Papua New Guinea Wildlife Safaris

Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s last great frontiers for wildlife travel, offering rugged landscapes, immense cultural diversity, and species found nowhere else on Earth. Wildlife trips here often feel like true expeditions, taking visitors deep into cloud forests, volcanic highlands, and remote river valleys where biodiversity thrives with minimal human disturbance. Travelers can explore vast tracts of rainforest alive with birds-of-paradise—famous for their dazzling plumage and elaborate courtship dances—along with rare tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and an astonishing range of reptiles, insects, and orchids.

Among the most intriguing highlights for nature enthusiasts is the elusive New Guinea singing dog. For decades it was believed extinct in the wild, surviving only in captivity. Then, during a remote trek in a dramatic wide valley with 4,000-metre peaks and limestone walls in the mountains of West Papua, tour leader, our very own Tom Hewitt – who is the Managing Director of Adventure Alternative Borneo, photographed what is thought to be a wild singing dog! Tom recalls, that for roughly 15 minutes the animal stood on a rocky outcrop, watching the team curiously, not scared, but genuinely curious. He managed to take a photograph, which is below:

Subsequent scientific work strengthened the case and genetic studies in 2020 compared DNA from wild highland dogs and captive singing dogs, finding them extremely similar, concluding that the highland population is likely the “original” wild version of the singing dog, rather than a feral or hybridised offshoot. Tom’s initial discovery rekindled interest in PNG wildlife tours among conservationists, researchers, and adventurous travellers hoping for a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest and most mysterious canids.

However wildlife trips in Papua New Guinea don’t all have to be remote, they typically combine guided forest walks, birdwatching, cultural encounters with local communities, and opportunities for photography in pristine environments. From the misty slopes of the Owen Stanley Range to the untouched forests of the Huon Peninsula, the country offers immersive, adventurous, and truly unforgettable nature travel experiences.

Our wildlife explorations in Papua New Guinea are all private, bespoke trips designed specifically for you and your party. We have experts who can curate an itinerary that fulfils your ambitions and give you expert advice throughout the build up to your adventure. Please contact us via the ‘Enquire Now’ button above for further details and options.