Tailormade Holidays in Papua New Guinea

Tour Code: TPNG

The natural landscape is beautiful and dramatic, with dense rainforests, pristine beaches, spectacular coral reefs and mountains that stretch unbroken for as far as the eye can see. The island is estimated to harbour over 170,000 species of plants and animals, encompassing roughly 10% of the world’s vascular plants (more than 70% of which are endemic), around 1,000 species of butterflies, more than 600 reptiles and amphibians, 750 species of birds and over 240 species of mammals. Perhaps most remarkable of all, however, is that these mind-boggling figures are merely conservative estimates. The island is poorly studied, with large areas remaining completely unexplored to this day. From tree-climbing kangaroos to the famed birds-of-paradise, PNG truly embodies a realm of the weird and wonderful. Yet such variety is not limited to the island’s wildlife offerings, as the country’s rugged isolation has fostered a similarly diverse local population. With over 800 indigenous languages spoken – the highest number of any nation – PNG is undeniably rich in cultural heritage, offering a wide array of unique traditions and colourful ceremonies. With such a stunning natural landscape, captivating culture, and rates of endemism likely exceeding 30%, PNG surely deserves to be high on the list of every keen naturalist.

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Sample Itineraries

Papua New Guinea (PNG), nestled in the south-western Pacific Ocean, boasts the third largest expanse of tropical forest worldwide, surpassed only by the Amazon and Congo rainforests. This remarkable place is one of the most biologically and culturally diverse regions on the planet, serving as a major hub of endemism. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Papua New Guinea’s Wild Interior

16 Days

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Papua New Guinea – Birding in Paradise

16 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

May to November

Speak to a travel expert

Georgie Dodds

Tailormade Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Varirata National Park
Western Highlands Province
East Sepik Province
Lake Murray
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Summary

Our Locations

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Varirata is a protected area located in the Central Province of PNG. This was PNG’s first national park and covers an area of approximately 10 square kilometres, situated on a ridge overlooking the capital city of Port Moresby and the Pacific Ocean. Varirata is one of the country’s premier birding sites and boasts a long list of species; somewhat surprisingly considering how close it is to the capital. A network of well-marked trails wind through a variety of habitats in which a good number of birds and other wildlife make their home, including a selection of fruit-doves, cuckooshrikes, honeyeaters, and an array of excitingly unfamiliar birds deriving from endemic New Guinea families such as the berrypeckers and longbills. Highlights might include Yellow-legged Brushturkey, Barred Owlet-Nightjar, Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher, Painted Quail-Thrush and Papuan Frogmouth, to name but a few. The chance to encounter a displaying Raggiana Bird-of-paradise is certainly an attractive prospect, with this iconic lekking species being PNG’s national bird. Other possible bird-of-paradise species include Growling Riflebird and the Crinkle-collared Manucode, a less flamboyant, somewhat crow-like species. Possible mammals might include a curious Grey Dorcopsis or a Common Spotted Cuscus.

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The Western Highlands Province is a mountainous region offering a diverse range of wildlife habitats, from forested hillsides to lowland valleys. Thanks to its cooler temperatures, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall, the area has become PNG's agricultural hub, with tea and coffee being prominent cash crops. In fact, the stunning Wahgi Valley contains some of the oldest evidence of agriculture found anywhere in the world. Unsurprisingly, the region is also a vibrant cultural melting pot, where many aspects of life have remained relatively unchanged for millennia. The Melpa people, who first came into contact with the outside world as recently as 1934, are among the indigenous groups that warmly welcome foreign visitors. Recognised as humanity's early horticulturists, they continue to engage in a barter economy that emulates a form of ebullient materialism. Referred to as ‘pre-adapted to capitalism’, the Melpa leaders epitomise mankind's quintessential entrepreneurs, adept at accumulating wealth through elaborate systems of ceremonial exchange known as moka or tee. The wildlife here, too, is no doubt equally captivating. Various possums, bandicoots, dasyures and ringtails wander these forests, but it is the birds that arguably steal the show. Among them are Superb, Blue and King of Saxony Birds-of-paradise, alongside astrapias, tiger-parrots, fruit-doves, lorikeets, berrypeckers, satinbirds, sicklebills, honeyeaters, bowerbirds and more!

Accommodation in Western Highlands Province

Rondon Ridge

Details

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Located in the northern centre of the island, the remote East Sepik Province derives its name from the mighty Sepik River – the second largest river on the continent. This province is characterised by its unspoiled beaches, winding waterways, and expansive tropical forests, all of which are teeming with a diverse array of birds and wildlife. Riverine environments are excellent for raptors, herons and kingfishers, in addition to star birds such as the Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise. Swamp forests are home to the magnificent Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Wompoo and Orange-bellied Fruit-Doves, Hooded Pitta, New Guinea Scrubfowl, White-bellied Thicket Fantail and Ivory-billed Coucal. Further exploration in hilly forests may reveal Ochre-collared Monarch and King Bird-of-paradise, while an elusive Northern Cassowary or Papuan Eagle is always a possibility. This region is also productive for herpetofauna, with a good variety of geckos, snakes and frogs present.

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New Britain, the largest island in the Bismarck Archipelago, is located in the north-east of PNG. The island is characterised by its volcanic and densely forested terrain. Several active and dormant volcanoes dot the landscape, creating mountain ridges, deep valleys, and fertile plains. The shorelines are patrolled by hunting Brahminy Kites and White-bellied Sea Eagles, while the forests host such species as New Britain Friarbird, Metallic Starling, Red-flanked Lorikeet, Black and Finsch’s Imperial Pigeons, Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot, Violaceous Coucal, Bismarck Pied Monarch, Blue-eyed Cockatoo, Melanesian Scrub Fowl, Red-banded Flowerpecker and New Britain Buzzard. Exploring offshore islands may reveal Nicobar and Island Imperial Pigeons, Yellow-bibbed Fruit Dove, Bismarck Flowerpecker and Sclater’s Honeyeater, while the kaleidoscope of colourful coral reefs provides excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving. It’s also possible to enjoy a pelagic cruise in search of shearwaters, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and a wide variety of cetaceans, including playful Spinner Dolphins.

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Sample Itineraries

This itinerary is designed to capture the essence of Papua New Guinea’s rugged natural beauty, targeting some of the most productive hotspots for the island’s famed avian wonders.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Port Moresby & Varirata National Park

Days

5 - 7

Western Highlands Province

Days

8 - 10

East Sepik Province

Days

11 - 13

Lake Murray

Day

Port Moresby

Day

Depart Port Moresby

Day

Arrive UK

16 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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This holiday combines Papua New Guinea’s biologically and culturally diverse highlands with the idyllic coastal landscape of New Britain Island.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Port Moresby & Varirata National Park

Days

5 - 7

Western Highlands Province

Day

Port Moresby

Days

9 - 13

New Britain Island

Day

Port Moresby

Day

Depart Port Moresby

Day

Arrive UK

16 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Quality local naturalist and specialist birding guides are available at all of our lodges in Papua New Guinea

When to Visit

PNG experiences a complex tropical climate with relatively high temperatures and humidity year-round. PNG's weather is influenced by local topography, prevailing winds, and ocean currents, creating diverse microclimates across the country. Coastal areas and lowlands, like Port Moresby, experience hot and humid conditions accompanied by abundant rainfall throughout the year. At higher elevations, temperatures are cooler, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The Highlands witness a dry season from May to October, which is generally considered the optimal time to visit. During this period, the drier weather, lower humidity and cooler skies make wildlife exploration much more pleasant. The periods from May to July and September to early November are generally considered to be the best periods to see the majority of birds-of-paradise lekking.

Getting Around

Given the dense forest cover and mountainous terrain, the road network in PNG is limited. Overland travel is therefore typically constrained to short airport transfers of no more than an hour, and moving between different locations often necessitates taking short domestic flights.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!