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Papua New Guinea - Birds-of-paradise & Central Highlands (Relaxed)

© Blue Bird-of-paradise by Dusan Brinkhuizen
Papua New Guinea - Birds-of-paradise & Central Highlands (Relaxed) 2028

04 Jun 2028 - 17 Jun 2028 (14 days)

PGK38,500 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Joshua Olszewski

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Tour Leader: Nigel Redman

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Tour Price (Per person): PGK38,500 (USD8,857 * GBP6,697 * EUR7,783 * AUD12,578)

Flight costs: PGK1,500 (USD345 * GBP261 * EUR303 * AUD490)

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Papua New Guinea - Birds-of-paradise & Central Highlands (Relaxed) 2029

15 Jun 2029 - 28 Jun 2029 (14 days)

PGK41,500 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth

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Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk

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Tour Price (Per person): PGK41,500 (USD9,547 * GBP7,218 * EUR8,389 * AUD13,558)

Flight costs: PGK1,500 (USD345 * GBP261 * EUR303 * AUD490)

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s great birding destinations, a land of extraordinary forests, dramatic mountains and some of the most spectacular birds on Earth. Foremost among these are the legendary birds-of-paradise, whose dazzling colours, elaborate plumes and remarkable displays have fascinated naturalists for centuries. On this specially designed Relaxed tour, we place these iconic birds firmly at centre stage, combining excellent highland birding with carefully chosen lowland sites and plenty of time to enjoy the experience rather than simply race after an ever-growing species list.

Beginning around Port Moresby, we explore the forests, wetlands and savannas of Brown River, Hisiu and Varirata National Park, where an impressive variety of parrots, fruit doves, kingfishers, honeyeaters and other New Guinea specialities provides a superb introduction to the island’s birdlife. We then travel into the Central Highlands, spending extended periods at renowned birding locations including Kumul, Magic Mountain and Rondon Ridge. Here the focus shifts strongly towards birds-of-paradise, with opportunities to watch and photograph several species from established feeding areas, hides and blinds, alongside a fascinating supporting cast of highland endemics.

Rather than attempting to cover enormous distances or pursue every difficult forest skulker, this itinerary concentrates on rewarding sites, memorable birds and prolonged viewing opportunities. The result is a gentler and more immersive introduction to Papua New Guinea: spectacular birds-of-paradise, beautiful mountain scenery, rich forest birding and some of the finest wildlife experiences this remarkable country has to offer.

Top Birds

Raggiana Bird-of-paradise; Blue Bird-of-paradise; King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise; Ribbon-tailed & Princess Stephanie's Astrapias; Lawes's Parotia; Greater Lophorina; Magnificent & Lesser Birds-of-paradise; Brown Sicklebill; Short-tailed Paradigalla; Growling Riflebird; Mottled Berryhunter; Blue-capped Ifrit; Wattled Ploughbill; Crested & Loria's Satinbirds; Eastern Crested & Tit Berrypeckers; Yellow-breasted & Black-breasted Boatbills; MacGregor's Bowerbird; Emperor Fairywren; Brehm's Tiger Parrot; Stella's & Goldie's Lorikeets; Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher; Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher; Barred Owlet-nightjar; Papuan Frogmouth.

Top Mammals

Spectacled Dasyure

Habitats Covered

lowland and montane rainforest, secondary forest, Eucalyptus savanna, mangroves, grasslands, wetlands

Expected Climate

hot and humid with tropical showers on the coast, cooler in the highlands

Max Group Size

7 with 1 Rockjumper Leader / 8 - 10 with 2 Rockjumper leaders

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Easy to Moderate. A relaxed-paced tour with limited strenuous activity, but some uneven forest trails, altitude & occasionally rough road conditions.

Accommodation

Comfortable. Particularly good at Rondon Ridge, with simpler but well-located highland lodges elsewhere.

Ease of Birding

Easy to Moderate. Much of the birding is around lodge gardens, feeders, hides, forest edge & open habitats. Some forest birding can be slower, but we largely avoid difficult skulking species.

Photographic Opportunities

Good, especially around lodge gardens, feeders & dedicated photographic hides, with opportunities for several birds-of-paradise at close range.

What our clients say about us

André Bernon
DK - PNG 2022

Andre and Lev were excellent guides, and ensured we had a great time, even when birding, the weather, or the inevitable logistical challenges of travel within PNG seemed to do their best to thwart us. They did an excellent job of managing expectations, but also ensuring that as many people in the group got to see the birds, while also understanding that not everyone would see ingle bird. Difficulties, whether with accommodations, weather, or even participants, were dealt with quickly, and I have no doubt far more issues were cleared before the group was even aware they existed! I look forward to returning to New Guinea (including West Papua) with Rockjumper soon, and also exploring more birding destinations with Lev and Andre or the other excellent guides you have!

Stephan Lorenz
CG & CP - Papua New Guinea 2019

Stephan is a top notch guide. Great eyes, ears & local knowledge found us all the specials. A healthy dose of patience also ensured we all got onto the birds (those that hung around!)

Adam Walleyn
MC & HC - Papua New Guinea 2019

Adam Walleyn is an amazing birder, I'm quite experienced but I literally have no idea how he knows, hears and can engage with so much of the wildlife and particularly birds around, that was all great.

Adam Walleyn
RP - Papua New Guinea 2019

[This was] my third trip with Adam Walleyn and I will definitely go with him again. He is constantly looking and working to find the birds---during lunch breaks, after the day ends, on the bus. He never stops and it pays off. He works hard to get everyone on the birds and remembers special needs that various members of the group have. He took a lunch break one day to spend time with me looking for one bird that I had repeatedly missed. We didn’t find it, but the effort was very much appreciated and noticed. He gave me some pointers and I did find the bird later on during another break.

Paul Varney
KH, Papua New Guinea 2023

This was my first birding tour ever, so I wasnt sure what to expect. The tour leader, Paul, was so amazing, there are not enough superlatives. All of the other participants had been on birding trips before, and Paul was very gracious to make sure I had the opportunity to see as many birds as possible and know what to expect. He was very conscientious, and prepared for almost anything. The trip was physically challenging due to the steep muddy trails, high and low temperatures, and oh yeah, the earthquakes. I wasnt sure what to expect, although the descriptions were pretty accurate, but I was ready to stop hiking by the 11th day. Thank you for the recommendation of collapsible walking sticks. Those were very useful. I am very glad I had the opportunity to take this trip. I cant say enough good things about Paul as the trip leader. I hope he gets to lead all of his first choice tours in the future!

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