Example Itinerary

Exotic Wildlife of Papua New Guinea

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Wildlife, Off the Grid
Destinations
Papua New Guinea

This thrilling 12-day Papua New Guinea itinerary will have you getting up-close and personal with the country’s native wildlife. From its massive flocks of pelicans, to its large Fig-Parrot, this is a bird-watcher’s dream, and a fisherman’s as well, with rich waters teeming with sea life. Be amazed by herds of deer, wallabies, and monitor lizards as you trek through the lush, verdant surroundings.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Birds that Change the World: The unique birds of Papua New Guinea helped Alfred Russel Wallace found the theory of evolution alongside Charles Darwin. Travelers will find the most visually impressive — and strange — specimens on the planet in Kiunga, the Tari Valley, and Bensbach.
  • Wild PNG: Look for deer, wallabies, snakes, and monitor lizards as you explore the culture and dense jungles, rivers, and highlands of Papua New Guinea.
  • Fishing: For the anglers, there’s nowhere quite like wild Papua New Guinea. Join the pelicans and sea eagles in looking for life in the mysterious waters of the Bensbach.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Tari

Arrive in Papua New Guinea’s bustling seaside capital of Port Moresby after your flight from Manila. You’ll be assisted with connecting to your flight to Tari, where you’ll transfer to Ambua Lodge, an award-winning, eco-friendly facility with stunning panoramas of the Tari Valley. Once settled in, you’ll spend the afternoon spotting exotic bird life, hiking through the area’s winding rainforest pathways.

Hotel Options
About

Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level, is Ambua Lodge. An award-winning, eco-friendly lodge boasting magnificent views of the Tari Valley below, and the perfect base for encountering the famous Wigmen, the lodge consists of forty round houses set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost exclusively from natural materials.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Tari

Spend the day today doing more exploring of the natural wonders of the Tari Valley’s lush verdant forests, bird watching, hiking, and taking in the fresh, exotic air. After a thrilling day perusing the Papua New Guinea’s wilds, bed down in the comfort of your room at Ambua Lodge once again.

Tari
Tari

Day 3

Mount Hagen

Today you’re off to Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea’s third-largest city, where you’ll transfer to your room at Highlander Hotel. Spend the afternoon discovering Mt Hagen and getting familiar with your new surroundings. The city’s vibrant local market is always a fun stop.

Hotel Options
About

The Highlander Hotel in Mount Hagen, gateway to the Western Highlands and its vibrant culture of tribal sing-sing rituals, is one of the best hotels in PNG and offers many comforts one might not expect in the region, such as an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and a choice of dining options. The hotel's buildings are inspired by traditional architecture, with thatched roofs, and are surrounded by landscaped grounds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Mount Hagen

Explore the picturesque Waghi Valley today, from its tea and coffee plantations for which it is famous, to an informative cultural village study, where you can learn all about the local way of life and interact with village people. Spend your evening relaxing at your room at Highlander Hotel once again.

Mount Hagen
Mount Hagen

Day 5

Kiunga

Today you’ll take off for Kiunga, a port town in the country’s western province, surrounded by swamps and rainforests rich with biodiversity. After checking in to your hotel, then spend the afternoon exploring these natural areas, birdwatching and hiking.

Day 6

Kiunga

Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast, before strapping up your hiking boots for more exotic adventures in the Kiunga swamps and rainforests. The lowlands here are home to a range of rare birds, including the famed Southern Crowned Pigeon, the Flame Bowerbird, the Large Fig-Parrot, and more. Get your camera ready.

Kiunga
Kiunga

Day 7

Kiunga

For your final full day in Kiunga, spend time once again exploring its wilderness, and interact with the area’s friendly locals. Spend one last night at Kiunga Guest House.

Day 8

Bensbach

Today, you’ll take a flight to Bensbach, a remote village in the southwest corner of Papua New Guinea. The landscape here is mirror-flat, a unique feature that has allowed wildlife to thrive here. Check in to your room at the Bensbach Wilderness Lodge and get acquainted with your new surroundings.

Hotel Options
About

Located in one of the most remote areas of PNG, and probably the best part of the country for wildlife enthusiasts, Bensbach Wildlife Lodge is situated on a peaceful flood plain teeming with flora and fauna; indeed, nearly 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Bensbach accommodates up to sixteen guests in two separate wings, each linked to the main lodge building that houses the dining area, a well stocked bar and comfortable lounge.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Bensbach
Bensbach

Day 9

Bensbach

Spend the day today taking in the natural surroundings and exotic creatures that inhabit Bensbach. Go birdwatching, seeing massive flocks of pelicans, pygmy geese and sea eagles, and fish its rich waters. Spend the night once again at Bensbach Wilderness Lodge.

Day 10

Bensbach

See more of Bensbach’s wilderness today, catching sights of herds of deer, wallabies, snakes and monitor lizards on your outings. If you didn’t catch anything yesterday, or even if you did, spend some time fishing once again, in this fisherman’s paradise, and one of the world’s Barramundi capitals.

Bensbach
Bensbach

Day 11

Port Moresby

Take off for Port Moresby. Check in to your room and explore the city’s sights during your free time.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Proximity to the Airport: If the Airways Hotel was any closer to Jacksons International Airport, it would be on the runway. A stay here is convenient for guests with early/late flights or looking to escape the capital to explore Papua New Guinea's more remote regions via a domestic flight.

Extensive Wellness Facilities: For an airport hotel, the Airways doesn't hold back on spa and fitness services. The well-equipped gym, as well as tennis and squash courts, are great options for those looking to keep active while traveling. Meanwhile, the award-winning Bliss the Spa offers a wide range of massages, facials and other treaments, such as foot reflexology, Thai massage and Swedish massage, to name but a few.

Fine Dining: Airways' quintet of drinking and dining venues cater to the diverse tastes of international visitors. Fresh seafood is easily the best feature on the menus here, whether its in authentic Indian dishes at Bacchus or grilled up BBQ-style and served with a beer by the pool.

Read More
Airways Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Prime Location: The Hilton Port Moresby is only a short drive from Jacksons International Airport and offers mountain and city views.

Attentive Staff: Representing Papua New Guinea for the Hilton brand, Hilton Port Moresby offers high-end hospitality for travelers befitting the Hilton name.

Adjacent Convention Center: For guests visiting Port Moresby for a conference or other event, the Hilton Port Moresby is located next to a large convention center with an outdoor amphitheater.

Read More
Hilton Port Moresby Preferred Hotel
About

The Gateway Hotel is a short drive from both the international and domestic terminals and is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The hotel has 115 rooms and apartments, all with balconies, internet, cable TV, air conditioning and tea/coffee facilities.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 12

Departure

Say goodbye to Papua New Guinea today on your drive to the airport, where you can check in for your international flight either home or to your next destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.