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![]() ![]() SOLOMON ISLANDS May 15 - June 3, 2025 Plus, Western Province extension June 3 - 8, 2025 Contact [email protected] to reserve your space! Trip Cost> Registration Form(pdf)> Tour Registration, Terms, Cancellation Policies> The Solomon Islands offer one of the few remaining places on the planet where one can still truly get away from it all. Largely forgotten by time itself, many of these islands are home to tiny coastal villages, where the main mode of transport is dugout canoe, and fishing on reefs by hand is commonplace. Still very much off the tourist map, it has long proven difficult and expensive for birders to tour the Solomons… until now.
There are some very special species here indeed. In addition to the allure of the numerous endemics, near endemics, and endemic subspecies, we also have the chance to see the sole members of four genera known exclusively to these islands – Woodford’s Rail, Solomons Frogmouth, Makira Honeyeater and the Bare-eyed White Eye being the stars of the show. Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the unique species and incredible biodiversity of the Solomon Islands! ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Arrival into Honiara, Guadalcanal Renowned in history as the site of one of the most famous battles of WWII, the island of Guadalcanal is also a birders paradise – and home to the second highest concentration of endemics to be seen on the trip. Birding during the late afternoon today however will be a casual stroll along the coast (close to our hotel) where we should enjoy sightings of Bridled Tern, along with Great and Lesser Frigatebirds. The hotel grounds also provide an introduction to some of the more commonly seen species in the region, such as Olive-backed Sunbirds and Singing Starlings. A wide selection of fish dishes (most served with sweet potato and taro) will be on offer for dinner before heading to bed. Tomorrow we begin our Solomon Islands adventure.
Day 2 - Birding Mount Austen From the peak of Mount Austen, the lush forest here extends downward, almost fully to the river valley below, and with a number of easily negotiable logging trails extending throughout, our first foray into the wilds of the Solomons promises encounters with many dazzling targets. Our large and (necessarily) powerful 4WD trucks wind their way to the heights of the forest where our trail birding begins by targeting canopy specialists such as Black-headed Myzomela, Chestnut-bellied and Black-and-white Monarchs and Ducorp's Cockatoo. As we meander down our trail network the targets change as the elevation lowers, and soon it is Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Midget Flowerpecker, Pied Goshawk and the quite brilliant restricted-range Ultramarine Kingfisher that are being sought. Our lodging for the night is the charming Parangiju Mountain Lodge – a family owned eco-lodge nestled in the lush tropical rainforest of inland Guadacanal. Our dinner will be lovingly prepared by Chef Eh-Ma and refreshing beverages thoroughly enjoyed following our first successful day of birding in the Solomons!
Day 3 - Morning birding on Guadalcanal and afternoon on Makira Following an early lunch enjoyed in the field, we make for unbelievably species-rich Makira – the largest of the islands in Makira Ulawa Province, and a densely forested and fascinating isle, home to the highest number of endemics of any island on the trip. While exploring the wonders of Makira, our lodging for the next 5 days will be a stunningly beautiful and idyllically located coastal village. This is a place many birding tour participants only have the chance to fleetingly visit before having to return to their ship later the same day. But on our tour (which prioritizes stays in locally owned accommodation and at home-stays with locals throughout) we will have the opportunity to experience daily village life, chat and dine with residents and delight in their rich and varied culture.
Day 4 - Morning mangroves and afternoon snorkeling Our first excursion after breakfast sees us stick relatively close to the coast, where we make for a nearby area of lowland swamp and likely sightings of Sooty Myzomela, Pacific Baza, Long-tailed Triller, elegantly patterned White-collared Monarch and two birds on either end of the endangered spectrum – the seemingly ever-present Willie Wagtail and the near-threatened White-headed Fruit Dove. After returning to the village for lunch and a light siesta, you have the option of taking your exploration for species beneath the waves, with an afternoon snorkeling session in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the village. The number of fish species to be found on the coral reefs of these islands is truly staggering and we spend a blissful couple of hours meandering through the bays close to shore. Those not wishing to snorkel can of course opt to extend their siesta, or go for a quiet stroll along the beach. Freshly prepared fish dinners enjoyed under the stars await us tonight (and every night of our stay) sitting side by side with these warm and friendly people.
Day 5 - Forest birding in search of Makira’s many endemics The inhabitants of these forests include a host of endemics, such as the stunning Makira Dwarf Kingfisher, relatively common but flighty Makira Thrush, difficult Makira Honeyeater and the vocalist extraordinaire – the Makira Cicadabird! Other forest dwellers include the common Mottled Flowerpecker and Makira Fantail. Boating back towards our accommodation we take the opportunity to look for Black-naped Tern, Brown Booby, and Wedge-tailed Shearwater. Those interested in taking part in traditional local fishing practices by assisting the islanders in catching dinner are welcome to give it a go. Others may prefer to relax and wait until dinnertime... before meeting the meal!
Day 6 - Into the unknown on a search for a ghost bird…and yet more endemics
Day 7 - Exploring the seldom-birded tiny islands surrounding Makira Departing Ugi, we make our way back to Honiara where we are welcomed by the familiar smiling faces of Stephen and Serah – owners of Parangiju Lodge. The afternoon is ours to relax and gaze out from the verandah across the verdant hillsides to the sparkling ocean beyond; or should you wish to make your way on an optional tour into the forests for another encounter with some of the Guadalcanal specialties
Day 8 - Welcome to Malaita Punctuated by crystal-clear bays and a towering and densely forested interior, Malaita is an incredibly beautiful island and one where we thankfully stay 3 days at Ferafolia Village - another culturally rich and fascinating site located deep in the forested highland (a very different abode indeed to our coastal village stay in Makira). Depending on the punctuality of our ferry, we may have the opportunity to enjoy a stroll in the forests surrounding the village before dusk.
As one of the more populous islands in the Solomons chain, it is perhaps not surprising that in addition to breathtakingly beautiful scenery, we will also encounter some heavily logged areas while being transported between birding sites on Malaita. Thankfully however, our first day will see us concentrate our birding in the vast extent of lush landscape found close to Ferafolia - prime habitat for the stunning Solomons endemic Yellow-bibbed Lory as well as endemic and very reliable Malaita White-eye, endemic subspecies of Oriole Whistler, Chestnut-bellied Imperial Pigeon, endangered Malaita Fantail, challenging Red-vested Myzomela, and a glorious subspecies likely to be split in the future – the White-winged Fantail.
Day 10 - Birding the forested highlands in the morning and the lowlands and coasts in the afternoon When we do eventually arrive at the coast, we enter the realm of the magnificent Sanford’s Sea Eagle - an apex predator with a 6-foot wingspan and penchant for everything from fruit bats to fish, ducks and pigeons! A truly memorable raptor encounter awaits! Another, and equally (if not more) memorable inhabitant of Malaita’s lowlands is the Woodford's Rail - which we will also target in the area. Back at Ferafolia, we bid our warm and gracious hosts (the family members of our local guide’s wife) a fond farewell, but not before celebrating our rich haul of species and wonderful time at this traditional Solomon Islands village with a feast of chicken, pork, taro, and array of vegetables plucked from gardens not 10 meters away!
Day 11 - Back to Honiara and rest day After tucking into the now familiar culinary specialties of Eh-Ma, we settle down on the balcony for the customary nightly Checklist review before curling up in comfortable beds.
Day 12 - The Wilds of Santa Isabel After touching down at Fera - the southernmost of two small airstrips on this, the longest of the Solomon Islands – we are met by a small rowboat that takes us across the stunningly beautiful lagoon that borders the airstrip to tranquil Buala Village. Here we check into Maringe Lodge, located directly on the shore of the lagoon itself.
For our first full day on Santa Isabel, beautiful Buala is our staging point for travels deep into the island interior where remote stretches of habitat should bring us excellent views of Yellow-throated White Eye, Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon, Black-faced, Barred as well as Solomons Cuckooshrike, Red-capped Myzomela (and if we are incredibly lucky) the oft-elusive Imitator Sparrowhawk. In the afternoon we relax in the shade of our covered verandahs with views of the lagoon - those feeling adventurous may even wish to slip into the calm waters. As the sun begins to get low in the sky, we explore the shore for encounters with among others - Striated Heron, Pacific Reef Heron, Beach Thick-knee Common, Terek and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - before assembling at the dining room for a freshly caught seafood dinner.
Days 14 + 15 - The Village of Tirotonga Those of us up for a bit of village birding following our hike, will have a very good chance of getting more looks at the endemic White Eye and Metallic Starling, as well as Glossy and Uniform Swiftlets performing their delicate aerial dances in the skies above. Using the village as a base, we make short excursions along well-established trails into the forests and densely vegetated hillsides, to target a selection of very difficult-to-see endemics. The most famous of these is without question the most easterly, and perhaps least well known pitta on the planet: the Black-faced Pitta. We will need to maintain a patient vigil for this brilliantly plumaged deep forest dweller – not renowned for being a fan of the camera. Whilst on “pitta duty” we also keep an eye out for North Solomons Kingfisher and the fabulous but perhaps not quite-as-critical Oriental Hobby and Pacific Koel. The majority of our time in the field is spent in the company of local guides who use their superb and invaluable knowledge to lead us to the best sites for our targets - including the day-roost sites of three absolutely fabulous Solomon endemics - the Fearful Owl, Solomons Frogmouth and Solomons Boobook! Hopefully they will each be "at home", otherwise we head out on each of the two nights to listen for calls and do spotlighting in order to see the birds in flight or actively perched. The evenings are reserved for tucking into hearty dinners amid absolutely fascinating chats with some of the locals of Tirotonga.
Day 16 - Morning birding and return to Buala
Day 17 - Rest day in Honiara Today is yours to explore the sights and sounds of the city. Our centrally located accommodation allows for a leisurely walk into the bustling city centre of Honiara and the Central Market (selling almost every locally grown product imaginable), or should you prefer the opportunity to visit the National Museum or War Memorial.
Day 18 - Flight to Rennell and targeting the endemics of the atoll Relative to its size, Rennell boasts a hugely impressive number of endemics. These numbers are perhaps unsurprising though, as its remote location has been integral to its identification as a key site for the evolution and migration of species in the western Pacific and the speciation processes of a number of avifauna. It is on this magical island that we draw our first leg of the trip to a close. Touching down on the single grass airfield at Tingoa (the height of which is maintained by various groups of islanders wielding bush-knives…and who often use the money accrued from such maintenance to put towards their Christmas festivities) around 9am, we make the 3-minute walk to our lodging at Moreno Guest House. After checking into our rooms, we don birding gear and literally take 20 steps across the field to the start of a quite incredible trail, along which we possibly will find all of the island’s 6 endemics! Rennell Starling and Rennell White-eye should be easily seen, as should the skulking Rennell Shrikebill and odd Bare-eyed White Eye. The unspectacular Rennell Fantail and occasionally tricky Rennell Whistler round off the targets.
Day 19 - Singing Parrots and the largest lake in the insular Pacific After travelling back aboard the Blue Bus to Moreno Guest House we pack and head to the grass airstrip to catch our return flight to Honiara. For those clients ending the tour here, you enjoy a final evening on Honiara, before your flight home the following day. For those clients continuing on the optional extension to Western Province, you head off to sleep knowing that the adventure continues tomorrow.
Day 20 - End of Main Tour, flights home. For those in the group continuing on the optional extension: we make for Gizo. The optional six day extension sees us travel into the Western Solomons, where we use the tiny island of Gizo as a base from which to launch excursions across sparkling waters to the nearby islands of Vella Lavella, Ranongga and finally Kolombangara – a near-perfectly spherical volcanic cone towering out of deep blue waters.
Day 20 - Overnight ferry to Gizo
Day 21 - Arrival in a tropical paradise and easy search for a sole endemic From town we travel by pre-arranged transport to our nearby coastal accommodation. The Western Sols are located in a utopian coastal setting with turquoise waters and shallow reefs positively teeming with tropical fish of every imaginable color. Indeed it may prove difficult to drag ourselves away in the morning to go island hopping! Specialties in and around our accommodation include the tiny Steel-blue Flycatcher and distinguishably coiffed White-capped Monarch.
Day 22 - Short boat rides to neighboring Vella Lavella and Ranongga Our main target will be the Vella Lavella White-eye, but the lush landscape is also home to several other species of interest, including the minuscule New-Georgia Dwarf Kingfisher (the only island on our travels where we will have a chance of seeing this striking bird). As less than 10km separates them, we depart our morning birding session on Vella Lavella to spend the second half of the day birding the much smaller but more species-rich island of Ranongga, where another single-island endemic White-eye will be our main target along with Island Imperial Pigeons, and the usually common Beach Kingfishers whose long churring calls should alert us to their location as they hone in on a driftwood perch. Sightings of Eastern Osprey are also common here. Travelling between the islands by boat in Western Province also provides us with what is undoubtedly our best pelagic spotting opportunities of the entire trip. Known to these waters (among several others) are Black as well as Brown Noddies, Roseate Terns, Long-tailed Jaeger, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Wedge-tailed Shearwater and without question our best chance of Heinroth’s Shearwater.
Day 23 - The teeming wilderness of Kolombangara Upon approach by boat this morning, the sheer majesty and natural splendor of this island is on show for all to see. On arrival we are collected by pre-arranged transport, and waste no time in birding several rewarding lowland and coastal sites for prized encounters with Roviana Rail (only identified in 1991!!), the odd and impressive Melanesian Megapode, and magnificent Solomons Sea Eagle. In the afternoon our van winds it’s way high into the clouds to a remote Lodge - perched on a stunning outcrop offering some of the finest mountain views and forest trails on the island. In this spectacular setting, the habitat, vegetation (and therefore species) on show dramatically changes. We have a leisurely stroll along two of the Lodge’s easier trails in the late afternoon where truly memorable encounters with the absolutely delightful Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot, gargantuan Buff-headed Coucal and incomparable Duchess Lorikeet are possible.
Day 24 - Final birding day on a magical island Our final day of birding the montane forests of this rich and largely unspoiled island gem sees us set out on other trails surrounding the lodge for encounters with such treasures as Kolombangara Monarch, Yellow-bibbed Fruit Dove and Meek’s Lorikeet. In the early afternoon our vehicle takes us to the dynamic shoreline of Kolombangara from where we board our Zodiac back to Gizo. Along the way we have another opportunity for Heinroth’s Shearwater as well as other pelagics.
Day 25 - Honiara and home Contact [email protected] to reserve your space! |
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