Papua New Guinea is a richly diverse and fascinating birding destination. Most well known for the extraordinary and beautiful Birds of Paradise, Papua New Guinea is also home to an amazing array of colourful Parrots, the world’s largest Pigeons, Cassowaries, Megapodes, poisonous Pitohuis and the stunning Paradise Kingfishers.
This tour follows the classic and popular birders route to the very best sites and lodges that this culturally diverse nation has to offer. A range of habitats are covered at different elevations ranging from the dense lowland tropical forests of the Fly River to the mist shrouded cloud forests of the central ranges.
The tour is conducted at a relaxed pace to allow the small group to soak up those special views of some of the most unusual and interesting species the world has to offer.
This fantastic park features great scenery and an impressive bird list. We search for Raggiana Bird of Paradise at the lek, and then work the hill forest trails for other specials like the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher and Wallace’s Fairywren. In the afternoon we return via the Sogeri Valley to our accommodation at the Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby.
We take our morning flight to Kiunga deep in the Fly River lowlands. Here we meet up with our expert local guide. The afternoon may be spent at a famous site observing Greater Birds of Paradise and a variety of fruit doves and parrots. Stay Kiunga Guest House.
This morning we take a drive to a location with a chance of seeing the breathtaking Flame Bowerbird a rich selection of other species are found in the area. More birding from Kiunga in the afternoon. Stay Kiunga Guest House.
There is a very early start for our boat trip up the Fly and Elevala Rivers to Ekame Lodge. There is a chance of Twelve-wired BOP early, and then great birding from the boat, with Hornbill, Palm Cockatoo and a huge variety of pigeons and parrots available. Birding the trails from the lodge in the afternoon. Stay Ekame Lodge.
We can hike into the jungle to search for the stunning King BOP and Little Paradise Kingfisher. During the day we can try many fantastic trails through the tropical forest. From the boat we may see Southern Crowned Pigeon and other local species. Stay Ekame Lodge.
There is good birding from the boat again as we travel downstream back to Kiunga, Whiskered Treeswift is possible on the river. In the afternoon there will be a chance to mop up any remaining species in the Kiunga area. Stay Kiunga Guest House.
We travel by road to Tabubil in the hill country. There are many birding stops along the way including the chance to look for the local race of Little Ringed Plover. Later there will be birding around Tabubil. Stay Cloudlands Hotel.
An early start will give us a chance at the unusual Shovel-billed Kingfisher and Magnificent Riflebird. During the day we check the river for Salvadori’s Teal. Later we will try for Carola’s Parrotia and Red-chested Pygmy-parrot at a well known site. Stay Cloudlands Hotel.
Some early morning birding before our flight to Mt Hagan and transfer to the excellent Kumul Lodge. Birding around the lodge can be incredible with Ribbon-tailed Astrapia and Crested Bird of Paradise visiting the gardens. Stay Kumul Lodge.
This morning we travel to search for Lesser Bird of Paradise and Yellow-breasted Bowerbird. In the afternoon we will bird the trails from the lodge for McGreggorzs Bowerbird and Papuan Treecreeper. Mountain Owlet Nightjar sometimes visits in the evenings. Stay Kumul Lodge.
Again we will travel early to local sites for Blue Bird of Paradise and Superb Bird of Paradise. Later we search around the lodge for Crested Berrypecker and Mountain Firetail. Stay Kumul Lodge.
Transfer to Airport for flight to Port Moresby. After lunch we will venture out to the local site for open country birds like Fawn-breasted Bowerbird and then to the University for wetland birds and Grey-headed Mannikin. Stay Gateway Hotel.
Morning flight to Tari. Transfer to Ambua Lodge. One of the famous birding lodges of the world, Ambua is spectacular with an amazing setting and stunning birdlife. The afternoon will be birding close to the lodge for Short-tailed Paradigalla and other local specials. Stay Ambua Lodge.
We will take some trails in the morning in search of Lesser Ground-Robin, Lesser Melampitta and other skulkers. Later we bird at higher elevation and many new species are possible including King of Saxony Bird of Paradise. Maybe a chance to do some night spotting. Stay Ambua Lodge.
A very early morning search may produce the Black Sicklebill and we may have another chance at the Blue BOP. Throughout the day there are many great trails to search for the forest specialists like the Wattled Ploughbill and Papuan Logrunner. Stay Ambua Lodge.
There will be some early morning birding around the lodge, then on our way to the airport it may be possible to visit a trail to look for Sooty Owl and other night birds. We take our flight back to Port Moresby and the tour concludes.
Zoe Imperial Pigeon
Salvadori’s Teal
Greater Bop
Crested Berrypecker
Brownheaded Paradise Kingfisher
Greater Bop
Brown Sicklebill
Brehms Tiger Parrot
Blue Bird of Paradise
