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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 (USD8,823 * GBP6,766 * AUD12,646)

Flight costs: PGK1,500 (USD344 * GBP264 * AUD493)

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 (USD9,511 * GBP7,293 * AUD13,632)

Flight costs: PGK1,500 (USD344 * GBP264 * AUD493)

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

Dušan Brinkhuizen
RL, Papua New Guinea 2018

Dušan Brinkhuizen was especially sweet and encouraging when I was having trouble with pain or with getting onto birds. I would be happy to travel with Dušan again.

Adam Walleyn
DH & RD, Papua New Guinea

The birds were magnificent, and when you combine this with the awesome guide combo of Adam Walleyn and the 'Big G' (Gareth Robbins), it made for a once in a lifetime trip. Thanks again Rockjumper for delivering a first-class birding experience.

Lev Frid
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!"

Adam Walleyn
JB & SB, Papua New Guinea 2018

We are home having had an amazing trip to PNG....we were very impressed with Adam Walleyn and Gareth Robbins and would rate them very highly as tour leaders. Very Best Wishes from very satisfied customers.

Lev Frid
KL, Papua New Guinea 2022

I thought Lev Frid did a great job in managing the tour.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map