Black Cat
The Black Cat Trail runs between Salamaua and Wau in the Morobe Province. It is a forgotten World War 2 trail that passes through some of the toughest and most hazardous terrain in the world. Australian Diggers have often been heard describing the Black Cat Trail as the hardest slog they’d ever done. In fact the Black Cat Trail rates harder than the Kokoda Track. It includes dangerous river crossings, swamps, cliffs, trees that are fallen, moss covered rocks and dangerous ledges. This makes the Black Cat Trail one of the toughest tracks in PNG and in the world.
Evidence of the ferocious fighting with the Japanese is evident everywhere. The trail is littered with live bombs, ammunition and other war junk, including boots and even plane wrecks, just like the Kokoda Track. There are also Japanese tunnels and anti aircraft guns. Many soldiers and local carriers lost their lives on this treacherous path in 1942 and 1943. This trail offers the opportunity to pay your respects to them by completing this personal challenge.
Today the trail is peaceful, tranquil and much less travelled, but the locals are still as hospitable and supportive as they were in 1942. This makes for a genuine cultural experience. But note, the Black Cat Trail is recommended only for very fit and experienced trekkers.
Sample Itinerary
The following itinerary is recommended as a guide for planning purposes only. Track and weather conditions will inevitably determine the final journey of each individual challenge. To maintain our unblemished safety record, all trekking with Our Spirit is done during daylight hours only. Trekking at night increases the risk of injury and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers when absolutely necessary.
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Day
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Details
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1
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Transfer/Accommodation: International travel to Port Moresby and hotel accommodation as per participant “travel package” arrangements.
Activity: Your Trek Leader will facilitate introductions and brief you on the journey ahead at a group briefing held at the hotel in Port Moresby once all participants have arrived (approx. 5-6pm).
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2-4
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Transfer: Lae – Shaggy Ridge
Activity: Domestic travel to Lae (Nadzab) as per participant “travel package” arrangements.Our adventure begins as we ride the PMV (public moving vehicle) up the winding road to Shaggy Ridge, known as the “Razorback Fortress”, where the final assult by the 7th division against the Japanese invasion took place for over 4 months. Upon arrival, we setup camp then after a lunch/dinner learn the history of the amazing battle that took place at Shaggy Ridge that prevented the advance of the PNG offensive to Wewak.
Accommodation: Bush Camp (tents)
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5
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Transfer: Shaggy Ridge - Lae
Activity: Another journey on the PMV down the Markham River Valley, stopping at Nadzab (where the largest airborne landing took place) and Heath Plantation (where events lead to Private Kelliher being awarded the Victoria Cross) enroute to Lae where our Legends will join us.
Once settled in Lae, we take a short trip out to Red Beach where we learn the history of the the 9th division who lead the largest seaborne landing that took place in the South Pacific during the war. Then it’s back to Lae for a village feast and early night in preparation for the trek ahead.
Accommodation: Village Camp (tents)
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6
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Transfer: Lae – Wau Village - Kaisenik
Activity: We’ll depart Lae after an early morning breakfast then travel in PMV through the greenest mountain ridges heading towards Bulolo and down into Wau Village. On arrival in Wau Village we’ll meet with some of the locals and enjoy their cuisine, cultural welcome and ceremonial dance to get you in the tribal spirit! A few minutes down the road, we setup camp for the night in the village of Kaisenik.
Accommodation: Village Camp (tents)
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7
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Transfer: Kaisenik - Skindiwai
Activity: We take a fifteen minute PMV ride from Kaisenik to the start of the Black Cat Trail where we commence our first day of intense 7-8 hours solid trekking through the wild and rugged mountain terrain.
Accommodation: Village Camp (tents)
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8
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Transfer: Skindiwai - Guadagascal
Activity: Today there are many river crossings and our trekking takes us through beautiful canopied rainforests that reach up to the sky. The next village is much anticipated after another 7-8 hours on the track.
Accommodation: Village Camp (tents)
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9
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Transfer: Guadagascal – Mt Tambu - Komiatum Ridge
Activity: We travel through the village of Mubo and take in Observation Hill, Green Hill and Lababia Ridge discussing their historical significance in the overall campaign. We’ll also look at the old vicars positions and observation posts with a direct view over Salamaua. Today’s walk encompasses approximately 7 hours on the track.
Accommodation: Village Camp (tents)
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10
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Transfer: Komiatum Ridge - Salamaua
Activity: A relatively short trek of 4 hours brings us to the village at the end of the Black Cat Trail. Trekkers will then board locally made rafts and commence a 2 hour paddle along the Fransisco River to Salamaua.
Accommodation: Village Camp (tents)
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11
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Transfer: Salamaua - Lae
Activity: Sea transfer from Salamaua to Lae. A visit to the Lae cemetery puts the challenge of the previous days trekking into perspective as we pay our respects to those who made the supreme sacrifice for Australia.
Accommodation: Village Camp (tents)
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12
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Transfer: Lae – Port Moresby
Activity: Domestic flight from Lae to Port Moresby as per participant travel arrangements. Meeting at the Port Moresby Yacht club for a celebratory dinner and presentation ceremony.
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation as per participant arrangements
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13
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Transfer: Hotel to Port Moresby International airport or other as per participant “travel package” itinerary.
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2010 Package Dates
April 15-26 - Shaggy Ridge/ Black Cat 10 day
June 12-20 - Black Cat 5 day
August 7-15 - Black Cat 5 day
September 4-14 - Shaggy Ridge/Black Cat 10 day
Inclusions
- Return International Airfares
- Airport to hotel transfers in Port Moresby
- 1 night's pre-trek twin share accommodation in POM (3.5*)
- 1 night's post-trek twin share accommodation in POM (3.5*)
- Return domestic flights to Lae
- Comprehensive travel insurance (based on under 60 yrs, no pre-existing conditions, nil excess)
- Fully guided trek per dates above
PNG Holidays only recommends Our Spirit for this tour. For more details of the trek please visit the Our Spirit website.
Please book me on this tour now!
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