Kokoda Track

Hello there,
Hoping to walk the Kokoda in August. I looked at sorting an permit online, but the downloaded permit says for tour groups only. I emailed the Track Authority and they said I need to go with a tour company. Just wondering if somebody could clarify this.
Thanks
David
ps Can you buy meths/ alcohol for a stove easily?

What's left to be clarified?

At least officially, you must do it as an organized trek.

Is nobody going to stop you then? Are there no wardens? In Sikkim we had to go the back way at night to miss the check point walking without a guide.

I am pretty sure there are no "wardens".
Perhaps local villagers, or guides of organized treks are entrusted with enforcing the rule.

the track is across private land - it is not a public right of way - the KTA has arranged access with all the villages and landowners by the permit system - it is rude and disrepectful to attempt the track without one so dont do it

this is not a dangerous area of PNG in general but in many areas crossing private land without permission can put you at great danger very quickly

permits should be available for independent trekkers who are competent and properly equipped

http://www.kokodatrackauthority.org/x,963,345,0/trek-permits-for-the-kokoda-track.html

looks like they no longer issue to lone trekkers - they have had too many problems with unsupported diy trekkers imposing on the locals rather than supporting them

you can get a local operator to just provide a guide/porter i think - you will pribably need this anyway to follow the trail and fund campsites etc

there is a lot of friction on the track at the moment

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/kokoda-trail-blocked-73156

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-06/kokoda-track-blocked-off-by-protesting-land-owners/9402688

That looks a bit scary - I wonder when that will open again! I contacted a number of operators. Prices are very high (in my opinion and for somebody who doesn't take guides and tours on LD trails) and the idea of a budget tour isn't an option. The cheapest I found was 900 AUD. Going to spend a few days in Rabaul (mini craters) then try to knock off a few of: Ulawun, Hagen, Giluwe, Wilhelm or something like that...
Thanks for the replies.

Hi,
You can arrange your permits with the Buna Trekkers of Kokoda, as they're a licenced tour agent specialises doing Kokoda Trekking.
Drop them a mail on address;
buna.trekkers1@gmail.com and to Florence for that arrangements.

Thanks for the reply. I won't make it this year now, but it is still something I am interested in doing.
David

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