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SKINDIWAI/BLACK CAT TRACK
UNTOUCHED & RAW
In 2003 PNG Trekking Adventures pioneered this track, re-opened and defined the route. Allowing prospective trekkers to once again walk the Skindiwai/Black Cat.
This track has never been tourism orientated until PNGTA went in and decided to
give this concept a chance.
Along with the Tourism Promotion Authority here in Papua New Guinea we have introduced micro management into some of the villages along the track, in the form of community guest houses. We have also been involved in training programmes for the young people along the track to enable them to be employed as guides and porters.
We now have an Association set up for those people along the track where trek permit fees are deposited and will be used to upgrade the track.
When we first started marketing the Skindiwai/Black Cat Track it was rated as “Extreme Trekking” it has always been our vision to downgrade this rating to “Medium” so that it is accessible to more trekkers to come and experience. We have now, we believe achieved this and our itinerary has changed from a 6 day trek to a 7 day trek.
Although do not underestimate the track, it is still very raw and in places, very challenging, care must be taken at all times.
“The villages along the track are extremely isolated and very poor”. This was our view on the state of the villages when we went through in 2003. Now, however this is changing. Though be it slowly. The people can see the benefits that tourism can bring to them and are responding in a very positive way. They are embracing the idea of eco tourism. They have heard how tourism has benefited the people along the Kokoda Trail and only see positive things coming from what we are trying to do.
WW11 History
The more we have delved into this the more information is slowly starting to come to light. In our view the story of the Australian campaign along this track is as riveting as the Kokoda story. It is certainly just as important in Australian history. It is our prediction that this track in years to come will be attracting numbers similar to Kokoda due to the WW11 history link it has with Australians.
Chris Stevens a PNGTA guide has spent many hours at the Australian War Museum in Canberra researching this campaign. He is certainly the guide you should be requesting if you would like to do this track. His passion for the track itself and his knowledge of its WW11 history is outstanding and I believe cannot be matched by any other guide or operator in Australia or Papua New Guinea.
On the track you will also be shown video clips of the actual 1942 sites and battles that we have obtained after many hours of research from the Canberra War Museum.
We are still having some Land Owner issues. This is very much the Papuan New Guinean way. It can be frustrating at times and we remind our trekkers when coming to PNG that everything is an adventure and please be relaxed travellers.
Trip Highlights
Trek through pristine rain forest and many varied and different eco systems
This is the “REAL” Papua New Guinea.
Learn about the Australian campaign here during WW11.
Cross challenging rivers.
Experience the beauty of Salamaua an isthmus. One of PNG’s best kept secrets
Trip Length: 7 days
Start/Finish: This track starts at Wau town ship and finishes at Salamaua.
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