Karawari Lodge

Standing majestically on a lone ridge, 300 metres above the banks of the Karawari River and overlooking an endless expanse of dense tropical lowland rainforest is Karawari Lodge, one of the most remote and un-spoilt destinations in Papua New Guinea: the lodge's private airstrip and the Karawari River are the only ways in or out. Stilted villages line the edges of flooded waterways and dug out canoes are the primary mode of transport.  

There are no roads, no shops and no phones. Sepik's live completely off the land, weaving baskets for catching fish; gathering, preparing and cooking their staple food from the Sago Palm. Karawari Lodge arranges river excursions in 18-seat motorised jet boats to the surrounding villages where you visit traditional homes, witness ceremonial dances and celebrations and are honoured with a glimpse of what life must have been like.

The Sepik people express their culture and beliefs through their art, inspiring the carving of incredible masks, drums, baskets and sculptures that integrate with their daily life and animist beliefs. Village tours allow you to observe master carvers at work and purchase from a selection of finely hand-crafted artefacts.

This tropical lowland rainforest is one of earth's most complex of habitats, housing an immense variety of flora and fauna - a staggering 229 different bird species have been recorded at Karawari. Birding cruises are available with opportunities to spot elusive 12-Wire Birds of Paradise, cockatoos, parrots, hornbills, cormorants and other water birds. Click on the links for comprehensive listings of the Birds and Orchids of Karawari Lodge.  

Guests are accommodated in ten separate cottages, each built out of local bush materials and inspired by traditional architecture. Each cottage has two private twin rooms, each with modern en-suite bathrooms and a communal verandah. Despite its remoteness, the lodge has 220V electricity, hot & cold water, comfortable mosquito-netted beds, ceiling fans, and a breezy verandah - all make for a welcome sanctuary after a day's exploration.

The dining and lounge areas, "Puk Puk" Bar and a vast collection of Sepik artefacts are housed in Karawari's main lodge building, designed and built in the form of a traditional "haus tambaran" or spirit house. The awe inspiring view at dusk has to be experienced to be believed and while contemplating the vast expanse of jungle as the setting sun colours the clouds, one could almost believe that the world was born yesterday. For the more adventurous, overnight stays in nearby traditional villages are also available from Karawari Lodge.  

Karawari Lodge is only accessible on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from either Mount Hagen or Ambua Lodge, or on completion of a Sepik cruise on the MV Sepik Spirit.

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