BIRDS OF PARADISE, TRIBES & ORCHIDS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

ARRIVAL IN THE HIGHLANDS

Our expedition begins in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. We board a domestic flight to Mount Hagen, travelling into the heart of the country’s spectacular Highlands, where immense mountain ranges, lush valleys and ancient rainforests create some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the Pacific.

On arrival, we meet our experienced local expedition team and travel to Magic Mountain Lodge, our base for exploring the remarkable wildlife and cultures of the Highlands.

Situated amid beautiful mountain scenery, the lodge provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Depending on our arrival time, we may explore the surrounding forest and visit specialist birdwatching hides, searching for extraordinary species such as the Brown Sicklebill, Black Sicklebill, Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia and King-of-Saxony Bird-of-Paradise.

As evening approaches, we settle into our accommodation and prepare for the remarkable adventures ahead, including early morning excursions to witness the spectacular courtship displays of Papua New Guinea’s birds-of-paradise.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

BIRDS OF PARADISE & MUD MEN

We begin our day exploring the magnificent montane forests surrounding Kumul Lodge, one of Papua New Guinea’s most celebrated birdwatching locations. The lodge’s feeding stations attract an extraordinary variety of Highland birds, offering wonderful opportunities to observe and photograph species at close range.

Among the highlights is the spectacular Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, whose males possess extraordinarily long white tail feathers. We also search for colourful parrots, including Brehm’s Tiger Parrot and Stella’s Lorikeet, alongside unusual honeyeaters and other remarkable Highland specialities.

Later, we visit Pogla Village to encounter the famous Mudmen, whose extraordinary clay masks and traditional performances are among the most distinctive cultural traditions of Papua New Guinea. We learn about the history and significance of these remarkable customs and enjoy a memorable introduction to the cultural richness of the Highlands.

We return to Magic Mountain Lodge in the afternoon, with further opportunities for birdwatching around the lodge and its surrounding forests.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

BIRDS OF PARADISE & HULI WIGMEN

We begin our day with an early morning excursion into the beautiful Nebilyer Valley, exploring secluded forest habitats in search of some of Papua New Guinea’s most spectacular birds-of-paradise.

Accompanied by our expert local guides, we visit specialist birdwatching locations, hoping to encounter the magnificent Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise, the extraordinary Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise and the unusual Crinkle-collared Manucode. With luck, we may witness elaborate courtship displays and fascinating behaviour, providing wonderful opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.

Later, we enjoy an extraordinary cultural encounter with the famous Huli Wigmen, renowned for their elaborate ceremonial wigs, colourful face paint and magnificent feathered headdresses. We discover the traditions surrounding their distinctive appearance and enjoy a traditional drum dance that offers an unforgettable insight into their cultural heritage.

After a remarkable day combining spectacular wildlife and extraordinary living traditions, we return to Magic Mountain Lodge for the evening.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

BIRDS OF PARADISE & ORCHIDS

We begin our day with an early morning excursion to the forests of Mount Kuta, visiting specialist birdwatching hides in search of some of Papua New Guinea’s most extraordinary birds-of-paradise. Among our principal targets are the magnificent Blue Bird-of-Paradise, Lawes’s Parotia and Superb Bird-of-Paradise, each renowned for their spectacular plumage and elaborate courtship displays. We may also have opportunities to encounter the elusive Short-tailed Paradigalla.

After our morning birdwatching, we visit Rondon Ridge Lodge for lunch. We then visit the lodge’s fascinating Bates Haus Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of traditional artefacts from the remote Sepik region.

Later, we visit a specialist local orchid garden to admire an impressive variety of beautiful tropical orchids. We also search for the spectacular carnivorous pitcher plant Nepenthes maxima, which grows naturally in the surrounding forests. We return to Magic Mountain Lodge after a wonderful day devoted to the extraordinary birds and botanical treasures of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

BOWERBIRDS & HELA SPIRIT DANCE

We begin our day exploring the magnificent forests surrounding Mount Hagen, visiting a specialist birdwatching location in search of the remarkable MacGregor’s Bowerbird. This unusual species is renowned for its extraordinary courtship behaviour, with males constructing elaborate, towering bowers built from sticks around the stems of saplings, often decorated with moss and other natural materials to attract females. We hope to observe the fascinating courtship dances of these remarkable birds.

After our morning birdwatching, we travel to Rondon Ridge for lunch, enjoying beautiful views across the surrounding Highlands.

After lunch, we visit a charming orchid garden showcasing some of the beautiful and unusual orchids found throughout the region.

We also visit a local seller specialising in traditional woodcarvings and masks.

In the late afternoon, we enjoy another extraordinary cultural experience as we witness the Hela Spirit Dance, performed at night around a fire by members of the Huli community. Featuring elaborate ceremonial dress, magnificent feathered headdresses, traditional music and rhythmic movements, this remarkable performance offers a fascinating insight into the traditions and spiritual heritage of the Huli people.

We return to Magic Mountain Lodge after another memorable day exploring the extraordinary wildlife and cultures of Papua New Guinea.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

SKELETON MEN & MOGKAI TRIBE

After several early mornings exploring the forests in search of birds-of-paradise, we enjoy a more relaxed start to the day, with time to appreciate the beautiful surroundings of Magic Mountain Lodge.

For those wishing to enjoy further birdwatching, we have the option of visiting any of the three specialist hides situated close to our accommodation. These offer wonderful opportunities to observe remarkable birds-of-paradise, including the Brown Sicklebill, Black Sicklebill, Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia and King-of-Saxony Bird-of-Paradise.

Some of these magnificent birds (especially Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia) can even be observed from the lodge’s breakfast area, where we may enjoy our morning coffee while watching birds-of-paradise visiting nearby feeding stations!

Later, we journey into the spectacular Waghi Valley, travelling through beautiful mountain scenery and traditional Highland communities to reach Avi Village. Here, we experience one of Papua New Guinea’s most extraordinary cultural traditions: the remarkable Skeleton Men.

With their bodies painted in striking black-and-white skeletal patterns, these performers create an unforgettable spectacle. We discover the fascinating stories and traditions associated with their distinctive appearance and witness captivating performances featuring traditional dances, rhythmic movements and elaborate body decorations.

Subject to confirmation, we may also have the extraordinary opportunity to witness a traditional sing-sing performed by the women, children and elders of the Mogkai tribe. Adorned in spectacular feathered headdresses and colourful ceremonial dress, the women perform beautiful traditional songs and rhythmic drum dances.

Our visit also provides opportunities to meet members of the local community, learn about their customs and experience further traditional performances arranged especially for our group.

After an extraordinary day celebrating the remarkable cultural heritage of the Highlands, we return to Magic Mountain Lodge for the evening.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

BIRDS OF PARADISE & MUNAGA

We begin our day with another early morning excursion into the magnificent forests surrounding Mount Hagen, visiting specialist birdwatching hides in search of some of Papua New Guinea’s most spectacular birds-of-paradise. Our principal targets include the magnificent Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise and the remarkable Superb Bird-of-Paradise, both renowned for their extraordinary courtship displays. With luck, we may witness these beautiful birds performing their elaborate dances, offering wonderful opportunities for observation and photography.

Later, we travel to Munaga Village, where we enjoy a fascinating introduction to the traditional customs and cultural heritage of the local Highland community. We discover the significance of traditional courtship ceremonies, learn about ancestral customs and enjoy performances that have been passed down through generations.

Among the highlights is the opportunity to experience traditional Highland flute music, an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. We learn about the significance of these distinctive instruments and the role of music in local ceremonies and community life.

We may also meet local artisans and traditional artefact sellers, who offer a fascinating variety of handcrafted objects, including intricate woodcarvings, ceremonial masks, traditional spears and other items reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Highlands.

Our local friends at Munaga Village may also demonstrate their traditional bows and arrows, which are still sometimes used to hunt cuscuses at night. We may have the opportunity to visit traditional homes, learn about everyday village life and discover the subsistence farming practices that continue to sustain the local community.

After another memorable day combining exceptional birdwatching with fascinating cultural encounters, we return to Magic Mountain Lodge for the evening.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

BIRDS OF PARADISE & PINZA

We begin our day with an early morning birdwatching excursion, with two possible destinations depending on our sightings during the preceding days. We can venture into the beautiful Baiyer Valley in search of the magnificent Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, a spectacular species whose elaborate courtship displays can be particularly challenging to observe in their full glory.

Alternatively, if we have not yet enjoyed satisfactory views of the extraordinary King-of-Saxony Bird-of-Paradise, we may visit a peak on Rondon Ridge. This remarkable species is renowned for the two enormously elongated ornamental head plumes of the males, which are waved dramatically during their elaborate courtship displays.

Later, we travel to Pinza Village, the home community of one of our principal local guides, where we receive a warm traditional welcome. Through our longstanding friendships with the local community, we have the opportunity to experience a fascinating variety of traditional ceremonies, performances and cultural activities arranged especially for our group. Among the highlights are welcoming songs and (if not performed at Munaga village) a fascinating courtship ceremony. We also learn about traditional methods of resolving disputes and restoring harmony between communities, including ceremonies of reconciliation that have played an important role in Highland society for generations.

Our hosts may also demonstrate traditional games and friendly competitions, including lively tug-of-war contests, providing a wonderful opportunity to interact with members of the village and experience the warmth, humour and hospitality of the local people. There are also often artefacts, carvings, bilum bags and kina shells for sale.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

HAGEN WIGMEN, MUMU & SKULLS

We begin our day with another early morning excursion into the magnificent forests of Mount Kuta, returning to specialist birdwatching hides in search of some of Papua New Guinea’s most extraordinary birds-of-paradise. Depending on our sightings during the preceding days, we may focus on the spectacular Blue Bird-of-Paradise, Lawes’s Parotia or Superb Bird-of-Paradise, hoping to witness their elaborate courtship displays. Our experienced local guides will help us select the most promising locations, maximising
our opportunities to observe and photograph these remarkable birds.

Later, we travel to Paiya Village, where we enjoy a fascinating encounter with the famous Hagen Wigmen, renowned for their magnificent feathered headdresses, elaborate ceremonial dress and spectacular traditional performances. We witness colourful dances and traditional sing-sings and have the opportunity to meet the Hagen chief.

During our visit, we explore traditional buildings and displays housing an extraordinary collection of cultural artefacts, including ancestral skulls, ceremonial objects, traditional weapons and intricate carvings. We also
have opportunities to meet local artisans and browse a fascinating selection of traditional handicrafts, offering a wonderful insight into the artistic heritage of the Highlands.

One of the highlights of our visit is the opportunity to experience a traditional mumu feast, one of the Highlands’ most cherished culinary traditions. We watch as a wonderful assortment of meats, sweet potatoes, fresh fern leaves and other local delicacies are carefully prepared and cooked over heated stones in a traditional earth oven.

As the food slowly steams beneath layers of leaves, delicious aromas fill the air, building anticipation for the feast ahead. Finally, we gather to enjoy this magnificent traditional meal, sharing in a centuries-old custom that brings families and communities together for celebrations and special occasions. It is a fitting conclusion to our experiences in the Highlands.

Overnight: Magic Mountain Lodge.

FAREWELL TO THE HIGHLANDS

Depending on our flight schedule, we may have time for some final birdwatching around Magic Mountain Lodge for a last encounter with the spectacular birds-of-paradise that have made our journey so memorable.

We then travel to Mount Hagen Airport, where we say goodbye to our local friends and guides before boarding our domestic flight to Port Moresby. As we leave the Highlands behind, we may enjoy magnificent aerial views of the immense mountain ranges, deep valleys and vast tropical forests that characterise the interior of New Guinea.

On arrival in Port Moresby, we transfer to our hotel and settle into our accommodation. Depending on our arrival time, there may be opportunities to explore some of the attractions around the capital, such as the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG), home to a breath-taking array of cultural artefacts from across Papua New Guinea.

Overnight: Hotel in Port Moresby.

VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK

We begin our day with an early morning excursion to the magnificent Varirata National Park, situated in the forested mountains overlooking Port Moresby. This beautiful protected area encompasses extensive tropical rainforests and offers exceptional opportunities to discover the remarkable birdlife of southern Papua New Guinea.

Accompanied by our expert local guides, we explore the park’s forest trails and birdwatching locations in search of an extraordinary diversity of tropical birds. Among our targets are the spectacular Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher, tiny Papuan Dwarf-Kingfisher, colourful Eclectus Parrot, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and beautiful fruit-doves. We also search for more unusual forest
inhabitants, including the remarkable Hooded Pitohui, one of the world’s few poisonous birds, the elusive Papuan Pitta and the extraordinary Growling Riflebird. A particular highlight is the possibility of witnessing the magnificent Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise at its traditional display trees. Even if we have already encountered this species in the Highlands, Varirata National Park offers another wonderful opportunity to observe its extraordinary courtship behaviour, as males gather at their display sites, spreading their brilliant orange-red plumes in an unforgettable spectacle.

The park also offers beautiful views across the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the spectacular landscapes and rich biodiversity of southern New Guinea.

Later, we return towards Port Moresby, where we may visit the city’s Adventure Park, home to a remarkable collection of native birds and other wildlife, including species that are difficult to encounter in the wild. We aim to time our visit to coincide with the birds’ feeding session, when a dazzling array of colourful birds-of-paradise gathers at the feeding stations, offering extraordinary opportunities to admire their magnificent plumage at close range. After so manyearly mornings spent patiently searching for these elusive birds in the remote forests of the

Highlands, it is a rather surreal experience to see so many relatively tame birds-of-paradise together in captivity.

We may also visit the beautiful Port Moresby Nature Park (home to a wonderful collection of cassowaries, fruit bats, Victoria crowned pigeons, tree kangaroos and wallabies) or browse a local handicraft market for traditional carvings, masks and other artefacts from across Papua New Guinea.

As evening approaches, we return to our hotel for our final dinner together in Papua New Guinea, reflecting on the extraordinary birds-of-paradise, remarkable wildlife and unforgettable cultural encounters that have made our expedition so special.

Overnight: Hotel in Port Moresby.

FAREWELL TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA

We enjoy a final breakfast together before bidding farewell to Papua New Guinea. Depending on individual travel arrangements, we then transfer to Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport for our onward flights, or to your chosen hotel if you are extending your stay in this extraordinary country.

End of Expedition.

Extend your adventure in Papua New Guinea by joining a Redfern Adventures trip to one of the following destinations. These specialist journeys can be arranged on request, with flexible departure dates and customised itineraries tailored to your interests, travel plans and available time. Please contact sales@redfernadventures.com for further information and pricing.

SEPIK RIVER CANOE EXPEDITION
Journey by canoe along the legendary Sepik River, visiting remote villages renowned for their extraordinary art and ancient traditions. Explore magnificent Spirit Houses adorned with spectacular carvings, meet artisans creating elaborate masks, shields and ceremonial objects, and experience colourful traditional sing-sings. Encounter the remarkable Crocodile Clan, whose initiated men bear intricate scarification resembling crocodile scales!

CULTURES AND WILDLIFE OF NEW BRITAIN
Witness the extraordinary Baining Fire Dancers, famed for towering bark masks and dramatic dances through flames. Discover the volcanic ruins of Rabaul, climb Mount Tavurvur and explore fascinating WWII relics, including Japanese tunnels, bunkers and aircraft wrecks. Encounter remarkable birdlife, snorkel vibrant coral reefs and visit megapode nesting grounds, where locals hunt for prized eggs each morning and cook them in boiling geothermal hot springs.

EXPLORE NEW IRELAND
Discover the spectacular island of New Ireland, where lush tropical rainforests meet pristine beaches and turquoise coral seas. Explore traditional villages renowned for their extraordinary Malagan carvings. Enjoy exceptional snorkelling and diving among vibrant coral reefs, home to beautiful tropical fish, sea turtles and an extraordinary diversity of marine life.