14 Oct 2026 - 19 Oct 2026 (6 days)
USD4,695 - 2 Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Paul Varney
Pricing notes : Single Supplement is not available
Tour price (Per person): USD4,695 * GBP3,713 * EUR4,480 * AUD7,381
Flight costs: USD110 * GBP87 * EUR105 * AUD173
Can be linked with: Indonesia - Remote West Papuan Islands Cruise 2026
Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure through the lush Arfak Mountains of New Guinea. This tour offers a unique opportunity to see some of the world's most spectacular birds-of-paradise. Diverse habitat, from lowland forest to high-elevation cloud forests, seeking out endemic species such as Lesser Melampitta, Vogelkop Melidectes and the elusive Arfak Astrapia. Marvel at the vibrant colours and elaborate courtship displays of the Western Parotia, Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, and Long-tailed Paradigalla. We’ll spend time in specially constructed blinds, providing unparalleled views of otherwise very tricky species. Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of New Guinea's avian treasures.
Lesser Melampitta; Western Parotia; Arfak Astrapia; Magnificent Bird-of-paradise; Black & Black-billed Sicklebills; Crescent-caped Lophorina; Long-tailed Paradigalla; Arfak Honeyeater; Mottled Berryhunter; Vogelkop & Masked Bowerbirds; Arfak Catbird; Black Pitohui; Obscure Berrypecker; Bronze Ground Dove; Grey-banded Mannikin; Papuan Grassbird; Mountain, Feline & Vogelkop Owlet-Nightjars; Sooty Owl; Pheasant Pigeon; White-striped & Chestnut Forest Rails; Lesser Ground Robin; Smoky, Slaty, Ashy, Garnet & Green-backed Robins; Papuan Logrunner; Spotted Jewel-babbler; Perplexing, Vogelkop & Pale-billed Scrubwrens; Vogelkop Whistler; Papuan Treecreeper.
lowland and montane rainforest, grasslands, wetlands
weather is unpredictable and somewhat dependent on local topography. While mostly dry and sunny, it can be rather hot and humid in the lowlands. At higher elevations, temperatures are pleasant during the day, but can get very cool at night.
4 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
DIFFICULT: This is a high-intensity “mega” tour designed for passionate listers and serious birders who enjoy a fast-paced schedule. Due to its demanding nature, it’s not recommended for avid photographers, inexperienced birders, or anyone with mobility or health limitations.
This is not an easy tour, you should have a GOOD level of fitness & stamina, as well as be in good health. This tour is NOT suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges. Our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.
Reasonable, simple to rather basic in the Arfaks.
Moderate to difficult. Bird density is low, many visuals are high in the canopy. Several difficult target species.
Reasonable, typical rainforest conditions of variable light & rain.
Expert guiding by Keith and Glen Valentine, aided by fabulous local talent, ensured we saw the maximum number of endemics and other birds and mammals. Perhaps more importantly, these two brothers enjoyed their time together and provided a warm, friendly and caring environment in which we all had a good time with lots of laughs, and looked out for each other to ensure everyone got on the birds and did not falter on a tough hike or challenging car ride.
Glen Valentine our leader really delivered. He was ultra-patient making sure everyone was comfortable and that everyone got on the bird.
This is a fantastic tour and it gave us a rare, unique and unforgettable experience. We are in awe of the complex logistics required to make this tour run so smoothly. Everything ran like clockwork. The leaders, Lev and David, the ship’s crew, the local teams of guides and the lovely drivers were amazing. Everyone was so friendly. The efforts that everyone went to to find the special birds of these remote islands were above and beyond! The food was very good throughout, in summary the experience was amazing!
Glen was again a wonderful guide who has excellent field skills and is always willing to help clients who are struggling to find the birds or who have other ‘issues’..
This [was] my second tour with Glen Valentine and he is the most professional guide I have ever traveled with. It goes without saying (but shouldn't) that he knew every single species on the tour including all their calls. He found birds when I saw nothing and then managed to get all guests onto the birds. This was impressive in itself, however there were many secretive birds that made guiding much harder. We had few problems on the tour, but I don't doubt that he would have handled it without problem. He is to be highly commended for his guiding on this very tiring trip, especially considering he was not well. Paul was also a really great training guide and I thoroughly enjoyed his company.
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