Introducing Skindiwai/black Cat Track Treks

[aussie]

SKINDIWAI/BLACK CAT ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Port Moresby to Wau

We either take an early morning charter flight from Port Moresby to Wau or for less cost the group can travel to Lae on Air Nuigini and take ground transport to Wau. On arrival in Wau we are met by Tim Vincent and transported to our accommodation. Tim and Danielle open their home and spectacular gardens to visitors. Depending on the size of the group we may be sleeping in the house or pitching our tents on their front lawn.

If time permits we will walk to the Grey Ghost an American B17 Bomber, which crashed during WW11 in the hills about 1? hour walk from Wau. This plane is in excellent condition and well worth taking the time to go and have a look at.

DAY 2 – Wau to Skindiwai

It is essential that we get an early start today. Tim will transport us to the start of the track, which is approximately a 1? drive. For the first 2? hours we trek through Kunai grass. It is a steady incline all the way to the rain forest canopy. It is an easy walk under the canopy to our first break at a clearing called Bannis Donkey. This terrain carries on for the first half of the day. We then start to walk along the contours of the hills, although still flat it is quite hard going due to the angle of the track. At around 4 pm we start climbing steadily up to Skindiwai Village. It starts to get dark by 6 pm and we would normally expect rain at this time of day. Groups can expect to be arriving at Skindiwai around 7 – 7:30pm.
We pitch our tents while the boys boil water for our dinner and there is a small bamboo water outlet to have a wash. The group is normally very tired and in bed as soon as dinner has been eaten. This village is extremely small, and not often occupied as the people go out panning for gold. They are in the process of building a guesthouse which when finished is going to have an amazing view down the valley.

DAY 3 – Skindwai Village to Gaudagasul Village

We must leave early again as it is another long day to the next village of Gaudagasul. Before starting out we take time to view the munitions pits and live ammunition lying around from WW11. Skindiwai Village had been a supply HQ during the war, if time permits we will go and look at the American cargo plane wreck that crashed after dropping off supplies to the camp. This is a beautiful trek today and should see lots of interesting flora and fauna.

The track is a lot harder than yesterday. It is up and down with many exposed roots and logs across the track. We follow the contour of the hills all day. This is extremely hard as again walking on the angle. There are no flat areas to get any relief. Trekkers have to take extreme care in places, as there are share drops off the track. Extremely dangerous if one was to slip. It is normal for us to use ropes to cross a number of narrow river gorges. Apart from it being a hard day physically the scenery today is spectacular.

There is a steep ? hour climb up into the village and we would normally arrive at Gaudagasul around 4:30 pm. This is a lovely little village where the people are extremely hospitable. I must mention that the shower (bamboo pipe) is a good 20 minutes walk away from the village. Just what you don’t need after a very hard days trek.

DAY 4 – Gaudagasul Village to Niu Camp

Again we would expect it to rain during the night and again we should be on the track early. There is a 1 hour to walk down a steep hill to the Betoie River. We cross this river many, many times. It can be very swift and deep in places and would be extremely dangerous during the rainy season.

Our next stop is Mubo Village. Here we are able to swim in the river, which is about 10 minutes from the actual village. Mubo is a substantial village with a school and health center. A very pretty village, with heaps of WW11 artifacts lying around the perimeter.

We spend the next 2 hours cris crossing riverbeds. It is quite hard going walking on the river stones. But a nice change from trekking through jungle. We have lunch by the river where we are able to spread out for a change and go for a swim. It is very pleasant. Plus we normally have lots of villagers (and dogs) walking with us.

After lunch we walk along the riverbed for another hour before starting a steep 15 minute ascent into Nui Camp Village. This village is normally deserted, all the same it is a lovely camp spot. From here we can see the lights of Lae. Again access to water and a shower is a good 15-20 minutes walk away.

DAY 5 – Nui Camp to Salamaua

Should be up and walking by 7 pm. Takes approximately three hours to walk down to Buiayau Creek. Most of the time we are walking through Kunai grass, so very exposed to the sun. Also very steep in places, walking across razor back ridges.
We zig zag through numerous bomb craters, which are now filled up with water. Arriving at Buiayau Creek where we trek for about an hour before it joins up to the Francisco River. From here we have to scramble around rock above the river for 15 minutes or so before coming out on the track beside the river. It is mangrove swamp so very muddy and certainly would not like to do this in the rain.

We trek for another 1? hours before having to cross the river stopping for lunch on the Salamaua side. Even though this river is wide and appears to be slow flowing it is a deep crossing and quite swift. Not to be attempted in heavy rains.
Takes another ? hour to trek to Salamaua through knee deep rancid mud in places. Not the most pleasant ? hour spent on the track. You may chose to float down the river, a much better option if you can swim. It is normally very shallow most of the way to the ocean outlet.

Salamaua is one of the most beautiful places in Papua New Guinea and is such a pleasure to finish a very tough trek here. From the Francisco outlet it takes an hour of very pleasant walking along the beach to the more populated area of Salamaua. Here, we are met by Karen Quin a long time Lae resident and her hospitality is next to none. She makes her home here at Salamaua available to us to shower and clean up, has refreshments on hand and will cook us a superb seafood dinner. Karen will also take us for a walk up the isthmus where we are able to view the Japanese anti aircraft guns. Karen is extremely informative regarding the history of Salamaua.

It is also today we say goodbye to our guides and porters.

DAY 6 – Salamaua to Lae to Port Moresby

We departed Salamaua after a leisurely breakfast for Lae. Stopping for the group to have a snorkel on the way. It takes about 2 ? hours to get to Lae, time permitting we visit the War Cemetery and Botanical Garden.

OVER VIEW

We travel through 3 eco micro systems, we may not see a lot of wild life as most hang out up in the canopy as is common here in Papua New Guinea although the flora is breathtakingly beautiful in places.

This trek is not for the inexperience trekker. People must be at least of half marathon fitness and be of very good health.

[aussie]

AIR CHARTER – POM-WAU

• 8 trekkers A$2600.00
• 7 trekkers A$2825.00
• 6 trekkers A$2940.00
• 5 trekkers A$3320.00
• 4 trekkers A$3815.00
• 3 trekkers A$4715.00

[aussie]

Ground Transport – Fly to Lae then drive to Wau – POM -Lae – Wau

• 8 trekkers A$2465.00
• 7 trekkers A$2640.00
• 6 trekkers A$2660.00
• 5 trekkers A$2935.00
• 4 trekkers A$3290.00
• 3 trekkers A$3980.00

POA for more than 8 trekkers
POA for less than 3 trekkers

Note: These prices maybe subject to change. This price does not include accommodation in Lae if the group has to overnight due to unforeseen circumstances with flights or sea transport.

Please enquire as to what groups are leaving which you may join to qualify for a discounted trek.

[aussie]

GENERAL:

Tour cost per trekker in Australian Dollars includes;

Expatriate guided treks by Pam or Nikki
Village Fees
Accommodation in Wau
Accommodation in Salamaua
Transport to start of track
Track Permits
Group porters
All Meals
Airfares
Ground transport
Sea Transport Salamaua to Lae
Airport transfers

The cost of a personal porter is A$320.00 which covers the porters wages, food, accommodation and transport

While in Papua New Guinea consider doing other activities such as kayaking/diving the majestic fjords of Tufi, walking the infamous Kokoda Trail, or climbing PNG’s highest mountain, Mount Wilhelm at 4509 metres.

[Trekka]

Can you tell me where I can find maps of Black Cat Track?

You've sparked my interest in this challenge.

Answer: Morobe Province. Trek commences at either end, Wau or Salamaua

[Author]

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