The following information may be of interest to persons or groups considering experiencing the Kokoda Track. Many trekkers make the journey to walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought in the bloody battles of the Kokoda Campaign of World War II. Others walk it for adventure, eco-tourism and achieving a goal in life. The walk is certainly not for the unfit trekker, so persons proposing to do the trek should be physically fit and healthy.

Trek Permits:

Trek Permits are available from the Kokoda Track Authority at the above contact details. Individual or Group Permits are available. Permit Fees for International Trekkers are K200 per adult trekker and K100 for student or child trekker. Permits for PNG Resident and Citizen Trekkers is K100 per adult and K50 for student / child trekker. Trekkers utilizing Tour Operators usually pay their Trek Permit as part of the Trek Package.

Editors Note: When you trek with Kokoda Trekking Ltd your trek permit is included in your trek costs.

Guides & Porters:

It is recommended that all trekkers utilize the services of a local Kokoda Track guide and (if required) porters. Such will prevent you from getting lost and will assist in seeking help in case of accident and health problems. There are VHF/FM radio base stations located in ten villages along the Track which maintain contact between villages and the centres of Port Moresby, Popondetta, Kokoda and Sogeri (including Tour Operators). Tour Operator guided treks carry a hand held radio and first aid kits.

Editors Note: Kokoda Trekking (KTL) Guides all carry two way radio's. We also have base radios in both Kokoda & Port Moresby bases and also in our vehicles.

Choosing a Trek:

Treks are from Kokoda to Owers? Corner (96 Km) or in the reverse direction and take from 6 to 10 days depending on the itinerary chosen and the fitness of the trekkers. Short treks from either end of the Track are also available.

Editors Note: with Kokoda Trekking we are based in Port Moresby and can customise any treks to suit your needs. We can also go in either direction. You tell us what you would like to do and we will try our best to accommodate your request!

Tour Operators:

It is recommended that the services of local tour operators be utilized for trekking. As a guideline, for a group of 5 or more trekkers, prices for the PNG content of a 9 day trek vary between K2,300 and K3,500 or more per trekker, dependent on the chosen Tour Operator, plus the cost of a personal porter (if required) being around K900 to K1000, which includes his wages, food, village accommodation and return airfare to either Kokoda or Port Moresby. Hotel accommodation in Port Moresby for one night before and one night after the trek is possibly an extra cost.

Costs – General Guide:

In general, costs are made up as follows depending on the Tour Operator:

• Kokoda Track Authority Trek Permit – K200 or K100 per trekker (dependent on international, PNG or student)
• Airfare Port Moresby ? Kokoda (or reverse) – K198
• Village Guest House or campsite accommodation – K20 per night per trekker maximum
• Village attractions of village museums, war relic sites, cultural displays – K5 to K15 per trekker
• Guide?s wages – K50 to K80 per day plus food (as per porters)
• Group Porters – K30 to K50 per day plus food (allow K10 per day for porters)
• Trekkers Food – Purchased in Port Moresby plus village vegetables (allow K30 per day minimum)
• Porters Food ? Purchased in Port Moresby plus village vegetables (allow K10 per day minimum)
• Vehicle Transport Owers Corner ? Port Moresby – K150 to K450 per vehicle (6 to 25 passengers)
• Accommodation in Port Moresby ? K90 to K300 per night plus meals (may be included in Package)
• Tour Operator?s Overheads and provision of camping equipment and support is built into a Tour Package
• Treks for one or two trekkers are usually more expensive per trekker than groups of five or more trekkers.

Editors Note:

Kokoda Trekking purchases for our trekkers daily 24 hour food ration packs which are packed in Australia under hygenic conditions by Food4Treks. Used by dates are closely monitored. In PNG food can sometimes be out of date if its not a product that is continually being turned over. Contents of our ration packs can be found by clicking onto their website: http://www.food4treks.com.au

In Port Moresby our porters and guides are all accommodated and fed until they return home which on average is a 2 day wait and treks coming back in on a Thursday a 3 day wait.

We are also fully insured which adds to our costs but ensures you are covered should you choose to trek with Kokoda Trekking Ltd.

If you do not mind roughing it a bit more and would like to live on 'bully beef', tinned fish and rice for 9 days, contact us for a 'special wantok's price':