Kokoda Trail Fees. How much ?

Does anyone know how much Kokoda trail fees are per person ?
We're planning on flying into Popondetta and making our way to Kokoda, then walking the track without a tour group, porters etc.
I've heard that you can purchase trail fees in Popondetta, so if anyone's got the scoop on what the deal is there, that would be so appreciated.
Cheers.

Hi,

Here is the web site for the Kokoda Track Authority

It shows fees and has an email adress for the authority, so you can ask them if a permit can be purchased in Popendetta. My advice would be to get it from the Authority's office in the Brian Bell Plaza in Boroka, Port Moresby, before you leave Port Moresby.

A word of advice - I think it would be extremely foolhardy and down right dangerous to attepmt the track without at least one local guide. There are many tracks leading off 'the track', so how will you know which one to take without a guide? - there are no signposts out there. And there are river crossings etc, all for which you need local experience. Also, you will need to negotiate with the local landowners along the way and unless you are fluent in Pidgin, that will be difficult to do.

You can do the Track without a tour company and you can carry your own packs, but I don't think you can go without a guide.

With respect to walking Kokoda unsupported by people local to the area. Yes, it is quite easily achievable.

Consider:

Land ownership in PNG is relatively complex to we Westerners. The land you traverse is owned by somebody. They, the owners, graciously allow you the right to travel across that land. By engaging a couple of locals as guides or travel companions you are providing the people with an income opportunity that otherwise would not exist.

On another plane, you will be depriving yourself of a cross cultural experience and will leave PNG poorer for that deprivation. The PNG people are an exceptional race, treat yourself to experience their gentleness and culture - and isn't that why we visit other cultures. It does not have to be a lonely planet.

And if none of the above appeals to you, try lighting a fire with wet wood. It is priceless to arrive at a camp site that has been set up by one of your guides who has walked ahead, selected a site, started a fire and boiled water to welcome your arrival.

Enjoy PNG.

Hi,

Has anyone been able to comunicate with the Kokoda Track Authority by email? I have tried several times and haven't yet got a response. I used: kokodatrackauthority@global.net.pg

Pilko, I checked with the Kokoda Track Authority and this is their correct email address. I then sent an email and asked for a response. After waiting for another day with no response I rang the Authority again and asked if the address was being checked. I was told that 'only The Boss has access to the email address and he is very busy and doesn't often get the chance to check the email and reply to queries.

The lady I spoke to sounded very helpful and said she would tell The Boss that people were emailing and getting no response. I suggested that she should ask The Boss for access to the email address so that she could reply. She thought that was a good idea.

Shorthly after I got a reply to my email. Maybe you got a reply to your emails as well?

Welcome to PNG!