Trekking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea is not a simple exercise. There are a number of matters a trekker should address to make the hike successful.

Travel Company

Travel with a solid, reputable company. The bigger companies have good contacts and can make things happen in Papua New Guinea. Australian guides are useful. Cheaper options can be a tour led by a local guide.

Training

Training for a Kokoda trek should provide as much fun and challenge as the trek itself. The more pain training, the less pain on the track!

Focus on walking up and down hills and building overall stamina. Training can be done on hills and stairs; and must be long and hard sessions. Overall stamina comes from training like running, swimming, gym sessions. Train in trekking boots as much as possible.

First Aid

With a large company, the tour guides will arrange first aid bits for significant events. A trekker must cater for their personal needs such as blisters, headache tablets, bandages, anti- diarrhoea medication, and other ailments. A course of antibiotics will probably be recommended by the trekking company; as will relevant inoculations.

Water

Water quality, not quantity needs to be addressed. The last thing a trekker wants in the Owen Stanleys is a water-borne bug. Always drink treated water. There are two main ways to treat: boiling or chemical.

Boiling is generally not possible. A trekker shouldn’t carry a hiking stove to boil water and making a fire can sometimes be out of the question. Though the locals have a way of getting a fire going, even in the rain! Chemical treatment can be done through tablets or the newer ultra-violet purifiers.

Feet

Boots should be well worn in before the trek. Blisters, rashes and infections are easy to get on wet, boggy tracks. Prepare the feet before each day and keep them well tended throughout the trek.

Keep the feet as dry as possible. Have a few pairs of socks to alternate – they can usually be washed at night and dried over a fire or on the pack during the day’s walk. At night, apply a liberal sprinkling of anti-bacterial powder. Before putting on socks in the morning rub in cream that provides a barrier against moisture.

Camera

The type of camera depends on personal preference. Compact digital cameras that can slip in a pocket are probably best. SLR cameras take better pictures but need more protection and are heavier.

Carry spare batteries and enough memory for the trip. Batteries cannot be charged on the Kokoda Trail. To preserve battery life, turn off the digital display and use the eyepiece for framing the shots. Leave editing until back in civilization.

Trekkers should get shots of themselves on the track as these have more significance.

A camera must be accessible, and protected from rain and sweat. Sealable plastic bags are good. The best solution is a waterproof camera.

Track Snacks

Most of the organized tours provide the basic three meals a day. Trekkers usually need to take their own track snacks. These can be anything like dried nuts and fruit, biscuits. A chocolate bar is a treat at the end of the day.

Consider taking powdered energy drink supplement. This can assist in putting back electrolytes lost in sweat during the day, as well as giving the water a flavour. Don’t overdose on these supplements, as this can lead to dehydration.

Last Advice….

On the uphill climbs, focus putting one foot in front of the other, and don’t look up! Keep a sense of humour and be prepared for everything Mother Nature can unleash.

Further information about trekking the Kokoda can be found in the following articles..

Questions About the Kokoda Track

Logistics of Trekking the Kokoda Track

Kokoda Track Wartime History

Kokoda Track Significant Sites