Overview
The Black Cat Track is a very tough 58km trek in remote North West PNG.
It is far less travelled than its famous cousin The Kokoda Trail.
In fact it is like Kokoda 20 years ago, with more evidence of the WW2 fighting, and it includes swamps, dangerous river crossings, cliffs, dangerous ledges, jungle, fallen trees and more.
The WW2 battles around Salamaua and Wau saw fierce fighting, and saw our Aussies joined by some American GIs, alongside the largest concentration of PNG natives in the PNG campaign with the Papuan Infantry and New Guinea Volunteer Rifles.
This trek is for the very experienced and fit hikers only.
NOTE: This trek is scheduled on demand. Dates are flexible and can be tailored if you have a group, with a minimum group of 6 trekkers. If you have a group, please use our enquiry form to express your interest. Individual trekkers please also use the form to express your interest, however you will need to be flexible with your dates until our minimum numbers are reached.
Contact Us
For more detailed information on each trek view the individual trek page on the web site. Contact us for more information.
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Costs
Can be subject to change
Flight to Port Moresby from Australia. Transfer to Hotel. Pre-walk briefing.
Transfer to airport, flight to Lae. Transport by PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) to Bulolo.
Transport to Wau. Visit the Wau war memorial, then transport to Kaisenik Village. 6 HRS by PMV
Transport to the start of the Track. Cross Crystal Creek, climb through kunai grass and scrub, pass the B-17 bomber site, and on to Charlie’s Camp. We continue along the track (sometimes also referred to as Buisaval Track or Ballam’s Track – a small overgrown track used for ferrying goods from Salamaua to the goldfields around Wau) to Skindewai Village 9 HRS
Today’s trek has some variation with many hills and descents where we follow the spurs all day long. Most walking is on sloped ridges, some with sheer drop offs, and is hard walking. We spend the night at Gorogasul (Guadagasul) camp 9 HRS
Continuing on, down to the Bitoi River, and to Makoop, wade the Bitoi River, and cross it multiple times to Mubi (Mubo), where we camp for the night. 7 HRS
We pass Vickers Ridge, climb to Tambu saddle, pass New Camp, walk along Buirali Creek, climb the spur, and then to Timbered Knoll, and onward to Kamiatum. Walk in some steep areas over many ridge lines to Buiayau Creek, then to the Francisco River. Travel by raft to Salamaua, and stay at Salamaua guesthouse 9 HRS
Travel by boat to Lae (1.5 HRS), visit the war cemetery, transport to airport, and fly to Port Moresby then to hotel.
Transfer to airport, and back to Australia
Inclusions
- All airport transfers
- Airfares from Port Moresby to Lae, and return
- All accommodation at Port Moresby, and Salamaua, (twin share) and at villages on the Track
- Two nights twin share at the 5-star Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby (breakfast,single supplement available)
- Australian trek leader
- Native PNG guide
- All food whilst trekking
- Group porters and personal porter
- All vehicle transport
- Rafting the Francisco River
- Boat transfer from Salamaua to Lae
- All Track permits
- History briefs, and battle site viewings
- Quick dry T-shirt and cap
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Port Moresby
- Personal spending on the trek
- Food and drinks at hotel at Port Moresby
- Travel Insurance
- Visa to PNG
Costs
- Trek cost is $5400 – this includes your personal porter – includes travel/flight allowance back to his home village
- Please note that prices may be subject to change due to covid restrictions effecting flights, and other cost variations
- Trek includes a minimum number of 6 trekkers
- Trek is an on-demand trek only – please use the enquiry form at the bottom of the page to express your interest
What you need to Bring
Gear ListEnquire Now
You can send your enquiry via the form below.
