Bird Photography Tour to
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Birds of Paradise Photography | Western Highlands, Enga & Port Moresby
Birds of Paradise you may photograph during this trip:
© Rafael Armada - Short-tailed Paradigalla
Lawes's parotia, Parotia lawesii
King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise, Pteridophora alberti
Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise, Paradisaea raggiana
Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, Paradisaea minor
Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, Diphyllodes magnificus
Short-tailed Paradigalla, Paradigalla brevicauda
Brown Sicklebill, Epimachus meyeri
Stephanie's Astrapia, Astrapia stephaniae
Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Astrapia mayeri
Blue Bird-of-Paradise, Paradisornis rudolphi
Crinkle-collared Manucode, Manucodia chalybatus
Glossy-mantled Manucode, Manucodia ater
Next tour dates
© Rafael Armada - Lesser Bird of Paradise
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Trip 1: 28 Jul - 13 Ago | 2025
Trip 2: 18 Ago - 3 Sep | 2025
Duration: 17 days per trip
Group size: Max 6 guests per trip
Guides: Rafael Armada & Alejandra Rendón
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate *
Rate: From 7900 USD
Single Supplement: 990 USD
Deposit: 1500 USD
Available spots
* Depending on your physical condition, the itinerary can be adjusted
Get the full information for this trip in PDF
▶ What’s included?
Transfers to and from the airports
All ground transportation
Full board for the entire duration of the tour
All meals and soft drinks
Access to photographic hides, nature reserves, private lands and parks
Local guides
Photography guides
Personalized photography assistance
Porters
Access to a one-on-one MasterClass with Rafael Armada, either before or after the trip, depending on the topic you wish to focus on.
▶ Not included
International flight tickets
Domestic flight tickets Port Moresby - Mount Hagen - Port Moresby
Visas and airport taxes
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Laundry services
Travel insurance
Tips
Any items or services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions section of the tour package or itinerary
Itinerary
This trip includes visits to premier birdwatching locations, such as Kumul Lodge in Enga Province, Magic Mountain Lodge & Rondon Ridge in Western Highlands province, and Varirata National Park in Port Moresby. Depending on the selected tour, the order of these activities will vary.
Flexible itinerary adjusted daily based on the photographic results and the seasonal bird activity which may vary.
FAQs
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The best time to visit Papua New Guinea for bird photography is during the dry season, which typically falls between May and October. During this time, bird activity is high, and the weather is more predictable, making it ideal for outdoor photography.
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Papua New Guinea is home to an incredible diversity of bird species, including the iconic Birds of Paradise, Kingfishers, Parrots, and Bowerbirds, among many others. Our local guides will take you to prime locations, and even though some spots may be known for specific species of Birds of Paradise, you will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of non-BoP species as well. While this is a photography tour, the list of endemic species you may spot can be extensive.
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No previous experience in bird photography is required to join the trip. Our tours are designed for photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. While having more experience and better equipment can increase your success rate, our guides will provide guidance and assistance to help you capture stunning images of the birds and elevate your photography skills to the next level.
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While the bird photography conditions may be suitable for all skill levels, it's important to keep in mind that this trip will be intense. We'll be photographing wild and elusive birds, and in many cases, you'll need to endure long waits and be very sharp to react correctly when the birds appear. Noise, disturbance, or clumsiness can scare the birds, causing them to interrupt or not perform their displays. This is something we want to avoid, as it not only decreases your chances but also directly disturbs birds.
Wild birds are often unpredictable and we cannot guarantee that you will see and photograph all of them, but based on previous experience, we know where to go and how many days are sufficient for you to have the best chances of achieving the pictures.
We kindly remind you to manage your expectations, as the elusive nature of these species presents challenges in capturing them on camera, which is why some of them have very few documented sightings.
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It varies from low to medium, depending on the specific spot visited each day. While some locations may require short walks or hikes, others may be accessible by vehicle. Ensuring good health is essential for this tour, given our remote location and extensive outdoor activities. Please be prepared for the typical climate of the cloud forest: humid and cold, with daytime temperatures around 12-14°C and very chilly nights.
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Accommodations during the trip vary depending on the location. We strive to provide comfortable lodging options that offer a blend of convenience and immersion in nature, ranging from eco-lodges to standard hotels.
Papua New Guinea is not a luxury destination. However, the difficulty in accessing many resources makes these remote places more expensive than the most commercial routes where tourism infrastructure is widely spread. Our main purpose on this tour is to support local accommodations where safety, cleanliness and comfort are priorities.
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In designing these trips, we have taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of our participants. While it is true that security issues across the territory of PNG are many, we have specifically chosen a safe and well-established area. The Mt. Hagen region is renowned as a good hotspot for birding, eco-tourism and trekking. Throughout the journey, we will always be accompanied by local guides and landowners who are familiar with the environment and have worked tirelessly to develop tourism infrastructure in this country.
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A travel insurance certification is mandatory for participation in the trip. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
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We strive to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences to the best of the availability. Please inform us if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions at the time of booking, and we will make every effort to ensure your needs are met during the trip.
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To book the trip, please fill out the booking request form and let us know your preferred time for a video call. We will be happy to provide you with comprehensive information about the trip and assist you with any questions you may have.
Don’t just dream it, live it!
This tour is also available as a private tour from July to September
Email us to warblertours@gmail.com to check availability and rates.