DOWNLOAD THE ITINERARY FOR OUR KAPA KAPA ADVENTURE 20 DAY / 19 NIGHT TREK (PDF 144kb)
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Kapa Kapa Track
Getaway Trekking is the only company taking trekkers along the entire Kapa Kapa Track.
In October 2009, Getaway Trekking completed a reconnaissance of this trek; this is now open this to serious trekkers.
The Kapa Kapa Track runs approximately parallel to the southeast of the Kokoda Track and in October 1942 was used by the Americans as an alternative to the Kokoda Track, which was at that time heavily occupied by Japanese and Australian forces. The Kapa Kapa Track was used in an attempt to outflank the enemy and catch them by surprise on the northern beaches.
The Australians advised the Americans not to take this route as they believed it to be more difficult than the Kokoda Track to the west. And they were right!
This trek is for serious trekkers only. The distance at over 200 kilometres is more than twice as long as Kokoda and the altitude of 2,750 mts ASL significantly higher. Total ascent & descent is around 14,400 metres, with many very steep and challenging ranges.
The tour duration will be 20 days, of which 1-3 days (dependent on weather) will be spent at Buna** on the north coast. This correctly reflects the passage of the Americans over the track, as they began at Gabagaba* on the south coast and they too concluded at Buna. We believe we accurately retrace the Americans route in late 1942.
A new trek appealing to those who have completed the Kokoda Track and are looking for a genuinely serious challenge. During our 'explorer' trip, we passed through villages who had never seen 'taubadas' - white men - before!
We go by PMV from Port Moresby to Gabagaba. The track is over 200 kilometres across the Owen Stanley Range near Mt Suwemalla (or Ghost Mountain) and includes many river crossings. The trek is completed with a PMV ride into Buna, then we fly back to Port Moresby from Popondetta.
*Gabagaba, 50 kms to the south east of Port Moresby, is where a Company of Engineers from the US 32nd Division commenced cutting a track in mid 1942.
**Buna is where the campaign ended on January 22nd 1943.
The trip could be described as being in four sections:
First section, four days - Kemp Welch River, waterfalls & jungle - natural scenery (medium walking).
Second section, nine days - Mountains, more mountains & more; dense jungle, villages and village living (tough walking).
Third section - Beautiful villages, lowlands, jungle scenery, (hard walking).
Fourth section - Popondetta, Buna & Sanananda on the north coast. If the weather is kind to us, not too much rain, we spend a few days here on R & R.
Note; it took the Americans 42 days to cross from coast to coast.
NB: We have limited our group size to only 14 trekkers due to the logistics of this particular trek.
Our aim is to provide you with a safe, eco-friendly and culturally sensitive experience in another of the world’s best kept secrets.
Suggested reading “The Ghost Mountain Boys”, by American author James Campbell, Crown Publishers, New York.
Quote from this book by one the veterans of the 32nd Division; “If I owned Hell and I owned New Guinea, I would live in Hell and rent out New Guinea”
Summary
• This new track was explored by a group of 8 experienced walkers from Getaway Trekking in October 2009
• 20 day PNG tour with 15-17 nights on this new track across the Owen Stanley Ranges
• Experience many villages on your adventure where few white men or women have been
• Walk alongside the Kemp Welch River before we climb the main range
• Experience the track as the American 32nd Division did in 1942 as little has changed
• Climb the range near Mt Suwemalla or Ghost Mountain as the Americans named it
• Sleep in “bivvy style’ accommodation when we cannot make a village
• Experience magnificent scenery, wonderful sunsets and star gazing along this new adventure in PNG
• Experience traditional village welcomes that no longer occur in more “commercial tracks” in PNG
• NB only available to previous GT Kokoda trekkers who are fit, can handle a category 3 walk and want to be a part of a group dynamic. We want team players. Note, this condition may be waived subject to meeting certain criteria
Key to notes: 3 / 6 = 3 hours over 6 kms (approx)
Note: You will require a serious level of fitness for this trek. We reserve the right to refuse entry to this group if we believe there are health or fitness issues which may preclude safe completion.