Full Kokoda Schools Program Kagi Village Stay

Testimonial : "Great trip, very glad I put the time in to organise a school group". Steven Kehayas (Teacher Fountain Gate Secondary College).

The Kokoda Track School Expeditions have been specifically designed to embrace the Curriculum Standards and Values that every school and student endeavor to achieve. It covers Leadership, Geography, History, Science, Responsibility, Cultural Diversity, Organisation, Personal and Physical Challenges and much more.

For a few years now many schools have been walking the Track with us. Patterson River, Benalla College, Carnegie School, Caloundra College, St Francis Xavier and more have all trekked the Track with us and had a great time. We provide information nights for your school to educate teachers, parents and students and also have our own Risk Management Policy in place to cover all facets of school policies. 

The 90km Kokoda Track was the scene of bitter fighting in 1942 as the Japanese advanced towards Port Moresby. Many Japanese and Australian soldiers died along the Track, both in battle and from malaria. As interest in Australia's cultural identity and recent history grows, walking the Kokoda Track has become a rite of passage for a new generation of Australians.

Our expeditions can be booked for any week of the year for your school group from 6 upwards.That means you tell us when you want to run the trip and we will accommodate you.  All food, equipment and guides are provided. You only need to bring your personal gear and bedding.

Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby.
Day 2: Fly to Popondetta and drive to Kokoda for start of trek. Trek to Deniki
Day 3: Deniki to Alola via Isurava Battlefield. Visit Con's Rock along the way
Day 4: Alola to Templeton's Crossing One. Visit Japanese artillery placement and many foxholes
Day 5: Templeton's Crossing One to Kagi via Kagi Gap or Myola. 
Day 6: Work with the people of the village in their gardens, build pig fences and live like the locals do.
Day 7: Visit the local school and teach and learn from the students about life in a remote village.
Day 8: Kagi to Menari via Brigade Hill
Day 9: Menari to Nauro
Day 10: Nauro to Vuale Creek. Today we will pass through Iorabawa and Ofi Creek.
Day 11 :Vuale Creek to Owers Corner. Then on to Port Moresby. Visit Bomana War Cemetry along the way.
Day 12: Port Moresby to Home or onto another PNG destination.

Note 1 : This Itinerary is indicative and may change due to local conditions. 

Note 2 : These trips are for 10 plus students. We offer 1 Free of Charge for a Teacher for bookings of students between 10 and 14 and another Free of Charge for bookings of 15 - 20 students. Free of Charge applies for in country cost not International Flight.

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

PORTERS
The Porters 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 Porter for your expedition, this can be arranged. For the 8 days, a personal Porter costs an extra AUD$720.  Employing an extra Porter 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. We get you to help prepare it with the porters so that you can engage them in conversation and build a bond otherwise not obtained.

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

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. We will have a quick tour of Port Moresby and its harbour to give us some idea of the lay of the land and where Australian forces brought supplies in. Pre-expedition briefing by your guide. (D)

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

We will be introduced to our expert guide and porter team, who we will spend the next 8 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: (9 hours)Hike from Alola via Eora Creek to Templeton's
Crossing 1, at the base of Mt Bela my. This is a long day but extremely interesting with both historical and natural points of interest. (B, L, D).

Day 05: (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. Descend to Kagi village where we will be greeted by the locals. A big feast is hadtonight. Overnight village guest house or tents. (B, L, D).

Day 06: Kagi Village Stay (Sabbath)

Today you will join the village at their morning Church outing. There we will be able to join in with their singing or just listen to their beautiful voices. As this is the Sabbath we are not allowed to do any work, however we are able to take a walk to a nearby river or through the forest at a more leisurely pace.

Tonight you can relax and enjoy being spoilt by the porters with their delicious meals and kindness. You can assist the porters with preparing meals and learn about their native food. (B, L, D).

Day 07: Kagi Village Stay

This morning it's your turn to teach the children of Kagi. You will visit the school and engage with children in their classroom. You will have the opportunity to read with the children, share in some English lessons and enjoy many more activities all in the school environment.

Today is your last day to enjoy this remarkable experience of living with the village people of Kagi. After a day full of activities, tonight you will share in a special farewell.

Singing and dancing, sharing our traditional custom songs with each other, and your chance to capture the memorable moments on your camera with these amazing people. (B, L, D).

Day 08: (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 09: (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 10: (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 11: (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 Owers Corner. You will arrive at Owers 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 porters. Drive to Bomana War Cemetery to Port Moresby and then dropped off at our hotel.

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

Day 12: In the afternoon you will depart Port Moresby via Brisbane to home. (B)

• Risk Management Document
• An Australian and Local Guide for the entire expedition
• 2 nights accommodation at the Holiday Inn Port Moresby twin share
• For 10 - 14 Students you will receive 1 Free of Charge for Teachers use and for 15 - 20 Students you will receive a second FOC Teacher.
• Travel Insurance
• Town Tour
• Electrolyte supplement such as Hydralyte for expedition portion
• All domestic schedule flights within PNG
• Satellite phone for emergency purposes
• River rescue team and procedures
• 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.
• 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners. Meals on expedition include Curries and Pasta. (Dietary requirements can be incorporated)
• All transfers including those from the airport and from Owers Corner
• Visit Bomana War Cemetery
• Food for Porters including rice, noodles, biscuits, bully beef, milo and vegetables
• All accommodation outside of Port Moresby 
• Kokoda Track Permit
• Guides and porters (who carry all group equipment, food, set up tents etc)
• 1 to 1 Porter-Client ratio
• A rubbish Porter that takes all our rubbish and other operators rubbish from the Track
• Tent hire and floor mats.
• Snack Pack for each expedition day to get you between meals (including muesli bars, lollies and nuts)
• VHF Radio contact with Port Moresby, Kokoda and 10 other Track villages for emergency purposes. 
• No Roads Expedition T-shirt
• Access to our free of charge Weekend Walks (3 times per year)
• Urine and health chart
• Access to your Australian Guide for advise prior to the expedition