Wander Women

• Accurate and balanced history delivered by your female Australian Guide
• Learn about the culture and traditions of women in Papua New Guinea
• Understand what Australian and Japanese soldiers endured during WWII
• Amazing terrain and river crossings (great swimming) 
• Wander through the most pristine rain forests in the world 
• Get to know the wonderful local people and listen to them sing with their beautiful singing voices 
• Undertake a challenge that will push your body and spirit to new levels
• Massage after your trek
• Spend a day relaxing at Loloata Island

Trekking Kokoda is one of the most empowering treks you can complete and No Roads Expeditions want to encourage more women to trek Kokoda.

Kokoda is a tough trek, you need physical toughness to complete it, but more than that you will require mental toughness, which makes Kokoda a trek that is perfect for women.

We suspect you have lots of questions about trekking Kokoda, which is fantastic and what we are here for. There is a mountain of information on our dedicated Kokoda Site, but please feel free to pick up the phone, talk to us on our online chat or email us with additional questions.

We have many females who trek with us on our Australian Led Kokoda however, the majority of trips have a higher proportion of men on them. This is why we have created a female-only trek, for those women who would prefer to trek Kokoda with other women. 

Join No Roads Kokoda guide, Kate Johnson on a trip of a lifetime where you will not only learn about the history of Kokoda but also spend time with local women and learn about what it is like to be a woman in Papua New Guinea, and their unique customs and traditions.

On return to Port Moresby spend a day at the newly revamped Loloata Island which is perfect for a day of rest and relaxation.

If trekking with a group of like-minded adventurous females through the Papua New Guinea jungle is the trip you have been dreaming of, you have come to the right place.

Walking the Kokoda Trail involves 50 hours of hiking over 96km of sharp, timbered ridges, steep-sided valleys and fast flowing rivers. Vantage points along the Track reveal magnificent mountain landscapes, and a wide variety of flora and fauna is encountered. Trekkers pass through local villages where descendants of the wartime "fuzzy wuzzy angels" continue to live simple traditional lifestyles while providing a warm welcome to passing trekkers.

No Roads Expeditions utilises both tents as well as engages village guest houses along the Kokoda Track to supply accommodation and some meals for our trekkers and local guides. This not only reduces the amount of food and equipment carried by the trekking party, but also injects greater economic benefits into the micro-economies of the village communities along the Kokoda Track.

Our food includes coconut milk curries, vegetarian pastas, fried rice, prawn crackers, damper even pizzas and donuts (if you are super nice to your guide). We do not use rehydratable vegetables and we don't supply baked beans, just delicious and nutritious meals. We cater very well for Vegetarians and Vegans as well as people who follow a gluten-free diet.

Our guides are the lifeblood of No Roads and we could not operate along the Kokoda Track without them and their intimate knowledge of the Track. They are well paid, well fed and motivated to provide you with a great experience. They set up tents, boil water, help you along the Track and, at night, sing songs and deliver cultural talks.

On our trek, you will have the choice each night of sleeping in village guest houses or in tents (many trekkers choose to mix it up and try out both options).

Here are some Kokoda Trekking Tips that are a great place to start your planning.

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

Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby and transfer to your hotel.
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 (Dump 1). Visit Japanese artillery placement and many foxholes
Day 5: Templeton's Crossing One to Kagi via Kagi Gap or Myola. Kagi was home to the last Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel on the Track who sadly passed away in December 2017
Day 6: Rest in the village on the Sabbath.
Day 7: Kagi to Menari via Brigade Hill
Day 8: Menari to Nauro
Day 9: Nauro to Vuale Creek. Today we will pass through Iorabawa and Ofi Creek.
Day 10: Vuale Creek to Owers Corner. Then on to Port Moresby. Visit Bomana War Cemetery along the way.
Day 11: Day visit to Loloata Island for rest and relaxation.
Day 12: Port Moresby to Home or onto another PNG destination.

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 $570 will apply. 

INSURANCE: It is mandatory for you to have appropriate insurance for this expedition. Click here to obtain information on how to receive a 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 an extra 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 landowners. 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.

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 recruited from all along the Kokoda Track, 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. Vegans and vegetarian trekkers are very well catered for and certainly will kept very well fed with delicious food.

Camp breakfast is billy tea/milo/coffee with damper and porridge or Weetbix and Corn Flakes with powdered milk. Occasionally we also have banana fritters. Camp lunch is noodles, pasta, cuppa soups, biscuits and cheese.

We also provide you with 9 days of electrolyte replacement such as Hydralyte, 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 where you will be met by our local team and transferred to your hotel. Pre-expedition briefing by your guide and welcome dinner. (D)

Day 02: (Approximately 3 hours of trekking)
Depart Port Moresby early this morning for your 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.

You begin your trek at Kokoda and 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: (Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking)
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: (Approximately 9 hours of trekking)
Hike from Alola via Eora Creek to Templeton's Crossing 1, at the base of Mt Belamy. This is a long day but a really fascinating day with both historical and natural points of interest. (B,L,D)

Day 05: (Approximately 8 hours of trekking)
Trek from Templeton's 1 to our home village, Kagi. Today you will ascend Mt Bellamy, the highest point of the Kokoda Track (2190m). Excellent 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 is had tonight. Overnight village guest house or tents. (B,L,D)

Day 06: Day of Rest
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. Afterward, we will take a leisurely stroll to a local natural wonder, relaxing and letting our muscles rest before the next day's trek. Overnight in the village of Kagi (B,L,D)

Day 07: (Approximately 9 hours of trekking)
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: (Approximately 5 hours of trekking)
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: (Approximately 7 hours of trekking)
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: (Approximately 4-5 hours of trekking)
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 an air-conditioned bus with a BBQ lunch, bubbles and cold drinks that you will share with your guides and local team. Drive to Bomana War Cemetery to Port Moresby and then dropped off at our hotel. Enjoy a 60 minute massage at Divine Beauty at the Holiday Inn. We will spend the night dining with our Australian guide, local guides and other friends we have made on the Kokoda Track. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Loloata Island
You will be transferred by coach and by boat to the stunning Loloata Island. Spend the day here relaxing by one of the resort pools or private beaches or enjoy a cocktail at one of the bars. Return this afternoon to the Holiday Inn. (B)

Day 12: Transfer from hotel to your flight home or next destination. (B)

• 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.
• 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners. Meals on expedition include Curries and Pasta. All prepared by a trained MasterChef. (Dietary requirements such as vegetarians/vegans/gluten intolerant can be incorporated)
• All transfers including those from the airport and from Owers Corner
• Visit Bomana War Cemetery
• 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
• A 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 & Suites)
• 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
• Access to your Australian Guide for advice prior to the expedition
• Access to FREE weekend walks before and after the expedition (Victoria and NSW)

• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Personal spending money
• Tips for General Guides
• Any meals not listed as included