Why do Trekkers Die Hiking Kokoda Track?

Why is the Kokoda Trail a Dangerous Walk For Hikers?

Oct 16, 2009

The Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea has a reputation as a dangerous hike for trekkers. Four hikers died on the Kokoda Trail during the 2009 trekking season.

Environment of the Kokoda Track

The Kokoda Track is located just south of the equator so it is in a hot, humid environment. The track is in tropical rain forest with high humidity and the possibility of high rainfall.

These conditions present a difficult environment for trekkers unaccustomed to extreme exercise in these conditions. There is also the risk for hikers who may find the high humidity bringing on pre-existing conditions like asthma

The Kokoda Trail is not a well graded, smooth track like the many walks through Australia’s National Parks. There are rough footholds, roots, rocks, fallen trees and other hazards. Creek and river crossings are usually undertaken on rickety structures that just pass the test of being called a bridge. Porters are usually on hand to help trekkers across, but a slip into the fast flowing waters under the bridge can lead to significant problems, especially if the trekker has a full pack.

Remoteness of the Kokoda Track

The Kokoda Track winds 96 kilometres over the Owen Stanley Ranges in Papua New Guinea. The track is in a very remote location in the middle of a Third World Country. Any illness or accident on the track is exacerbated by the remoteness.

There are only very basic medical facilities on the track and in the villages the track passes through. In many occasions the first aid kit the tour guides are carrying are probably more comprehensive than what is available in the villages.

And the tour guide trained in outdoor first aid is probably the best medical attention available.

Evacuations from the Kokoda Track

Evacuations from the Kokoda Track are not like evacuations from places like the Milford Track in New Zealand or the Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia.

Though most of the large villages have an airstrip, emergency evacuations are difficult. From getting the flight organised, to weather restrictions in landing in the villages, and what medical assistance is available in Port Moresby.

The Kokoda Track is a Strenuous Hike

Hiking the Kokoda Track is a physical challenge; but well worth the effort. Trekkers must be healthy and well prepared physically and mentally. There are long, hard slogs up hills with unsure footholds in high humidity or heavy rain.

Trekkers have to carry some equipment, even if using a personal porter to carry the majority of personal equipment.

There is no way, short of an evacuation, to pull out of the track is the going gets too tough for an individual. And in some situations, to get to the nearest evacuation point still requires significant physical exertion.

This requirement to push to a trekker’s full physical capability, and beyond, can be a major risk for hiking the Kokoda Track.

Food and Water on the Kokoda Track

One of the biggest health risks on the Kokoda Track is picking up a stomach bug. This can lead to dehydration from the associated vomiting and diarrhoea.

Care needs to be taken with the food and water consumed. Not only on the track, but also prior to starting on the trek. A bug picked up in Port Moresby the day before the trek may not manifest itself until at a stage on the track.

Dehydration on the Kokoda Track

Dehydration can be one of the big killers on the Kokoda Track. There are two main ways that the body can be dehydrated:

Underlying Medical Problems of Kokoda Trekker

Some underlying medical problems that a Kokoda trekker may have might not be identified through tests prior to undergoing the trek. The problem may only arise under the strenuous exertion of hiking the track or under the other stressors encountered on the track such as dehydration, or an internal bug.

For a trekker contemplating taking the challenging trek over the Kokoda Track, considered one of the most rugged hikes in the world, there are a number of risks that have to be addressed. While there are risks involved, these risks can be addressed and managed. It is possible to stay healthy on the Kokoda Track.

Because the risks can be addressed a potential Kokoda trekker should not be put off by these risks, but just be aware of them and prepare for them. If the trekking safety is well managed, a trek on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, with its World War Two history, wild environment and full physical challenge can be a safe and rewarding trek.

The copyright of the article Why do Trekkers Die Hiking Kokoda Track? in Wilderness Backpacking is owned by Bruce Iliff. Permission to republish Why do Trekkers Die Hiking Kokoda Track? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.