Kokoda trek - independently

Hi all,

Just wondering if anything has done the trek independently, and what I should be prepared for?
What's the best way to find a guide? final costs?

Sorry, I've done a few searches on this and other forums and haven't found any recent information.
It just seems way too expensive to go through a tour company. I've done treks independently in Peru and Bolivia and feel this should be no different.

thanks

You can do it independently. You need a permit from the Kokoda Track Authority in Porty Moresby. This is not recommended as local guides know the current politics in the areas you walk through and a lone white person can walk into trouble and things do not always end well.

Hi keyboardcat,

I am wondering if you have managed to do the Kokoda track recently and if so, what were the answers to all of your questions?! I am also searching around on how to do it independently but most of the Google searches lead to tours of $3000+, insane! Me, my husband and my father are planning to go toward the end of October this year so any information you can share would be greatly appreciated, particularly in terms of costs, food, accommodation and finding a guide!

Thanks in advance,
Belinda