, however all the tour itineries (including trans nuigini) feature the show for sunday september 13th. So one week earlier.
I have emailed both sources (several times!) but as yet no response; I know from experience that this does not neccessarily mean that I won't hear back but I'd really like to start making plans...

If anyone out there has a clue what is going on and can let me know when to try to be hanging around in goroka would really appreciate it.
Thanks!

Oh, and also if anyone knows when the Enga show is likely to be held as well that would be a bonus.

Last year the only person who answered and gave me the precise date of the Enga Festival was Kim Arut from the Kumul Lodge: kumul-lodge@global.net.pg.
Kumul Lodge is located too far away from the festival place (1 h drive) so I do not advise you to book there.
The place we booked during the Enga festival was located in Wabag and its name is Wabag Wildlife Guesthouse. I think it is listed in LP Guidebook.

Emilia

Thanks Emilia, I had been looking for their website actually but it no longer seems to be online. Maybe they will be able to help me with the dates for the Goroka show as well.
Did you go to Goroka as well? If you did, any recommendations for accomodation welcome :)

Have your tried to contact the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority or you could try the Goroka Chamber of Commerce

Hi Doryblue, have tried the tourism website but the message link seems to be broken at the moment so emails can't get through. Haven't tried your other suggestion though, thanks.

Natters,

We did not go to Goroka Show which is held in September, we went to 3 shows which are August: Mt Hagen, Enga and Payia (see my answer to a previous post : travelling 2009 Festivals). We did not stay in Goroka, only transited via Goroka, so I do not have any recommendation. Sorry.
For Enga show in Wabag it was again Pym Mamindi who booked accomodation for us. You can try and ask him about Enga Festival dates: Paiya Tours : paiyatours@datec.net.pg

Emilia

Just a thought, if you were not committed to Aug/Sept you could go to the Morobe Show. Check out its website www.morobeshow.org.pg its well organised, safe and has a great sing sing/ traditional dance event.

Thanks for the replies. We have now booked flights to PNG so dates are committed but thanks for the suggestion. We have actually made a reservation at the Goroka lodge for the weekend (12/13th september), so hopefully that works out (the email they gave me on the phone to write to them and confirm didn't work!). However, their prices were pretty high so if any cheaper alternative is available I'd be interested. We're certainly not luxury travellers but do prefer not to sleep in dorms where possible (otherwise would have made enquiries at the Lutheran guest house). I will send an email to the address you gave me, again, many thanks.
Natalie.

Goroka Show website now showing 12-13 Sep 2009. That'll be a relief for you !