Safety and Security

Kokoda Trail Trek Safety and Security

Client safety is our primary concern and Kokoda Trail Expeditions has implemented a detailed and comprehensive emergency preparedness strategy for all of our treks. Recent tragic events on the Kokoda Trail can all be attributed to either insufficient training or a lack of planning and preparedness. The safest way to attempt a Kokoda Trail trek is with an insured and a reputable trekking company with experienced guides, well developed emergency preparedness and evacuation plans and the proper safety equipment.

Kokoda Trail Emergency Preparedness

  • Our guides and porters are extremely experienced, knowledgeable and patient. Each of our guides has trekked the Kokoda Trail a minimum of 25 times, with our head guide, Mr. Johnson Ibara, having completed his 72nd trek on 6th July 2010. They know the trail well and can plan accordingly should there be any sudden change in route due to an emergency situation.
  • We provide training for all of our trek employees in First Aid, Communications, Survival Skills, Leadership, Evacuation Skills and Risk Management in addition to putting our local trek leaders and guides through rigorous emergency scenario-planning exercises.
  • Our lead guides carry both VHF Radios and Satellite phones on each trek.
  • We have mapped out evacuation points along the entire trail route and designated helipads and airstrips along the Kokoda Trail and in the Buna, Gona and Sanananda for emergency evacuation.
  • We register every trek with the Kokoda Trail Authority and are in close communication with KTA rangers for the duration of the trek.

Insurance & Licensing

  • It is absolutely important that you trek with a reputable trekking company when planning your Kokoda Trail trek. Kokoda Trail Expeditions is insured and covers its trekkers in case of an accident that results in permanent disability.
  • Kokoda Trail Expeditions carries a General and Public Liability Insurance policy with Liberty International Underwriters that covers its trekkers completing Kokoda Trail treks. This includes the Buna, Gona and Sanananda tours. Our limit of indemnity is $10,000,000.00 AUD on any one occurrence.   
  • General and Public Liability Insurance excludes Travel Insurance which is a pre-trekking mandatory requirement for everyone planning on trekking the Kokoda Trail with Kokoda Trail Expeditions. View our Check List and Packing List  for Kokoda Trail treks for more information. 
  • We are a fully bonded and licensed tour operator in both Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Kokoda Trail Trekker Preparedness

  • We require each of our clients to receive medical clearance before the start of every Kokoda Trail trek.
  • Kokoda Trail Expeditions requires each of our clients to take out an individual travel insurance policy with QBE Insurance or similar that covers travel, hospitalization, immediate medical evacuation and repatriation in case of an emergency
  • Kokoda Trail Expeditions provides an electronic version of the Trek Fitness Program - Kokoda Edition for each of our clients at the time of booking to assist with your personal training program if required.
  • We supply each of our clients with a detailed Kokoda Trail packing list to ensure that every trekker is properly outfitted for the trek

Port Moresby Safety and Security

  • In general Port Moresby is a safe city with friendly locals. As an added precaution all Kokoda Trail Expeditions trekking groups are joined by highly trained security guards in civilian clothing that act as escorts both to and from the city.

  • Before and after the trek you’ll spend the night in a safe, good quality 4-star hotel with television and an internet connection. The cost of the hotels in Port Moresby and airport transfers are included in the trek price.

For further information please see our Health & Medical Information for Kokoda Trail Trekkers and PNG tours section. To check current Australian Government-issued travel advice for Papua New Guinea please visit the Smarttraveller  website.

If you have any specific questions or concerns please contact on of our dedicated Kokoda Trail specialists at 043 848 3789 or by e-mail

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