Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata

Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata is a protected area in Indonesia.

Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata at a Glance

Location
Papua's Untamed East, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
0.930155, 128.138470
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season) for Komodo, Sumatra, and Borneo wildlife.

Getting to Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata

Nearest airport: Bandar Udara Taman Bung Karno (BRG), 357 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bandar Udara Sam Ratulangi (MDC), 364 km away.

Weather & Climate in Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata

The warmest temperatures in Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata occur in April, averaging 23.9°C (up to 28.5°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 22.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 227.1mm. Average humidity: 90.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C (rainfall: 286.5mm)
  • February: 23.6°C (rainfall: 269.9mm)
  • March: 23.6°C (rainfall: 322.8mm)
  • April: 23.9°C (rainfall: 268.3mm)
  • May: 23.9°C (rainfall: 303.9mm)
  • June: 23.2°C (rainfall: 280.9mm)
  • July: 22.9°C (rainfall: 331.5mm)
  • August: 22.9°C (rainfall: 297.7mm)
  • September: 23.2°C (rainfall: 297.9mm)
  • October: 23.7°C (rainfall: 266.4mm)
  • November: 23.6°C (rainfall: 280.9mm)
  • December: 23.9°C (rainfall: 227.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata

The best months to visit Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.64°C, rainfall 286.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 90.4%
  • February: Good, temperature 23.55°C, rainfall 269.9mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 90.4%
  • March: Good, temperature 23.63°C, rainfall 322.8mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 90.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 23.89°C, rainfall 268.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • May: Good, temperature 23.87°C, rainfall 303.9mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 92.3%
  • June: Good, temperature 23.19°C, rainfall 280.9mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 92.8%
  • July: Good, temperature 22.94°C, rainfall 331.5mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 93.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 22.9°C, rainfall 297.7mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 92.6%
  • September: Good, temperature 23.21°C, rainfall 297.9mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 91.9%
  • October: Good, temperature 23.66°C, rainfall 266.4mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 90.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 23.65°C, rainfall 280.9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 91.5%
  • December: Good, temperature 23.85°C, rainfall 227.1mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 90.7%

Wildlife in Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata

Home to 21 recorded species including 13 iconic birds, 5 birds of prey, 2 tropical birds, 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata

Based on average temperature of 23.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 91%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Papua's Untamed East

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Indonesia

Travel advisory for Indonesia

Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to see at Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata?

This national park is a critical habitat for endemic bird species, particularly the Moluccan cockatoo, ivory-breasted pitta, and various species of hornbills. Keep an eye out for the rare golden-mantled tree kangaroo and the Halmahera giant rat, found nowhere else on Earth.

When is the best time to visit Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata, and what are the typical access points?

The dry season, from May to October, offers the most comfortable trekking conditions and better wildlife viewing opportunities. Access is typically via Ternate, then a ferry to Sofifi on Halmahera island, followed by a land transfer to the park's entry points.

Given the moderate malaria risk, what specific precautions should I take when visiting Aketajawe Lolobata?

It is highly recommended to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip, as the risk is present. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under a mosquito net if available.

What kind of activities and experiences can I expect within Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata, beyond typical wildlife viewing?

The park primarily offers guided jungle treks, birdwatching expeditions, and opportunities for cultural immersion with local communities like the Tobelo Dalam. Expect rugged terrain and a focus on pristine nature rather than developed tourist infrastructure.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Taman Nasional Aketajawe Lolobata, including permits and guides?

Entry permits for foreign visitors are generally affordable, but the main costs will be for local guides, which are mandatory for most treks, and transportation to and from the park. Budget for accommodation in nearby villages or basic park facilities, as well as food and supplies.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.