2009 - 9 Day / 8 night Adventure Trek - COSTS AND INCLUSIONS
Self Guided -$2795 pp ex Port Moresby................$3385 pp ex Port Moresby (personal porter)
Guided....... -$3395 pp ex Port Moresby................$3985 pp ex Port Moresby (personal porter)
Self Guided -$3695 pp ex Cairns............................$4285 pp ex Cairns (personal porter)
Guided....... -$4295 pp ex Cairns............................$4885 pp ex Cairns (personal porter)
Self Guided -$4095 pp ex Brisbane........................$4685 pp ex Brisbane (personal porter)
Guided....... -$4695 pp ex Brisbane........................$5285 pp ex Brisbane (personal porter)
Self Guided -$4295 pp ex Sydney...........................$4885 pp ex Sydney (personal porter)
Guided....... -$4895 pp ex Sydney...........................$5485 pp ex Sydney (personal porter)

- COST INCLUDES:
* Return International airfare.
* Flight from Kokoda to Port Moresby (or via versa).
* Two nights hotel accommodation in Port Moresby on share room basis.
(Breakfast and Dinners included in Port Moresby).
* Eight nights accommodation on the Track in village hut, tent, bush camp or guesthouse.
* All meals during the trek.
* Backpack, daypack and tent
* Group camping and cooking equipment
* Transfers between airport and hotel in Port Moresby,
* Port Moresby sight seeing tour (if time allows).
* Transport from Port Moresby to Owers Corner (or visa versa).
* Experienced local Guide.
* Experience Australian trek leader and commentator
* Porters for group camping and cooking equipment. (See Personal Porter option)
* Airport and flight taxes.
* Kokoda trail trek permit.
* Travel Insurance (does not cover existing conditions).
*$10million Pulic Risk Insurance

YOU NEED TO PROVIDE:
* Passport (see following paragraphs)
* PNG entry visa (purchase at Jackson Airport upon arrival – K100)
* Medical Certificate (see following paragraphs)
* Personal Camping equipment (see following paragraphs)
* Anti-malarial medication (see following paragraphs)
* First-Aid items (see following paragraphs)
* Personal porter (if required – please advise when booking)
* Lunch in Port Moresby, phone calls, drinks and any other personal expenses.

PAYMENT:
A $500 deposit is required at the time of booking, together with a completed Booking Form. The balance of payment is due 60 days before your departure date.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
A passport, valid for at least 6 months at time of travel, is required for all visitors. Australian passport holders will be issued with a tourist visa on arrival. Other passport holders should check visa requirements with us.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
The insurance brochure is available to view online and the application form is attached at the bottom of the booking form (this cost is included in your trek package) . Insurance Policy Details

FITNESS & HEALTH:
This is a demanding A Grade trek and you need to be fit. Begin training at least 4 weeks before departure and work towards being able to carry a 16-18kg pack up hill or stairs.

PACK WEIGHT & WHAT YOU CARRY:
If you intend to carry your own pack please try and limit weight to a total weight 16 - 17 kilos. Unless you are an experienced trekker or have a high level of fitness I recommend you employ a Personal Porter (see below). If you do have a personal porter you will still carry say 5 - 7 kilos, please consider this during your pre trek training.
Group porters assist with carrying group cooking and camping equipment. Rations are replenished midway.

OPTIONAL PORTER FOR YOUR BACKPACK:
If you wish to walk the track but not carry your pack, a porter can be arranged at an additional cost of $500. Please notify us in advance if a porter is required. One porter shared between two people to lighten your own load is often a good compromise and makes for a more relaxed trip.

TYPICAL 9 Day / 8 Night ITINERARY (South to North)

DAY 1: Fly Sydney to Port Moresby – overnight at the Gateway Hotel (dinner & breakfast included).
DAY 2: Transfer by PMV and 4 wheel drive to Owers Corner and the start of the Kokoda track. After a picnic lunch and then a steep downhill section we enjoy a refreshing swim as we cross the Goldie River and then climb the eroded remains of the 2000 steps of 'Golden Staircase' towards Imita Ridge where the Australians had been ordered to fight to the death if the Japanese reached this point. The next several hours are spent criss-crossing the beautiful Va Ule Creek to reach our first campsite.
DAY 3: After an early start we climb to the crest of Iorabaiwa Ridge, this was the furthest point along the track reached by the Japanese on their quest to capture Port Moresby. Lunch on the picturesque Ofi Creek and a refreshing swim then enjoy the spectacular views of the Owen Stanley Ranges as we climb the mighty Maguli Range with its numerous false crests to our campsite at Nauro village.
DAY 4: This morning we enjoy a stroll along flat ground as we trek alongside the Nauro River and then climb the Nauro saddle to the beautiful village of Menari for lunch. This afternoon we climb up to Brigade Hill, the scene of one of the biggest battles of the Kokoda campaign and then down Mission Ridge and continue on to our campsite at Efogi village.
DAY 5: Today we have a chance to see some war relics at small museum in the village and head out for a steep climb to the village of Efogi 2. After an early lunch we have an easy walk to our next campsite at Naduri village. This is the home of our guide Colin Obed and most of our porters, tonight we will enjoy a banquet of beautiful fresh fruit and vegetables and be entertained by the village children. We will also meet living legend and one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy angels, 97 year old Ovuru Indiki.
DAY 6: A leisurely start this morning and a steady climb to a high point on the mountain where we look back over the valleys and the villages we have visited over the last couple of days. After a break we walk over a relatively flat area and view giant pandanus palms and a variety of ferns as we cross beautiful mountain streams on our way to Myola 2 where we visit a plane wreck and see a huge recenty excavated unexploded bomb. We also view a big ammunition dump (at a secret location) and then walk on to Myola 1 the site of the well know buscuit bombing supply site. After lunch we have a steady trek through the Moss Forest to our camp at the 1,900 crossing
DAY 7: Today we continue through the mystic Moss Forest and climb to the highest point on the track Mt. Bellamy and the Kokoda gap. We follow the spur line down where the 2/14th and 2/16th Battalions fought a classic withdrawal action and continue on to our campsite at Templeton’s Crossing 2 on Eora Creek.
DAY 8: After crossing the raging Eora Creek we have a steep climb to the village of Alola where we stop for lunch and enjoy the spectacular view down the Yoda valley towards Kokoda village. We continue our mostly downhill trek to our next campsite at the magnificent Isurava Memorial.
DAY 9: Group photos this morning and time to walk around the battle site and memorial before we start a steep climb down beneath a canopy of verdant rainforest with numerous creek crossings with sweeping views along the Kokoda Valley. Our last night on the track is at the beautiful little village of Hoi.
DAY 10: An early start this morning for a steady walk through the village of Korvello to our destination, Kokoda. After visiting the battle site and several memorials we head for the airstrip and board our charter flight for a 30 minute trip back over the spectacular Owen Stanley Range and the villages you have visited over the past 9 days. After checking into the hotel and a hot shower and change of clothes we will have time for a tour of Port Moresby and a visit to PNG Art for anyone wanting to purchase soveniers. Back to the hotel for our last night in PNG and a celebratory dinner and many beers.
DAY 11: An early rise, breakfast and transfer to the airport for farewells to our new friends and our flight back home via Brisbane to Newcastle.

CAMPING GEAR

You should bring two sets of casual clothing. One set for the flight and a change for our stay at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby. You can leave these clothes in storage at the hotel while we are on the track.

Regarding our trekking clothes. The weather is hot and humid during the day, however as we spend most of the time under the jungle canopy the nights can be quite cold.

You should therefore wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants for proper protection from both the elements and mosquitoes. Other essential items to wear whilst trekking include a sweat rag to wear around your neck, a hat or peak cap, thick socks, walking boots and gaiters. For protection against chafing it is a good idea to wear a pair of lycra gym shorts as underwear.

Each night we camp beside creeks with plenty of fast flowing, crystal clear, mountain water. We always have the opportunity to have a good refreshing bath. After this you will change into a spare set of dry clothing and your joggers.

It’s a good idea to have a waterproof poncho because it rains on a fairly regular basis. You should wrap your spare clothing in plastic snap lock bags and then store these with a heavy-duty garbage bag in your pack. This will ensure you always have something dry to wear around the campfire each night.

PERSONAL CLOTHING CHECKLIST

1 Hat: Rimmed (Akubra type) or peak (basketball type)
1 Shirt: Light cotton – I recommend long sleeve (if you choose to wear short sleeve make sure you use your insect repellant)
1 Pants: Light cotton - I recommend long pants (if you choose to wear shorts make sure you use your insect repellant)
1 Set of long thermal underwear (it can get cold at night)
2 Sets underwear
2 Pair of trekking socks
1 Pair of thin silk or cotton sock (to wear as an inner sock to prevent friction)
1 Nylon Poncho
1 Pair gloves (cowboy style riding gloves)
1 Pair boots (if you need to buy them please allow time to wear them in prior to the trek)
1 Pair sneakers of sandals (for the end of day while your walking boots are drying)
1 Sweat rag (available at disposal stores)
1 Pack towel (like a big wettex cloth – can be purchased at camping stores - not too big)
1 Pair Lycra gym shorts (MUST HAVE - prevents chafing)

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

You should be able to beg, borrow or steal most of the items listed below that you need for the trek.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

1 Sleeping Bag (lightweight)
1 Sleeping Mat
1 Head light (LED's are the best, no need for the next 2 items)
20 AA batteries (for Head light – purchase duty free at departure airport)
2 Spare globes for Head light
1 Pocket knife / Swiss army knife (nothing too flash)
1 Bic cigarette lighter
1 Dinner plate (enamel or plastic)
1 Cereal bowl (enamel or plastic)
1 Knife / fork / spoon set
1 Enamel / Plastic mug
2 1 litre water bottles (or 1 - 2 litre water bladder our packs have pockets to fit bladders)
1 Spare 1 litre water bottle
1 Soap / toothbrush / toothpaste
1 Roll of toilet paper
6 Spare waterproof plastic bags (1 h/d garbage size & some big snap lock bags). To waterproof your gear.
1 Digital Camera (with a spare battery and enough memory for 300/400 photos) OR
1 Camera (with10 rolls of film – this is based on previous trekkers experience)
1 1 litre light aluminium container to carry your rum (or whatever)
1 Packet of waterproof matches
Supply of energy snacks / Your favourite tea bags

MEDICAL

We carry a first-aid kit for the group however there are items you should bring to treat minor ailments or irritations.

Plan to look after your feet. Ensure you have a comfortable pair of army boots and good thick socks. Each night after your bath you should give your feet a liberal sprinkling of anti-fungal foot powder to dry them out during the night. Next morning it is advisable to liberally coat them with ‘Bepanthen’ antiseptic cream for protection.

Blisters won’t be a problem if you have a good fitting pair of boots. Nevertheless it is a wise precaution to have a couple of blister kits with you. The ‘Spenko Blister Kit’ contains a soothing ‘second skin’ and is highly recommended.

See the following list of recommended items for your personal first-aid kit.

FIRST – AID CHECKLIST

Anti-malarial tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
3 50g tubes of ‘Bepanthen’ Antiseptic Cream with B5 – for your feet
1 Small jar Vaseline
2 Tubes of ‘Bushmans’ Mosquito repellent or RID tropical strength
1 Packet Panadol / Disprin (or heavier duty if that’s what you normally use)
2 ‘Spenko’ blister kits
2 Rolls of broad elastic bandage
2 Rolls of ‘Leukoplast Waterproof’ elastoplast (5cm x 5m)
1 Packet Bandaids
1 Anti-histamine (Benadryl) or the tablet equivalent (useful as a
decongestant for colds or allergies and to ease the itch of insect bites or stings)
1 Sunscreen
1 Scissors
1 Tweezers
6 Big safety pins
2 Jars of Staminade / Gatorade / etc electrolyte powder
(for the ‘acclimatisation’ period at the start of the trek)

DOCTOR’S CERTIFICATE

The trek is tough and physically demanding. It is therefore imperative you be physically fit.
You must have a thorough medical examination prior to departure. You may be required to produce a medical certificate to certify that you are medically fit and capable of undertaking a very arduous trek across the Owen Stanley Range in PNG.

IMMUNISATION

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into PNG. However you should discuss this with your doctor and ensure your tetanus cover is up to date. Also double-check the requirements for cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

MALARIA

Malaria is a major concern within PNG. The best protection is to avoid being bitten – and the best way to do that is to wear long sleeve shirts / long pants and apply ‘Bushmans’ mosquito repellent to exposed areas of the skin prior to sunset. Another prevention is to sleep in your mosquito proof tent each night.
Advise your Doctor that you are going to PNG for 10 days and will on the Kokoda track in the Owen Stanley Range. He/She will prescribe the necessary anti-malarial medication for you.

HEALTH INSURANCE

See previous note on requirements.

MISCELLANEOUS

DUTY FREE

We take advantage of our visit to the Duty Free Shop to purchase a carton of Benson & Hedges cigarettes each. On our arrival in Kokoda we give these to our guides. This is one of life’s small luxuries for them and the gesture is well appreciated. During the course of the trek you will see how much it is appreciated – and how much they deserve it as they inevitably go out of their way to assist each and every one of us at some stage.
The second necessary item to procure is a litre of Bundaberg Rum (or whatever your favourite reviver might be!) I find a nip in the coffee at the end of the day’s trekking does wonders for the soul. You will need to decant this into a light aluminium container to carry in your backpack. Film and Batteries may also be purchased duty free prior to departure.

PERSONAL GIFTS FOR GUIDES

Besides the carton of cigarettes and the gratuity, past trekkers have always wanted to give something a little extra for their guides at the end of the trek. You will understand why when we finish. The most valuable item you could give is a football jumper (size L will fit all). It doesn’t have to be new – a good second hand one will do. A nice T-shirt from your wardrobe would also be appreciated.

CASH REQUIREMENTS

You will need $200 in cash ($20 departure tax; $40 gratuity for your guides at the end of the trek; and $50 for purchases of fresh tropical fruits, etc along the track).

In Port Moresby you will only need extra money for any additional drinks, room service or telephone charges you incur at the Hotel.
Souvenirs may be purchased when we visit the PNG Primitive Arts warehouse.
Visa / Mastercard / AMEX are accepted. Note – you cannot use Bankcard in PNG.

DEED OF AGREEMENT

You will be required to sign the deed of Agreement to ensure that you have been made aware of the nature of the trek.

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

The trek is physically demanding – you therefore should be physically fit!

Your training plan should include a program to improve your aerobic fitness and leg strength.

Aerobic fitness can be gained by commencing a vigorous walking program. The minimum requirement is to start with walks of 45 minutes duration. This should be increased by intervals of 10% per week. After a couple of weeks you should include some hills in your circuit.

As you progress it is a good idea to mix in some slow jogging.

Other good aerobic activities include aerobic step classes at the local gym, jogging and cycling (for at least 45 minutes per session).

Strength can be improved by completing specific exercises at a certain intensity. The best place to do this is at your local gym. Step machines are ideal! Plan a program to strengthen your leg and abdominal muscles.

Treadmills are also ideal for physical preparation. You can get a good feel for the trek by setting the machine on maximum elevation with walking speed of 6klm/h for 40 minutes.

Acclimatisation is a problem as we move suddenly from a temperate to a tropical climate. It is therefore a good idea to workout in a tracksuit. The fitter you are the quicker you will acclimatise.

Think of your training as a deposit in your fitness account – everything you do between now and the trek will pay a dividend on the track. You can’t cheat on yourself in preparing for the trek! If you do the work you’ll complete it with ease – although there will be some patches where you might have a bit of doubt.

The only other characteristic you require is mental toughness.

But no matter how fit you are at the start – you will have to pull your belt in a couple of notches by the time we get to the finish of the trek!

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