Testimonials

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Camp Quality Kokoda Challenge National Program

"It was an absolutely amazing experience!!!

Lochie & Tegyn were fantastic guides, we couldn't have asked for any better. They were very professional & made us feel very confident & comfortable. One of them was always near by & willing & able to help us if required. They were very friendly & approachable & easily managed the different speeds etc of our large group. Lochie's knowledge of the history was great & he was always happy to repeat himself numerous times as the various "groups within our group" arrived at places of interest. The experience was made all the better having guides who easily blended in & became part of our group.

I (& I think everyone else in the group) certainly enjoyed their company along the track & their easy going nature.

The food was magnificent & certainly a lot better than we expected. We definitely felt privileged when we saw other groups from some other companies eating dehydrated food!!!!

The local guide Joel was amazing!!! His ability to judge times & distances for us was incredible & made it much easier to keep going when we knew how much further we had to go. The fact he could estimate this for different people who walked at different speeds within our group was almost unbelievable, but he was able to do it time & time again.

As for the porters, words can not describe how invaluable they were. Without them, the experience would not have been anywhere near as good. I would almost go so far as to say that some of us may have struggled to make it without them.

I would not hesitate to recommend DCXP to anyone thinking of tackling the Kokoda track."


Karen Powers - Camp Quality NSW July 2008

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Coast to coast PNG - Kokoda extended!

Hi Duncan,
Having just completed our PNG journey I would like to thank you and your staff for the assistance and organisation of our time in PNG and the help you gave Frank in joining all the dots.

I think we as a group were well prepared for the coast to coast walk, what we were not prepared for was the reception we received from the people in PNG especially from the remote villages away from the towns and the track, we were treated like long lost cousins, fed, housed and entertained. Some of this is due to your outstanding local guide Mulla who is a credit to DXCP and your training programs. From the time we stepped of at Ella Beach till we parted 20 days later nothing seemed to faze him and he was always close by to keep an eye out for our well being.

We were also very impressed with the other porters on the track as well especially the cook who told us he had done a 2 day cooking course run by DXCP, thanks to who ever ran the cooking course as he was well trained and we had no complaints about the food that was prepared.

Robert Trodden who was our guide and historian for the Kokoda Track phase was a perfect fit for the job, his knowledge of the area and the ability to mesh with the group and understand our needs and goals made the journey that much more special.

Thanks for the experience.

Regards
Stephen Oberg





Stephen Oberg, Coast to Coast 2008

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Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal)

 
 
We can’t thank you enough for your support, encouragement and recommendations for our trip – it definitely was the trip of a lifetime and made for one incredibly memorable honeymoon.
 
We’re already dreaming of heading back for the Annapurna ranges, so if our dream looks like becoming reality we’ll definitely be back in touch!
 
Thanks again and best of luck with all your journeys.
 


EBC, December 2008

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Kokoda Track Challenge: Bronze Level

"The DCXP / St Ignatius Kokoda trip was organised as a unique opportunity to step out of urban life and for father and sons to further develop their relationships. It successfully achieved this in a very unique way, in a very unique and challenging environment." "DCXP's team of experienced staff helped guide us expertly through the stages of preparation of the trip to walk the Kokoda track. With preparation advice covering equipment through to where the best discounts are available, through to recommended medications and health and safety issues." "The Kokoda track is probably the most physically challenging thing I have ever done. It was made achievable and enjoyable through the experience of the DCXP team of guides who not only shared their trekking experience but also the history of the Kokoda track. I now know the Kokoda track is more than just an endurance walk".

Greg, Marketing Director, Walkerville, SA - 2007 St Ignatius College fathers and sons group

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Kokoda Track Challenge: Gold Level



Craig Smith-Gander - Kokoda SWG, 2007


"Just a brief note to say how much I enjoyed the Kokoda trip.

The organisation was absolutely first class and the choice of Loloata Island was great as we had the seclusion & safety of being away from Port Moresby
(plus the option of snorkelling on our return).

I would like to give a ringing endorsement of Duncan Henderson! He is a credit to your Company.
He was always helpful, encouraging, a wealth of historical knowledge and treated the porters with respect and friendliness that was infectious to us all.

DCXP can be proud of the image it has on Kokoda compared to some of the other larger groups we came across with many members complaining about late arrival into camp & some camps not even set up. Our blokes were fabulous and with ‘Okky’ & Duncan running the show so smoothly it was a privilege to do the hard work with such a competent company.

Thanks to all at DCXP this trip will be in my memory bank for all time."

Don Porter July 2008


"If I had only one comment to make (and I probably have heaps) it would be that DCXP go that extra mile to ensure that the people are prepared, informed, excited and most of all that they are looked after throughout the treck.
The guides were great, the porters friendly and helpful (they picked me up out of the mud a couple of times), the food was fantastic, the scenery sensational, and the experience awesome and emotional."

Mike Doe, July 2008


"As organiser of the Camp Quality Kokoda Challenge 2008 I was the one who had all the dealings with DCXP in the lead up to our Trek. As an organisation I have never dealt with people of such professionalism. From the first day I enquired about doing the trek and continuing on today, they have taken a genuine interest in Camp Quality, what we were trying to achieve and the people who were trying to achieve it. Nothing was ever too much trouble.

Whilst on the track the professionalism and care continued on. Lachie and Tegyan (our guides) were both awesome and lots of fun. Lachie was full of local knowledge and was passionate about sharing it with our Group. The PNG porters that came with us were indeed "angels" and their humorous personalities made our trip all that more enjoyable. My porter, Benson, became my "lifeline" and my week's adventure would not have been as memorable as it was had it not been for him. Duncan Chessell and his staff (particularly Karyn and Ben) should be very proud of what they do and I would wholeheartedly recommend DCXP for a fantastic all round Kokoda experience - you won't find anyone better."

Donna George, 2008 Newcastle Camp Quality




Steve Halcrow, 8KokSchultz


"DCXP have established a great Kokoda experience. The itinerary was suitable for me (I liked doing it in seven days) the group porters and cooks did a great job, the staff at Loloata Resort were very welcoming and the support from yourself back here in Adelaide has been
second to none. I would certainly recommend DCXP to anyone considering doing the track!"

Darren Jones, August 2005


I just want to let you know I had the most amazing experience of my life.  Our group was fantastic, the trip was very well organised and our porters were wonderful

Lynette Ozolins, May 2009


A very big thankyou to you and everyone at Chessell Adventures for an absolutely wonderful trip on the Kokoda Trail. The organization was second to none and the fact that we all returned as healthy as we left speaks for itself. It was also a thrill to meet Duncan Chessell at Loloata. Please convey huge thanks from both Ben and myself to Duncan Henderson- his skill, knowledge, confidence and just wonderful personality made our trip such an amazing experience.

Margaret Shaw, July 2009


“Our Kokoda trip was an outstanding experience and for me DCXP offered value for money in providing an extremely well organized and professionally run trek. A huge amount of work went on behind the scenes to ensure the paying customers had a high quality experience”.

Andrew, 2007 private group


"Your organisation and the tour were excellent. I would really recommend DCXP."

Steve A, 2005


“The trip was magnificently planned and managed in every way. The programme was planned to offer a variety of wonderful experiences including the overwhelming sense of the history of this amazing place. The past was admirably catered for ...The Kokoda trip was a massive undertaking which was a credit to the professional skills of the team. All my expectations were met and more."

Anne L 2003


“For the most complete experience = DCXP, other companies just do the track.’

Hugh F, 2005


"Walking the Kokoda Track proved to be a complete adventure. A stern physical challenge, shared by a great team of people, amidst breathtaking and near pristine natural wilderness. We encountered a primitive but enduring culture vastly different to our own, then experienced first-hand the deeply moving, and poorly appreciated sacrifice that helped secure our nation's future. The vision, meticulous preparation and infectious enthusiasm of [the leaders] allowed such a dream concept to become a memorable reality for us all."

Michael N 2003


"I was initially skeptical ... Well, they delivered in full on everything ... I would repeat the experience without hesitation."

Warren F 2003

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xx-Camp Quality Kokoda Challenge Newcastle-old

"I can't imagine doing Kokoda with a more professional organisation than DCXP. From the moment we arrived in Port Moresby until the moment we left everything went like clockwork. Our guides (Lachie and Tegyan) were approachable, dedicated and their confidence permeated the entire group. Their knowledge of the Kokoda campaign enhanced our experience as did our interaction with the exceptional group of porters that DCXP hired to help us out. Duncan Chessell should be proud."
- Steve Richards -

"I can recommend DCXP to anyone willing to take on the KOKODA challenge. Their assistance, historical and local knowledge was excellent. In my case they went beyond what would be their obligations. I thank them"
- Ron McCutcheon (Uncle Ron) -


"As organiser of the Camp Quality Kokoda Challenge 2008 I was the one who had all the dealings with DCXP in the lead up to our Trek. As an organisation I have never dealt with people of such professionalism. From the first day I enquired about doing the trek and continuing on today, they have taken a genuine interest in Camp Quality, what we were trying to achieve and the people who were trying to achieve it. Nothing was ever too much trouble.

Whilst on the track the professionalism and care continued on. Lachie and Tegyan (our guides) were both awesome and lots of fun. Lachie was full of local knowledge and was passionate about sharing it with our Group. The PNG porters that came with us were indeed "angels" and their humorous personalities made our trip all that more enjoyable. My porter, Benson, became my "lifeline" and my week's adventure would not have been as memorable as it was had it not been for him. Duncan Chessell and his staff (particularly Karyn and Ben) should be very proud of what they do and I would wholeheartedly recommend DCXP for a fantastic all round Kokoda experience - you won't find anyone better."

- Donna George - Newcastle Camp Quality

"The Kokoda Track was an amazing adventure that I will treasure for ever. DCXP allowed me to fully experience the history of the track & what it means to us Australian's. Thanks DCXP for the memories!"

- David “Cheeks” Meyn -



2008 Camp Quality Kokoda Challenge Newcastle


"It was an absolutely amazing experience!!!

Lochie & Tegyn were fantastic guides, we couldn't have asked for any better. They were very professional & made us feel very confident & comfortable. One of them was always near by & willing & able to help us if required. They were very friendly & approachable & easily managed the different speeds etc of our large group. Lochie's knowledge of the history was great & he was always happy to repeat himself numerous times as the various "groups within our group" arrived at places of interest. The experience was made all the better having guides who easily blended in & became part of our group.

I (& I think everyone else in the group) certainly enjoyed their company along the track & their easy going nature.

The food was magnificent & certainly a lot better than we expected. We definitely felt privileged when we saw other groups from some other companies eating dehydrated food!!!!

The local guide Joel was amazing!!! His ability to judge times & distances for us was incredible & made it much easier to keep going when we knew how much further we had to go. The fact he could estimate this for different people who walked at different speeds within our group was almost unbelievable, but he was able to do it time & time again.

As for the porters, words can not describe how invaluable they were. Without them, the experience would not have been anywhere near as good. I would almost go so far as to say that some of us may have struggled to make it without them.

I would not hesitate to recommend DCXP to anyone thinking of tackling the Kokoda track."

Karen Powers - 2008

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