Expeditions
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ANZAC Day Kokoda Treks 2022

Why we love this trip!

  • Trek Kokoda and be at Bomana War Cemetery on the 80th Anniversary of the Kokoda Trail on ANZAC Day
  • Be led along the trail by a passionate Australian Guide with in-depth knowledge of the Kokoda Trail
  • Walk in the footsteps of the Australian and Japanese soldiers and gain a small insight into what they endured during WWII
  • Experience exhilarating river crossings
  • Walk through pristine rain forests and swim in refreshing rivers
  • Get to know the local Papuan people and understand their way of life 
  • Push yourself physically and build your resilience

Background

2022 Update: 2022 marks the 80th Anniversary of the Kokoda Track Campaign and Anzac Day 2022 at Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby will be very special. As the sun rises and the bugle calls, you can remember those that fell for our sake.

We also have a Fast Kokoda available over Anzac Day, as well as a Non-Trekking Experience

Overview

Kokoda is the formative Australian battle, a battle that showed that Australia could stand on its' own feet and defend its' shores. For those that have put it off thus far, ANZAC Day 2022 is the year to undertake the great pilgrimage. For those that have walked before, it is a perfect opportunity to return with fresh eyes and to experience the track during the ANZAC Day period.

The official commemoration surrounding the Kokoda campaign is a Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetry in Port Moresby, one of the most moving experiences for any Australian. This is a must-attend event.

Note:
This 9-day 8-night trek is a demanding walk that requires an above-average level of fitness.

Itinerary

The following is the itinerary we have available for the ANZAC Day period 2022. When you are ready to book click on the Book Now Tab top right hand corner to begin the booking process.

ANZAC Day Bomana War Cemetry (ANZAC Day after trek) 15 April - 25 April

15th April Fri Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby.
16th April Sat Day 2: Fly to Popondetta and drive to Kokoda for start of trek. Trek to Deniki
17th April Sun Day 3: Deniki to Alola via Isurava Battlefield. Visit Con's Rock along the way
18th April Mon Day 4: Rest in the village on the Sabbath 
19th April Tue Day 5: Alola to Templeton's Crossing One (Dump 1). Visit Japanese artillery placement and many foxholes 
20th April Wed Day 6: Templeton's Crossing One to Kagi via Kagi Gap or Myola. 
21st April Thurs Day 7: Kagi to Menari via Brigade Hill.
22nd April Fri Day 8: Menari to Nauro
23rd April Sat Day 9: Nauro to Vuale Creek. Today we will pass through Iorabawa and Ofi Creek.
24th April Sun Day 10: Vuale Creek to Owers Corner. Then on to Port Moresby. Visit Bomana War Cemetry along the way.
25th April Mon Day 11: ANZAC Day Ceremony. Flight Home
26th April Tue Day 12: Flight home if you take the extra night option ($200 extra per person)

Note: This Itinerary is indicative and may change due to local conditions.

For those that do not wish to share accommodation in Port Moresby, a Single Supplement of $380 will apply. 

No Roads Expeditions also has a dedicated Kokoda website. With over 100 pages of information, this is an invaluable source of information for those trekking the Kokoda Track. Click on the kokodaexpeditions.com.au

INSURANCE: It is mandatory for you to have appropriate insurance for this expedition. Click here to obtain an online quote. 

GENERAL GUIDES
The General Guides we use are the life blood of our business in PNG. Not only do they carry your food and equipment, but many have intimate knowledge of the areas we are traveling through. They are very interesting people who, at night, cook our meals and entertain us. If you or a group of you would like to hire a personal guide for your expedition, this can be arranged. For the 8 days, a personal guide costs an extra AUD$720.  Employing a Personal Guide does not mean that your struggle along the Kokoda track is any less meaningful. You are helping a local with a job and you will probably enjoy the Track that much more.

PEOPLE OF THE KOKODA TRACK
The Koiari people generally inhabit the area between the foothills of the Owen Stanley Ranges east of Port Moresby and Kokoda. They once built homes in tree-tops and when Europeans first encountered them in the 1880's, they were renowned for their fierceness.

Today, the Koiari are Seventh Day Adventists so they do not raise or eat pigs, chew betel nut or smoke tobacco. They grow taros, bananas, yams, vegetables and recently coffee. They are very friendly people, however young female Koiari are particularly shy and reserved and you should respect their wishes if they do not want to talk. Male bush walkers should give women the right of way on the trail - step off the trail, the further the better.

Also, be aware that men and women bathe in different places; usually the women down stream from the men. The same can apply to toilets, so ask first. Be sensitive, as this is of great importance to the people.

No Roads deals directly with the Koiari land owners. We have a great relationship with them and assured any Track closures will not apply to us.

MEALS ON THE KOKODA TRACK
Our food is one of the biggest differences between us and other operators. We do not get you to carry the food and we do not supply baked beans and 2 minute noodles for every meal. We cook up curries, vegetarian pastas, damper, prawn crackers, fried rice and the list goes on. Our Master Chefs are specifically trained in food handling to ensure you have not only a delicious meal full of nutrition, but one that is safe to eat. You may even have the opportunity to help the Chef prepare the meal, giving you a chance to engage our local team in conversation and build a bond otherwise not obtained. Vegan and vegetarian trekkers are very well catered for on this trip and will have plenty of delcious food to eat.

Another feature of this expedition is that we try to maximise the economic benefits from your presence to the village people living in villages along the Track. This provides incentives for villagers to offer a good standard of service to trekking parties as well as a vital source of income to pay for medicine, education and transportation.

As an ecotourism company we are always looking for ways to maximise the benefits of tourism to the people living in the local area. Our tour uses experienced guides and porters recruited from all along the Track. And much of the food you will eat along the way is supplied by village people en route. This not only gives the villagers a market for their vegetable crops but gives you a wonderful opportunity to try out local foods. Food purchased locally includes pineapple, bananas, potatoes and pumpkins as well as eggs.

Camp breakfast is billy tea/milo/coffee with damper and porridge or Weetbix and Corn Flakes with powdered milk. Camp lunch is noodles, cuppa soups, biscuits and cheese.

We also provide you with 9 days of electrolyte replacement such as Endura, to replace fluids and essential electrolytes. This process helps prevent muscle seizures and cramps.

Finally, we provide you with 9 days of snacks that will help you from meal to meal. These consist of muesli bars, lollies, cuppa soups and trail mix.

KOKODA TRACK FACTS 

    * From Owers' Corner to Kokoda as the crow flies is about 60km
    * The Kokoda track between these two points is 94-km
    * One trekker recorded over 25,000 steps on his pedometer in one day
    * If you total all the uphill climbing along the track, it comes to more than 5500m of elevation gain
    * The best section is between Menari and Kagi, although the nicest forests are found at the higher elevations between Kagi Gap and Templeton's Crossing
    * The highest point on the track is 2190m

Routes

Walking times are estimates and include breaks and lunches. Weather, Track conditions and Trekker fitness will impact on these times.

Day 01: Arrive Port Moresby and transfer to hotel. Pre-expedition briefing by your guide.

Day 02: (3 Hours) Depart Port Moresby 0700am on Airlines PNG flight to Popondetta (30 minutes). We will then travel along the same road the Japanese Imperial Force used to reach Kokoda Village, crossing the infamous Kumusi River. There, you will visit the war museum and walk on the cigar shaped battle-field that was the Kokoda Battlefield.

We will be introduced to our expert guide and local team, who we will spend the next 9 days with us. They will set up camp, carry our food, tents and safety equipment and ensure we have a safe and enjoyable trek.

We will then head off towards Deniki, through plantations and via the beautiful Hoi village. The going is relatively easy except for a steep 45 minute trek up to our destination. We will set up camp, have lunch and a delicious dinner before bed. (B,L,D)

Day 03: (6-7 Hours) After a complete breakfast we head for Alola via Isurava Battlefield memorial. The memorial was opened by Australian Prime Minister John Howard in August 2002 to commemorate 60 years since a ferocious four day Battle
 was fought there in 1942. We will lunch there and then continue hiking - descending and ascending numerous hills to finally arrive at Alola. From here we can see across the valley towards Abuari Village. After a fresh pasta and damper meal it's off to bed. (B,L,D)

Day 04: Today is the Sabbath for the Seventh Day Adventists. Thus, we will join them (if you wish) in a church service to hear their beautiful singing and witness how they pray. Afterwards we will take a leisurely stroll to a local natural wonder, relaxing and letting our muscles rest before the next days trek. Overnight in the village of Alola (B,L,D)

Day 05: (9 hours)Hike from Alola via Eora Creek to Templeton's Crossing 1 (Dump 1), at the base of Mt Belamy. This is a long day but extremely interesting with both historical and natural points of interest. (B,L,D)

Day 06: (8 hours) Trek from Templeton's 1 to our home village, Kagi. Today you will ascend Mt Bellamy, the highest point of the Kokoda Track (2190m). Good views at the Kokoda Gap Lookout. We will divert off the Track to Myola 1 and then descend to Kagi village where we will be greeted by the locals. A well deserved delicious meal, like every night, is had tonight. Overnight village guest house or tents. (B,L,D)

Day 07: (9 Hours) Today you will hike from Kagi to Menari village. During the morning you will climb Brigade Hill and then begin a long steep descent to Menari village which will weary your feet and legs. You will sleep well tonight. Overnight Menari. (B,L,D)

Day 08: (5 Hours) Hike from Menari to Naoro village. After climbing a steep saddle you will descend and pass through a number of river crossings to Naoro village. A good chance to river surf down the Brown River. (B,L,D)

Day 09: (7 Hours) Hike from Naoro to Wa-ule Creek. Climbing through open grasslands you will mount the Maguli Range and take a long steep descent to Ofi Creek and Wa-ule Creek campsite. (B,L,D)

Day 10(4-5 Hours). Hike from Wa-ule Creek to Ower's Corner. There are a number of river crossings and a long steep climb up Imita Ridge. The descent on the other side of the ridge is known as The Golden Stairs which leads down to Goldie River. After wading through the river the Kokoda Track concludes with a final steep ascent to Ower's Corner. You will arrive at Ower's Corner in the early afternoon and will be met by a 4WD vehicle with a picnic lunch and cold drinks that you will share with your guides and local team.

We will spend the night dining with our guides and other friends we have made on the Kokoda Track. (B,L,D)

Day 11: This morning we will attend the Dawn Service at Bomanna War Cemetery. Transfer from cemetery to your flight home or next destination OR stay an extra day, where you have the opportunity to visit the Royal Papuan Yacht Club and overnight at the Holiday Inn ($200 extra per person)

Day 12: If you stayed on for the extra day this is the day you will depart for home.

Inclusions

  • Hand selected and trained Australian and Local Guide for the entire expedition
  • Electrolyte supplement such as Hydralyte, essential for such a trip
  • All domestic schedule flights within PNG
  • Satellite phone for emergency purposes
  • AED Defibrillator on all Australian Led trip
  • River rescue team and procedures, essential for large rivers
  • Government Taxes (except visa charge and civil aviation terminal facilities charge) 
  • Shower tent to wash with soap and protect the environment. Hot showers are available.
  • 10 delicious breakfasts, 9 nutritious lunches, 9 fresh dinners. Meals on expedition include Curries and Pasta. All prepared by a trained Master
  • Chef. (Dietary requirements can be incorporated)
  • All transfers including those from the airport and from Owers Corner
  • Visit Bomana War Cemetery
  • Nutritious and delicious food for local team who deserve the best.
  • All accommodation outside of Port Moresby in either insect proof tents or guest houses
  • Kokoda Track Permit
  • Hand selected Guide and local team (who carry all group equipment, food, set up tents etc)
  • 1 to 1 General Guide-Client ratio
  • rubbish guide that takes all our rubbish and other operators rubbish from the Track
  • Tent hire and floor mats.
  • 2 nights accommodation in Port Moresby twin share (3 star Holiday Inn : the best in Port Moresby)
  • Dinner at the Holiday Inn before ANZAC Day
  • Snack Pack for each expedition day to get you between meals
  • VHF Radio contact with Port Moresby, Kokoda and 10 other Track villages for emergency purposes. 
  • No Roads Expedition T-shirt
  • Urine and health chart
  • Access to your Australian Guide for advise prior to the expedition
  • Access to FREE weekend walks before and after the expedition

Exclusions

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for General Guides
  • Personal Spending Money
  • Personal Guide (optional extra)
  • Backpack Hire (optional extra)

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