Papua New Guinea - Nature & Birding in Paradise
Papua New Guinea - Nature & Birding in Paradise
Papua New Guinea - Nature & Birding in Paradise
Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s last true birding and nature frontiers, a place of misty highlands, vast inland lakes, jungle-clad rivers and coral-rich coastal fjords. This land-based journey links four distinct habitats, travelling from the montane forests of Mount Hagen to the lowland riverine jungle of Karawari, the expansive wetlands of Lake Murray and finally the reef-fringed fjords of Tufi, renowned as one of PNG’s standout marine destinations.
Staying in characterful lodges and a coastal resort, you’ll search for a wide variety of birdlife, including several species of birds-of-paradise and wetland species, while also exploring quiet waterways, village communities and vibrant coastal shallows. With guided forest walks, boat excursions, lake and river exploration, plus snorkelling and kayaking (with optional scuba diving at Tufi), the itinerary is carefully paced to balance focused birding with broader nature experiences and relaxed time to soak up Papua New Guinea’s remarkable landscapes.
Highlights
- Explore four contrasting habitats: highland forest, lowland rivers, inland wetlands and coastal fjords
- Seek out birds-of-paradise and other iconic species with expert local guides
- Walk montane trails around Rondon Ridge, surrounded by orchids and highland birdlife
- Cruise jungle-lined waterways from Karawari Lodge, visiting remote Sepik-region villages
- Discover Lake Murray, PNG’s largest lake and a superb area for wetland and forest birding
- Enjoy boat excursions, village visits and rich wildlife viewing around Lake Murray’s islands and channels
- Snorkel and kayak in Tufi’s striking fjord and reef system, with optional world-class diving
- Travel by scenic charter flights over mountains, rainforest, wetlands and reef-fringed coastline
- Unwind in intimate lodges and a boutique coastal resort, with time to relax between excursions
What's Included
- Accommodation as stated in itinerary
- Domestic and chartered flights required for tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Tours on a “seat in a bus” basis
- Local English-speaking guides
- Sing-sing entry free
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Port Moresby to Mt Hagen
Rondon Ridge - Full Day Tours
Fly to Karawari
Karawari Full Day Tour
Fly to Lake Murray
Lake Murray Full Day Tours
Back to Port Moresby - City Tour
Fly to Tufi Resort
Tufi Resort
Back to Port Moresby - End of Tour
A view from Above
Accommodation Options
Rondon Ridge, Mount Hagen
Perched 7,100 feet above sea level on the fringes of the Kubor Range, Rondon Ridge is a sleek mountain lodge with sweeping views over Papua New Guinea’s Wahgi Valley and the city of Mount Hagen far below. It feels wonderfully remote, surrounded by pristine rainforest and cool, clean highlands air, yet it’s only a short drive from town and under an hour from the airport, making it an ideal first or last stop on a highlands journey.
Stay in one of 24 contemporary rooms, each with modern ensuite bathrooms and cosy warmed king beds for the crisp highland nights, powered by the lodge’s own hydroelectric system. Days are spent exploring forest trails with expert guides, searching for birds of paradise and orchids, or heading out to learn about the ancient farming traditions and rich culture of the Melpa people, with the chance to meet the famous Pogla Mudmen. With its striking architecture, dramatic views and immersive cultural and nature experiences, Rondon Ridge perfectly balances highland wilderness with modern comfort
Karawari Lodge
Perched on a lone ridge 300 metres above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge looks out over an endless sweep of untouched lowland rainforest in one of the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea. With no roads or shops, access is only by river or private airstrip, so it feels truly off the grid. Guests stay in ten cottages built from local bush materials and inspired by traditional architecture, each with private twin rooms, modern ensuites and a shared veranda. Despite the isolation, there’s 220V electricity, hot and cold water, mosquito-netted beds and ceiling fans, creating a very comfortable base after a day exploring.
At the heart of the lodge, the haus tambaran–style main building houses the dining room, cosy lounge, ‘Puk Puk’ Bar and an impressive collection of Sepik artefacts. From here, sunset over the jungle canopy is unforgettable. Days are spent travelling by jet boat to riverside villages to see ceremonial dances and master carvers at work, or spotting some of the 200+ bird species that live in the surrounding rainforest, including the elusive 12-Wire Bird of Paradise.
Lake Murray Lodge
Tucked among the trees on a tiny island spit, Lake Murray Lodge gazes out over the vast, glassy waters of Papua New Guinea’s largest lake. Out here, in one of the country’s most remote corners, life moves to a gentler rhythm. Dugout canoes glide silently past stilted villages, and the stillness is broken only by birdsong and the soft splash of paddles. The tribes who call Lake Murray home still practise many of their traditional customs, and visits to nearby villages offer the chance to experience weaving, face and body painting, warrior displays and colourful sing-sing celebrations.
The lodge itself is fresh and contemporary in design, with a wraparound veranda at the main building for unforgettable sunsets over the water. Guests stay in 12 individual cabin rooms set along the lake’s edge, each built from local timber and sago matting, with king or twin beds, modern ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and a private veranda for sunrise views and morning birdwatching. Entirely powered by modern solar technology and supplied with produce from its own garden and wood-fired kitchen, Lake Murray Lodge is an eco-friendly lakeside escape that feels a world away from everywhere.
Tufi Resort
Tufi Resort is a long-established boutique hideaway and one of Papua New Guinea’s premier scuba diving bases, perched high above a striking tropical fjord in Oro Province. With 180° views over the Coral Sea, jungle-clad fjords and surrounding mountains, it feels wonderfully cut off from the everyday, yet offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and bungalows with balconies, polished timber floors and modern ensuites. Stays include generous meals showcasing fresh local produce and seafood, from relaxed lunches to hearty three-course dinners.
Days here can be as active or laid-back as you like. Underwater, Tufi is known for excellent reef, muck and wreck diving, along with easy snorkelling right off the beach. Above the water, you can cruise glassy fjords by boat or kayak, visit remote coastal and highland villages, join the renowned Tufi Cultural Experience, or simply unwind by the pool. With birdwatching, nature walks, fishing trips, outrigger safaris and lazy beach days at nearby Komoa all on the menu, and the option to tailor activities to your interests, Tufi Resort is a flexible adventure base that works just as well for divers as it does for non-divers.
Too much to choose from? This is where we come in
Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Papua New Guinea adventure for you.
Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.
Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.
Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Chat Now
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Chat Now
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation