Endemics of the Solomon Islands

AFTER SOME EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS WITH THIS TOUR, WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF UPDATING THE ITINERARY AND PRICING. CHECK BACK SOON!

Islands we travel to on the Main Leg of this tour: Guadalcanal, Rennell, Gizo, Vella Lavella, Ranongga, Tetepare and Kolombangara 

Islands we travel to on the Optional Extension: Makira, Malaita and Santa Isabel

Overview

The Solomon Islands offer one of the few remaining places on the planet where one can still well and 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…until now. 

‘Endemics of the Solomon Islands’ and the optional extension to the islands of the Western Province provides you with the opportunity to see some 70+ endemics and 20+ near endemics (the only other place these species are found are on other Melanesian islands) together with a huge array of regional species unique to this tropical paradise! 

A trip quite unlike any other, our Solomons tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the endemics of a region that very few birders visit, but one that boasts more restricted range species than any other Endemic Bird Area on the planet!! 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.

Upcoming Tour Dates

2025

• July 17th - August 1st (Main Leg): Fully booked. If you would like to place your name on the waitlist for this tour, please contact us here.

• August 1st - 6th (optional extension to Western Province): Fully booked.

• August 19th - September 3rd (Main Leg): Fully booked. If you would like to place your name on the waitlist for this tour, please contact us here.

• September 3rd - 8th (optional extension to Western Province): Fully booked.

Tour Price

TBC

Tour Leader

TBC

Sample Daily Itinerary

**PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ITINERARY IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING UPDATED AND THE BELOW ISLAND ORDER WILL NOT REFLECT OUR EXCTING NEW OFFERING!**

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, is limited to 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 Sunbird and Singing Starling.

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 

Waking in Honiara, we board our pre-arranged transport (packed breakfast in hand) and make for the birding mecca of Mount Austen! 

From its peak, 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

Although extremely difficult to acquire, our local contacts will have done their best to negotiate access to this morning’s bonus birding site! From Parangiju Lodge, we make the hour-and-a-half drive aboard our trucks inland to an area of forest coveted by many a birder, but off limits to most. The forest here is pristine, but located on the property of the Gold Ridge Mine. As is the case with many of the regional species throughout the island range, some which are difficult to see on one island are relatively straightforward on another, as is evidenced by the ease with which some species are seen at this location. From the unspectacular Brown-winged Starling to the delightful Finsch’s Pygmy Parrots, rather bizarre looking White-billed Crow, Gray-capped Cicadabird and gigantic Blyth's Hornbill - this morning’s birds leave a lasting impression. 

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!

The wide variety of habitats (ranging from moist montane forest to lowland swamp) is one of the main reasons for the wealth of birdlife on San Cristobal (Makira) and we take full advantage of our lengthy stay here in order to visit all of these. In so doing, we get acquainted with such wonderful and varied treasures as: White-headed Fruit Dove, Makira Honeyeater, Sooty Myzomela, Makira Flycatcher, Mottled Flowerpecker, Makira Leaf Warbler, as well as the vocalist extraordinaire – the Makira Cicadabird.

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 prioritises 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 snorkelling

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 snorkelling 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

Today sees us make the first of two ascents into the forested highlands of Makira. Fortified by an excellent local breakfast at Anuta, we board our speedboat, which whisks us away towards an idyllic stretch of coast above which lies an immense band of rich primary forest – into which we delve.  

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 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 

The Makira Moorhen has not been reliably seen for decades, however, reports persist of this strange bird being seen (albeit rarely) by locals on Makira. With our local guide leading the way, today we set out for an area of forest deep in the highlands, where two of the villagers insist they have seen the bird on multiple occasions. Given its habitat, it is a bird unlikely to be mistaken for any other, and despite the villagers in question not being birders, it is surely worth a shot! Even if not encountered, the chance to visit some of the most unspoiled habitat remaining on Makira (an island with no protected areas) is too good to pass up. Today's outing also brings with it the opportunity to get better views of Makira Honeyeater and first looks at the montane forest-dwelling Shade Bush Warbler. 

Day 7: Exploring the seldom-birded tiny islands surrounding Makira

In addition to exploring Makira’s myriad birding hotspots, and accessing the mountainous spine of the island by land, we also use the coastal village of Anuta again as a base from which to travel by boat – but on this occasion to travel to some of the tiny surrounding islands such as Ugi. This island is home to unique specialities of birds like the Ugi Black Monarch and Ugi White-collared Monarch… as well as Collared Kingfisher…and the largest concentration of Saltwater Crocodiles in the Solomons!  

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 specialities.    

Day 8: Welcome to Malaita

Mid-morning sees us travel across an ocean rich in marine life, to the strikingly attractive island of Malaita. The Solomons are the easternmost part of the so-called Coral Triangle - a region within Asia-Pacific that has the highest marine biodiversity in the world. Our several ocean crossings between islands, therefore, represent good opportunities for encounters with cetacean species, along with what is of course an array of possible (and in many cases probable) pelagics. Strategically positioning ourselves in prime viewing sites on the ferry will be encouraged. 

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.  

Day 9: Targeting Malaita’s endemics in the forests surrounding Ferafolia 

We have a leisurely start this morning, soaking in the sights of village life as the inhabitants begin to stir – ebbing fires being stoked back to life, and the welcome smell of sizzling eggs and freshly baked flatbread filling our nostrils. With a packed picnic lunch in our bags, we board our trucks and leave the village for the day. 

As one of the more populous islands in the Solomons chain, it is perhaps unsurprising 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 (Cockerell’s) Fantail. 

Day 10: Birding the forested highlands in the morning and the lowlands and coasts in the afternoon

We begin in the breathtakingly beautiful highlands today, where stops at prime sites offer yet another chance for any of the species not seen yesterday, all the while gradually working our way down to the coast and an enticing network of waterways. Along the way, we should pick up a number of other species not previously encountered on the trip – from the recently described Cockerell’s Fantail and near endemic subspecies of Island Leaf Warbler and Metallic Pigeon in the highlands; to the (truly superb) Superb Fruit Dove and near-endemic subspecies of stunningly colored Coconut Lorikeets found at lower elevations.  

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 metres away! 

Day 11: Back to Honiara and rest day

All aboooooarrd this morning for our return across sparkling tropical waters to Honiara. The day is ours to while away at the Parangiju Mountain Lodge or head off on exploratory walks into the surrounding forests - those interested can join the tour leader on a visit to the spectacular Tenaru Falls . 

After tucking into the now familiar culinary specialties of Eh-Ma, we settle down on the balcony for the customary nightly checklist tickings before curling up in comfortable beds.

Day 12: The Wilds of Santa Isabel 

This morning sees us take our first flight since arriving on the islands almost 2 weeks ago! It is needed, however, as today we make for the northernmost of the islands on our adventures in the South Pacific – the densely forested and wilderness-laden island 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.  

Day 13: Introduction to the endemics of Santa Isabel and lagoon-side birding

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 

On the morning of Day 14, we abandon our lodging on the shores of the lagoon and make the 2-hour hike to renowned Tirotonga Village – nestled deep in the remote wilderness and limestone hillsides of Isabel. We take our time, and when we arrive, are greeted with cool refreshments and the warm hospitality of the Tirotongans.  

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 Yellow-throated 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

This morning, we have another look for any of the targets which may have eluded us on the previous two days, before saying our goodbyes to our friendly hosts and making a slow-paced return back down to Buala (this includes a picnic stop in the forest along the way). 

Another peaceful evening of lagoon-side viewing and birding awaits.

Day 17: Rest day in Honiara 

We take the short flight back to Honiara, where we stay in the city-centre, located a mere 15 minutes from the airport. 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

This morning, we take the 1-hour flight from Honiara Airport to the southernmost island in the entire Solomons chain - the large raised coral atoll of Rennell.  

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 our birding gear, and literally take 20 steps across the field to the start of a quite incredible trail, along which we will possibly 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 for the day.

Day 19: Singing Parrots and the largest lake in the insular Pacific 

Provided we have seen the endemics on the previous day, this morning we hop aboard one of the only reliable forms of transport on the island (the aptly named Blue Bus) and make the 50-minute drive along the coral road towards the south of the island for a visit to the largest lake in the insular pacific and former lagoon of the atoll: Lake Tengano. Here, Australasian Grebe, as well as Great and Little Pied Cormorants abound. The low lying secondary forest in the vicinity also makes for great birding, and we should have little difficulty in getting bonus views of the island’s fascinating endemic subspecies of Singing Parrot, as well as the near-endemic and stunning Silver-capped Fruit Dove.  

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

For those ending the tour here: homeward journey from Honiara Airport. 

For those in the group continuing on the optional extension: we make for Ghizo!

Optional Extension to Western Province

This optional six-day extension sees us travel into the Western Solomons, where we use the tiny island of Ghizo 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 cont: Overnight ferry to Ghizo 

It doesn’t get much more local than this! Today from Honiara, we take the overnight ferry to Ghizo. Our sleeping cabins having already been secured by making reservations, upon boarding we make for the deck, where we soak in the local atmosphere and stunning scenery encountered as the ferry slowly makes its way towards our final port of call – passing by some 300 tiny islands en route! Stops at large islands on its westward journey allow for an appreciation of the importance that inter-island commuting has on trade and livelihoods in the region. Solomoners with everything from bananas, ground provisions, chickens and other foodstuffs mill the ports of each stop waiting to board or eagerly greeting family and friends on board.   

Following dinner enjoyed at sea, we retire to our cabins to await the ferry horn signalling arrival the next morning in Ghizo.

Day 21: Arrival in a tropical paradise and easy search for a sole endemic 

Although primarily used as a base, Gizo does have a sole endemic – the Gizo White-Eye – and we will take the opportunity while in the area to visit a quiet patch of woods just on the outskirts of town, which is usually positively teeming with this handsome species.  

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 colour. Indeed, it may prove difficult to drag ourselves away in the morning to go island hopping!  

Specialities in and around our accommodation include the tiny Steel-blue Flycatcher and distinguishably coiffed White-capped Monarch.

Day 22: Short boat rides to neighbouring Vella Lavella and Ranongga 

Today we cover two islands in one day. Our sleek skiff, armed with powerful outboard motors, arrives to collect us from shore in the morning and heads northwest, easily negotiating the distance from Ghizo to Vella Lavella. Here, we spend the first half of the day birding the hotspots on this, the largest of the islands we visit in the west.

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, the Ranongga 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 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

We have reserved two days exclusively for exploring the imposing and largely unspoiled volcanic giant of Kolombangara.  

Upon approach by boat this morning, the sheer majesty and natural splendour 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 its 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  

Waking at dawn, the cloud is still low and surrounds the lodge, as it lifts, however, so the dawn chorus begins, and we hone in on the calls of those as yet unseen targets including Pacific Robin, Pale Mountain Pigeon and of course that of the Kolombangara White-eye.  

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 Ghizo. Along the way, we have another opportunity for Heinroth’s Shearwater, as well as other pelagics.  

Day 25: Honiara and home

We arrive into Honiara this morning, from where you can make your homeward journey. 

Pricing for 2025

Tour Price (Main Leg only): TBC

Tour Price (for Optional Extension to Western Province): TBC

Included in Price: All flights between islands and internal ferry charges between islands; local taxes; airport departure taxes; all accommodations; pre-arranged food; bottled water throughout; transport to and from birding destinations on all islands; park admission and permit fees; local guide fees; and hotel and restaurant service charges.

Not Included in Price: Your flights to and from Guadalcanal; extra charges incurred for overweight or additional pieces of luggage on international or regional flights; cost associated with Visas, vaccinations or other immigration requirements; travel insurance; gratuities; laundering services; other non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Tour Info

Number of Species that will possibly be seen on tour: c.210

Number of Endemics (including Endemic Subspecies) likely to be seen on tour: 89

Group Size: Maximum of 8 clients and Birding the Islands guide (plus additional guide if the group is at the maximum number of participants)

Terrain and Pace: We cover a diverse range of terrain on this trip. Trails range from flat along the coasts to moderate and some very steep ascents in the forested highlands on two islands. Some trails can be slippery if it has rained and wellies are essential on certain paths. Any ascents are conducted at a slow, steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest along the way.

*Please note that the above itinerary and pricing is subject to change.