Islas Secas Reserve & Lodge

Tucked into the remote and sparsely populated Southwestern corner of Papua New Guinea is isolated Bensbach Wilderness Lodge. On the wide sweeping flood plains here, you will encounter an abundance of wildlife and birds. Less than 100 kilometers inland from the river mouth, this is a comfortable base to explore the surrounding wilderness.

Bensbach accommodates up to sixteen guests in two separate wings off the main lodge which is built from local materials and blends in with the natural surroundings. The Main Lodge is the meeting area where all meals are served, plus there’s a bar and lounge area. The dinner menu features delicious freshly caught Bensbach Barramundi and venison purchased from local hunters. Bensbach Wilderness Lodge is accessible by charter aircraft from Mount Hagen, Port Moresby or Daru.

The rooms are basic, but comfortable with twin beds, electricity, ceiling fans and bathrooms with hot and cold running water. 

Bensbach is the premier wildlife location in PNG. The grasslands teem with herds of deer, wallabies, snakes and monitor lizards and the flood plains are a vital stopping point for migratory birds on their incredible journey between their breeding grounds to the North and their feeding areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Curlew Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones and Yellow Wagtails are some of the more special visitors found here. The wetlands are also home to massive flocks of pelicans, pygmy geese and sea eagles and other raptors hunt fish from the skies above. A complete list of the 191 different species of birds that have been recorded at Bensbach lodge is available here.

Bensbach is also a sport fisherman’s paradise renowned as one of the Barramundi capitals of the world. Catering to the serious angler as well as those who just want to experience catching one of these magnificent fighting fish, Bensbach practices sustainable catch-and-release fishing and only what is needed that night for dinner.