WOW! Travel has been successfully sending the fit to PNG to trek Kokoda for the past 4years. We have a fantastic working relationship with PNG Trekking. Pam & Nikki from PNG Trekking have many years of trekking experience and as they are based in Port Moresby, also have great local knowledge.
The Kokoda Trek
Your guides on the Kokoda Trek will either be Nikki or Pam, both have lived in PNG for many years, speak the language and are very culturally aware of their obligations to the people of Papua New Guinea. Nikki is also extremely knowledgeable regarding WWII history along the Kokoda Trek. Every group however is a new experience and they are both always learning another story.
The local guides used on the trek have their own knowledge of the war that their grandparents and relatives have passed down to them. The porters and guides all speak English, although some are more confident than others. The trekking groups are restricted to 10 people maximum unless it is a closed group of friends or family. Any more than that and the group loses the intimacy of the trek and people just become a number.
Treks are either 6-9 days long, any longer and there is just too much down time. We do not usually recommend crossing Kokoda the week prior to Anzac Day as there is just too many people along the track. There is a cast of 1000's trekking during this time, meaning there is a fight for camp sites each day. Only one pit latrine toilet available for all those people in a village and generally hundreds trekking! Some tour companies have up 50 or more people in their groups, so if you are unfortunate to meet them on the track it could take up to a couple of hours to get past them. We would suggest a date in May and onwards.
The humidity knocks you about for the first couple of days. But once you start acclimatizing, it just gets easier and easier. If you are fit, the track is not hard. Pam & Nikki have never had anyone unable to complete it and all have been pleasantly surprised as to how much easier it was than they expected. We would also just like to reiterate that the safety and security of the group is our highest priority and we have procedures in place to medivac people off the track. Nikki & Pam carry a sat phone and talk to the office most evenings and will email friends and relatives with a progress report.
PNG Airlines currently fly to Kokoda on Sundays and Wednesdays. You have to work your itinerary round either of those days.
The emphasis is on having fun and an adventure along the Kokoda Trek!
Please contact Melanie for further details of the trek requirements, helpful hints and costs melanie@wowtravel.com.au
