The tour visits established birdwatching locations where you may encounter species including the Raggiana Bird of Paradise, King of Saxony Bird of Paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Brown Sicklebill, Blue Bird of Paradise and Superb Bird of Paradise. You’ll also have opportunities to look for kingfishers, bowerbirds, parrots, fruit doves and other native birds. Sightings depend on conditions and wildlife activity, so particular species cannot be guaranteed.
Bird of Paradise
Tour
9 DAYS
8 NIGHTS
Bird of Paradise Tour
9 Days / 8 Nights
Papua New Guinea is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary birdlife, including the spectacular birds of paradise. From colourful plumage and elaborate courtship displays to species found deep within highlands, it’s a destination that has fascinated birdwatchers and wildlife photographers for generations.
Our nine-day Bird of Paradise Tour takes you into the mountain forest of Papua New Guinea and through the tropical rainforests and wetlands surrounding Port Moresby. Along the way, you’ll explore some of the country’s best-known birdwatching locations, including Kumul Lodge, Rondon Ridge and Varirata National Park, with opportunities to encounter the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, King of Saxony Bird of Paradise, Raggiana Bird of Paradise and many more.
With experienced local guides helping you along the way, you’ll spend your days exploring forest trails, visiting established birding sites and discovering the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea’s wildlife. Early mornings are part of the experience, giving you the chance to be out in the forest as it comes to life and bird activity is at its most spectacular. There’s also time to slow down, take in the landscapes and appreciate just how wild and untouched much of this part of Papua New Guinea still feels.
Whether you’re dreaming of photographing a particular species, adding some incredible sightings to your bird list or just enjoy seeing these birds in their natural habitat, this journey gives you the time and local knowledge to get the most out of every location. And while the birds may be the reason you come, the Highlands, rainforests and people you meet along the way are just as much a part of this experience.
Local Guides.
Knowing where to look makes all the difference when you’re birdwatching in Papua New Guinea. Our experienced local guides know the forests, trails and habitats you’ll be exploring, along with the calls and behaviours of the birds that live there. They’ll help you locate species, identify what you’re seeing and find opportunities to observe and photograph birds in their natural habitat.
From the high-altitude forests of Enga and Mt Hagen to the rainforest trails around Port Moresby, their knowledge helps you make the most of every day in the field.
Extraordinary Birdlife.
Papua New Guinea’s remarkable range of landscapes is home to an incredible diversity of birdlife, and this tour gives you the chance to explore several very different habitats in just 9 days. In the Highlands, you’ll venture into cool mountain forests in search of the King of Saxony Bird of Paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Brown Sicklebill, Blue Bird of Paradise and other sought-after species.
Closer to Port Moresby, tropical rainforests, woodlands and wetlands bring exciting opportunities to encounter the Raggiana Bird of Paradise, colourful kingfishers, bowerbirds, parrots and fruit doves. With guided excursions across multiple birdwatching locations, there’s always something new to look and listen for.
Itinerary
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Port Moresby
Day 1
Arrive Port Moresby
Welcome to Papua New Guinea. After clearing customs and immigration at Jackson’s International Airport, you’ll be met by your South Sea Horizons guide and transferred to the Hilton Hotel.
Following lunch, head out to explore Port Moresby, beginning with a guided visit to the National Museum and Art Gallery. Here, you’ll discover more about Papua New Guinea’s rich history, cultures and traditions before continuing to Port Moresby Nature Park to see some of the country’s unique plants and wildlife.
Return to the hotel before sunset, where your guide will take you through the itinerary and what to expect over the coming days.
Accommodation:
Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby
Included activities:
Port Moresby city tour, National Museum and Art Gallery, Port Moresby Nature Park
Meals:
Lunch & Dinner
Kumul Lodge
Day 2
Port Moresby to Kumul Lodge
After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Mt Hagen, where your birdwatching adventure in the Highlands begins.
From Mt Hagen, travel approximately 1.5 hours through the beautiful mountain landscapes to Kumul Lodge in Enga. Surrounded by highland forest, the lodge is an excellent base for exploring some of Papua New Guinea’s best-known birding locations.
Following lunch, head out with your guide for an afternoon of birdwatching around the lodge. Keep your camera ready for opportunities to photograph the Brown Sicklebill, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia and other birds of paradise as you begin discovering the remarkable birdlife of the region.
Flights:
Commercial flight Port Moresby to Mt Hagen, including Executive Club
Accommodation:
Kumul Lodge, Enga
Included activities:
Afternoon guided birdwatching
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kumul Lodge
Day 3
Birdwatching at Kumul Lodge
Today is dedicated to exploring the highland forests and birding sites surrounding Kumul Lodge.
Begin with a visit to the Lesser Bird of Paradise site, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph these beautiful birds in their natural habitat. Throughout the day, your guide will help you search for other remarkable species, including the King of Saxony Bird of Paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia and Brown Sicklebill.
In the afternoon, continue to Max’s Trails, exploring the forest paths and surrounding montane habitat. With a full day in the field, you’ll have plenty of time to look for different species and enjoy the experience of birdwatching in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands.
Accommodation:
Kumul Lodge, Enga
Included activities:
Full-day guided birdwatching, Lesser Bird of Paradise site, Max’s Trails
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Mt Hagen
Day 4
Birdwatching at Rondon Ridge
After breakfast, leave Kumul Lodge and travel back through the Highlands to Mt Hagen, where you’ll check in at the Highlander Hotel.
This afternoon, head up to Rondon Ridge for your next birdwatching experience. The high-altitude forests surrounding the ridge are home to some of Papua New Guinea’s most sought-after species, including Stephanie’s Astrapia and the Blue Bird of Paradise.
Spend the afternoon exploring the forest with your guide, looking and listening for birdlife along the way before returning to your hotel in the early evening.
Accommodation:
Highlander Hotel, Mt Hagen
Included activities:
Afternoon guided birdwatching at Rondon Ridge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Mt Hagen
Day 5
Exploring the Rondon Trails
Return to Rondon Ridge today for a full day of birdwatching along its beautiful mountain trails.
The forests here provide opportunities to search for some of Papua New Guinea’s remarkable birds of paradise, with today’s focus on the Blue Bird of Paradise and Superb Bird of Paradise.
Travelling with your guide, you’ll explore the Rondon Trails, taking time to observe the surrounding forest and photograph any species encountered along the way.
After a rewarding day in the Highlands, return to the Highlander Hotel in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Accommodation:
Highlander Hotel, Mt Hagen
Included activities:
Full-day guided birdwatching along the Rondon Trails
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Port Moresby
Day 6
Mt Hagen to Port Moresby
After breakfast, transfer to Mt Hagen Airport for your flight back to Port Moresby.
On arrival, you’ll be met by your South Sea Horizons guide and transferred to the Hilton Hotel before heading out for an afternoon of birdwatching.
The forests and wetlands around Port Moresby offer a different range of species from those you’ve encountered in the Highlands. This afternoon, you’ll have opportunities to look for the Papuan Frogmouth, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove and a variety of waterbirds.
It’s a wonderful change of scenery and the beginning of the next part of your birdwatching journey.
Flights:
Commercial Flight Mt Hagen to Port Moresby, including Executive Club
Accommodation:
Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby
Included activities:
Afternoon guided birdwatching
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Port Moresby
Day 7
Varirata National Park
Today you’ll explore Varirata National Park, located in the hills outside Port Moresby and known for its beautiful rainforest, open woodland and rich birdlife.
One of the highlights of today’s excursion is the opportunity to search for the Raggiana Bird of Paradise, Papua New Guinea’s national bird. You’ll also be looking for the colourful Dwarf Kingfisher as your guide leads you along the park’s forest trails.
Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of the park before continuing your birdwatching and photography throughout the afternoon. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner.
Accommodation:
Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby
Included activities:
Full-day guided birdwatching at Varirata National Park
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Port Moresby
Day 8
Varirata, Sogeri and Domora Swamp
Your final full day of birdwatching takes you through several different habitats around Port Moresby, including Varirata, Sogeri and Domora Swamp.
Moving between rainforest, woodland and wetland environments, you’ll have the chance to look for an impressive variety of species, including the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher, Growling Riflebird, Barred Owlet-Nightjar, Dwarf Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher and Blue-winged Kookaburra.
There may also be opportunities to encounter colourful lories, parrots and fruit doves as you explore each location with your guide. Enjoy a packed lunch during the day before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation:
Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby
Included activities:
Full-day guided birdwatching at Varirata, Sogeri and Domora Swamp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Port Moresby
Day 9
Depart Port Moresby
After breakfast, your South Sea Horizons guide will assist with your transfer to Jackson’s International Airport for your departing international flight.
After nine days exploring Papua New Guinea’s mountain forests, rainforests and wetlands, you’ll leave with wonderful memories, photographs and a greater appreciation for the country’s extraordinary birdlife.
Meals:
Breakfast
Explore the Birds of Papua New Guinea.
Essential Information.
This nine-day Bird of Paradise Tour explores some of Papua New Guinea’s best-known birdwatching locations, combining time in the Highlands with guided excursions through the tropical forests and wetlands around Port Moresby.
Your tour includes four nights at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, two nights at Kumul Lodge in Enga and two nights at the Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen. Return economy flights between Port Moresby and Mt Hagen, guided birdwatching activities, scheduled transfers and all meals outlined in the itinerary are also included.
What birds can I expect to see on the Bird of Paradise Tour?
Do I need to be an experienced birdwatcher?
The tour is particularly suited to birdwatching enthusiasts and wildlife photographers, but you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy discovering Papua New Guinea’s birdlife. Your local guides will help identify species and take you to established birding locations. Some excursions involve walking on forest trails and uneven ground, so a reasonable level of mobility is recommended.
What accommodation is included?
The tour includes eight nights of accommodation across three properties: four nights at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, two nights at Kumul Lodge in Enga and two nights at the Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen. All accommodation is arranged as part of your tour and is subject to availability.
Are domestic flights and meals included?
Yes. Return economy flights between Port Moresby and Mt Hagen are included, along with scheduled airport transfers, ground transport, guided birdwatching activities and meals outlined in the itinerary. International flights, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, personal expenses and visa application fees are not included.
What should I pack for birdwatching in Papua New Guinea?
Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, warmer layers for the Highlands and a waterproof jacket are recommended. Binoculars, camera equipment, insect repellent, sun protection and a small daypack will also be useful. Conditions can vary considerably between the Highlands and Port Moresby, so it’s worth preparing for both cooler mountain temperatures and warmer tropical weather.
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with South Sea Horizons, including (but not limited to) cover for medical treatment and evacuation, cancellations, delays and lost or damaged baggage.
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