traveller
OUR COUNTRY
Into the
Photographer Chris McLennan journeys along the Karawari River in the Sepik Basin, where he finds life is simple and the villagers are happy and welcoming.
A
fter being dropped by charter plane on a grass airstrip, it is obvious that the Karawari River region is one of the more remote areas in Papua New Guinea’s densely rainforested lowlands. I am surrounded by jungle echoing with the calls of birds of paradise and other species. From here, it is a short hike to the smooth-
flowing Karawari River, followed by a boat ride to our accommodation at Karawari Lodge – my base from which to explore one of PNG’s unspoilt and culturally rich regions. The only access, in or out, is via the private grass airstrip or, for locals, along the river. The lodge accommodation is traditionally built and wonderfully comfortable.
I’m here to explore the traditional cultures and people of PNG. There is no better way to do that than by boat, travelling each day along the Karawari River and one of its tributaries, the Konmei River.
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