Photo Safaris - Papua New Guinea


		Dates	Oct 5–21, 2008
		Leader	Michele Westmorland
		Fee	$6,095 from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
		Deposit	$400
		Limit	14
			Terms and Conditions

New Guinea—the world’s second largest island—separated from the Australian mainland at the end of the last ice age. This tropical island is home to one of the world’s largest tracts of unbroken tropical rain forest and contains more species of orchids than any other place on the planet. Almost all of the species of birds of paradise and tree kangaroos are found only here, along with many other unique species such as egg-laying mammals, the world’s largest pigeon (the size of a turkey), the world’s smallest parrot, the world’s largest butterfly and the longest lizard! New Guinea is also home to a genera of birds—pitohui— recently described by biologists as the world’s first known poisonous birds. This is incredible

biodiversity! In fact, this island has as many bird and plant species, in one-tenth of the land area, as the entire continent of Australia.

The island is divided into two nations. Papua New Guinea comprises the eastern half of the island, while the western half is Indonesia’s largest province, West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya). Altogether, this remarkable island contains almost one-fifth (850) of the world’s languages. It is this incredible diversity of hundreds of fantastically photogenic indigenous ethnic groups, combined with some of the world’s richest biodiversity, that make our Papua New Guinea photo shoot an extraordinary experience!

Our trip begins in the country’s capital, Port Moresby, where we spend one evening before flying to the Tufi/Cape Nelson area, near some of the very few “tropical fjords” in the world. Our group will cruise by small boats into the emerald green fingers of these waterways to photograph the mangrove

habitat, as well as the colorful local villagers who paddle the shoreline. Overhead, sulfur-crested cockatoos and hornbills swoop from tree to tree.

The people of the Oro Province live much the same way as they have for centuries. By special invitation we will photograph their daily activities, as well as their time-honored preparations of the elaborate body decoration used in traditional celebrations called sing-sings. The women still practice facial tattooing—and the designs are stunning.

We fly next to a tropical mountain lodge, sitting on a ridge 8,869 feet above sea level. At this incredible location, birds of paradise can be viewed and photographed from the lodge balcony. The people of this area are quite different from the coastal

tribes. With pierced septums, decorated with colorful feathers and boar tusks, the men of the local villages will provide memorable portraiture.

The highlight of our journey is the Morobe Cultural Show, where some 50 tribes gather for a massive sing-sing. This is one of the best-organized cultural shows in Papua New Guinea and a superb photography experience. We spend a full day on the sing-sing grounds photographing the many faces of Papua New Guinea with their array of swaying headdresses and intricate facial and body paint. Each tribe has its own style—and each one is a photographic treasure.

No other tour to Papua New Guinea is specifically designed for photographers. We will take the time necessary to perfectly compose images of the stunning flora and fauna of the rain forest, and to set up portraits of the amazing people who inhabit this exotic island nation.

Days 1–2
Travel from home to Cairns, Australia.

Day 3 (Oct 7)
Arrive Cairns.

Day 4
Fly to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (D)

Day 5
Fly to Tufi Resort. There are many photo opportunities as we fly over magnificent mountains and spectacular “fjords.” We explore the mangrove areas of nearby fjords this afternoon.

Days 6–8
Travel in traditional outrigger canoes to a local village. One day is spent with the local Yari-Yari Clan, with the highlight being preparations of their body décor for a late afternoon sing-sing. This area is host to myriad butterflies, including bird-wings—some of the largest and most colorful in the world. One day will include a hike to a lovely waterfall. (BLD)

Day 9
Fly to Mt. Hagen. Transfer to our mountain lodge. (BLD)

Days 10–12
The area surrounding the lodge is one of the few locations in the country where birds are not hunted and many can be photographed around the grounds. Visit an Anji village for traditional dancing and a bride price ceremony. (BLD)

Day 13
Fly to Lae. (BLD)

Day 14
A full day of photography at the botanical gardens and The Rainforest Habitat—3,500 square yards of rain forest under a canopy, with a lake, raised walkways and semi-tame birds including the Raggiana bird of paradise, among others. (BLD)

Day 15
The color and spectacle of the Morobe Cultural Show is unmatched for photographing an amazing diversity of body décor. (BLD)

Day 16
Fly to Cairns via Port Moresby. (B)

Day 17 (Oct 21)
Depart for home.



	Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070 Phone: (206) 463-5383 Fax: (206) 463-5484 Email: info@photosafaris.com Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.