DAY 1 - KOKODA TO DENIKI

Thursday 23 April

The trekkers arrived at Port Moresby international airport yesterday and were met by their Australian guide, Mick and and transported back to the 5 star Hilton Hotel. A few enjoyed a swim while others had an afternoon nap and in the evening they gathered for a pre-trek briefing & dinner and off to bed.

They enjoyed a a bit of a sleep in this morning as their flight to Popondetta was delayed by 3 hours. They had a nice hot breakfast at the 5 star Hilton Hotel, then it was a 15 minutes journey to the domestic airport for a for a 30 minute flight to Popondetta. Once arriving in Popondetta they made there way to town to pick up some supplies and a few snacks. Then they boarded a private troop carrier for a 2.5 hour journey to Kokoda, which turned out to be a 3.5 hour drive instead due to the poor conditions of the road between Popendetta and Kokoda. They stopped on the way at historic sites as Wairopi, the Kumusi River, Awala, Oivi and Gorari.

Once arriving in Kokoda they inspected the Kokoda Plateau, museum and discussed more of the history of the Kokoda campaign and battles there.

Then it was lunch here before being introduced to their local guides and porters.

Due to the 3-hour flight delay to Popendetta and the extra 1-hour travel time from Popendetta to Kokoda the trekkers will be staying overnight in Kokoda. They will then begin their first day of trekking in the early hours of tomorrow.