How about we say 28 February 2017 will be the cut off for the Kokoda Trek nominations.
OK to all potential trekkers. It's time to commit to this trek or flag it away as a bad joke!
I've just done some airline searches and as predicted, prices are rising so I'll be making bookings shortly. The Goroka airfares have gone up about $100 to $558 rtn and the BNE-PNP/POM-BNE have also increased by about $100. It's not earth shattering, but it is time or we'll be out in the cold. Kokoda Track Authority have also increased their track fee (minimally, but it all adds up).
We did say end of Feb, which is now been and gone and I did suggest we could hold off for a few, but come Monday 13th March, I'll be closing off nominations, calculating final prices and asking for everyone to book their flights and accommodation and I'll notify the Kokoda Track authority and the trek lead as to final numbers so we can lock in the porters and I'll then develop the emergency medical evacuation plan and lodge it with an experienced evacuation company out of POM. All nominating trekkers will be expected to provide details of their travel insurance prior to the trek, so any mishap can be dealt with promptly and efficiently should it be needed. Be advised also, the track communities have agreed to require trekkers to respect their religion (SDA) and observe Sabbath on the Saturday, which has been tailored into this trek. From what I've been reading, many trekkers actually like this concept as it gives a rest day for weary muscles and a good chance to immerse into village life for a day.
For those thinking of the Air Niugini Goroka package, I did get a response last week as shown below... it's gone up from last year and I really dislike being tied into a 3 night package, so I doubt I'll be going for it, choosing instead to do a FIFO on the day. Anyone who is interested may wish to contact Air Niugini directly to book it but if you PM me, I'll send the ladies contact details (I don't wish to advertise her contact details in case of spam).
OK so nominate away ... and remember this is the 75th commemoration year since the Kokoda fighting.
The proposed trek (not set in stone and open to modification) is:
3/9 – Travel from Australia to Popondetta (Air Niugini), then on to Buna (private transfer – bus or truck), o/night in Buna.
4/9 – Relax in Buna – Sightseeing, relics, snorkelling, o/night in Buna.
5/9 – Travel to Kokoda (private transfer – bus or truck), sightseeing in Kokoda and lunch, start trek, o/night in Deniki.
6/9 – Trek Deneki – Isurava Battlefield – Con’s rock – o/night in Alola Village.
7/9 – Trek Alola Village – Eora Creek (Japanese artillery placements) – o/nightat Templeton’s Crossing.
8/9 – Trek Templeton’s Crossing – Myola Lakes or Kagi Pass - o/night in Kagi Village.
9/9 – Sabbath rest day – o/night Kagi Village.
10/9 – Trek Kagi Village – Brigade Hill – Efogi Village – o/night Menari Village.
11/9 – Trek Menari Village – o/nightin Nauro Village.
12/9 – Trek Nauro Village – Ofi Creek – Ioribaiwa Village – o/night at Va-Ule Creek
13/9 – Trek Va-Ule Creek – Imtra Ridge – Goldie Creek –Owers Corner – Bomana War Cemetery – o/night in Port Moresby.
14/9- 15/9 – Relax and recover in Port Moresby or Loloata Island. o/night Port Moresby or Loloata Island.
16/9 – Travel to Goroka, visit show, travel back to Port Moresby. Travel via Air Niugini, o/nightPort Moresby.
17/9 – Travel back to Australia
1. Accommodation at TheBird of Paradise Hotel (only 3 roomsleft)
Total Package Cost @PGK3962.00 perperson based on Twin Share
INCLUSIONS
Ø Round Trip airfaresPOM/GOROKA/POM
Ø 3 NightsAccommodation–Standard Room Twin Double share
Ø Break Fast ,PicnicLunch
Ø Dinner with evening entertainment
Ø Complimentary Wifiand Transport to & Fro from the Show Ground
Ø Complimentaryairport transfers
Ø 3 Days VIP ShowPass/Badge
Ø All Taxes &Surcharges
2. Accommodation at EmmanuelLodge-North Goroka (Find attached pictures)
Total Package Cost @PGK2481.00 perperson based on Twin Share
INCLUSIONS
Ø Round Trip airfaresPOM/GOROKA/POM
Ø 3 NightsAccommodation- Room Twin Share
Ø Break Fast
Ø ComplimentaryTransport to & Fro from the Show Ground
Ø Complimentaryairport transfers
Ø 3 Days VIP ShowPass/Badge
Ø All Taxes &Surcharges
Please do provide names once youare ready to make reservations as we have limited rooms and flight seatsavailable.
***Booking Terms andConditions Apply***
Prices are subject to changedepending on availability at time of reservations and fluctuations of currencyrates for the day/ and or sudden tax changes.