Possible to travel between Madang and the Sepik River or Wewak with PMVs?

Hi there,

my question is simple, I am planning one flight to or from Wewak to visit the Sepik river but I would also like to do the other way back overland to/from Madang, is this possible on PMVs or otherwise, by boat, for example?

Thanks a lot and kind regards,

Iker

it is not really possible - although with time and money anything is possible

overland to madang from the sepik there are no roads - maybe as an expedition you could do it overland but probably only by walking - just look at the map !

you would have to charter a boat as river canoes are not seaworthy and the trip would be slow and expensive - there
are occasional cargo ships from madang or lae but nothing regular

you could possibly fly from ambunti to madang - it isnt a regular MAF route so it would be a charter
and so expensive

Hi Majordom,

I think in the LP guide they mention that it's possible to take a PMV from somewhere in the lower Sepik to Madang, I cannot find where, though...and a friend of mine went and came back from Madang to the Sepik, including Wewak, without taking a flight, just on PMVs and crocodile longboats through the Sepik...of he had to go upriver also with the boat, :-))

I have made this question b/c my friend got his diary stolen while travelling in other country later in that trip and doesn't remember the names of the places he went through in his journey in the Sepik...also, I must say he was very lucky finding the right people at the right time since there is no schedule for anything and he travelled without time limits, opposite than me, XD...

My question was wrong in the post, I know it's possible but don't know how, and I don't think I will have time to try it out, ;-))

Anyway, I wanted to thank you for all the help and advice you give to this forum, really appreciate that you take your time to write extensively about your experiences in this country and share all your knowledge, :D

Kind regards,

Iker

The road is paved but potholes all the way from Madang to just past Bogia, where it's gravel to about the ramu river mouth. I saw daily handfuls of minibus and mini trucks driving back and forth through bogia town just now. They are guys driving all the way down from the highlands to do business with the betel nut growers in the Sepik region. This is where the boats meet the trucks. So yes wit some effort it is possible, look up a blog called shredderinpng.com

He writes in detail his whole trip along that coast!

Thanks a lot, calemc, really appreciate your post, ;-))

By the way, have you already been or plan to go to the Sepik? If already there, did you travel on your own or with some local guide?

Thanks again!! XD...

Nah I skipped the Sepik as I plan to hike Wilhelm this week before Hagen show next weekend. Hence why I just went up to bogia for a look at manam and back down to Madang. Shame though cos apparently the Sepik crocodile festival is on just now!

On Sunday or Monday I'll head back down to the highlands hwy junction and up to goroka...

OK, I see you are online now, enjoy Mt. Wilhelm and, if possible, please leave a post if you hike it finally, is one of my other 'possible dos', ;-))

Kind regards,

Iker

Hello calemc,

did you finally hiked to the top of Mt. Wilhelm? If so, please let us know how it went and some useful data, mainly itinerary, number of days and local contacts if happy with them.

Thanks always,

Iker