Boasting astounding diversity across both its wildlife and tribal culture, visit Papua New Guinea’s lowlands and highlands, seeking birds of paradise in one of the most untouched regions in the world. Come and explore the best of the Papua New Guinea rainforest!
The second largest island on Earth, New Guinea, is bisected by two nations, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the latter blanketing the eastern half. Life flourishes across a medley of ecosystems here, from mountains to mangroves and cloud forests to South Pacific islands. Focussing on Papua New Guinea, this tailormade holiday visits two contrasting areas, the low-lying tropical rainforests of the Sepik River, and the montane forests of the Western Highlands where wildlife and culture flourish in abundance.
Wildlife wise, herpetologists, entomologists and birders will be in their absolute element. Around 800 or so avian species are supported here, including the majority of the world’s birds of paradise, a fact that undoubtedly attracts travellers to this off-the-beaten-track destination. In the verdant, humid environs of the rainforest, scout for magnificent riflebird, king and twelve-wired bird of paradise, whilst in the cooler surrounds of Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands, opportunities exist to seek short-tailed paradigalla, brown sicklebill, ribbon-tailed and Stephanie's astrapia, as well as blue, superb, lesser and King-of-Saxony bird of paradise. Mammal viewing can be challenging in these parts but tree kangaroo, cuscus, possum, glider, bandicoot, and various species of bat are possible with luck on your side.
Of course, the allure of ancient cultures in this country cannot be underestimated. There’s the chance to spend time with local people from indigenous communities, observing traditions and customs relatively unchanged for centuries. Should you coincide your visit with the festival month of August, experience special occasions, singsings, which are annual gatherings of tribes wearing elaborate costumes and celebrating their divergence through song and dance.
In brief, this Papua New Guinea holiday offers a contrasting wealth of natural treasures in remote surroundings, unveiling a human heritage steeped in mysticism too. Come and experience it all for yourself, Papua New Guinea awaits!
Welcome to Papua New Guinea!
Hit the ground running this afternoon with an introductory guided nature and birding walk from the network of trails accessible directly from your lodge. Later, feeling suitably acquainted with highland species, enjoy an early night in anticipation of your forthcoming adventure to the Sepik River tomorrow.
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge Lodge, 1-night
Deep in the interior, and accessed only by charter flight or boat, lies Karawari Lodge, home for the next four nights. Throw yourself into life on, and along, the river, joining guided nature walks through the rainforest and partaking in daily village visits to local tribes living along the banks in stilt villages.
Accommodation: Karawari Lodge, 4-nights
During your three full days in this unspoilt region, spend early mornings and late afternoons scouting for wildlife, seeking sightings of the 229 bird species recorded from the lodge to date. Whilst the gardens attract a plethora of honeyeaters, sunbirds, flowerpeckers and occasionally parrots, the surrounding forests provide sanctuary to hornbill, fruit-dove, cockatoo, crowned pigeon and the immaculately camouflaged Papuan frogmouth. Of a more flamboyant nature, are sought after king and twelve-wired bird of paradise as well as magnificent riflebird and flame bowerbird.
When out on the river, following its serpentine meandering through lowland rainforest en route to coastal mangroves and the islands of the Bismarck Sea, keep a keen eye out for reptiles, insects and amphibians. Waterbirds are abundant, including kingfisher, kookaburra, swamphen, heron, egret and cormorant. Raptors of all shapes and sizes soar the skies above while rails patrol the banks on a constant quest for prey.
During visits to communities, learn how the local people of the ecologically diverse Sepik region are loosely knitted together in systems of trade and cultural interaction. Ritual, genealogical and historical knowledge define each group and the scenes are timeless as men paddle narrow dugout canoes, women fish or make sago (a staple food), pigs roam the villages and children swing from trees, splashing in the shallows. The region is a gallery of tribal art, with each village boasting a unique style of artwork adorning buildings, oars, masks and more.
Having witnessed the traditions and dance of local tribes along the Sepik River, and indulged in wildlife and birdwatching in this remote and far flung, fascinating place, fly back to Mount Hagen, the cultural heart of the country and a hot spot for birds of paradise.
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge Lodge, 3-nights
Leaving the highlands behind, fly to the nation’s capital, where you shall be transferred to your overnight accommodation for an afternoon of leisure. Listen to the lilting sound of Hiri Motu being spoken around you, one of the country’s three official languages, or escape for a stroll around the property’s botanical garden, birding as you go. Time and flights permitting, ask us about adding a tour to nearby Varirata National Park for a realistic chance of seeing Papua New Guinea’s national bird, the Raggiana bird of paradise.
Accommodation: Airways Hotel, 1-night
As your time in this fascinating place draws to a close, you’re transferred to the airport in time to commence your onward journey or flights home.
Please note: Tourism to Papua New Guinea is very much small scale, and this particular holiday provides just a taster of what we are able to offer across the country. Perhaps extend your stay to include Tufi, along Papua’s north-east coast, home to the world’s largest butterfly, the Queen Alexander birdwing, and to coral reefs, fjords and snorkelling opportunities galore. It's part of the Coral Triangle, a marine biodiversity hotspot, a trait it shares with the island of New Britain, found in the Bismarck Sea. From there, take to the ocean from paradise beaches and experience a bewildering variety of aquatic life as well as indulging in birdwatching and hiking volcanoes (if you wish!) as well as learning about conservation initiatives.
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}
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}
The Mount Hagen area is the home of the Melpa people, a people with a strong culture, who still live largely traditional subsistence lifestyles. From the lowland rainforest to alpine grasslands, it is a land of colour and vibrancy and one of the best places to see Papua New Guinea’s birds of paradise. Find Out More about {acc:title}
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}
Airways Hotel is Papua New Guinea's leading accommodation and one of the most unique airport hotels in the world. Nestled into the mountainside, each room opens onto a balcony with mountain or garden view, and facilities include a stunning pool, restaurants (poolside and fine dining), spa and tennis court. Find Out More about Airways Hotel
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
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
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
