Sepik River 4 day trip

We are thinking of a short 4 day trip on the Sepik. Did you follow-up and eventually go on a trip? If so, which company did you use - any recommendations? We have read of some disreputable companies there who have vanished with deposit moneys! Would love to read your recollections of the vacation

While I haven't yet taken a trip, I"ve got one planned for 7 days in September. There are certain fixed costs (fuel, canoe, guide), so cost per person goes down with more travelers. I have had a lot of correspondence with Susan (rickandsue.baker527@gmail.com. I told them what I wanted to do, they confirmed the itinerary and price, and then when my companions backed out of the trip, they gave me a revised itinerary, and lots of advice.

Then, when their price was too much for me to pay for just one person, they explained the overhead costs and gave me some additional advice, plus a few referrals. At that point I contaced another of Lonely Planets recommended guides, Joseph Konai. Joseph got back to me quickly, and quoted me a price which was quite a bit less than rick and sue. I would still consider using rick and sue, if I had additional companions to share the costs. I haven't gotten all of the details (just price and dates) worked out with Joseph, but feel comfortable with his recommendation in Lonely Planet. He can be contacted at josephykone@yahoo.com.au. His quote for a trip from Angoram to Pagwi was fair, did not include food or lodging or entry fees to haus tamborins, but he did give me a daily range on those fees.

If you contact Joseph, you might let him know swanlaw (Brian from California) pointed you towards him.

If anyone is interested in sharing a trip on the Sepik from about Sept 25 to Oct 1st, please contact me.

Swanlaw

Just back from PNG,
did a 5 day trip in middle of June down the Middle Sepik.
Went with Chris Karis' 'boys' at PNG Frontier Adventures (same people as Rick & Sue). They were absolutely fantastic albeit a wee bit pricey but then again so is all of PNG and have to say didn't see one tourist and they treated us like princesses. They have a local guesthouse in Kanganaman which is perfectly comfortable and in a beautiful spot. The spirit house there really is impressive and fantastic. wow.. when they take you there at night and play the drums and flutes...phenomenal atmosphere!! couldn't make it all the way into Govermas but do it if you can..river just too low when we were there. I would probably if I had the money have extended the trip all the way up to Wagu or Swagup to see the Birds of Paradise and Insect Tribe...do it if you can!!!
Then if you go back to Wewak try and head over to Muschu Island and stay with Clemence...he has a lovely little guesthouse and his wife cooks up fresh local food. there are wrecks all over the island and great snorkelling and pristine waters and beach!! and so cheap too..just hop on a PMV boat over there!!

If you need any more info just shout but In Wewak Boutique Hotel were fantastic and have all the contacts and details of guides and companies for the Sepik! Their restaurant is definitely a must and the best we had in all of PNG! K