Best of Papua New Guinea Birding Tour 2026
Varirata National Park I PAU I Mt. Hagen I Kumul Lodge I Kiunga I Fly River
Display of Birds of Paradises, Hide and Feeder Photography, River Crusie
12 Days
Non-stop Birding
July 21- Aug 1
2026
$ 5300*
PP/ Twin-Share
Join Endemic Explorer’s 8th Papua New Guinea Bird Photography Tour, crafted for professionals seeking exceptional avian subjects in their natural habitat. This 12-day expedition takes you through Varirata, PAU, Mt Hagen, Enga, Kiunga, and the Fly River, covering a stunning range of habitats that support some of the world’s most sought-after bird species.
We focus on endemic and iconic birds, including multiple Birds-of-Paradise, Flame Bowerbird, Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Crested Satinbird, and Jewel Babbler. With expert local guides and carefully chosen locations, we maximise opportunities for photographing elaborate courtship displays, vibrant plumage, and rare lowland and montane species. Since 2014, we have been organising birding and wildlife photography tours in PNG, building strong relationships with local communities to ensure ethical and immersive wildlife experiences.
This is our eighth edition—let’s go!
Varirata National Park offers prime opportunities to photograph Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise, Trumpet Manucode, and Jewel Babbler in misty highland rainforests.
Mt Hagen provides highland birding with Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, Blue Bird-of-Paradise, and Crested Satinbird, thriving in cool montane forests and stunning landscapes.
PAU (Pacific Adventist University) is a haven for Australasian aquatic birds, including Papuan Frogmouth, Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove, and Yellow-billed Kingfisher, set in serene wetlands.
Fly River takes you through dense lowland forests, home to Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, Flame Bowerbird, Southern Crowned Pigeon, and striking kingfishers.
Kumul Lodge is an ideal spot for photographing Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Tiger Parrots, and Wattled Plough bill, with excellent birding right from the veranda..
Kiunga serves as a gateway to the lowlands, where King Bird-of-Paradise, Jewel Babbler, and Paradise Kingfishers thrive in untouched tropical rainforests.
Papua New Guinea: As Endemic Explorer Sees It
If you have specific requirements, we will be happy to try to accommodate them. Of course, we can also tailor-make a private expedition—even better!
Our Papua New Guinea tour offers remote expeditions, reliable sightings, good photography.
Day 1: (July 21, 2026)
Arrival in Mount Hagen via Port Moresby
Arrive Mt Hagen by Air nuigini
Arrival in Mount Hagen via Port Moresby Begin your adventure in Mount Hagen, located in the Western Highlands. After arriving at Port Moresby International Airport, connect to a morning flight to Mount Hagen and transfer to Kumul Lodge. Spend the afternoon birding from the lodge veranda, where species such as Tiger Parrots, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Brown Sicklebill, and Friendly Fantail can be observed.
Night: Kumul Lodge
Day 2 & 3: (July 22 & 23, 2026)
Birding in Kama/Lai/Murmur/ Mabis Areas (Enga Province)
The birding areas of Kama, Lai, Murmur, and Mabis in Enga Province are renowned for their pristine montane habitats, offering rich birding opportunities in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The remote nature of these areas has helped preserve an abundance of endemic and migratory bird species. The combination of lush forests, grasslands, and wetland areas supports a variety of habitats, from ground-dwelling species to canopy-dwelling birds, including some of the rarest and most striking species on the planet. This region is particularly famous for the diversity of Birds of Paradise, making it a prime destination for avid birdwatchers. Important species: Blue Bird of Paradise, Lesser Bird of Paradise, Ribbon-tailedAstrapia, Crested Satinbird, Papuan Lorikeet, Wattled Ploughbill, Ornate Fruit-Dove, Tiger Parrot, Brown Sicklebill, Friendly Fantail.
Night: Kumul Lodge.
Day 4 & 5: (July 24 & 25, 2026)
Transition to Mount Hagen
After breakfast, transfer to Mount Hagen and settle into your lodge. The region boasts a variety of habitats, including dense rainforests, montane forests, and alpine meadows, providing a haven for a rich avian diversity. The cooler climate supports numerous endemic species, including several species of the iconic Birds of Paradise. The area’s mix of lowland and montane flora and fauna makes it an excellent location forbirdwatching, offering the chance to see rare and beautiful species. The afternoon will focus on birding in highland display areas to track the Blue Bird of Paradise, Lesser Bird of Paradise, Papuan Lorikeet, Belford’s Melidectes, and many more.
Night: Mount Hagen Lodge (Two Nights)
Day 6: (July 26, 2026)
Transfer to Kiunga
Fly from Mount Hagen to Kiunga, located in the lowlands of the Fly River region. Kiunga offers a dramatic contrast to the cooler highlands of Mount Hagen. This lowland area is characterized by expansive wetlands, riverine forests, and dense tropical rainforests. The biodiversity here is exceptional, with many endemic species found in these lush environments. The Fly River and surrounding areas are vital for a range of water birds and lowland species, including several stunning Birds of Paradise.
Night: Kiunga Guest House
Day 7 & 8: (July 27 & 28, 2026)
Fly River Birding Expedition
Spend two full days exploring the Fly River and its surrounding forests. We will focus on exploring the lowland rainforests near Kiunga, offering opportunities to observe key species such as the Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Flame Bowerbird, Paradise Kingfishers, and other lowland specialities. The final day in Kiunga will be dedicated to capturing any missed species and revisiting hotspots to spot birds like the Southern Crowned Pigeon and Jewel Babblers. Important species: Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Flame Bowerbird, Southern Crowned Pigeon, Paradise Kingfisher, Jewel Babbler, Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove, Great-billed Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, White-winged Robin.
Night: Kiunga Guest House
Day 9: (July 29, 2026)
Kiunga to Port Moresby – PAU Visit
Fly back to Port Moresby and spend the afternoon at the Pacific Adventist University(PAU). The Pacific Adventist University (PAU) and its surrounding wetlands offer excellent birdwatching opportunities in Port Moresby. The campus is surrounded by lush gardens, ponds, and marshlands, creating a perfect habitat for various wetlands and forest species. The area is particularly rich in Australasian aquatic birds and migratory species, which thrive in the wetland ecosystems. Birders can expect to see a wide range of species, from colourful doves to elusive frogmouths, making this a prime spot for spotting a diverse array of birds within the city. Important species: Australasian Grebe, Great Egret, Brown Goshawk, Papuan Frogmouth, Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove, Green-ringed Fruit-Dove, Pacific Black Duck, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Masked Lapwing, Torresian Crow.
Night: Rain Tree Lodge or similar
10 & 11: (July 30 & 31, 2026)
Varirata National Park
Varirata National Park, located in the SE Peninsula, is one of Papua New Guinea’s only national wildlife reserves. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to montane forests, make it a hotspot for birdwatching. The park’s steep, undisturbed habitats are home to some of PNG’s most iconic species, including several Birds of Paradise and an array of forest birds. The park’s well-maintained trails and viewpoint offer great opportunities to spot elusive species that thrive in this unique highland environment. Varirata is a must-see destination for birders hoping to capture some of
the country’s most spectacular and endemic avian species.
Important species: Raggiana Bird of Paradise, Trumpet Manucode, Blyth’s Hornbill,
Brown Oriole, Jewel Babbler, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Black-capped Lory, Hooded Pitta,
Black-eared Cuckoo-Dove, Mountain Fruit-Dove.
Night: Rain Tree Lodge or similar
Day 12: (August 1, 2026)
Departure
After a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight.
Top Targets
Comprehensive List of Birds:
Blue Bird of Paradise, Lesser Bird of Paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Crested Satinbird, Papuan Lorikeet, Wattled Ploughbill, Ornate Fruit-Dove, Tiger Parrot, Brown Sicklebill, Friendly Fantail, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Flame Bowerbird, Southern Crowned Pigeon, Paradise Kingfisher, Jewel Babbler, Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove, Great-billed Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, White-winged Robin, Australasian Grebe, Great Egret, Brown Goshawk, Papuan Frogmouth, Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove, Green-ringed Fruit-Dove, Pacific Black Duck, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Masked Lapwing, Torresian Crow, Raggiana Bird of Paradise, Trumpet Manucode, Blyth’s Hornbill, Brown Oriole, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Black-capped Lory, Hooded Pitta, Black-eared Cuckoo-Dove, Mountain Fruit-Dove.
Tour Highlights
Tour Starting Place & Date: Mount Hagen, 21 July 2026
Tour End Place & Date: Port Moresby, 1 August 2026
Group Size: 6-8 + leader
Tour Difficulty: Moderate
Tour Cost
Tour Cost
USD 5,300 (Twin Share Basis)
- USD 5,300 (Twin Share Basis)
Single Room Supplement: USD 650 (Subject to availability) Some of the accommodations we will stay in during the tour may be modest and have basic facilities. However, they are comfortable and ideally situated for birding and wildlife activities. If you’re joining solo, we’ll try to match you with a suitable roommate; if none are available, a single-room supplement will apply.
- Tour Leader:
An experienced guide/tour manager will accompany you throughout the trip, supported by various local guides.
Tour Map
Special Notes
Included & Excluded
Included in the Tour Cost:
All accommodations as per the itinerary, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), guide fees, ground transportation, river cruise on the Fly River, entrance fees, and land permits.Not Included in the Tour Cost:
Domestic flights – Port Moresby – Mount Hagen, Mount Hagen – Kiunga, Kiunga – PortMoresby), international flight tickets, visa fees, travel insurance, Taxes, additional food and drinks, and tips for guides and staff.
Special Note:
Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, a destination that every nature enthusiast should visit at least once in their lifetime. However, explorers to this magical land must be prepared to face certain challenges, including:• Potential flight cancellations or delays.
• Health risks such as malaria (ensure you take proper medication and precautions).
• Logistical issues due to the remote nature of the region.
• Unpredictable weather, as rain can occur at any time.As a result, last-minute changes to travel plans should be expected. We recommend maintaining flexibility and a spirit of adventure to enjoy this extraordinary fully experience.
Extras & Tools
Read, Watch, or Listen About Our PNG Birding Itineraries
