Kokoda Trail Trek
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do you have to be to walk the
Kokoda Trail?
We recommend that, especially for
trekking, everyone planning on going does some exercises as
per the Training page. This is a very physical activity in
hot conditions. You need to have reasonable fitness and be
prepared to walk for up to ten days in challenging
conditions. Remember that you normally walk as part of a
group and the Trek master may retire a trekker whose lack of
fitness significantly hampers the progress of the party.
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.
Do you need a personal porter?
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.
Is the water safe to drink?
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 the water can become muddied after
heavy rain. Remember to bring your water bottles. Boiling
the water and/or using purifier tablets can help. If in
doubt, ask your guides.
Do you have to carry and cook your own
food?
The food load is
divided between all the members of the group. This means you
will be required to carry some. This is when a personal
porter is of great use since they carry it for you!. As for
cooking, our treks all supply a camp cook who can work
wonders with the simplest of ingredients. You will never go
hungry on one of our tours!
Do you need to supply your own tent?
You will need to bring
your own tent on any trek. It does not need to be a four
seasons mountain tent, rather a single skin Gortex model
with plenty of venting and insect screens (vital) is best.
You can hire tents (and rucksacks) from some of the larger
bushwalking stores in capital cities. Remember that it needs
to be light and not cramped in the hot conditions.
What happens if there is a medical
emergency?
In the event of a
serious emergency, theTrek Master may decide to contact an
evacuation chopper to remove an injured trekker to Port
Moresby for treatment. We carry two way radios for this
purpose and most villages we pass have radios installed as
well. Just make sure you have your medical insurance in
place before you come because these events are not cheap.
Is Papua New Guinea a dangerous place
to go on an adventure?
In any country there
are urban problems, more so in poor developing countries.
Petty crime rates are high in some areas of Port Moresby but
the countryside is reasonably safe where we travel with our
guides. The Hotel we stay at has very good security and is a
very safe place to overnight at. Having said that, as in any
travelling, don't leave valuables lying around. Whenever you
travel you should stay alert, in PNG or wherever.
What's this about crocodiles?
There is an old saying
that if you stick your hand in a crocodile's mouth it will
probably bite you. The fresh water crocs we see stay clear
of us as long as we stay clear of them. Most are reasonably
small but a few are quite large. They do not inhabit the
section of river where we camp, preferring the quieter and
smoother lower reaches and pools. However we do pass them at
regular intervals all the way down the river.
Is the beer cold?
 For
centuries, travelers have asked this essential question
whenever they venture abroad. In PNG the brewery - SP- is
owned by Heinekin. In the hot climate, cold beer is actually
compulsory to have with your Wheaties in the morning (just
joking) but its good to know that they like it icy cold up
here. And for those of you who are sensitive to water
changes, beer makes a good substitute and has water in it.
Training Activity Recommendations for
the Melbourne Area
More information for
you:
Read about our
special offer and pricing for equipment you can purchase
or hire for your Kokoda Trail adventure.
Download here.
Download a typical
detailed itinerary
here.
Need equipment?
See our special offer you
can purchase or hire from us. Special pricing!
Public Liability Insurance
Immunisations & Health Information
Papua New Guinea Business Directory
Download a printable Papua New Guinea
map in PDF here.
Kokoda Trail map
showing the waypoints.
Kokoda Trail map
elevation view showing the climbing and descending along the
Kokoda Track.
History of the Kokoda Track (Kokoda
Trail)
Please
contact us. |
