Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Wanting to Join a Group for Kokoda Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea
chrishills23 03:37 UTC 16 Jan 2009 | Hi all, Im off to PNG between the 6th and 23 April and wanting to do the Kokoda track. As I am travelling independently, was wondering if there were any groups out there planning a trip that I could possibly join? Or indeed any other travellers who may be in PNG at this time who fancied getting together to cut costs and do the track.. Cheers |
kjade 08:11 UTC 19 Jan 2009 | Hi, I'm heading over there to walk the Kokoda track on the 13th April, and I'm going with Peregrine. I was told by several people that it's much safer to go with a tour company, as there are permits required and medical help is more readily available if you need it. The crime rates are also really high there and quite a few travel agents I spoke to said they would only book it through a company for safety purposes, so I took their advice! :) The tour itself runs from 14-26 April, and includes a dawn service at a war cemetery for Anzac Day on the last day. I have no idea how many people are booked in, but it would be worth checking out if you're interested. It's costing around $4200 for the tour itself, including hotel transfer, food, tents, accommodation in the villages, and the flights to and from Port Moresby to the track. Maybe I'll see you there! | 1
bobkeays 13:50 UTC 09 Feb 2009 | Hi, I also arranged a kokoda trek independently when I arrived in PNG april 06. . You will save heaps of coin as mentioned in other threads and you'll know where it goes. But for some reason people like to book things in advance..maybe to feel organised...not sure. But any way. It is easily done. I flew to popondetta and found a guide and then bussed to kokoda to start the trek. ALL up it would have cost me $700. And I paid my guide 500 of that. My guide used to work for organised tour but got shitty with them.. There are heaps of guys who have walked the track and will guide you if they know they will get a decent wage. Otherwise pay 4 grand to some aussie company and get a gay shirt at the end. By the way it will be muddy. bob | 2
bobkeays 13:55 UTC 09 Feb 2009 | Hello again. Of course they will tell you it is dangerous therefore you have to be in a group and pay 4 grand. What crap. I walked with just me and a guide and was meeting big groups every 30 minutes. Even ran into K Rudd and big joe hockey the big idiot. I never felt any danger. The only proplem is getting transport back to moresby from owers corner if you trek south. And getting to owers corner if you trek north. But you'll figure it out. Seriously avoid the groups..you get annoying fat ladies and kids and all sorts.. Im telling you the groups were ready to throttle each other. Have fun..hard work ..but a real sense of acheivment. | 3