Security & Safety
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a very diverse tribal nation and like anywhere, its important to have an understanding of where you are going and what to expect. You can obtain broad travel advice about Papua New Guinea (PNG) from the Australian Federal Government at www.smartraveller.gov.au. You will notice is says "Overall: reconsider your need to travel" which is largely in the wake of Covid-19 and typical Australian Federal Governmental advice for PNG.
However, when it comes to your physical security, our team on the ground provide real time security and safety advice on a daily basis. Our trekking teams have been travelling into PNG for over 20 years and have never had a major security issue. Ground operations in PNG is all about relationships, reciprocity and respect which is why our on ground teams have been so very successful over a long period of time.
Arriving at Port Moresby (POM) is very straight forward just like arriving in any country. You will disembark the aircraft, pass through customs with your previously obtained Visa or get a Visa on arrival (the PNG Government does change Visa requirements from time to time but we will advise you). Collect your bags and go through Customs. Remember to be honest on your arrival card and adhere to the laws of the land. PNG authorities are well rehearsed with people arriving to walk the Kokoda Track so they expect to see snacks and trekking gear, particularly if you're travelling with a big rucksack.
Once through customs you will be met by your Australian Guide or one of our local guides, it will depend on our ground operations at the time. Once everyone is together, you will be transferred to your accomodation by the hotel curtesy bus, which is about a 5-8min drive. Its important to remember that PNG is very much still a third world country, therefore, it can be bit of a shock to the system and its important to listen to your guide/s and follow their instructions.
As you travel through POM to your hotel, you will notice gates, high fences, barbed and razor wire on top of walls and guards. It can be rather confronting, but it is like that for a reason. Quality hotels in POM are relatively safe, therefore, its important you don't leave the grounds unaccompanied, always check with your guide. Once in POM, you are very much amongst the minority and the domestic crime rate is high. Crime against tourists is rare because tourism is vital for PNGs survival, but, its always a possibility and you should never become complacent and always remain aware of your surroundings.
Under no circumstances should you leave your hotel after dark.
You will be safe to move in and around the hotel grounds, enjoy the facilities and enjoy the interaction with the wonderful staff. However, its still important to be aware of your surroundings and valuables. Lock doors and use the safe in your room for any valuables because, just like at home, opportunistic crime can still occur at times, however, our experience has been minimal over 20+ years.
Due to PNGs geographical location, rugged terrain and remoteness, one of PNGs most prominent modes of transport is by way of plane or helicopter.
Escorted by your Australian guide several porters, you will be transported from your hotel to POMs domestic airport. After checking in and passing security, you will most likely board a turbine twin prop, Dash 8-100 series, 36 seater aircraft. You will fly from POM and take in the spectacular landscape, rivers, mountains and villages and land on a tarmac at Popondetta. From Popondetta you will travel by road in a transporter truck to the Village of Kokoda where you will begin the journey of a lifetime.
Although the PNG people have been sustainably living off the land for thousands of years, villages along the Kokoda Track heavily rely on tourism for income. Therefore, it is their interest to look after and welcome tourist groups as they pass through, however, its important to maintain basic safety principles which your guides will explain.
Its also important to understand the dynamics of culture to which you are travelling. There is a strong Seventh Day Adventist religious observation along the Kokoda Track which must be respected by tourists. You can do so by applying the basic principles of reciprocity as you interact with people, observe and respect local traditions and religious moments such as the Sabbath and dressing modestly. Overall, it is very safe for individuals, tourists and school groups to trek along The Kokoda Track accompanied by a guide and/or tour operating company.
Remember you are in a foreign, third world country. Your ability to exercise certain freedoms and/or political activism/views will be restricted whilst you are in country and the consequences of doing so could jeopardise your safety.