Detailed Itinerary

Expedition Type: Jungle Trek

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Port Moresby to be met by your Trekforce leadership team before boarding a flight to the town of Lae in Morobe Province. On arrival here we transfer our equipment to a series of 4x4's for the 3 hour journey into the highlands. As we steadily climb from the humid valley we pass through numerous small villages and cross several rivers, and finally reach the small town of Wau at around sunset.

Day 2
Although at a high elevation of around 1500m above sea level, the heat and humidity of the region requires you to slowly acclimatise to the climate before beginning the trekking phase of the expedition. A leisurely start allows us to explore the local food markets and region around Wau and our leadership and medical staff will also take this opportunity to brief the team on medical issues to be aware of in the rainforest and our communications and casualty evacuation procedures.

Day 3
Today we rejoin the 4x4 vehicles to travel on a steep and rough road to the small village of Aseki, deep in the highlands. Here traditional dress is still sometimes seen, and traditional values are still largely prevalent. The village is also famous for some of its other inhabitants - a group of carefully preserved smoked bodies; recent ancestors of the tribes people in the area, who watch over the valley from a vantage point in the hills. Although no longer practiced, villagers used to preserve the bodies of their elders and place them under cliff edges as mark of respect. We are incredibly privileged to be able to see them. After a short visit we return to Wau to organise and sort equipment for the following day.

Day 4
Today we take further opportunities to explore the region. In the morning we travel to the trail head for an acclimatisation trek to the wreckage of a crashed WWII bomber, still in place on a hillside above the town. In the afternoon we go white water rafting with the team and experienced local guides down a section of the Bulolo river.

Day 5
Our first day of trekking takes us higher still into the mountains through kunai grassland to meet the edge of the rainforest. Views from here are spectacular, and the rugged terrain allows a glimpse of the challenges ahead. The Black Cat Track, described as one of the hardest treks in the world, traverses 60km of mountain ranges, split by vertical drops and raging rivers. As we trek, we will be guided by two local guides, and our leaders will take time to teach you about the flora and fauna you will see en route. Our first night will be spent in hammocks in the jungle, a perfect way to start your rainforest experience!

Day 6
From our camp we will leave early to follow a good trail further into the mountains. Although the trail contours the hills it becomes increasingly steep and covered with vegetation as we progress. Occasionally steep drops and landslides force us into finding new routes as we make our way steeply up to Skindiwai village, where we will stay for our second night. Perched high on a hillside, the village commands a fantastic view over the canopy, and is perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Tonight we sleep in a small thatched house in the village.

Day 7
From Skindiwai we begin a long and exhausting days trekking through the heart of the mountains. A series of tough traverses and enormous drops punctuate the trek, and on several occasions we are forced to use ropes to protect the most difficult sections. Constantly loose and unstable, this is the hardest day of the trek. After a steep final climb however, we reach the most beautiful village in the region for our night's camp. Traditionally placed on the top of inaccessible hills for defence from warring neighbouring tribes, the views and the hospitality of the village of Gaudogosol will take your breath away.

Day 8
Today marks the end of the first section of mountains, and leaving the village we descend steeply to the Bitoi river for the first of many swift river crossings. As the valley opens out we are afforded with incredible views of the mountain ranges above us, and we walk in the sunshine for the first time. Many hours of traversing and crossing the Bitoi river lead us to a small tributary which leads back up to the next range of mountains. We make a jungle camp here by the side of the river in a stunning spot.

Day 9
From our camp we climb steeply again into the next mountain range to reach a small abandoned settlement with views of the coast. After a rest we continue along a ridgeline which descends through the site of one of the most fiercely fought battles of WWII. Bomb craters, armaments and trenches are still clearly seen, which only highlight further the remoteness of the area. A swift descent of the range leads us into the extremely friendly village of Komiatum, who guide us to the Fransisco river nearby. We spend the night on a sandy beach by the river under the stars.

Day 10
Today we trek back into the forest to search for bamboo and vine to construct a raft which we can then use to complete the trek, by rafting the final section of around 10km. After a morning of construction and testing, with a discussion of river safety from the leaders, we set off, aiming to spend a night in final camp by the river before reaching the coast the following day.

Day 11
Our final day trekking. A pre dawn start sees us re-boarding the rafts to complete the short run to the coast. If all goes well, we arrive on the beautiful beach of Salamaua as the sun rises above the Pacific, and we have a breakfast of fresh fruit relaxing in the surf. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on the beach or exploring the WWII relics around the area. An evening meal of barbecued fish and local delicacies is prepared by the villagers to complete the day.

Day 12
We start the day early to catch a boat back to the town of Lae, which is an ideal opportunity to see the terrain we have just crossed from the coast. We are then met by our 4x4's to be transported to the airport for our transfers back to Port Moresby. By early evening we are in our hotel in Port Moresby for our final meal of the trip.

Day 13
Depart for national or international transfers

Country Info

Papua New Guinea, South Pacific

Located in the South Western Pacific Ocean, PAPUA NEW GUINEA is one of the most diverse countries on Earth with over 850 indigenous languages and an equivalent number of indigenous societies. This is the perfect opportunity to complete a worthwhile conservation expedition as part of a round the world trip to Australia or direct from Australia itself.

Safety & Support

This expedition has a difficulty rating of 3 out of 4.

For more information on Trekforce Worldwide's safety & back up click here.

Photos