When planning to complete the journey along the Kokoda Trail the most common question we are asked is whether it is safe.
The Kokoda Trail is a rugged and remote 138 kilometre jungle path across some of the most hazardous terrain most people will ever traverse. The trail itself can be quite dangerous with steep jungle clad mountains and swift-flowing rivers/creeks strewn with large rocky boulders. Much of the area is inaccessible by helicopter. Rivers and creeks can rise rapidly after heavy rain in the catchment area and can be dangerous to cross.
In order to minimise risk it is therefore essential to trek with a reputable Kokoda tour company.
If an emergency occurs it is vital that your trek leader is experienced and capable of handling the situation. It is essential that they are equipped with a satellite phone and VHF radio with a reliable back-to-base line of communication that maintains a 24/7 listening watch in Port Moresby.
As a trekker you need to ensure you are protected with a personal Travel Insurance policy to cover your medical evacuation and treatment costs should you become sick or suffer a personal injury. It is your responsibility to ensure the insurer you select will approve immediate helicopter evacuation from the Kokoda Trail if the call is made by your trek leader.
You also need to ensure the operator you choose to trek with has suitable Public Liability Insurance protection. If they don't have it don't even think about trekking with them.
You should not confuse Personal Travel Insurance (your responsibility) with Public Liability Insurance (your tour company's responsibility).
Adventure Kokoda only use trek guides and personal carriers from the Koiari and Orokaiva people who live along the trail. These are descendents of the famous 'fuzzy-wuzzy angels' who look after our trekkers just as their fathers looked after our diggers.
Our trek leaders are trained emergency evacuation procedures and are qualified in remote area first aid. They also carry satellite phones and VHF radios with direct links to our operational HQ in Port Moresby which is monitored 24/7 during our treks.
Adventure Kokoda is one of the few trekking companies to complete a comprehensive risk assessment of the trek and has been able to secure public liability insurance protection for trekkers as a result. The policy has a limit of A$10 million per claim.
Our good relationship formed over the past 30 years with our guides, carriers and the people living along the trail ensures our trekkers have a safe passage.
Why Trek with Adventure Kokoda
Our primary goal is to lead you safely across the Kokoda Trail and ensure you have an unforgettable wartime historical and cultural experience.
Charlie has led 101 expeditions across the Kokoda Trail over the past 32 years.
He previously served in the Australian Army for 21 years. During this time he saw active service in Vietnam; was assigned to the joint Australian, New Zealand and British (ANZUK) Force in Singapore/ Malaysia from 1970-72, and as an exchange instructor in Airborne Logistics with the United States Army from 1977-78. He is a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College.
See for yourself!
Tackling the Kokoda Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and, whilst there's nothing like actually being there, you can get a feel for what to expect with some of our videos.
Take a closer look now and see why over 7,500 people have trusted us to bring this historical and cultural journey to life, leading them safely across the trail and ensuring they have an unforgettable experience.