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Hi everyone, we would like to introduce our new name and accommodation area in Kokoda. After several months of construction, our guesthouse accommodation is at a stage where we have to give it a name and a whole new stand alone website of its own. Once the website is up and running, it will have its own online booking system. To secure a booking, payments will have to be made online or through our bank account as no cash will be accepted in Kokoda by staff.
The name we have chosen is:
'OroHaven' Kokoda Retreat'
How we came up with this name is the fact that it is situated in the Oro Province of Papua New Guinea and the word Oro means 'WELCOME' in their language.
The word 'Haven' was tucked on due to the fact that if you have been on the Kokoda Track for days on end, arriving at 'OroHaven Kokoda Retreat' and being able to wash your clothes in an automatic washing machine; enjoy a hot outdoor shower; electricity in your hut to recharge your camera batteries; not have to make a dash to the airport from somewhere on the track; a refrigerator to store your drinks; a huge amount of space to spread out and so on – it is hoped you will then think of our accommodation as a 'trekkers haven'.
As times goes by we will continue to add other amenities; restaurant; bungalows; luxury huts and before too long we will have a retreat!
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IMGP5170__Small_.JPGFor the past couple of weeks we have had staff working around the clock to finish off the final touches to provide water. Three 3000 gallon tanks have been set up and now taps are everywhere along with outdoor showers.
A 'Rinnai' gas hot water system has been installed for use in our outdoor showers. Also an added bonus is an automatic 9.6 kg washing machine to wash your clothes. A drum has been cut in half to provide a basin to wash your dirty boots.
A refrigerator is now in our kitchen to cool down your beer or softdrinks!
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DSCN4847__Small_.JPGWhen I was in Fiji earlier this year I fell in love with outdoor showers and adopted the same approach for our showers in Kokoda. You can now enjoy an outdoor shower with the stars as your friends!
The photograph below was taken during the construction stage but I believe one has been completed already since this was taken and three more are almost finished. As mentioned above we have installed a 'Rinai' gas hot water system to add to your comfort.
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Stars__Small_.jpgIn case you are wondering where 'OroHaven Kokoda Retreat' is situated, we have the perfect location of being right on the Kokoda Airport.
All guests who decide to stay at OroHaven can relax whilst waiting for aircraft to arrive from Port Moresby as the airport terminal building is only a short walk away.
Kokoda Station can be seen in the background and you will see our camp adjacent to the Kokoda airstrip.
In the other photograph is our project for last year, the Kokoda airport terminal building. We continue to maintain the building and grounds and are constantly mowing so that planes can continue to land at Kokoda.
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DSCN4859__Small_.JPGAnother first….our guesthouse accommodation has a flush toilet and a hand basin. We are already planning another such toilet to be built so we can cater for a female and males toilet. Also on the block are 4 other toilets for use by trekkers and porters.
We aim to satisfy your needs at 'OroHaven Kokoda Retreat'. By the time you come off the track you are really looking forward to a nice clean toilet – one that you can sit on instead of squatting!
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Flushing_Toilet_Orohaven_Kokoda_Retreat.jpgAt the present time, we have on offer various traditional huts that consist of:
- Change Room for privacy
- Mattresses
- Hammocks
- Camp Stretchers x 20
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DSCN0603__Small_.JPGAttention all trekking companies who hire from the track and Port Moresby end, we also have a hut set aside for your porters to use. Kokoda based porters are expected to be accommodated at their own family residences.
IMGP5169__Small_.JPGAt the present time we are also working on getting the whole area fenced which should be completed in the near future. This will give security and privacy for anyone staying there.
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DSCN4840__Small_.JPGWhy would anyone choose another company to trek with on the Kokoda Trail?
- We are very competitive price wise, if not the cheapest.
- We have offices in Australia and Papua New Guinea and a base in Kokoda.
- We are Australian Managed both in Australia and in Papua New Guinea.
- We have excellent staff to satisfy your requirements.
- We have some of the most experienced guides and porters.
- We offer Papua New Guinean led treks. The Kokoda Track is our backyard. Trust them.
- We can organise an Australian Historian if required.
- We have the best facilities in Kokoda. Hot water, showers, fridges etc.
- We put so much back into the community and surrounding areas both in Kokoda and on the track.
- Just look at the airport we alone maintain with no help from other trekking companies.
- We own our own vehicles both ends of the track.
- We have more experience in Papua New Guinea then any other trekking operator.
- Management have a valid 'work permit' allowing them to work in PNG
- We have personal contacts with pilots should anyone need an emergency airlift.
- We send you a book on the Kokoda Track and an introductory pack which includes a book written by Bill James.
- We supply high quality food on the trek (Ration Packs)
- We provide entertainment for our trekkers and its amazing how the pain disappears when the uke'ule starts up.
If you take all of the above into account and take the time to read the testimonials from people who have trekked with us in the past, then there really is no other choice, but to book through us and have the time of your life!
Why settle for anything less – why would you choose to walk with any other company – trek with the best – forget the rest. Local guides and porters showing you not only the track but a little about the people and the culture.
Trekkers walking towards our 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' earlier this week. A short time later they enjoyed a traditional sing sing welcome to Kokoda.
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DSCN4898__Small_.JPGUpdate 20th August: We have finally a new logo for 'Orohaven', hope you all like what we have chosen. In the background you will notice that its the map of the track from Kagi to Kovelo/Kokoda:
OROHAVENLOGO1_400_size.jpgKokoda Trekking would like to sincerely thank Alan & Jackson Hazell for their time in helping to turn our camp into a 'haven'. With Alan's direction and leadership, our staff were able to complete lots of jobs in the camp. We look forward to welcoming him or anyone else who would like to help to come to PNG and enjoy a little bit of PNG hospitality!
Photograph:
Left to Right – Alan Hazell; Jackson Hazell and Russell Eroro
DSCN4880__Small_.JPGUpdate 23rd August: Here in PNG there is never a dull moment and the past few days has proved this again. One of our staff in Kokoda got angry with Management and late on Thursday afternoon went and loaded everything from the camp in Kokoda aboard our truck and forced the driver to take them to their village of Sairope. When I say everything, I mean everything!
The only thing left is the refrigerator which apparently was too heavy for the boys to lift.
The police have been contacted and the latest message was that the person responsible by the name of Grayford, came on the radio and assured us that all the company equipment was ok and to send the driver down to have everything driven back and returned to the camp.
The phone has run hot these past few days with concerned staff angry over what has happened. As for me I am naturally disappointed but what can one do, nothing! Here in PNG you just have to let the dust settle, Grayford to cool down and then deal with the situation as best we can. The sink in the toilet above I believe has been smashed but can easily be replaced. As for the equipment, we will have to wait to receive a report when and if it is returned.
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