Have you ever considered tackling the 96-kilometre Kokoda Trail (also called the Kokoda Track) in Papua New Guinea? This trek could easily become your most memorable experiences – it sure became mine. This trek is considered among the toughest in the world and also one of the most rewarding.
Note: I did this trek in June 2011. (My pictures aren’t the best, but these are all I have. Some pictures were lost as my camera was stolen in Port Moresby. I didn’t own a digital camera back then, nor did I have a smart phone! In any case, towards the end of the trek there is every chance that your phone/camera battery will run dry and unless you have a good backup battery, chances are you’ll stay out of touch. I hear that situation has improved a lot since my visit, but please exercise caution when traveling in Papua New Guinea.)
Key features of the trek
- The Kokoda Trail or Track is a single-file foot thoroughfare that runs 96 kilometres through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
- The track starts, or ends, at Owers Corner in Central Province, 50 kilometres east of Port Moresby, and then crosses rugged and isolated terrain (only passable on foot), to the village of Kokoda in Oro Province. It reaches a height of 2,190 metres (7,185 ft) as it passes around the peak of Mount Bellamy.
- Hot and humid days with intensely cold nights, torrential rainfall and the risk of endemic tropical diseases such as malaria, make it a challenge to walk.
- Despite the challenge posed it is a popular hike that takes between four and twelve days (depending on fitness). Locals have been known to hike the route in three days.
- It is physically and mentally challenging and teaches you to take ‘one step at a time.’
In this post, I am going to talk about the reasons to trek this trail, what to pack, how to prepare yourself, best seasons to trek and other useful info. With some preparation, this trek can be successfully conquered. Here is a word of advice – take careful note of first aid items to bring. You might not end up using all of them, but it’s better to have it and not have it when needed.
Know the reasons to undertake this challenge –
You’ll learn of its history: The Japanese wanted to capture Port Moresby to use it as a key point in their attack on Northern Australia. They followed the Kokoda Track over the mountains but their efforts were thwarted by Australian troops who defeated them on the trail.
Challenge yourself physically and mentally: Without a doubt, Kokoda Trail is mentally and physically challenging – but at the end of the trek you’ll be grateful for having pushed your limits.
Learn of a new culture: Papua New Guinea (PNG) is relatively poor country but is culturally rich with 800+ indigenous languages and tribes. Papuans are among the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Enjoy some spectacular scenery: The Kokoda Trail offers a chance to see beautiful jungles, spectacular butterflies and pristine rivers and creeks. The 96-km track wanders along narrow crests offering jaw-dropping views and falls into deep dark gorges.
Best Season to trek and why
Papua New Guinea is known for its dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests and rainforests mean rain and humidity galore. It is important to keep track of the seasons – too much rain on the trek means that the tracks get get washed away making a tough trek even tougher.
The best time to hike the Kokoda Track is in the months between April and October. During this period, the weather is drier and less humid, making it a little less challenging in terms of weather. However, from March to early May you may still get the tail end of the wet season. From May to September it is usually drier however rain is ever-present on the Kokoda Track so still expect some rain.
Remember that, depending on where you are coming from, acclimatization is a challenge. It is likely that you will need a couple of days to get used to the weather.
Preparing for medical emergencies
I hate to say this, but there are no guarantees on the trail. I can’t stress enough that Kokoda Track is NOT a walk in the park. So, it is absolutely essential to come prepared. Remember that you are walking in very humid conditions (sometimes humidity can be as high as 90 per cent). It is important to stay hydrated at all times.
Immunizations: While no vaccinations are required for entry to PNG, make sure your Tetanus cover is up to date and consider Cholera, Typhoid and Hepatitis-A vaccinations.
Malaria: The major concern during the trek is contracting malaria. The best protection is to avoid being bitten – and that can be achieved by dressing appropriately and carrying a mosquito repellant.
*Starting an anti-malarial course a week before arriving in PNG is highly recommended.
Packing the right clothing
Papua New Guinea is warm (sometimes hot) and humid and you’ll need to consider clothing for your time in the city and on the trail. Cool and light cotton/linen work best. always bring an extra pair (you can easily leave them at your hotel when you go on your trek).
On the trail, the days are hot and humid while nights can be cold, going as low as 1 degree C at higher altitudes. It is important to pack right for the varying temperatures. For the day, lightweight long-sleeve shirt and long-pants are recommended and a light tracksuit for the evenings.
During the trek, wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants (quick drying) for proper protection from sun burn and malarial mosquitoes. Hiking in shorts is fine too but apply mosquito repellant. mosquitoes are especially active in the morning and late afternoon.
Sometimes your guide will hack his way through the bush – which means long pants can help you from getting cut on branches or be stung by native stinging plants too.
At nights, you’ll be camping by fast flowing rivers or streams so having a bath is possible. Bring quick drying towels as you do not want to pack wet and heavy towels the following morning.
Because it rains on a regular basis, remember to pack a waterproof poncho or light rain jacket.
Packing the right footwear
Perhaps the most important item of your trek is your boots – as you’ll be walking in them for 6-7 hours a days on some difficult terrain. It is essential that your trekking boots be lightweight, fit well and have a good tread. Synthetic shoes work better than leather here as they are lighter and ‘breathe’ easily.
Secondly, make sure your boots fit right. The boot needs to support your foot without compressing it. Branded boots is not always the best fit for you – go for boots that fit your feet. Ensure that the boots have good ankle support to assist with stability. (Tip – buy your trek socks first and use these socks to try on the boots).
Trek sandals are essential for water crossings or when you want to remove your boots and socks to keep them dry. You also need to wear them when you bathe in rivers and creeks and for walking around the campsite at the end of the day’s trekking. (Avoid Crocs and joggers).
Checklist of your personal equipment
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- Headlamp
- Swiss Army knife
- Trekking poles
- Sunscreen, rimmed hat and beanie for nighttime
- Waterproof poncho
- Long sleeve, quick drying shirt, pants.
- Light track suit
- Thermal underpants, long
- Sarong, swimming costume (ladies)
- Quick drying t-shirts
Trekking Poles
We strongly recommend that you use two trekking poles. These not only take some pressure off your leg joints on the uphills and downhills but also provide stability for your feet on rough ground – and it is all rough!
Backpack
If you intend to carry your own gear, your backpack should have a capacity of 75 – 80 litres. Avoid carrying too many items – stick to the items recommended on our checklists.
*** The trek operator provides camping equipment, trekkers tents, food for our main meals, group first aid kits, ropes, machetes, shovels, emergency equipment and radios. When I trekked, there were camps along the trail and there was no need to pitch tents.
Checklist of your First-Aid items
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- Toiletry kit (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and Antiseptic Soap)
- Toilet paper (keep in a waterproof plastic bag)
- Anti-malarial tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
- Small tube of Betadine or other antiseptic ointment
- Vaseline petroleum jelly (or any rash cream)
- Anti-Bacterial Gel
- Water purification tablets
- Anti-fungal foot-powder
- Anti-fungal liquid/cream (Canesten or Daktarin)
- Pain killers / Fever meds
- Anti-inflammatory tablets
- Band-Aids (waterproof)
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic tablets
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
- Sunscreen and Rehydration tablets
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Getting a personal carrier
A personal carrier is the best investment for the trek. Since I had no group to speak of, I totally depended on my porter and guide Vico and Jones (in pic) who carried everything – including my day pack when I panted my way uphill. Kokoda trail is a tough challenge and walking light could make a huge difference between enjoying the trek and giving up altogether.
If you are physically fit, are an experienced extreme conditions trekker, and have prepared yourself with a strenuous training program then you should be able to carry your own pack.
Physical training
Before you start training ask yourself this – do I really want to do this? If your answer is YES, begin your training at least 6-8 months prior to your trek. I gave myself 8 months and still thought that was not enough. Remember, no training goes waste.
Your training plan should include a program to improve your aerobic fitness, abdominal and leg strength. Aerobic fitness can be gained by commencing a vigorous walking program, jogging, cycling, stair climbing, short treks and swimming.
While strength can be gained by various exercises, it would be good idea to join your local gym – get on a step machine or stair master. Strengthen your stomach and leg muscles.
Bring your common sense with you
There are some questions you need to ask – and be able to answer them yourself: Are you overweight? Are you a regular drinker? Smoker? If you answer YES (common sense dictate that you be honest with yourself), you need to work on a change in your diet/lifestyle before starting your exercise routine. On Kokoda, you will be putting your body through an endurance test – so being absolutely fit is important.
It is also important that you are committed to the trek and approach it with mental and physical discipline.
