Details

Kokoda Battlefield Treks

Departure/Return Location
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Trek Departure Date
See dates listed below
Trek Length
8 days trek + 2 days travel
Physicality
Difficult
Age
12 Years +
Month
April - November
Group size
8 Trekkers plus - 15 Max
Included
  • *2 nights accommodation in Port Moresby either side of the trek. (twin share, B/Fast included) 
  • Trek Briefing prior to departure
  • Equipment checks prior to departure
  • Airport transfers in Port Moresby
  • Ground transport Popendetta to Kokoda. 
  • Services of a WWll historian. Detailed WWll history events every day and at all battle sites. 
  • Head Guide: Silas Harika
  • Group medical emergency kit.
  • Safety equipment-Ropes/spades/machetes/tarpaulins etc.
  • Visit WWll Historical Sites and detailed briefings along the track
  • Isurava Memorial Battle Site Dawn Service. 
  • Visit Bomana War Cemetery, learn the history of the cemetery and hold a short memorial service. 
  • Cultural and environmental aspects of Track
  • All track and village campsite fees. 
  • PNG Crew Food, Gear, Accommodation & Equipment on the track and in Port Moresby
  • PNG Crew repatriation flights home. Note we do not make our crew walk back to their villages.
  • Risk Management and responsible ecological practices on the track
  • 7 nights accommodation on the track
  • 8 days food where indicated on itinerary
  • Ground transfers Owers Cnr to Port Moresby at end of trek. 
  • Tents-Mosquito Proof-Each trekker get their own 3 person tent) Carried and erected/dismantled by our crew each day. 
  • Detailed suggested training program
  • Kokoda Track Authority Trek Permit
  • PNG Trekking Adventures Kokoda Polo Shirt
  • PNG Trekking Adventures Kokoda Certificate
  • Public Liability Insurance
  • Licensed PNG Tour Operator
  • Satellite Phone & 2 UHF Radio
  • Medivac Procedures-24hr emergency communications with our office in Port Moresby. 
Not Included
  • The cost of a personal porter is $890.00 which covers the porter's wages, food, repatriation airfares and road transport back to Kokoda. (we do not make our PNG crew walk back to the village)
  • International Flights
  • Domestic flights. Book as per the itinerary
  •  Passport-Must not expire with 6 months of arrival in PNG. 
  • Visa Costs - Visa's to be obtained online. Please contact Pam 2 months prior to trek for documentation required from PNG Trekking Adventures for this. 
  • Insurance: Travel/Medivac. Both insurances are mandatory. Medivac must cover evacuation by helicopter from the trail to Port Moresby and if critical the flight to Australia or Private Hospital fees in Port Moresby. Travel insurance must cover lost baggage/flights reschedule/delayed/cancellations etc. As soon as trek deposit has been paid immediately take out insurance. Note: helicopter companies will not uplift injured/sick trekkers unless payment has been made up front. PNG Trekking Adventures will be obtaining all insurance contact details/policy numbers/emergency contact numbers off trekkers prior to travel.
  • Vaccinations and anti-malaria medicines. Refer to your Dr. 
  • Beverages and anything of a personnel nature at hotel in Port Moresby. 
  • Guide gratuity
  • *Hotel Accommodation single supplement $195 per night. 

The Kokoda Trail is our most famous trek here in Papua New Guinea. It is steeped in WWII history and is an emotional and physically challenging walk. We have spent many hours on the track opening up new areas for trekkers to visit pertaining to the Kokoda campaign. Our bond with the Koiari people along the track is strong. Our sustainable development projects in the villages are ongoing and are now bringing in an income for the villagers.

The long days include river crossings, steep and gradual ascends and descends. The 96 kilometre trek is predominately through rain forest. Usually conditions are wet and slippery as rain can be expected on most days. Temperatures range from 24-30 degrees celcius during the day and 16-24 degrees celsius at night.

This track was made famous during WWII and still bares the scars of a fierce campaign. For those of you who had loved ones fighting in PNG during WWll, this walk can be a very spiritual and emotional experience. Trekking in mud up to your knees and tricky river crossings indicates exactly the conditions under which our diggers fought.

Our guides are extremely knowledgeable about the WWII history across the track. They have all spent time exploring battlefields and found interesting side trips for our trekkers to see ammunition pits, war artifacts and areas where the Japanese and Australians dug in to fight.
Trekkers need not have an Australian connection with the track. It is the most beautiful walk, the scenery is stunning, we get to camp out and integrate with our PNG crew working for us. There is a lot of singing and telling of stories around camp fires in the evenings.

When we stay in villages your guide will take you for a walk around the village so you get to meet all our friends. They will talk to you about the PNG culture and maybe organize a village sing a long that evening. The local people who live along the track are Koiaris. They are warm, friendly and generous people who welcome trekkers onto their land. This is a complete learning experience.

You learn about the WWII History, the culture, the people, the flora and fauna and will walk away from our country a better person for having this experience. Although ideally suited to walkers who are of reasonable fitness, training for this trek is necessary. Please try and be as fit as you possibly can. It is one of the toughest treks in the world. Remember the fitter you are the more enjoyable the trek will be. The best time to do the track is between the end of April and the beginning of November.

Equipment List

Please make sure that all your gear is packed in dry sacks, zip lock bags. We cannot express how important this is. This does not mean that everything is dumped into a large garbage bag. Ensure all your gear is sectioned as per below. Extra gear can be left at the hotel in a locked bag.

Day Wear
• Shorts or zip off trekking pants, 2 pairs
• One pair of lycra gym shorts or Skins if chaffing is an issue. (optional)
• Shirts, 2 (quick dry shirts, long or short sleeved)
• Underwear, 2 to 3
• Socks,4 to 6 pair
• Bandana. (optional)
• One brimmed Hat or Peak Cap (protection against rain and/or sun)

Trekking Gear
• Boots- worn in
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• One 85-90 litre back pack with pack cover-must be this size-Personal Porter carries this, anything smaller will not accommodate your Personal Porters gear which he has to pack in the as well. You can hire a pack off PNG Trekking Adventures for $10 per day.
• One day pack with pack cover (must be 35 litre)
• Camel pack (3 litre capacity for water)
• Gaiters (long or short either is suitable)
• 500ml litre drink sports bottle (for made up Staminade or similar)
• Sun Glasses Poncho/ spray jacket
• Whistle
• Head light & spare batteries

Personal:
• Camera, diary, book maybe, small amount of kina to purchase artefact's if available. 

Bath Gear:
• Towel-Bring a decent sized towel, must be quick dry.
• Toiletries - Wet wipes,  soap, toothbrush & paste etc (Environmentally friendly)
• Men - light pair of swimming shorts. Ladies - Sarong and bathers

Night Wear: Camp fire
• Long zip off trekking Pants
• Long sleeve quick dry trekking shirt
• Light Fleece Jumper
• Thermal Top
• Reef shoes/sand shoes/thongs

Night Wear: Sleep

• Tee shirt/undies/or summer PJ’s
• Anti-fungal foot powder

Sleeping Gear:
• Thermarest exped 7 w/ downe, is my favourite. Must be compact. You do not want a massive bulky sleeping mat taking up all the room in your large pack.
• One light sleeping bag - Must be in compression sack. You do not want a massive bulky sleeping bag taking up all the room in your large pack.
• Watch optional (to avoid middle of night guessing what time it is)
• Earplugs optional (roosters in villages, 3am, sometimes)
• Mosquito Net (please tie a long piece of string to the tabs so you can tie the net up). Note our tents are mosquito proof. 
• Pillow
• Tent (we provide)

Eating Utensils:
•Spoon, Cup, bowl, fork, Knife

Extra Food Items:
You will find our food packs are great. There is plenty of food, fresh vege's & fruit. Only bring extra food if there are special dietary requirements. Dietary requirements please discuss with us.

Day Packs - What you take in your day pack must be 35 litre pack 
• Sunhat
• Toilet paper/Dettol wipes or hand gel.
• 3 litre camel pack for water
• Sun Glasses
• Ration Pack-Handed out daily. 
• Cup, bowl ,spoon, fork
• Hydrolyte or similar-made up in small bottle on side of pack
• Glucose
• Band aids/Vaseline/purification tablets
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Ethanol Hand gel
• Cheap poncho
• Head Torch
• Camera

First Aid Kit
• Anti-malarial tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
• Antihistamine (such as Benadryl)-useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, or ease the itch from insect bites or stings.
• Antiseptic –antibiotic powder/Benedine – for cuts and scratches
• Calamine lotion – to ease irritation from bites or stings.
• Imodium or Lomotil – for stomach upsets
• Amoxolin, Keflex, stemitol antibiotics
• Rehydration mixture – for dehydration, especially that caused by severe diarrhoea
• Vaseline
• Insect repellent (Rid) (no aerosol cans please)
• One roll of broad elastic bandage
• Panadol or Aspirin, Neurofen or Voltaran
• 1 roll sports tape, Band aids
• Gauze – cut into small squares
• Staminade (only enough for 2tbls per day-in zip lock bag)
• One packet of glucose tablets

Please consult Dr for vaccinations required.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby

On arrival at Port Moresby International Airport guests will be met by PNG Trekking Adventures representatives and transferred to their hotel. After checking in there will be a gear check followed by a briefing of what is going to happen over the next 8 days. Ask lots of questions. Trekkers please arrive in Port Moresby on one of the lunch time flights. Qantas or Air Niugini, both fly into Port Moresby around mid day. Accommodation – Hotel

Day 2: Port Moresby-Popendetta-Kokoda-Deniki Campsite

Please book the following domestic flight.
Air Niugini PX852 POM-POP 6:30-07:15.
We can book this for you and invoice. Approx A$160.00
On arrival in Popendetta trekkers will be met by our PNG Adventures trekking crew, loading our gear onto 4WD's and driving approximately 2 1/2 hours to Kokoda. The road can be challenging at times. On arrival at Kokoda we drive directly to the Kokoda Plateau. Take time to visit the War Museum and the other memorials here. Our crew will sort out packs and Silas our head guide will introduce you to your personal porter. He is going to be your fuzzy Wuzzy Angel along Kokoda. 
This is where Bravo Company from the 39th Battalion was attacked on the night of the 29th July 1942. Remembering the average age of one of the sections was only 18 years old. 
We start our trek here, following the footsteps of the young soldiers fighting bravely well outnumbered by the Japanese.
The walk begins here with 2 hours of relatively flat  going passing rubber, cocoa and oil palm plantations. Passing through Kovelo Village onto Hoi Village. We stop here for short break. From here is is a steep 45 minute walk up to Deneki Campsite which is our overnight camp. Our crew will have gone ahead and there will be hot water available on arrival. Arriving mid to late afternoon. Beautiful views down the Yodda Valley and back to Kokoda. 
Deniki was an Australian Camp Head Quarters during the battle of Kokoda. It was here that the Australians launched an attack to recapture Kokoda, holding this area for a short time before being over run by the Japanese and having to retreat back to Deneki. Accommodation – Campsite (BLD) Highlights: Kokoda & Museum, Rubber Plantations, Hoi, Deniki, 

Day 3: Deneki Campsite to Isurava Memorial

 

As to get into a pattern, we set off early this morning. We wake up at 5 and will be walking by 6:30am every morning. It will take 3-4 hours walking up hill through the choko fields and under the beautiful Kokoda jungle canopy arriving at Isurava Village for an early lunch. From the Village it is an easy undulating walk for 1 1/2 hours to Isurava Memorial. This evening we will hold a service at the Memorial to honour the diggers that lost their lives during this battle which raged between the 26-30 August 1942. The Isurava Memorial was opened by the then Australian Prime Minister John Howard and the late PNG Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare on the 69th Anniversary of the Kokoda campaign, 26 August 2002. This was the site of the most significant World War II battle on Kokoda and now one of the most sacred sites along the trail. After the service sit and take time to reflect of where you are, enjoy panoramic views of the Kokoda and Yodda valleys, and listen to the silence. Accommodation  - Campsite (BLD) Highlights: Isurava Village, Isurava Memoria. 

Day 4: Isurava Memorial to Templetons Crossing 2 Campsite

5:00am wake up call. Walking by 6:30am. This morning our first stop is Surgeons (Cons) Rock 45 minutes out from the Memorial. This is a very emotional story. We will also divert off the track just prior to lunch and climb up onto Eora Ridge to view the Japanese ammunition pits. This was where the Japanese dug in for their last battle along the track before retreating to Buna and Gona. We continue along the ridges into Eora Creek where we stop for a late lunch. After lunch we have one of the more difficult ascents along the track. It's a good 1 1/2 hours steep climbing  walking along the ridge before descending to Templetons 2 our campsite for the night. This is a long hard day on the track. Accommodation - Campsite (BLD) Highlights: Surgeons Rock, Alola Village, Eora Creek.

 

Day 5: Templetons 2 to Diggers Camp

This morning wake up call at 5am, breakfast, detailed briefing of what is happening today and of course it is another big hill directly out of our camp site before descending down to Templeton's 1 stopping here for an early morning tea. The group is now going to climb up onto Mt Bellamy, the highest point on the Kokoda Trails at 2190m. We will divert off the ridge and walk into Myola "look out". Stopping here for a late lunch. Cpt Bert Kienzle discovered this area and is where the biscuit bombers dropped supplies to the Australians. A most beautiful walk and well worth the diversion. We are walking on a carpet of moss, giant pandanus trees, all varieties of fungi and ferns. From Myola it’s another 45 minutes to our overnight camp site, along the way visiting where the American plane (B13) crashed. There are only spare parts scattered around and a couple of large bombs to be seen now, however it still well worth a visit. Accommodation – Campsite (BLD) Highlights: Templeton’s 1, Mt Bellamy, Moss Forrest, Myola Lookout, Crashed Bomber

Day 6: Diggers Camp to Efogi Village

It is a most beautiful walk this morning through the moss and pandanas forests. We normally arrive at Naduri Village around 10 am for morning tea. We do not go through Kagi. From Naduri Village it is a very steep descent to Efogi Creek followed by a very steep ascent up into Launumu Village. There is a Japanese monument here erected by Corporal Nishimura. He returned to PNG 45 years after the war to to locate his comrades bodies and release their spirits. He also wrote the book "The Bone Man" (We only stop here for a break before descending on down a gentle hill to Efogi Village. We are booked into what is one the nicest guest house's along the track. This is owned by our very good friend Lendy. We pick up our food for the second half of our trek here. Later this afternoon trekkers can take a leisurely walk around the village, maybe play games with some of the village children and chat to the Mums and Dads about their lives.  Accommodation – Village (BLD) Highlights: Pandanas/Moss Forests, Naduri Village, Efogi Village

Day 7: Efogi Village to Nauro Village

Today is a long hard day on the track getting up earlier so we arrive at our campsite late afternoon. It’s another climb this morning onto Mission Ridge before reaching Brigade Hill, which together with Isurava is one of the most sacred sites along the Kokoda Trail. Mission Ridge was defended by the 2/27th Battalion on the 7th September 1942. Often referred to as Butchers Ridge due to the carnage inflicted on the Japanese attackers during the battle. We continue walking passing the positions occupied by the 2/14th and 2/16th Battalions before climbing a small knoll onto Brigade Hill. We stop here to pay homage to the diggers that lost their lives. We then have a long descent down to Vabuyavi River followed by a steep short climb up to Menari Village, stopping here for lunch. This was where Lt Col Ralph Honner addressed his young soldiers after the battle of Isurava.  After lunch it’s again straight up “the wall”, we are rewarded from the summit with fine views back across the Owen Stanley Ranges. We then descend down 720 meters, we are now walking along the flat in what is called the swamp area. We do hope it is dry, if wet can be extremely tiring walking through sticky mud. Our next challenge is crossing the Brown River, boots off. We walk for another hour until we start climbing the 9 false peaks. At the 7th false peak we arrive at Naoro Village. Accommodation – Campsite (BLD) Highlights: Mission Ridge, Brigade Hill, Menari Village. Swamp

Day 8: Nauro Village to Ua Ule Creek Campsite. 

An early start again, days briefing before heading off, we have to finish off the final 2 peaks and commence the long hard slog across the Maguli Range. Always muddy and never ending false peaks. On the descent we stop at Engineers Ridge, named after the sappers who built into the side of the hill 3,400 steps up onto a Japanese defensive position. The descent continues testing our stamina into Ofi Creek, breaking here for lunch.  Fuel up as we now have a very steep ascent onto Ioribaiwa Ridge. This is where the Japanese received orders from Tokyo to withdraw, they could see the search lights at Port Moresby from here. From the ridge it’s a  45 minute trek down to Ioribaiwa Village. Stopping for 10 minute break before descending down, down to Mananama and Mokure Creeks. Cris crossing Manama Creek approximately 7 times arriving at Ua Ule Creek Campsite our destination for today. Accommodation: Campsite (BLD) Highlights: Ofi Creek, Ioribaiwa Ridge

Day 9: Ua Ule Creek Campsite to Owers Cnr to Port Moresby (via Bomana War Cemetery)

We will rise 4am this morning to allow the group to arrive Owers Cnr early afternoon. Walking 1 hour to the base of Imita Ridge. It is then 1 hours climbing up onto Imita Ridge. The Australians had to hold this area at all costs and were told to fight to the death. If the Japanese took Imita there was nothing between them and their objective Port Moresby. We descend what was during the war the 'Golden Staircase' or the 'Stairs to Hell' arriving at Goodwater campsite for a quick break. From here to Goldie River is another hour, boots off to cross. Almost home but the track throws in another steep 45 minute grind up to the arches at Owers Cnr. This can be very emotional walking under the arches. Sometimes tears, but lots of happiness to be finished one of the hardest treks in the world. On our way back to Port Moresby we will visit Bomana War Cemetery and hold a small service here. Take time to reflect, the stories we have been telling across the track they are now reality. Arriving back in Port Moresby mid to late afternoon. This evening we will all meet for dinner and presentations. Pam & Mark will take everyone somewhere locally for dinner. Accommodation: Hotel (BLD) Highlights: Imita Ridge, Goldie River, Bomana War Cemetery, Finishing. 

Day 10: Depart Port Moresby

Today the group will be transferred to the International Airport to commence their journey home. (B)

Dates

8 Day Kokoda History Trek

Ex Port Moresby $4195.00
Ex Cairns $4995.00
Ex Brisbane $5095.00
Ex Sydney $5395.00
(Prices subject to change)

7 Apr - 16 Apr 2024 Taking Bookings
9 Apr - 16 Apr 2024 Taking Bookings
16 - 25 Apr 2024 Limited Places
3 -12 May 2024 Taking Bookings
15 - 24 May 2024 Limited Places
8 - 17 June 2024 Taking Bookings
19 - 28 June 2024 Taking Bookings
29 June - 8 July 2024 Taking Bookings
1 - 10 July 2024 Taking Bookings
8 -17 July 2024 Taking Bookings
10 - 19 July 2024 Taking Bookings
14 - 23 July 2024 Taking Bookings
30 July - 9 Aug 2024 Taking Bookings
9 - 18 August 2024 Taking Bookings
14 - 23 August 2024 Taking Bookings
23 - 30 August 2024 Taking Bookings
21 - 30 August 2024 Taking Bookings
1 - 10 Sept 2024 Taking Bookings
11 -20 Sept 2024 Taking Bookings
25 Sept - 4 Oct 2024 Taking Bookings
3 - 12 Oct 2024 Taking Bookings
10 - 19 Oct 2024 Taking Bookings
2 - 11 Nov 2024 Taking Bookings
7 - 14 April 2025 Taking Bookings
8 -17 April 2025 Taking Bookings
16 - 25 April 2025 Taking Bookings
3 - 12 May 2025 Taking Bookings
14 - 23 May 2025 Taking Bookings
1 - 10 June 2025 Taking Bookings
8 -17 June 2025 Taking Bookings
16 -25 April 2026 Taking Bookings

Images

Kokoda Battlefield Treks
PNG Trekking Adventures - KokodaKokoda Battlefield Treks
PNG Trekking Adventures - KokodaKokoda Battlefield Treks
PNG Trekking Adventures - KokodaKokoda Battlefield Treks
PNG Trekking Adventures - KokodaKokoda Battlefield Treks
PNG Trekking Adventures - KokodaKokoda Battlefield Treks
PNG Trekking Adventures - Kokoda
More Information
Date from: 05/02/2018
Date to: 31/12/2019
Children over 9 years welcome
Min Number Of Trekkers is 8
POA for less than 8 trekkers

Trek Location


$0
 
Sat
30 Mar
Sun
31 Mar
Mon
1 Apr
Tue
2 Apr
Wed
3 Apr
Thu
4 Apr
Fri
5 Apr
Sat
6 Apr
Sun
7 Apr
Sorry, we are fully booked for the next 3 months for selected service.
Legend:  
  • available
  • on request 
  • X unavailable
  • selection
*  Rates are correct at time of booking but may be subject to change without notice.
Rates are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Dates without rates are not able to be booked or are sold out.

Reservation system powered by evoSuite®