KOKODA TRIP NOTES
What to Expect on the Kokoda Track
You are embarking on an adventure in a place and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life on the Kokoda Track seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this “pack” a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humor, and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to PNG the adventure of a lifetime!
For access to the most comprehensive Kokoda Preparation site on the web visit www.kokodaexpeditions.com.au. With over 100 pages of information, there is no better resource on the market and it is exclusive to No Roads Expeditions.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required by all foreigners traveling to PNG. Passports must have at least 6 months before they expire.
Note: You will be required to sign a Liability Release Form at the hotel before the expedition. The conditions for this form are the same as the ones you have agreed to when booking. This form must be signed before you go on the Track.
PNG Tourist Visa
Australian Passport Holders wishing to visit PNG for tourism purposes are able to obtain a tourist Evisa (Electronic Visa) for their visit https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/apply. This tourist visa will be valid for 30 days only (unless a longer period is selected).
Applicants must have the following to obtain the visa:
Australian passport valid for more than 6 months
Return or onward ticket
Show evidence of funds
To our understanding, the Visa on Arrival service has been recently rescinded so we are no longer recommending it as an option.
For the most current entry and exit information (for Australian travellers), please consult https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/pacific/papua-new-guinea
International guests, please consult your relevant government advisory body.
Hotel Accommodation
(IN PORT MORESBY)
We primarily use the Hilton Hotel (some School groups us the Holiday Inn) located in Hohola North near a cluster of other major chain hotels, we love these guys as they allow our local team access, unlike some others which consider themselves more exclusive.
Hotel accommodation details: The Hilton Hotel, Wards Rd, Port Moresby National Capital District, Papua New Guinea Ph: +675 7901 8000 (Australian & Local Led trips).
Hotel accommodation details: The Holiday Inn, Corner Waigani Driver & Wards Road Waigani Ph: +675 303 2000 (some School trips).
Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is mandatory for all trekkers. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons. It will also cover any emergency medical evacuation expenses should you become ill during the expedition. We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance. You can avail such policies in most western countries. In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses will be reimbursed by the passenger before departing the country. You can obtain the correct insurance, assured you will be covered for evacuation through our website at www.noroads.com.au.
Please bring 2 copies of your Travel Insurance Certificate to PNG to give to your Guide. Please make sure you also carry a copy for yourself whilst travelling.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the insurance company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and you require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Again, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask info@noroads.com.au.
Getting There and Away
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
In getting to Papua New Guinea, all roads (or flights) lead to Port Moresby, whether your flying in from Australia, or an alternative international departure point.
From Australia, all flights will likely depart from (or at least transit) via one of Sydney, Brisbane or Cairns.
NOTE: With the onset of the Covid-19 global pandemic, Virgin Australia halted its services to the PNG capital, so at present it is only served by Qantas or Air Niugini
Domestic Flights
POPONDETTA FLIGHTS
Flights to Popondetta operate every day with both a morning and an afternoon flight. The flight usually takes about 45 minutes. A 12 kg luggage limit also applies. A three-hour PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) journey is then required to get to the village of Kokoda. We will start the trek on the same day, most likely getting to Hoi but striving for Deniki.
On top of the list below, we recommend you bring a fresh set of clothes to leave in Port Moresby during the expedition. This way you will have a fresh set of clothes to change into when you return from the Track.
Luggage Allowance
12KG per Person on domestic flights in PNG (checked baggage)
For trekking expeditions, general guides will carry up to 20kg (this is 2kg smaller than the internationally accepted limit, though they normally carry between 15kg and 18kg). If you have additional weight there will be an extra baggage charge of $10 per kilo over 12kg on the flight to Kokoda. We, therefore, encourage you to keep your pack weight as light as possible. If you are utilizing the services of a Personal Guide, so will also have a Day Pack (which will be carried as cabin baggage), please ensure the weight of this stays under 5kg.
Packing for Trekking
Supplied Equipment
- Two-person tent
- Thermal foam sleeping mat (this protects your inflatable mat)
- Clothesline and pegs
- All eating and drinking equipment
- Rope line to assist river crossings
- Snack packs
Snack Packs
- You will be given a Snack Pack prior to your expedition that will contain:
- 5 Soups
- 4 Muesli Bars and 3 Nut Mix packets
- Lollies
- 10 days of Electrolyte Replacement
- 1 No Roads T/shirts
Please bring these packs on the Track as the soups are eaten at lunchtime or at dinner.
All trekkers should make special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip they have signed for.
Fitness
All trekkers must make special efforts to get in top physical condition for the trip they have signed for. Every participant should consult a physician well before the expedition date and make sure that they do not suffer from any chronic heart, lungs, cerebral, physical or any other serious illness. As your service provider and hosts, we will take all necessary steps needed to evacuate injured or ill clients on the understanding that all costs involved will be paid to us before leaving the country (see Insurance).
The following is a basic training regime for the next few months. You do not need to be superman to complete the expedition but the fitter you are the more enjoyable you will find it. All members should be either walking or jogging everyday, where possible. Resistance and endurance training (i.e. stair climbing, hills, inclines and anything that goes in the upward direction). At least 1/2 an hour per day should be a minimum.
To make jogging / walking interesting try the local parks or the odd mountain or three. Also invite a friend along, that way both of you will benefit from the exercise and you have someone to talk to.
Upper body strength is also important. A person with overall muscle tone is going to be far better off than someone who has sculpted their body for aesthetics. For those without access to gyms, pushups and sit-ups and chin-ups are excellent. All can be done at home or when you are out jogging.
Below is a small exercise regime, which will condition and tone muscle groups necessary to enable you to cope with the rigors of the Kokoda Track region.
Sit-ups: repetitions of 20 daily – increasing by 5 at the beginning of each week – max level 50
Pushups: repetitions of 10 daily – increasing by 5 at the beginning of each week – max level 100
Chin-ups: repetitions of 5 daily – increasing by 5 at the beginning of each week – max level 30
If you have a gym at your disposal then aerobic exercise, boxercise and the like are all excellent ways to increase your oxygen intake capacity and muscle fitness. Swimming is a low-impact exercise but has the same benefits as aerobic exercise. If you don’t like to perspire then give swimming a try.
The secret is to do exercises that simulate what the expedition will be like, so hiking with a pack up and down hills for a few hours is ideal. We all have busy lifestyles so if this is not possible, a hike into the hills every 2 or 3 weeks would be beneficial.
We hope this helps you all enjoy your time on the expedition.
PERSONAL GEAR
You will carry your own personal backpack all of the way, so only bring the bare essentials. You should pack your personal gear into a medium size (70 – 80 litre) lightweight pack (preferably waterproof with an internal frame). We encourage you to visit your local outdoor equipment specialist to purchase a proper and comfortable backpack. If you do not wish to purchase one, No Roads Expeditions can hire a backpack to you for $70 per trip. The pack will be presented to you in Port Moresby the day before the expedition. You may find it helpful to pack your personal items in garbage bags or zip lock plastic bags to protect them from the wet, especially your camera, toilet rolls and confectionery. If you wish to lighten your load we can provide a personal guide for $720.
SLEEPING GEAR
To sleep ON, No Roads will supply foam sleep mats. These are really only adequate to protect your own thin inflatable mattress. To sleep IN, we suggest you bring a two season sleeping bag rated at Zero Degrees Celsius.
TREK WEAR
Most experienced trekkers recommend wearing shorts because they are comfortable and there is one point where you will wade knee-deep through running creeks. Leeches are not really a problem anymore.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Camera, film, camera batteries, lens cleaner & paper.- A small supply of favorite snacks – bigger supply for longer and remote area trips.
Note:
If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please contact us. We can provide you additional information at any time.
To download our handy Packing Check List
- Passport
- Insurance Papers (3 copies)
- Tourist Visa
- International Airtickets
- Trek and Hotel Money (approx. 600 kina)
- Plastic Zip Lock bags for paperwork
- Backpack and backpack cover
- Daypack and cover if you are employing a Personal Guide
- Trekking poles
- Inner pack liner (garbage bag)
- Waterproof dry bags for clothes
- 2 or 3 litre Bladder
- 1 litre water bottle
- Snack Pack and any other lollies and nuts
- Additional Energy or Snack Food
- Electrolyte Powder
- Short Gaiter
- Wide brim hat
- Hiking Shoes or boots
- Hiking socks (3 pairs)
- Spare bootlaces
- Sunglasses
- Small sweat towel
- Quick dry shirt long or short sleeve
- Quick dry shorts
- Underwear (4 pairs) Note: consider bike shorts as well
- Poncho or light weight rain jacket
- Sports Bra or Comfortable Bra
- Sandals with closed toe (no Crocs or thongs)
- Light weight thermal top (optional)
- Light weight quick dry trousers
- t shirt or thermal (to sleep in)
- Bathers (modest)
- Beanie (optional)
- Sarong (optional)
- Socks for at camp
- Sleeping Bag 2 Season +5 degrees
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Inflatable mattress
- Pillow Case (optional)
- Headlamp or Torch
- Spare batteries for the torch
- Quick-dry towel
- Earplugs (optional)
- Clothesline (optional)
- Mosquito net and 5 m of cord (if you plan to sleep in huts)
- Multi-tool (optional)
- Waterproof camera
- Spare camera batteries
- Spare camera memory cards
- Battlefield notes
- Cable ties to repair equipment
Employ A Personal Guide?
Having someone carry you main pack is not a cop out. In fact it may be the best investment you make on the Kokoda Track. Approximately 50% of our trekkers employ a local guide to carry their main pack, while they carry a day pack.
So why would someone do this?
Many feel they are not fit enough to carry their main pack. This may be true for some, but most could carry their own pack, which leads us to the second reason why someone employs a local guide.
They feel they will enjoy themselves more if they are not so exhausted from carrying their own pack. This is true and we have seen it time and again. Many people simply have a better time, more energy to absorb the history and the surroundings when they employ a local guide. Nearly everyone who employs a local guide says it was the best decision they made.
Some trekkers also want to help out a local guide by employing them for a week. This is great extra income for the guide.
Not only do you have someone carry your main pack, but they are often there to help you down tricky sections (we have heard many stories of personal guides grabbing their trekker just before they tumble down a slippery section). Your personal guide is also a wealth of knowledge with information about life on the Track, wildlife, medicine and more.
If you are contemplating employing a personal guide to help you across the Kokoda Track, chances are employing one will be the best decision you make.
The cost is $720* for the trek and covers their wages, food, transport, final dinner in Port Moresby, employment of other guides to carry extra food for your guide, food along the trail etc.
* This fee is reduced to $600 for Fast Kokoda treks.
WATER
Drinking water along the Kokoda Track is collected from a variety of water sources. Some of the creeks you pass through may be crystal clear, free flowing and safe to drink from. Your guide will know which is which. Some villages have good drinkable water supplies recently installed by AusAID-funded projects.
Note: However, no matter how safe the water may be, we insist that all trekkers use either water purification tablets such as Aquatab (iodine) or Steri Pen.
**No Roads Expeditions will provide you with one litre of electrolyte replacement tablets per day (hydralyte), this helps stave off cramping and dehydration.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
On top of the normal health considerations, women are advised to bring a tube of Canesten and an applicator. The Canesten is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush.
We also recommend that women bring a sarong to wrap around their bathing suits whilst bathing to respect the countries cultural sensitivities.
BATHING & SHOWERING
Out on the track, options become limited and washing with soaps and shampoos are not allowed lest it contaminates local waters and the environment.
Some campsites have the option of a (cold) shower, where they may be permitted, but most commonly, trekkers will wash themselves by bathing in local streams at the end of a long days trekking.
MEDICINES AND FIRST AID
All trekkers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, pain killers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition. Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are traveling in. No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
We will do everything we can to support guests that have disclosed a medical condition, allergy or anaphylaxis, by informing all in country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made. We do however, suggest and encourage all guests in this situation to assist us by reconfirming this information in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable adventure experience.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to such as ear infections, sinus problems or mild asthma bring what you need with you.
The No Roads Guide will be carrying an extensive Wilderness First Aid Kit.
Your personal first aid kit should contain:
Band aids, Paracetamol, Deep Heat or other muscle liniment, Blister pads, Crepe bandages, Antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, ‘Imodium’ tablets, Strapping tape (for knees and ankles), Anti chaffing cream e.g. Pawpaw cream, Foot powder, Waterless hand disinfectant, Anti-malarial drugs (see your doctor), Anti-inflammatory cream, Broad-spectrum antibiotic tablets, Anti-Nausea Tablets.
Immunization
No vaccinations are required for entry to PNG. However you should consider cholera, typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations and make sure your tetanus cover is up to date. Please consult your doctor on these matters.
COVID 19: Recommended for all No Roads Expeditions treks.
Typhoid: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Cholera: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tuberculosis: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 3 months before travel.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Yellow fever: Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Japanese B encephalitis: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Malaria: Consider this seriously.
Polio: Recommend a Polio booster. Ideally 4-6 weeks before travel.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations. Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. This also applies to some malaria prophylactics, which have to be begun at least a week before you leave home.
Money
The currency in PNG is the Kina (K). Exchange rates vary depending on the strength of the US dollar. Cash and Australian Dollars are readily accepted and can be exchanged for Kina at the airport, hotels or banks in any major city. Credit cards such as American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants in major towns and cities. Bankcard is not accepted in PNG. ATM,s are also available to access in major hotels, banks and major cities. For spending money while on expedition it is best to have money in local currency (K).
The best place to exchange $Aus for Kina is at the Port Moresby airport. We do however recommend you exchange some money prior to departing Australia, approximately $100 to take into PNG. You will require to budget spending money for:
1) First night’s dinner. $35
2) Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, snacks, etc.
3) Alcoholic/bottled beverages and drinks including bottled water.
4) Tips. All tipping is at your discretion. $45
5) Souvenirs and handicrafts.
6) Small snacks along the Track $100 in small Kina notes 1K and 2K
TIPPING
If you would like to show your appreciation to the local team you may show it by providing a tip. A usual tip is approximately 90 Kina or $45, though this is at your discretion. Please give the tips to the Australian Guide who will then distribute them at the last dinner.
Note: The above mentioned tip is distributed to all the General Guides, not to the Personal Guides. If you have a Personal Guide and wish to give him a tip, that will be at your discretion and you can give the tip directly to the Personal Guide.
Please mention particular team members for good or bad performance to the Australian Guide.
The local team also appreciates gifts. If you like you can give them shoes and clothing at the end of the expedition.
GIFTS FOR LOCALS
Many of our trekkers want to give to local communities they pass through. We encourage this and recommend either sports balls such as tennis, soccer or Australian Rules balls. Alternatively, educational equipment such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, paper, chalk, and small chalkboards are greatly appreciated. as are teachers resources such as learning charts. As these things can weigh a fair bit, don’t overdo it or you may not get to the villages to hand them out.
As part of the No Roads Education initiative, a Kokoda Track Student Pack is available for trekkers to purchase at a cost of $30.00. The Student Pack would be taken over to PNG by the trekker and delivered on the track where resources are needed most. If you would like more information regarding the Student Pack or wish to purchase a pack please visit the following website for more information or to make your purchase here.
We discourage the handing out of balloons and lollies due to the waste issue and no dental facilities for the villagers along the track. Instead, we encourage giving away items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Of course, to have a longer-lasting impact on the local communities, you could donate to the No Roads Expeditions Foundation and select a specific cause, such as the No Roads Health or the No Roads Education program found on our No Roads Foundation site.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Many of the places you will visit are pristine. As travellers, we should try to have as little impact on these natural environments as possible. As such we recommend the following:
1/ We discourage the use of soaps when washing both body and clothes. Vigorous scrubbing is usually sufficient. Even biodegradable soap is not good for any water course and as such is harmful to the eco-system. 2/ Please do not dispose of plastic bags and wrappers in either pits or in fires. These take years to degrade or let off toxic fumes when burnt. Simply put them in your pack until you return home (they can be discarded in waste bins before going through customs and immigration). 3/ Please do not dispose of batteries in country. They are extremely harmful to the environment and usually local governments do not have any means to dispose of them correctly. Return old batteries to your home country for disposal there. 4/ At campsites, use toilet facilities that are provided. If you are in the remote, walk off the track and dig a small hole approximately 15cm deep and at least 100m from any water course. If safe to do so, burn used toilet paper in the hole (toilet paper takes a long time to degrade). Once fire is out, cover with soil. In rocky and icy mountain terrain (where a hole cannot be dug), cover waste with rocks. Tampons and sanitary pads should be placed in a plastic bag and placed in the rubbish bin back at camp.
By abiding by these simple guidelines, you will be protecting the local environment for the people who live there and for their children’s children.
POWER IN PNG
PNG has the same power plugs as Australia so you do not need to purchase an adapter for your electronic items.
TREK BRIEFING MEETING
More information and guidelines will be provided during a Trek Briefing prior to your departure for your expedition. This will be conducted in your hotel in Port Moresby, the evening of your first night in PNG. Topics discussed will include the following subjects.
- How to walk.
- Lodging, meals, and other conditions while on expedition.
- Security and safety.
- Tipping.
- Evacuation Procedures.
- Cultural and Environmental Considerations.
- Other relevant information.
FINAL CHECKLIST
Please make sure you have all the items on the packing checklist before you travel to the airport for your flight to Papua New Guinea.
ARRIVAL IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Upon your arrival, please go through to collect checked luggage and security, then proceed out the EXIT door. Outside you will see many people waiting for arriving passengers. Our operations staff will be there wearing a No Roads Expeditions T-shirt. Please go directly to him/her and introduce yourself. You will be taken straight to your hotel, issued rooms, time for Expedition Briefing, etc. Do let us know if there are any last-minute changes to your arrival time.
SOME USEFUL (AND INTERESTING) PIDGIN ENGLISH WORDS
* bagarap(im) – broken, to break down (from “bugger up”) – very widely used in Papua New Guinea
* bagarap olgeta – completely broken* balus – airplane
* bikpela – big
* haus – house
* haus meri – female domestic servant
* haus moni – bank
* haus sik – hospital
* sit haus – toilet
* haus tambaran – traditional Sepik-region house with artifacts of ancestors or for honoring ancestors; tambaran means “ancestor spirit” or “ghost”
* hukim – to catch fish (from “hook”)
* kaikai – food, eat
* kamap – arrive, become (from “come up”)
* kisim – get
*mangi – young man (from “monkey”)
* maski – it doesn’t matter, don’t worry about it
* manmeri – people
* meri – woman (from the English name “Mary”)
* olgeta – all (from “all together”)
* pikinini – child (from Pacific Pidgin English, but ultimately from Portuguese influenced Lingua franca, cf, pickaninny) * Papa God – God
* raus(im) – get out (from German “raus”)
* sapos – if (from “suppose”)
* save – know, to do habitually (from Pacific Pidgin English, but ultimately from Portuguese influenced Lingua franca, cf. “savvy”)
* solwara – ocean (from “salt water”)
* stap – be, stay (from “stop”)
* slip – sleep, live
* tasol – only (from “that’s all”)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & SUPPORT:
For Australian led expeditions, your guide will be in contact with you 6-8 works prior to departure where they can further assist with any questions or advice should it be needed as additional support.
If you have any comments, questions or want more information please let us know. We are here to support you with all the information you need to help you prepare for your travels to Papua New Guinea.
Our Contact Phones & Address
NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS
In Australia Office : (03) 95988581
24 Hr Access Peter Miller : + 61 425 726 623 Irene Miller: + 61 430 705 222