04 Jul 2023

The Kokoda Track

TESA

Validity: 01 Apr 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

With dense greenery, difficult passes, glistening rivers and incredible views, it is hard to believe that the historic Kokoda Track was the site of one of the bloodiest battles for Australian troops in WWII. Discover the humbling history and remote beauty of the track on this 10-day adventure, with eight days of intense trekking through the Papua New Guinea mountains – a pilgrimage that honours those who fought and lost their lives here in 1942. With the guidance of your personal porter, trekking leader and a hardworking local crew to illuminate the wartime stories of the trail, this trip will see you testing your personal stamina on a journey through tiny villages and thick jungle.

Original

Walking & Trekking

On Foot,Plane,Private Vehicle

5

Trekking the Kokoda Track is physically demanding and training is essential. Any training programme should consist of aerobic exercise, strength building and hiking up and down hills with a backpack. We recommend that all trekkers over the age of 40 have an exercise stress test prior to commencement of training. Those with risk factors such as obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or strong family history of cardiac disease should consider an exercise stress test even if under the age of 40. Trekkers with known cardiac disease should have a stress echocardiogram or myocardial perfusion study prior to commencement of training. The historical length of the war-time track is 96 km, however today’s track measures roughly 165 km (this includes side trips and detours), which is the distance you will be walking. This equates to around 20 km per day. The track is a narrow, uneven, muddy path with numerous steep inclines and declines. The climate is hot and humid. Click here to view our Kokoda Training Guide: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/sites/intrepid/files/101701_Intrepid_KokodaTrack_Training.pdf

Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby

Islander Drive

Waigani

Port Moresby

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Phone: 675 3032002

The new Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby is next to the Holiday Inn Port Moresby (about 200m walk) in a great central location. Facilities include free wifi in room, colour tv, private facilities, air-con and a restaurant. Check in time from 2pm. Check out time by 11am

Arrival and departure transfers are complimentary if you advise your booking agent of your flight details (or any amendments) at least 2 weeks prior to departure. On arrival to Port Moresby Airport, once you clear customs you will be met by a representative from our local operator, South Sea Horizons. The airport transfer is only valid if you arrive today or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please ensure you provide us with your flight arrival time no later than seven days before your trip commences. If we do not receive this information we will not be able to meet you at the airport. Late night arrival in particular may make it difficult and daunting for you to make your way to the starting point on your own. If you have not provided us with your arrival information, you will need to look for a representative from Holiday Inn out the front of the airport to direct you to the transfer bus.

Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby

Islander Drive

Waigani

Port Moresby

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Phone: 675 3032002

The new Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby is next to the Holiday Inn Port Moresby (about 200m walk) in a great central location. Facilities include free wifi in room, colour tv, private facilities, air-con and a restaurant. Check in time from 2pm. Check out time by 11am

1.This tour involves a very physically and mentally challenging trek. Travellers MUST be in exceptional physical health to undertake this trip. A Passenger Self Assessment form is required when booking this trip, which you can access through your booking agent. 2.Strict luggage limits apply. Please see the 'Packing' section of the 'Essential trip information' for details. 3.Special Anzac Day departures operate on 15 April and 24 April. Dawn Service will be attended on 25 April (Anzac Day).

Our Kokoda trips are accompanied by a crew consisting of a tour leader, a lead man, and the porters. We have established a partnership directly with the local landowners to ensure that our clients receive not only the best value for their trip, but also the best cultural interactions possible. In choosing to support this collective of landowners, we have been able to select the best of the Kokoda Track's local guides and porters to work with us. Our guides have been trekking the Kokoda Track for up to 10-15 years and have learnt the skills, knowledge and tricks of the trade from many extremely experienced and long-established Kokoda Track tour operators. The collective was created by local experienced guides from the Kokoda Track, and its members represent a number of villages from Nauro to Eora Creek. The collective was formed with the objective to empower local landowners along the track and to enhance the international profile of local guides, many of whom are the original descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. We are working with the collective to provide ongoing training and development opportunities for local people - we hope that with time, our porters of today will gain the experience to become lead man, and ultimately tour leaders. TOUR LEADER: Each group will be assigned a local tour leader who will be responsible for communication with home base, decision making on the track and liaising between the lead man, porters and trekkers. The tour leader has ultimate responsibility for the group on the Track, and has the authority of us in all instances - including making decisions on whether a trekker can continue if sick or injured. Due to the remote locations being trekked and the limited resources available locally, it is imperative that the seniority of the tour leader is respected and supported by all trekkers. The lead man and porters will not act against the instruction of the tour leader. Any decisions made by the tour leader reflect the needs and safety of the whole group which must be prioritised above the wishes of individual clients. LEAD MAN: The lead man will be at the front end of the group at all times and is responsible for setting the pace for the trekking group. The lead man is the senior assistant to the tour leader and he will be in contact with the tour leader who is positioned at the back end of the group. PORTERS: Included in your tour cost is the assistance of a personal porter to carry your main kit. Please note that there is a weight limit of 10 kilograms for personal belongings carried by the porters as they will also carry your additional food and their own personal belongings.. Any additional items will need to be carried by the trekkers themselves in day-packs - each day you will be asked to carry your own water and one day’s snack pack as well as personal items such as your camera, guidebook etc. We include a 1:1 trekker to porter ratio to promote relationship building between porters and trekkers. Our aim is to provide greater employment opportunities for porters as well as ensuring that all our trekkers complete the trek from start to finish. For some trekkers, part of the challenge is to carry their own pack - we encourage you to take advantage of the porter's presence so that you can focus on enjoying the trek and staying safe and well. By nature, local people are quite shy, so if they offer their hand to assist you and you decline, they will wait for you to ask for help in the future. Their experience and kindness will astound you and we encourage you to use this unique opportunity to get to know them as much as possible. Try to look at your Kokoda Track trek as an exercise in partnership rather than as a challenge for the individual. Our intention is that the relationship between the trekkers and the porters becomes one of the most important experiences of the trip, reflecting the wartime bonds between Australian troops and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

EVACUATION: The Kokoda Track is isolated and medical, including emergency rescue services are not easily available. We have drawn up a contingency plan for evacuation from along the track in the unlikely event of a serious problem occurring, however even in the case of an emergency, evacuation services may not be accessible up to 48 hours after an incident occurring.

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements PAPUA NEW GUINEA Tourist visas are no longer available on arrival at Jacksons International Airport. Customers must apply for a visa prior to departure. Online visa applications can be done via the ICA website: www.ica.gov.pg Please note online visa’s will incur a US$50 processing fee.

Trek the famous Kokoda Track the ethical way. We partner with a local cooperative that ensures local communities benefit directly from your visit.

Hear incredible tales of wartime courage from the local historian in Brigade Hill

Hike up the arid spines of mountains and through valleys of lush rainforest, stopping to cool off in pristine rivers along the way.

Meet the people who live in this region, learn about the local cultures and contribute to these small and remote communities.

Trek every step with a personal porter, trekking leader and crew – all locals – to ensure that you have the best experience possible while supporting employment in the region.

While literature refers to the historic wartime track as 96 kilometres in length, today’s track measures roughly 165 kilometres including side trips and detours, which is the distance you will be walking on this tour. This equates to around 20 kilometres per day. The physical challenges of the Kokoda Track are immense. Expect long, demanding days of hiking through steep, sometimes slippery terrain, often to points of high altitude and under a hot sun. Mornings are early, with the daily trek commencing at sunrise. You will be required to complete a Passenger Self-Assessment form for this trip, available from your booking agent. We also recommend you undertake a training program before you begin. Due to the strenuous nature of the trek, the minimum age for this trip is 18 years old. Bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, cannot be accepted. The accommodation on the trek is basic and multishare, often in communal village huts or tents. Please note that you will be sharing a mixed gender sleeping space unless camping. Tents are provided and carried by your porter. This trip is operated by our trusted partner South Sea Horizons, however you will be travelling on a dedicated Intrepid departure. Intrepid works closely with South Sea Horizons to ensure that all of our customers have a meaningful and safe time on the track.

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. MALARIA & MOSQUITO BORNE DISEASES: Please be aware of the high malarial risk in PNG - it has the highest rate of infection in the world. The most effective method of malaria prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Liberal use of insect repellent and mosquito netting are essential. We strongly recommend you discuss the malaria situation with your doctor and take the precautions recommended. . Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases also occur, including in Port Moresby. Cases of chikungunya virus have also been reported since 2012. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and to take measures to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and using a mosquito net at night. The mosquito-borne disease Japanese encephalitis is a risk throughout PNG but the risk to short-term visitors to urban areas is relatively low. A Japanese encephalitis vaccine is registered for use and is currently available in Australia. For further details please consult your travel health doctor. MEDICATIONS & MEDICAL CONDITIONS: If you require any personal medications, please discuss storage requirements with your doctor well in advance. Some medications are sensitive to temperature or must be kept dry - conditions on the Track may require adjustments to your normal medication. We strongly recommend that you carry a back-up set of medication to be carried separately by the tour leader or your personal porter. Please advise the tour leader at the pre-departure meeting in Port Moresby if you are taking medication - this information will be treated in the strictest confidence, but may assist medical staff to make decisions in the unlikely event of a medical evacuation from the Track. TRAVELLER'S DIARRHOEA: Diarrhoea during travel is thought to affect 10 million travellers each year. The most common cause is a bacteria called E. coli. Traveller’s diarrhoea is characterized by frequent loose bowel motions, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. On the Kokoda Track, it can complicate an already gruelling exercise with severe dehydration and fatigue. The bacteria that cause traveller’s diarrhoea are sensitive to some antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and azithromycin. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment is not recommended for healthy adults. This risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea can be substantially decreased by strict adherence to simple hygiene precautions. Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet, purify all water, ensure food is freshly cooked and fruit (and nuts) are peeled. For those who get traveller’s diarrhoea while on the Trail, a single large dose of antibiotic is usually all that is required. CHAFING & FOOT CARE: Chafing is a potentially serious problem in the moist jungle environment of the Kokoda Track, leading to bleeding, skin infections and extreme discomfort. It can be prevented by the wearing of bike-pants-style elastic undergarments such as Skins. Careful, early attention should be given to any areas that appear to be chafing with liberal use of barrier ointments like Bepanthen. Infected chafing areas may require antibiotic therapy. Foot care is vital on the Kokoda Trail. Worn-in, supportive waterproof boots are a necessity. We recommend inner and outer hiking socks to minimise shearing, with at least a new set every second day. Ensure toenails are trimmed throughout the trek. Where possible, allow your feet to dry (eg. lunchbreaks, during the evening). When crossing creeks without your boots on, be sure to wear reef sandals or Croc-style shoes to avoid cuts and scratches from submerged rocks. Take similar care while bathing in the creeks and streams. Fungal infections can be prevented by the application of antifungal powder or cream in the evenings. Prevention of blisters can be achieved by applying hydrocolloid pad dressings (eg Dr Scholl, Spenco) to pressure areas. These often come off in extreme moisture and require an elastoplast dressing over the top to remain in place. The common pressure areas are the side of the big toe and the ball of the foot, but obviously this varies and individuals should become familiar with their particular pressure areas during training. Treatment of blisters consists of keeping them clean and avoiding further abrasion. Commercial blister pads (Dr Scholl, Spenco, Band-Aid) are useful for this purpose. Antibiotics may be required if the blisters become infected with bacteria. INJURIES: The Kokoda Track traverses slippery, steep, uneven slopes and sometimes treacherous river crossings. Almost any injury is possible. Those suffering serious injuries will require evacuation, usually by a combination of jungle stretcher and helicopter. Injury prevention measures include boots with good ankle support and grip and trekking poles - one or two, depending on personal preference. Trekking poles decrease the amount of force going through your knee and ankle joints and also provide stability on slippery downhills. It is also important to accept assistance from your personal porter - decreasing the load on your back will improve your balance and decrease back strain injuries. Your personal porter will also assist you across log bridges and in slippery areas of the track. PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME: One of the most common injuries on the Track is an overuse injury known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee). This condition has a variety of causes, but on the Track is due to repetitive knee flexion with extra weight loading the joint. Pain is usually felt behind the kneecap, especially when going downhill. To minimise this injury it is important to warm up and stretch properly before each day, wear good, supportive footwear and carry trekking poles to decrease the load on the knee joint. You may also benefit from quadricep strengthening during training or from taping or bracing the knee joint - see your physiotherapist if you are experiencing these symptoms in your training. Anti-inflammatory tablets can aid in pain reduction and decrease the inflammation. Once the condition has started, the treatment begins with rest which may not be possible so prevention is vital. FLUIDS: Your body's fluid balance will be placed under considerable stress while hiking in the humid mountain jungle of Papua New Guinea. The risk of dehydration is increased during strenuous exercise, in hot climates and when suffering illnesses such as diarrhoea. Some blood pressure medications called diuretics can also increase your risk of dehydration. Symptoms include increased thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine output, weakness, fatigue and confusion. Severe dehydration can lead to seizures, coma and death. Too much fluid can be equally dangerous. The practice of "drinking as much as possible" has lead to a condition called exercise associated hyponatraemia (EAH). A near-fatal case occurred on the Kokoda Trail in 2006 with the trekker requiring helicopter evacuation to Intensive Care in Port Moresby Hospital. Symptoms of EAH include lightheadedness, confusion, weakness, seizures and even death. Just how much should you drink? The best guide is your body's thirst requirement. Only drink fluids when you are thirsty. A rough guide is a maximum volume of 750ml/hour, with 1000ml/hour the absolute limit. AFTER YOU RETURN: Many tropical insect- and water-borne diseases including malaria, dengue fever and typhoid fever have an incubation period of from 3 days up to a couple of months after infection. If you become unwell after the trip, especially if your illness is accompanied by a fever, it is important to see a doctor and inform them about your recent travel to Papua New Guinea.

We provide freshly prepared meals when you are on the trek, as well as some additional snacks for each trekker. Wherever possible our meals are also supplemented using fruit and vegetables from the villages that we pass through. You will be asked to pay for your own hotel meals in Port Moresby. All other meals are included in the cost of the expedition. Local food consists of various combinations of the following: rice, pasta, sweet potato, potato, yams, corn, taro, oranges, mandarins, cabbage, bananas, pineapples, paw paws, sago and coconut. Clients who have special dietary requirements should discuss with us their specific needs well in advance of departure so that we can try to plan food that is suitable for you. Trekkers are advised to carry some money (approximately PGK100-150) in small amounts, as limited additional supplies can be purchased along the track if you wish.

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. ACCESSING MONEY: The US dollar and Australian dollar are also major currencies and easily changeable. We advise not trying to exchange funds into Kina outside of PNG as the rates will be very poor. The best advice is to carry AU$ cash. This, along with major foreign currencies, can be changed in banks throughout the country, especially in Port Moresby. There are ATMs and exchange points in Port Moresby, Kokopo and Rabaul. Please note that costs in PNG are surprisingly high as many goods must be imported from Australia. You should budget A$60-$100 per day per person for meals and expenses at our hotels in Port Moresby and East New Britain. All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket. Whilst tipping trekking crew is optional, many people are generally happy to give a tip at the end of their Kokoda trek. As a guide, porters are usually tipped around K100.00 per person. Tips are usually collected as a group at the end of the trek and given to the Trek leader, who distributes amongst all members of the trekking crew including guides, cooks and porters.

EQUIPMENT: A rucksack to pack your belongings in (carried by your porter and provided to you on day 1 of the trip), day pack to pack items needed while trekking (to be carried by you) are both included in the cost of your tour. Max weight of your rucksack and day pack combined should not be more than 12kg. We recommend the following items for your trek (non-essential items are marked with an * ). • Sleeping mat - we have simple foam sleeping mats we can provide however they may have been used multiple times prior to your trip. We encourage you to bring your own for comfort. • Trekking poles (we do not supply these) •A light weight sleeping bag that is good to around -2 degrees Celsius. •An inflatable pillow * . •A silk or cotton sleeping sheet *. •A spare bag for leaving your extra clothes in storage in Port Moresby during your trek. •Strong plastic bags or a dry bag to waterproof the contents of your backpack and daypack. •Cutlery set - plate and/or bowl, large cup/mug, knife, fork & spoon. •A multi-purpose pocket knife (do not place in cabin luggage on flights). •Head torch (practical and light, LED versions are efficient). Remember to bring a spare bulb and batteries. •Two one-litre water bottles/bladders that are strong and light. Bear in mind water-purifying tablets take 1 hour to work so you should always have a backup water bottle or 2 water bladders to rotate. • Camera *. A waterproof camera is strongly suggested - alternatively investigate if there is a waterproof casing (designed for watersports) available for your particular model of camera. If you wish to bring a good quality camera that is not waterproof consider a quality dry bag from an outdoors shop to protect it. Take spare batteries and resist the temptation to constantly 'review' digital images as there will be no opportunities for recharging outside Port Moresby. •Sunglasses •Book or cards for down time * •Lightweight, quick dry towel

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR •At least one set of non-trekking clothes for air travel, hotel use and to change back into when you return to Port Moresby. •A pair of strong, comfortable, worn-in hiking boots (wear these on the plane just in case your bag gets lost - broken-in boots are hard to replace!) •A pair of strong jogging shoes or cross trainers. •A pair of cool outdoor walking sandals for river crossings. •Gaiters * •A woolen or polypropylene jumper/sweater. •Thermal long-john style underwear and top, or tracksuit to use for sleeping wear. •Waterproof windcheater/rain jacket. •Sarongs or wrap-arounds are recommended for women when bathing in rivers, etc. •A comfortable wide-brimmed hat with chin-strap or similar, which will survive getting wet regularly. •Adequate underwear that is comfortable when wet. Lycra pants or cycling shorts are recommended, to prevent chafing. •Several changes of socks. Some people find it best to wear two pairs while walking. •Two changes of comfortable walking clothes. These must be strong, lightweight and comfortable when wet. One set can include shorts, whilst the other should include longs. You should also have leggings (gaiters) for protection of the lower leg. It is important that your shirts should have loose fitting long sleeves that can be rolled up in the shade or down to protect your arms in the sun. Cotton-based fabric is often more comfortable in the heat, though modern high-tech fibres are also excellent. •Swimming costume (for washing in rivers - nothing too revealing) *

PERSONAL ITEMS •'Prickly heat' powder •Personal first-aid kit (see notes below). Please note that important personal medication should be in duplicate and one given to your tour leader or personal porter as a backup •Mosquito net (tents provided have mosquito nets) •Insect repellent •Water-resistant high protection sun screen and lip balm •Toiletries such as tooth brush, germicidal soap (such as Sapoderm), small tube of biodegradable shampoo •Hand Sanitizer •Toilet paper (pack in zip-lock plastic bag). Articles such as your toothpaste should also be packed in zip-lock plastic bags or small plastic containers •Sports drink powder - useful for masking the taste of purified water •Water purifying tablets •Ear plugs •Small items as gifts for local people. You will make friends with local people and they will often offer gifts. It is good to have something useful as a return gift. E.g. T-shirts (large), pocket knifes, simple jewellery, trendy hats etc. •Extra high-energy 'nibbles' for hiking days. There will be opportunity to purchase some items after arrival but your favourites may not be available. •Spending money for souvenirs, hotel drinks and those meals that are not included.

PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT: Please advise the Tour Leader at the Pre-Departure Meeting in Port Moresby if you are taking medication - this information will be treated in the strictest confidence, but may assist medical staff to make decisions in the unlikely event of a medical evacuation from the Track. •Ibuprofen or similar anti-inflammatories •Antibiotics – we recommend cephalexin (for wound infections, urinary tract infections) and ciprofloxacin (for diarrhoea), •Antihistamine – for allergies, insect bites/stings, antifungal ointment or powder, •Bepanthen or similar barrier ointment, , •Disinfectant gel for handwashing, •Waterproof elastoplast, •Strapping tape, •Blister dressings – prevention and treatment, •Band-Aids (waterproof),

We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/ SHARE YOUR STORY: Thousands of people each year trek through the jungles of the Owen Stanley Ranges in the footsteps of heroes. What inspired you to Do Kokoda? Everyone treks Kokoda for a reason. As one of the most significant wartime campaigns in Australia’s history, it’s a pilgrimage to trek the trail like our ancestors did, it’s a bonding activity with family, friends or workmates, it’s the physical challenge of trekking 96km through the dense jungle, it’s the selflessness in doing it for charity… or it’s a combination of these. Whatever the motivation, every Kokoda trek creates unforgettable memories. We want to hear your Kokoda story. Share your extraordinary stories of trekking Kokoda here, the world wants to know why it means so much to so many. http://www.dokokoda.com/stories/share-your-story/

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: Intrepid’s Local Operator: +675 73885036; +675 70190972; +675 7100 9934‬

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/rt/responsibletraveller

We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. The Intrepid Kokoda Track includes a personal porter for each traveller trekking with us. This service is included in the trip price, and guarantees you have every assistance you need throughout the trek. Included in the trip price is also a food porter at the ratio of one porter to every two Intrepid travellers. By including these services, we ensure we are supporting local employment in Papua New Guinea whilst providing you with the highest level of service throughout your journey.

Hotel (2 nts),Village community hut or camping (8 nts)