In 2015 I joined an expedition into the heart of the West Papuan jungle, to meet the elusive Korowai tribe.
It took 4 days of ass-numbing boat journeys and treacherous swampland hikes to reach the Korowai compound.
When we finally made, it I collapsed in a sweaty mess.
But when I looked up, the first thing I saw was this magnificent mantis, just inches away.
I’d never seen a mantis before, and I felt honoured that this wonder of nature had come to say hello when I reached the heart of the Papuan wilderness!
Sadly, the journey and severe dehydration had a dramatic effect on me, and I spent most of my time in the jungle sweating and shivvering in a Korowai treehouse, suffering from a mystery fever.
I still regret not getting better photos of the tribe. But as it was one of the most difficult and dangerous trips I’ve ever attempted, I don’t think I’ll set foot in Korowai territory again anytime soon.
