Inclusions
Exclusions
What's it all about?
Come and experience one of Papua New Guinea’s most remarkable cultural festivals – the Rabaul Mask Festival! This tour takes you to East New Britain, a region known for its volcanic landscapes, unexplored history, and unfamiliar cultures.
In July, we’ll start our tour in Port Moresby, exploring the capital’s key historical and cultural sites before flying to Rabaul, a town shaped by its past volcanic eruption and wartime history. We’ll visit Kokopo and the scenic Gazelle Peninsula, stopping at hot springs, active volcanoes, and World War II relics.
Then comes the highlight – two full days at the Rabaul Mask Festival, where clans from across PNG show off their stunning hand-carved masks through energetic song and dance. In the evening, witness the prominent Bainings Fire Dance, an awe-inspiring ritual where Bainings men leap fearlessly into roaring flames.
Experience Papua New Guinea’s quirky but rich traditions. Spaces are limited – book now or reach out for more information!
Highlights
Where?
Port Moresby – Rabaul – Kokopo – Gazelle Peninsula – Port Moresby
When?
July 4 – 10th, 2026
Visa?
PNG has an e-visa system in place. We will send you an invitation letter which allows you to apply for the visa online.
The Itinerary
Port Moresby – Rabaul – Kokopo – Gazelle Peninsula – Port Moresby
July 7th - Port Moresby
- Own arrival in the capital Port Moresby and transfer to the hotel. (Included)
- Meet your guide at the hotel at 11:00 AM. (More details closer to the date)
- Port Moresby city tour, including the National Museum and Art Gallery, National Parliament House, and Bomana War Cemetery.
- Overnight in Port Moresby.
July 8th - Rabaul
- Today, we fly to Rabaul, located in the East New Britain province in the northeast of Papua New Guinea.
Known for its volcanic landscapes and rich history, Rabaul offers an extraordinary experience. - Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel, where you can relax and settle in after the flight.
- At the hotel, the tour guides will meet with you to give an in-depth briefing on the upcoming days of your tour and the festival.
- In the afternoon, we’ll head out to visit Kokopo town, the provincial capital, as well as nearby villages. Get ready to meet the first locals in New East Britain!
July 9th - Rabaul - Kokopo & Gazelle Peninsula
- Start the day early with a visit to active volcanoes and hot spring sites, where you’ll witness the natural power of the region’s volcanic landscape.
- Once the capital of Papua New Guinea, Rabaul was nearly destroyed during the 1994 volcanic eruption, but its remnants tell the story of its fascinating past.
- We’ll visit WWII-era sites, including those from the Japanese occupation, and learn about the significant role this area played during the war for both the Axis Powers as well as the Allies.
- For lunch, we’ll dine at the Rabaul Hotel, a perfect spot to enjoy local cuisine. Views are nice here too so get the cameras ready once more!
- After a day filled with history and landscapes, we’ll return to Kokopo, relax for a bit before calling it a day.
- Overnight in Rabaul.
July 10th - Mask Festival
- Today marks the first day of the Rabaul Mask Festival, a celebration of Papua New Guinea’s diverse cultures from East New Britain.
- Throughout the day, you’ll witness an incredible display of traditional dances, elaborate masks, and rhythmic music, each telling the story of a different clan. Each performance is unique, with distinct beats, movements, and instruments that reflect the heritage of the region! As cherry on the cake we’ll actually witness the Fire Dance!
- After an early optional dinner, we will travel to Kainagunan or Gaulim Village in the Bainings area, approximately a 50-minute drive from our hotel. Here, we’ll witness one of the most mesmerising rituals in PNG—the Bainings Fire Dance.
- Performed exclusively by men of the Bainings clans, this sacred ceremony involves dancers immersing themselves in roaring flames, emerging completely unharmed. Unlike most PNG cultures, the Bainings people do not use the Kundu drum for rhythm. Instead, they create hauntingly beautiful sounds using bamboo instruments, adding to the mystique of the performance.
- Overnight in Rabaul.
July 11th - Mask Festival
- After breakfast, we will transfer to the festival grounds for another day of cultural celebrations.
- Today, you’ll have the freedom to explore the festival at your own pace, immersing yourself in the performances and engaging with the local communities.
- Make sure you bring a spare SD-card and camera battery for the abundance of photo ops today.
- Overnight in Rabaul.
July 12th - Port Moresby
- Have some breakfast before we head to the airport to catch a flight back to Port Moresby.
- We will check into our hotel and briefly explore the capital city’s missed sites.
- Enjoy some final PNG dinner while here!
- Overnight in Port Moresby.
July 13th - Port Moresby
- Have some breafkast before flying home.
- End of Rabaul Mask Festival Tour.
**Due to limited domestic flight availability, especially in this period – Early booking is advised. If booking late then the tour cost is liable to increase in line with the flight prices. **
What else?
Apply for your spot on the tour now or simply request more info below.
July 4 - 10th, 2026
Goroka Festival Tour
Domestic flights included
Start / Finish in Port Moresby
Standard hotel
6 Nights
The price
$2,890 USD