Tailormade Holidays in Papua New Guinea

Varirata is a protected area located in the Central Province of PNG. This was PNG’s first national park and covers an area of approximately 10 square kilometres, situated on a ridge overlooking the capital city of Port Moresby and the Pacific Ocean. Varirata is one of the country’s premier birding sites and boasts a long list of species; somewhat surprisingly considering how close it is to the capital. A network of well-marked trails wind through a variety of habitats in which a good number of birds and other wildlife make their home, including a selection of fruit-doves, cuckooshrikes, honeyeaters, and an array of excitingly unfamiliar birds deriving from endemic New Guinea families such as the berrypeckers and longbills. Highlights might include Yellow-legged Brushturkey, Barred Owlet-Nightjar, Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher, Painted Quail-Thrush and Papuan Frogmouth, to name but a few. The chance to encounter a displaying Raggiana Bird-of-paradise is certainly an attractive prospect, with this iconic lekking species being PNG’s national bird. Other possible bird-of-paradise species include Growling Riflebird and the Crinkle-collared Manucode, a less flamboyant, somewhat crow-like species. Possible mammals might include a curious Grey Dorcopsis or a Common Spotted Cuscus.

The Western Highlands Province is a mountainous region offering a diverse range of wildlife habitats, from forested hillsides to lowland valleys. Thanks to its cooler temperatures, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall, the area has become PNG's agricultural hub, with tea and coffee being prominent cash crops. In fact, the stunning Wahgi Valley contains some of the oldest evidence of agriculture found anywhere in the world. Unsurprisingly, the region is also a vibrant cultural melting pot, where many aspects of life have remained relatively unchanged for millennia. The Melpa people, who first came into contact with the outside world as recently as 1934, are among the indigenous groups that warmly welcome foreign visitors. Recognised as humanity's early horticulturists, they continue to engage in a barter economy that emulates a form of ebullient materialism. Referred to as ‘pre-adapted to capitalism’, the Melpa leaders epitomise mankind's quintessential entrepreneurs, adept at accumulating wealth through elaborate systems of ceremonial exchange known as moka or tee. The wildlife here, too, is no doubt equally captivating. Various possums, bandicoots, dasyures and ringtails wander these forests, but it is the birds that arguably steal the show. Among them are Superb, Blue and King of Saxony Birds-of-paradise, alongside astrapias, tiger-parrots, fruit-doves, lorikeets, berrypeckers, satinbirds, sicklebills, honeyeaters, bowerbirds and more!

Located in the northern centre of the island, the remote East Sepik Province derives its name from the mighty Sepik River – the second largest river on the continent. This province is characterised by its unspoiled beaches, winding waterways, and expansive tropical forests, all of which are teeming with a diverse array of birds and wildlife. Riverine environments are excellent for raptors, herons and kingfishers, in addition to star birds such as the Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise. Swamp forests are home to the magnificent Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Wompoo and Orange-bellied Fruit-Doves, Hooded Pitta, New Guinea Scrubfowl, White-bellied Thicket Fantail and Ivory-billed Coucal. Further exploration in hilly forests may reveal Ochre-collared Monarch and King Bird-of-paradise, while an elusive Northern Cassowary or Papuan Eagle is always a possibility. This region is also productive for herpetofauna, with a good variety of geckos, snakes and frogs present.

New Britain, the largest island in the Bismarck Archipelago, is located in the north-east of PNG. The island is characterised by its volcanic and densely forested terrain. Several active and dormant volcanoes dot the landscape, creating mountain ridges, deep valleys, and fertile plains. The shorelines are patrolled by hunting Brahminy Kites and White-bellied Sea Eagles, while the forests host such species as New Britain Friarbird, Metallic Starling, Red-flanked Lorikeet, Black and Finsch’s Imperial Pigeons, Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot, Violaceous Coucal, Bismarck Pied Monarch, Blue-eyed Cockatoo, Melanesian Scrub Fowl, Red-banded Flowerpecker and New Britain Buzzard. Exploring offshore islands may reveal Nicobar and Island Imperial Pigeons, Yellow-bibbed Fruit Dove, Bismarck Flowerpecker and Sclater’s Honeyeater, while the kaleidoscope of colourful coral reefs provides excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving. It’s also possible to enjoy a pelagic cruise in search of shearwaters, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and a wide variety of cetaceans, including playful Spinner Dolphins.