Hi Waza,

I trekked Kokoda with my 19 year old son last month. Had a fantastic time, trekking from Owers' to Kokoda with a local PNG guide. The trip went extremely well, I couldn't have been happier with it. I didn't end-up choosing KTL, although I'm sure they would do a wonderful job. We passed a large KTL group camped at Dump 66 and I think further north too.

Security in Port Moresby wasn't an issue after all. The Gateway Hotel collected us from the airport when we first arrived from Australia and then again when we returned from Kokoda. They also took us to the airport for our return home. They hotel was great, there was no difficulty or charge for leaving bags at the hotel while on the track. We ate breakfast at the hotel and dinner at Enzo's Pizzeria, which is in the hotel. When we returned to the Gateway from Kokoda at about 10:15am our rooms were (understandably) not ready, but we were able to relax in our dirty stinky trekking gear by the pool and enjoy a few beers while we waited. I took the view that it wasn't too early in the day for a beer, it was actually 9 days too late for one….

I ventured outside the hotel across the road unaccompanied to check out some local artist's paintings and felt perfectly safe. My trekking company also took us on an informal tour of Port Moresby after we cleaned up, which included time at an arts and crafts market. We were accompanied there but never felt on edge or threatened. I felt safer there than I have felt in certain parts of Sydney. My take on Port Moresby security is simply that if you are sensible and cautious, and travel with the hotel or trekking company, there are no issues.

Port Moresby aside, there were two particular highlights for me:'”

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[*]Engaging with villagers along the track, and seeing that their village lifestyle remains intact and sustainable. It was an absolute joy and privilege to be able to experience that.

[*]As a trumpet player I was able to pay tribute at Isurava by playing The Last Post at our own personal dawn service: https://vimeo.com/100676940

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Thanks for asking. Now that I've wound-down and settled back into normality I will take some time to offer advice in some of the other forums. I have plenty to share that might help others to prepare for their own treks.

Cheers,

Gary.

Thanks very much for this, Shane!

I really appreciate you taking the time to provide so much detail. Between the website and the forum there is so much detail and a range of different experiences that it can be confusing.

I had read about Sogeri lodge but it hadn't occurred to me that it is an alternative to staying in Port Moresby. Looks like a very good option.

Thanks again,

Gary.