Safari in Central Highlands

Compare Parks in Central Highlands

Ecosystem - Central Highlands

We love the Central Highlands for its raw, untamed beauty. Standing amidst the swirling mists, you can almost feel the ancient spirits of this land. The air is crisp and cool, a welcome change from the coast, and the sheer verticality of the landscape is breathtaking. We recommend taking time to simply absorb the atmosphere; the sunsets, when the clouds break, are sensational, painting the sky in hues you won't forget.

Steep, rugged mountain ranges dissected by deep valleys and plateaus characterize this high-altitude region.

Getting There - Central Highlands

Getting to the Central Highlands is an adventure in itself. We always recommend flying into Goroka or Mount Hagen and then arranging a charter flight or a 4WD transfer to your specific lodge or cultural destination. The roads are rough, and while the drive from Port Moresby is epic, it's not for the faint of heart or those on a tight schedule.

Weather & Climate in Central Highlands

The warmest temperatures in Central Highlands occur in January, averaging 16.6°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 16.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 292.1mm. Average humidity: 87.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

• January: 16.6°C (rainfall: 433.0mm)
• February: 16.5°C (rainfall: 447.0mm)
• March: 16.5°C (rainfall: 477.3mm)
• April: 16.3°C (rainfall: 456.1mm)
• May: 16.6°C (rainfall: 416.9mm)
• June: 16.0°C (rainfall: 292.1mm)
• July: 16.1°C (rainfall: 317.6mm)
• August: 16.0°C (rainfall: 335.6mm)
• September: 16.3°C (rainfall: 389.9mm)
• October: 16.3°C (rainfall: 417.4mm)
• November: 16.5°C (rainfall: 330.7mm)
• December: 16.6°C (rainfall: 446.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Central Highlands

The best months to visit Central Highlands are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Poor, temperature 16.6°C, rainfall 433mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 88.6%
• February: Poor, temperature 16.5°C, rainfall 447mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 89.8%
• March: Poor, temperature 16.5°C, rainfall 477.3mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 89.4%
• April: Poor, temperature 16.3°C, rainfall 456.1mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 90.1%
• May: Poor, temperature 16.6°C, rainfall 416.9mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 89.7%
• June: Poor, temperature 16°C, rainfall 292.1mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 87.3%
• July: Poor, temperature 16.1°C, rainfall 317.6mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 87.5%
• August: Poor, temperature 16°C, rainfall 335.6mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 86.9%
• September: Poor, temperature 16.3°C, rainfall 389.9mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 86.8%
• October: Poor, temperature 16.3°C, rainfall 417.4mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 87.9%
• November: Poor, temperature 16.5°C, rainfall 330.7mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 87.8%
• December: Poor, temperature 16.6°C, rainfall 446.4mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 89.5%

Recommended Packing List for Central Highlands

Based on average temperature of 16.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 88%.

• Layered clothing - recommended for 16°C temperatures
• Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
• 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

Wildlife in Central Highlands

Home to 4 recorded species including 2 small mammals, 1 iconic birds, 1 tropical birds.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Papua New Guinea

Travel advisory for Papua New Guinea

Central Highlands FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Papua New Guinea's Central Highlands for both cultural immersion and wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best conditions for exploring the Central Highlands. During this period, rainfall is lower, making trekking routes more accessible and cultural festivals, known as "sing-sings," more frequent and vibrant.

What kind of unique safari experience can I expect in the Central Highlands, distinct from traditional African safaris?

Unlike vehicle-based game drives, a Central Highlands safari focuses on guided treks through cloud forests and grasslands, emphasizing birdwatching for specific Birds-of-Paradise species and deep cultural immersion. You'll engage directly with local tribes, witnessing traditional customs and ceremonies firsthand.

What is the typical cost range for a multi-day safari and cultural tour in the Central Highlands of PNG?

Due to the remote logistics, specialized guides, and limited infrastructure, a multi-day tour in the Central Highlands can be quite expensive, often ranging from USD 3,000 to USD 8,000+ per person. This typically includes internal flights, accommodation, meals, guided activities, and cultural fees.

What specific safety advice is crucial for travelers planning a trip to the Central Highlands of Papua New Guinea?

It is highly recommended to travel with a reputable, experienced tour operator and local guides who understand the region's nuances. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark, and always be mindful of your personal belongings; local guidance is invaluable for a safe and enriching experience.

Beyond the general "Birds-of-Paradise," which specific iconic bird species or other unique mammals can I hope to see in the Central Highlands?

While many Birds-of-Paradise species reside here, look out for the stunning Blue Bird-of-Paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, and various Sicklebills. The region is also home to unique marsupials like tree kangaroos and various species of cuscus, often spotted during guided forest walks.

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.