Destinations/Papua New Guinea/Karawari Lodge
Karawari Lodge
On the Karawari River, where there are no roads, no shops and no phones, and dug-out canoes are the primary mode of transport.
Karawari Lodge is located in one of the most remote and unspoilt destinations in Papua New Guinea — the Karawari River, a tributary of the immense Sepik River. The lodge’s private airstrip and the Karawari River are the only way 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. The people of the Sepik River live completely off the land, weaving baskets for catching fish, and gathering, preparing and cooking their staple food from the sago palm.
Accommodation
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 a modern en-suite bathroom, and a communal veranda. Despite its remoteness, the lodge has 220V electricity, hot and cold water, comfortable mosquito-netted beds, ceiling fans, and a breezy veranda, which all make for a welcome sanctuary after a day’s exploration.
Bar and dining
The dining and lounge areas, the ‘Puk Puk’ Bar and a vast collection of Sepik artifacts 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 — while contemplating the vast expanse of jungle as the setting sun colors the clouds, one could almost believe that the world was born yesterday.
Activities
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 artifacts.
This tropical lowland rainforest is one of earth’s most complex habitats, housing an immense variety of flora and fauna — a staggering 229 different bird species have been recorded at Karawari. Optional early morning and late afternoon birding is available at no extra charge, with opportunities to spot elusive 12-Wired Birds of Paradise, cockatoos, parrots, hornbills, cormorants and other water birds.
Around Karawari Lodge
The main lodge, the dining room and the view over the rainforest.
Ready to stay at Karawari Lodge?
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