Independent trekking for Kokoda track

Hi. I'll be flying into Port Moresby in a couple of weeks. One of the things I'd like to do is walk the Kokoda Track. I've read about a couple of people who've just turned up at Kokoda, hired a guide and started walking.

I had a couple of questions for people who've walked the track without joining a tour group: -

1) How easy is it to organise a flight from Port Moresby to Kokoda at the last minute? Alternatively, a flight from Port Moresby to Popondetta (from where I can travel overland to Kokoda by PMV)?

2) Do I need to bring a tent and sleeping bag with me or can I hire this from Kokoda? If I can hire it from Kokoda then can I return it at Owers corner or am I expected to return it to the original place at Kokoda?

Thanks in advance

• Ken

Ken
You can do the Kokoda Track as you have said but to ensure your safety and that you enjoy it you need to be fit, insured and prepared and this takes a bit of planning :

A permit is required from the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) you cant get one on the track and the rangers will send you back if you dont have one. The permit will cost you 300 Png Kina.

The permit can be obtained at KTA level 2 Brian Bell Building at Boroko in Port Moresby phone 3236165. Office hours 9 to 4:30.

You will need to get a guide and the guide needs to be from a licenced tour company. KTA can provide you with a list of companies or you can view them on the KTA webside www.kokodatrackauthority.org. The guide will ensure you dont get lost, will see you right with the village culture on the track, will assit when river crossings are down and will be your communication and security. Dont leave home without one.

Booking a flight through Popondetta is OK and a PMV can take you to Kokoda, its a bit haphazard. There are charter flights that land at Kokoda depending on charters usually through trekking comapnies, if room you should be able to jump on. Kokoda Trekking at Kokoda are the agents for Sunbird Aviation at Kokoda and are in touch with coming and goings at the Kokoda end, they are available on 3254423 or 3236650. Also KTA has some knowledge as to who is flying in and out.

Sleeping bag is essential and there are guest houses along the way (no luxuries bare boards and dry) , you will need to pay as you go. A tent is useful if the guest houses are full but one person shold fit in. Trekking companies can provide tents for hire.

Contact KTA for any further information.

Its an amazing and tough trek but incredibly rewarding if you do it right.

Chris KTA

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the advice regarding flights and accommodation around the route. I didn't realise that there were guesthouses and thought that I'd have to sleep in my tent all the way. I already intended to get a guide when I was in Kokoda.

I've already been in touch with KTA regarding the permit which I should be able to pick up when in Port Moresby.

• Ken

Hi Ken,
I"ve trekked Kokoda Trail twice. Once from north to south and then, south to north. Trek 1 it rained everyday. Trek 2 it rained once and I was pretty dry most of the day and rained at night.
I trekked with an organised group (seven of us) as I enjoy the company and was happy to pay for a porter.
It is a tough trek but I did meet a few independent trekkers along the way.

If you know your bush craft, are fit enough to trek with 15-20kg for six hours a day up an down greasy muddy hills you'll have great time.
My best bit of advice is treat the water before you drink it and beware of eating local food - but you probably already know that.
Good luck,
Susie

Hi,
I plan to to walk the Kokoda Track around August 10th 2012. Am looking for anyone interested in splitting a guide and perhaps a porter and if all goes well may be even travel a week or so around the country together. My thoughts are to do the track in around 10 days (fairly flexible) I'm in Sydney Australia now and fly into Port Morsby on Aug 7. Please message me if you are interested.
-Ben

Hey, does anybody who has completed this trek with a guide they picked up from town (not from a pre booked tour) know how much they cost? Is it much cheaper than pre-booking it?