Papua New Guinea

Being one of the rainiest places on the planet, the dry season (May-October) is really the best and only time to visit Papua New Guinea for a trek. Later in the season is even more preferable as the trails are usually less busy and various Australian/New Zealand holidays have wrapped up.

Of course, rain and stormy weather can happen at any time of the year, especially in a tropical biome such as Papua New Guinea, so you’ll want to come prepared with the right gear just in case. Waterproof gear is a must at all times.

As a whole, the climate of Papua New Guinea is predominantly tropical. Particularly diverse geography has led to various microclimates spread throughout the island(s). Ultimately, the greatest factor contributing to the local weather is based on altitude rather than latitude or longitude. 

Here is what you can expect depending on how high you are:

• Lowlands (0–500 m / 0–1,640 ft): Hot and humid year-round, with temperatures often between 25–32°C (77–90°F). Rainfall is frequent, particularly during the wet season from November to April, and thunderstorms are common.
• Midlands (500–1,500 m / 1,640–4,920 ft): Slightly cooler and less humid, with daytime temperatures averaging 20–28°C (68–82°F). Showers are still possible, but conditions are generally more comfortable for trekking.
• Highlands (1,500 m+ / 4,920 ft+): Temperatures are cooler, often dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night. Mornings can be misty or foggy, and weather can change quickly, so layers and rain protection are essential. This is where the bulk of the Kokoda Track takes place.

We stay in luxurious 5-star hotel in Port Moresby: widely regarded as the best hotel in Papua New Guinea. The hotel offers modern comfort, stunning views of the Owen Stanley Ranges, and world-class facilities including restaurants, a pool, spa, and gym. It’s the perfect place to rest and recharge before taking on the rugged challenges.

Well-established outdoor excursions, like the Kokoda Track, feature regularly maintained camps, complete with covered tent areas, flat patches of grass, and cooking facilities. Such amenities really make the difference in the steamy jungle, where long, sticky days of hiking can leave one longing for some comfort. At no point during our time trekking in Papua New Guinea did we feel like we were in the trenches. 

Staying connected in Papua New Guinea requires some planning. In major cities like Port Moresby, mobile coverage and 4G service are available through Digicel and Telikom PNG. Buying a local SIM card on arrival is the easiest way to stay online, though registration with your passport is required.

Outside urban centers, including along the Kokoda Track, mobile coverage is limited or nonexistent. Wi-Fi is available at higher-end hotels, but can be slow.

On guided treks, your team carries satellite communication for emergencies. Like most Epic tours, we recommend just unplugging on not worrying about the digital world for a coupld of weeks.

PNG’s urban centers can experience crime and occasional civil unrest, but these issues rarely affect trekkers or tourists, especially when logistics are handled by professionals. There are areas where people will need to be aware and exhibit additional caution; our team will tell you when to be alert. 

A more pressing threat is malaria, which is still very common in Papua New Guinea. Visitors will need to take regular doses of anti-malarial medication to avoid contracting this dangerous disease.

Safety is our top priority – wherever we are in the world. We work exclusively with a trusted ground crew who closely monitor current conditions and maintain strong relationships with local communities. Their knowledge and presence add an additional layer of security and cultural connection that benefits every traveler.

Every transfer, hotel stay, trail movement, and campsite is planned with care, supported by trained guides, experienced porters, and reliable communication and safety systems. 

Meals in Papua New Guinea and on the Kokoda Track are hearty, simple, and designed to keep you fueled for long days of trekking. While in Port Moresby at the hotel, you can expect a wider variety of international and local cuisine, including the delicious breakfast buffet.

Once on the track, meals become more rustic but remain nutritious and satisfying, focusing on fresh village produce and foods that travel well in remote conditions.

Our porters and expedition staff prepare all meals along the trail, using a combination of locally sourced ingredients and expedition staples. You can expect a mix of fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, rice, noodles, breads, and canned proteins.

Typical Meals while trekking in Papua New Guinea:

• Breakfast – Oats or porridge with fruit, eggs, pancakes, or damper (simple camp bread), tea, coffee, Milo, or hot chocolate, occasionally toast or cereal when available
• Lunch – Wraps or sandwiches (tuna, peanut butter, cheese, or veggies), instant noodles or rice-based dishes, fresh fruit such as bananas or pineapple, trail snacks for the afternoon (nuts, biscuits, muesli bars)
• Dinner – Rice or pasta with vegetables, hearty stews cooked with local produce like sweet potatoes (kaukau), taro, cassava, and greens, soups or curries on cooler nights
  Occasional fresh village-grown vegetables and fruits added to meals

Most travelers will need a tourist visa to enter Papua New Guinea, but the process is quick and hassle-free. In many cases, approval comes through the same day. 

You can apply online for an eVisa through the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Authority before you depart. Tourist visas usually grant a 30-day stay.

Once you place a deposit for a tour in Papua New Guinea, we’ll walk you through the steps and provide the required invitation letter, so your visa will be taken care of well before your flight.

Papua New Guinea uses the Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK). While major hotels and some larger businesses in Port Moresby accept credit cards, the Kokoda Track and most rural areas are cash-based, so it’s essential to carry enough kina for the duration of the trek.

We recommend exchanging money at the Port Moresby airport or withdrawing cash from an ATM before leaving the city. ATMs are generally reliable in Port Moresby but do not exist along the Kokoda Track, and village stores—where they exist—only accept cash.