The Kokoda Track, now formally renamed the Kokoda Trail, is famous for mud during the wet season. Luckily we travel during the dry times but one thing doesn't change - the mountains don't get any smaller or the climbs less steep.

The Kokoda Trail region in Papua New Guinea is all about challenging trekking. If you come unprepared or unfit, your experience will be miserable. You get out of these trekking or hiking trips what you put into them. Do some training, approach the trips the right way and the rewards are awesome. This track is tough but it travels through some of the most beautiful places in the world. As they say: "Nothing Great Is Easy".

Climate on the Kokoda Trail

Ok, so its the tropics, hot during the day but can be quite cool at night in winter. The humidity is not too bad but noticeable. Still, the sun can sap strength and the fluid electrolyte loss can bring even a rugged grown man to his knees. Walking in these climes is harder than in cooler areas. You heat up more and sweat profusely. Carrying a pack can be a huge effort. Dehydration must be monitored and frequent drinks are a must. Sunburn is an issue and can really make life hard if let go. Hot and sometimes wet conditions can also mean leeches. You need to scan you body for these little chaps that can make a meal of anyone.

Personal Porters For Trekking the Kokoda Trail

So many people think, "I don't need a porter to carry my pack", only to find that by day three they are really hurting. Once we start a trek, its not easy to find an extra porter so its a decision you have to make up front. Sure it costs more but the reality is that you get to enjoy the trip carrying just a day pack. We recommend the use of personal porters unless you really have it in mind to do the epic trek.

What to Bring on Your Kokoda Trek

Take a look at our list of the musts, the shoulds and the definitely nots.  Click here, you can print this out as a check list for planning and packing.

Food for Your Kokoda Trek

Luckily for you, we do all the cooking. We use a lot of local vegetables and meat we obtain from local villages. This benefits their local economy and encourages them to look after their sections of the track. Locally, a lot of rice, kau kau (sweet potato), corn and banana is used in cooking. If you have particular dietary habits, we need to know well in advance. One thing is for sure, no one goes hungry on one of our treks.

Water:  A Necessity for Kokoda Trekking

Some people are more sensitive to water changes than others. Apart from in Port Moresby, all the water you will drink is from crystal clear mountain streams although when rafting the water can become muddied after heavy rain. Boiling the water and/or using purifier tablets can help. If in doubt, ask your guides or just boil it first.

Personal Medical Kits

We carry a comprehensive medical kit but its a good idea to carry your individual small kit for "on the track " servicing.  Remember that blisters and chafing are real problems so always have some gauze, Elastoplast, some sorbolene based cream, an antiseptic cream like Savlon, insect repellent (tropical strength), band aid strips for small cuts and some tweezers. Panadol and Lip Balm are very useful as well. Sunburn cream of the waterproof kind is vital. Alcohol swabs (not for drinking) are great for cleaning up small wounds. If you have prescribed medicines you will need to carry these yourself and they should always be in your personal pack. Ensure you have enough for your entire stay in PNG. Put your medical supplies in a small watertight plastic container.

Safety on The Kokoda Trail

Safety is of paramount importance to us. However, the Kokoda Track passes through a wild land. We will not place our clients knowingly in any form of dangerous position but it is vital that all trekkers follow the instructions of the Trek Master. This is most important during river crossings. We carry two way radios and all of the villages we pass have radios. We have helicopter evacuation arrangements in place should such an event be necessary. Even twisting an ankle on these trips can be a big problem. This is why we place such an emphasis on preparation and training.

Training For Kokoda Trekking

You will need to get reasonably fit to enjoy your trek.

• See your doctor for a medical assessment

• Start training a minimum 3 months before your trek.  We recommend a three month preparation schedule of walking, hiking and exercise.  Download Month One, Month Two and Month Three training recommendations in Adobe Acrobat PDF.

• All exercises that increase your aerobic fitness, like swimming; walking; cycling; jogging etc, will be great preparation for your trek

• Exercise for about 45 minutes twice a day whenever possible. This will have you primed for the trek. The best advice we can give you is walk up and down as many hills and stairs as you can. The more hills and stairs you do the easier the walk will be.

• Start training now – leave the car at home – start walking or riding a bike whenever you can

• The more you train, the more you prepare, the more fun the trek will be

• Mentally prepare yourself for a tough challenge, its better to prepare early than to suffer on the trek
  
  Good luck, get going and have some fun…

Travel And Medical Insurance

You will be required to obtain a personal travel insurance policy that includes coverage for the unforeseen cancellation of your trip, the loss of personal items, medical evacuation from anywhere along the Kokoda Trail to Port Moresby or Australia if necessary and medical treatment in Papua New Guinea. You will be required to complete a medical questionnaire on booking.

Public Liability Insurance

Travel Documents

You will require a current passport valid for six months at the time of travel.

You will also require a visa for entry into PNG. These can be obtained on arrival in Port Moresby . A fee of 100 Kina (approximately $50 AUD) is payable. You can obtain a visa in advance of your trip from the PNG High Commission in Canberra or the PNG Consulate in Brisbane .

The Final Word on Kokoda Trail Trekking

As I said before, what you get out of these trips depends on what you put in to them, both from preparation and approach. Do some training, bring the right equipment, get someone to carry the heavy load and you will have a great time. Don't get me wrong, some people can carry their own equipment - its just a lot harder to do in tropical climates. The end result should be a great trip and good memories that last a lifetime. Don't forget to read the other sections too. But most of all, have fun. See you on the track.

Take a big walk with us on a virtual tour of the Kokoda Trail.

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