18 reasons to choose Kokoda Historical:

1. We walk as close to the wartime Kokoda Track as is physically possible. Many claim to know the wartime route taken by the soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign however few walk the original Kokoda Track. Where possible you will be walking on the same ground as our troops did in 1942.

2. Our focus is the history; our staff are made up of accomplished authors & historians. We are well published on Kokoda along with the First & Second World War battlefields of PNG. If history is what you are looking for then Kokoda Historical is the company for you.

3. Our company was built on a foundation of understanding Australian service and sacrifice. As such, we hold a formal commemorative service at each place of significance on all our treks and tours. Places such as Isurava, Brigade Hill, Bomana, Bita Paka, Lae War Cemetery, to name a just a few.

4. Our treks and tours allow you to explore more of the battlefields. Such as the Japanese plane wreck above Isurava, the P40 Kittyhawk at Myola on the Kokoda Track or the Japanese Submarine & Kempeitai tunnels of Rabaul, along with many more hidden gems pertaining to the wartime history of PNG.

5. Each one of our trekkers receives their own private tent, if your trekking Kokoda, Shaggy Ridge, Lark Force or Black Cat or any of the other significant places we trek, you will have your own private space. We have recently replaced our fleet of tents and your comfort and privacy is assured.

6. When you trek with Kokoda Historical you know you are giving back to both the communities that you visit in PNG. A donation to the Kokoda Track Foundation is made on behalf of each individual Kokoda trekker. In addition, we also do many philanthropic activities in the areas we operate. Including, building water tanks, providing solar lights, and delivering First Aid Training to porters/guides (including other trekking companies) and to local communities with our partner St Andrew’s First Aid Australia.

7. You will receive a special commemorative medallion inscribed with your name and date of your trek. The medallions are not cheap trinkets they are a personalised memento of your individual journey.

8. We are a founding member of the Kokoda Tour Operators Association (KTOA). The KTOA works to see real, both short- and long-term benefits to the Kokoda Track communities, landowners, Porters, Guides & Carriers. We are held accountable for our actions.

9. We are a registered business in both Australia and in PNG. We are also a registered Foreign Enterprise with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) of PNG. You can check to see if your prospective trekking company has this certification by clicking here

10. We are licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) and we subscribe to the KTA's Code of Conduct. Our license number is 024 and you can view our current certificate by clicking here You can also visit the official website of the KTA by clicking here

11. We keep our numbers small which enables us to give you our client the best possible service and support in the lead up to, during and after your tour. You will not get lost in the crowd!

12. We have the support of many people within the veteran community, and we are proud that Kokoda veterans take an interest in our trips. Owner David Howell has been a committee member of the 39th Battalion Association for over a decade and was recently made a Life Member. He is also the current Secretary of Mornington RSL. David and many of the Australian Kokoda Historical guides are proud military veterans.

13. We offer a live tracking service of your tour so that family and friends can follow your group. Family & friends can also send free messages while you are trekking. Follow our treks here

14. We are fully insured with $10 million public liability insurance. We take our duty of care and regard for client safety very seriously. Subsequently we have never had need to use our public liability insurance, but it is nice to know that you're covered. You can view our certificate of currency by click here

15. We do not just trek Kokoda, that would be the easy approach. The military history of PNG in both the First & Second World War is all interconnected. Our presentations on the very ground that the events took place, make for a unique and engaging experience.

16. When in Port Moresby we stay at very best hotel in PNG, the Stanley Hotel, 5-Star luxury. Do not settle for a cheap hotel at the start and finish of your trek.

17. The recent COVID pandemic has highlighted why you should be careful which operator or reseller you purchase your trek or tour through. Kokoda Historical is a small family operated business who cares for both our clients and our staff in PNG. For those clients who were booked in 2020 & 2021 and due to COVID restrictions not been able to travel, we have offered either an alternative date or given our clients a refund.

18. Kokoda Historical knows the history. Each trekker has access to our research services, provide us with your relative or person of interest, details and we will provide you with a detailed annotated service history.