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Enjoy an outstanding photographic journey in the company our wildlife photography expert, Bret Charman, travelling into the depths of Papua New Guinea’s tropical forests to capture images of magnificent birds of paradise along with colourful cultural rituals.

Papua New Guinea is a place where nature and culture meld into a cocktail of sights and sounds and millions of years of isolation have helped forge some of the most visually spectacular and unusual wildlife on earth. The famed birds of paradise are certainly the island’s show stoppers, and this stunning family of birds have long been recognised and revered, thanks to their ornamental plumage, dazzling colours and extravagant courtship displays.

Tribal groups have each created their own expressive forms of art, dance, costumes, music, architecture and even weaponry. These are celebrated in a variety of annual festivals or sing-sings where cultural groups and tribes come together.

On this unique small group wildlife photography tour, our expert will be on hand throughout to provide all the necessary advice and help you develop your skills; in addition he will cover a variety of subjects including camera basics and simplifying the photographic process, to essentials in composition and field techniques. 

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK

  2. Day 2: Singapore & on to to Papua New Guinea

  3. Day 3: Arrive in Port Moresby, visit Varirata National Park

    We arrive in the early morning in Port Moresby and transfer to our hotel. Later this morning we visit a renowned local bird park, with walk-in aviaries offering good opportunities to photograph various birds of paradise in semi-natural settings. 

    After an early lunch, we take a short drive to Varirata National Park, which has a good network of trails, providing opportunities for birdwatching and other wildlife sightings. 

    Accommodation: Gateway Hotel, 1-night

  4. Day 4: Transfer to Highlands: Tari Gap

    We have an early transfer to the airport for a flight to Tari Valley in the western Central Highlands. Tari is home to one of the most famous and recognizable cultures in Papua New Guinea: the Huli Wigmen. The Huli are a proud, flamboyant tribe known for their ornate ceremonial ‘wigs’, while their dances and songs are fashioned around the mating rituals of birds of paradise.

    The drive from Tari to Ambua Lodge takes about an hour and there are spectacular views across the valley along the way. After lunch here, we have a first foray into the rich rainforest around the Tari Gap. Birdwatching opportunities are very good – more than 200 species have been recorded in the region, which include 13 species of birds of paradise inhabiting the area.

    Accommodation: Ambua Lodge, 4-nights

  5. Days 5-7 : Highlands: Tari Gap

    The early morning is the best time to look for displaying birds of paradise, and the forests around Ambua offer plenty of opportunities, with the most likely species to see being King of Saxony birds of paradise, Stephanie’s astraphia, ribbon-tail astraphia and the brown sicklebill. These montane rainforests also provide opportunities to walk along forest trails, following crystal streams looking for other wildlife.

    During our time at Ambua we also aim to visit traditional villages and settlements with the opportunity to photograph the Huli Wigmen in their full ceremonial costumes.

  6. Day 8: Charter flight to Lowlands: Sepik Region

    In the morning we transfer back to the airstrip in Tari and then fly to Karawari in the east Sepik region of the northern lowlands. This is an extremely remote area with no roads and only accessible by plane and boat. From the Karawari airstrip it is a 45-minute boat ride to our lodge, set in a vast alluvial floodplain laced with narrow waterways.

    The Karawari people are the most remote of the floodplain communities. En route we see stilted villages lining the waterways and local people in dugout canoes, their primary mode of transport. The Sepik people famously express their culture and beliefs through their art, inspiring the carving of incredible masks, drums, baskets and other sculptures that integrate with their daily lives.

    Accommodation: Karawari Lodge, 3-nights

  7. Days 9-10 : Lowlands: Sepik Region

    Today we go birdwatching in the Sepik floodplain. Some 229 different bird species have been recorded in the Karawari area. Our wildlife and bird watching excursions concentrate on early mornings and late afternoons, where species like the 12-wired birds of paradise and king birds of paradise are amongst the most prized. There are also palm cockatoos, other parrots, Blythe’s hornbill various kingfishers and Victoria crowned pigeons.

    Karawari also offers boat excursions to the surrounding villages where we visit traditional homes and are able to glimpse ways of life that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

  8. Day 11: Transfer to Highlands: Mount Hagen Region

    Today we transfer back to the airstrip by boat and fly to Mount Hagen in the Central Highlands. We then drive for around an hour to Rondon Ridge at an elevation of 2,150 metres. The Mount Hagen area is home to the Melpa people, a community with strong traditions and beliefs who still preserve their culture and live largely subsistence lifestyles.

    Accommodation: Rondon Ridge Lodge, 3-nights

  9. Days 12-13 : Highlands: Mount Hagen Region

    The next two days start with early excursions to look for birds of paradise and other wildlife. There are over 180 species of bird, including ten different birds of paradise, in the area. The most likely seen species are blue, superb and King of Saxony birds of paradise, Stephanie’s astraphia and brown sicklebill. The forests are also particularly rich in orchid diversity.

    At other times in the day, there will be a variety of cultural excursions and photographic opportunities either at the lodge or during visits to local communities. 

  10. Day 14: Transfer to East New Britain: Rabaul & Kokopo

    We drive back to Mount Hagen and fly via Port Moresby to Rabaul on the island of East New Britain that lies to the north east of mainland New Guinea. There is then a short drive to our charming beachfront hotel, and the rest of the day is free to relax.

    Accommodation: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort, 4-nights

  11. Days 15-17 : East New Britain: Rabaul & Kokopo

    Since 1995 Kokopo has hosted the National Mask Festival – a four day extravaganza of cultural dancing, ritual performance and story-telling. Generally the first two days are a cultural tribute to the people of East New Britain - the Tolai, Baining, Pomio and Sulka - followed by the Warwagira Cultural Festival that involves participation from other cultural communities. There is also a spectacular Baining Fire Dance: in this night-time traditional dance, initiated young men from the Baining people perform harrowing dances through blazing fires amidst evocative chanting by their elders.   

    We have the opportunity to visit and photograph these celebrations and performances, which are sure to be exhilarating colourful events.

    In addition we have the opportunity for some early morning dolphin watching. A short distance along the coast from the hotel, a resident population of spinner dolphins provide a daily display and can be easily approached. It may be possible to swim with them as well, or even snorkel or scuba dive (additional cost) at nearby off-shore islands.

  12. Day 18: Transfer to Port Moresby & depart

    In the morning we begin the journey home, first flying to Port Moresby, before connecting onto Singapore. Later in the day we board the flight from Singapore to London.

  13. Day 19: Arrive UK

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change without notice to take into account possible flight schedule changes, which can occur at any time, prior to or during the tour. Flights to the Sepik River region may be particularly susceptible to change due to local conditions. In addition, this tour involves some travel in remote areas, which adds to adventure and increases the wilderness experience. Due to terrain, weather, road conditions, and other factors beyond our control, some elements of the tour may have to be altered at short notice.

Key info

  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 19 days from £11,695 pp
  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 16 days from £10,095 pp
  • Single supplement: On request – please contact us.
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • Group size: 8
  • When to go: Jun-Jul
  • Group Departures: Please contact us for departure date details.
  • Tailor-made Departures:

    A tailor-made holiday or private departure can be arranged, please contact us to tailor a trip to suit your requirements.

  • Included in the price/package:
    • Domestic scheduled flights Port Moresby/Tari, Mount Hagen/Port Moresby, Port Moresby/Rabaul/Port Moresby
    • Charter flights Tari/Karawari & Karawari/Mount Hagen
    • 15 nights hotels/lodge/resort accommodation
    • All meals
    • Transfers
    • Mask Festival permit and guided activities as per itinerary
    • Photography tuition
  • Activities available:
    • Birdwatching
    • Boat trip
    • Culture
    • Nature drive
    • Panga ride
    • Photography
    • Swimming
    • Walking

Expert leader

Bret Charman

Photo of Bret Charman

Bret is an award-winning wildlife photographer with a background in the wildlife travel and safari industry, with a particular interest in African and Australian wildlife.

After spending a year in Australia to pursue wildlife photography, he was rewarded with success at the prestigious Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, as well as winning the Birds in Flight category in Bird Photographer of the Year. Bret has experience leading groups in Europe, the Americas and in Africa.

View all tours led by Bret

Featured locations:

Tari Valley

Also home to the flamboyant Huli people, the Tari Valley is a utopia of pristine, mid-montane jungle, a birdwatcher's paradise! An eiderdown of interlocking tree tops, with splashes of colour from high altitude orchids. Nature trails take you across traditional vine bridges, tracing clear mountain streams to secluded waterfalls. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Central Highlands
  • Ideal for viewing: crested bird of paradise, short-tailed paradigalia, ribbon-tailed astrapia, Lawe’s parotia, King of Saxony bird of paradise
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching

Highlands & Sepik River

At 1,126 kilometres, the Sepik River is Papua New Guinea's equivalent to the Amazon and it is the people of the Sepik that makes this region an exciting and fascinating place to visit. Life revolves around the river, and locals are unique in their belief in the spirit world with its mythical stories and rituals. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Central Highlands
  • Ideal for viewing: dwarf cassowary, Gurney’s eagle, twelve-wired bird of paradise, king bird of paradise, white-eared catbird
  • Excellent for: River safaris

Western Highlands

This province covers a surface area of 4,300 square kilometres. Home to the world’s largest population of birds of paradise, the rainforest habitat houses an abundance of wildlife of all sorts. It is traversed by a number of well-maintained trails, making it one of the most pleasant locations for hiking in the highlands. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Western Highlands
  • Ideal for viewing: ribbon-tailed astrapia, brown sicklebill, crested satinbird, crested berrypecker, blue bird of paradise
  • Excellent for: Vehicle safaris, Birdwatching

East New Britain

One of the few places in the world where you can get up close and personal with an active volcano; Rabaul is built on the crest of dormant Mount Tavurvur, and has one of the world’s deepest harbours. Rabaul is also known for its scuba diving and snorkelling sites and its diverse flora and fauna. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: East New Britain Province
  • Ideal for viewing: spinner dolphin, orange-footed scrubfowl, blue-eyed cockatoo, southern cassowary, Papuan frogmouth

Port Moresby

Port Moresby, the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, stands on the shores of the Gulf of Papua. The city offers a choice of centrally located hotels for an overnight stay, or you may choose to head out to nearby Varirata National Park, one of the best places to see the Raggiana bird of paradise. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Central Province
  • Excellent for: City stopover
Featured accommodation:

Ambua Lodge

Ambua is an award-winning, eco-friendly lodge set in a spectacular mountain landscape, with magnificent views of the Tari Valley. The lodge is a world-renowned birding destination, with over 200 species having been identified in the area, and knowledgeable local birding guides cater for all levels of interest. Find Out More about Ambua Lodge

Gateway Hotel

This hotel is a short drive from Port Moresby airport and therefore makes a convenient, comfortable stop if you need to overnight in the city. It offers 95 modern rooms and 20 serviced apartments, all surrounding a central pool, plus a restaurant, quiet gardens and free airport shuttle. Find Out More about Gateway Hotel

Karawari Lodge

Karawari Lodge stands on a lone ridge above the Karawari River, overlooking an endless expanse of dense tropical lowland rainforest in one of Papua New Guinea's most remote and unspoilt areas. Accommodation is in ten cottages, inspired by traditional architecture and constructed using local materials. Find Out More about Karawari Lodge

Rondon Ridge Lodge

Located a short drive from Mount Hagen, this hotel offers magnificent mountain views, and all 12 rooms have 180 degree views. The surrounding area is home to ten species of birds of paradise and numerous orchids, and walking trails from the lodge make it easy to get out and see the area’s unique ecology. Find Out More about Rondon Ridge Lodge