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It is highly recommended, if not compulsory, for you to have some trainings which include long walks, uphills and downhills - the steeper the better. During your training, try to bring some load / backpack perhaps after the first 1-2 weeks of initial training. You should train in the shoes that you will wear for the trek to get your feet most comfortable with it. Allow for 1-3 months of training ahead of time. Care should be taken when walking along the roads.
During the day it can be quite hot and humid. The nights get quite cold. It is recommended that you wear long sleeve shirts. You should also bring a bandana to wear around your neck, a hat or peak cap, thick socks, walking boots and gaiters. For protecting yourself against possible chafing it is a good idea to wear a pair of lycra gym shorts instead of ordinary shorts. Each night we either stay in villages or camp beside a creek with plenty of fast flowing, crystal clear mountain water. We always have the opportunity to have a good refreshing bath. After this you will want to change into a spare set of dry clothing. You must be prepared for rain it is a good idea to bring plastic bags to store spare clothing within your pack. This will ensure you always have something dry to put on.
A personal porter can be hired for AUS$510.00. If you are not used to carrying a heavy 12-15kg pack we strongly recommend you hire a Personal Porter. For every personal porter hired a food porter is also employed. The food porter carries your food, your personal porters food and his own food. The cost also covers 2 x airfares back to Kokoda; wages, food and accommodation in Port Moresby before they return home, airfares, first aid and so on.
Remember the Kokoda Trail is either up or down, not too many flat spots. It can be hot, humid and muddy. We are on the trail to have fun and its no fun slogging it out with a huge pack on your back unable to enjoy the scenery and take in the atmosphere. If you struggle and end up hiring a porter on the track, payment has to be paid to us at the end of your trek or debited to your credit card. We are responsible for all porters until they arrive back home from their trek.
As part of your trek cost, group porters are hired to carry our food and cooking equipment. They will help us set up camp in the evenings, boil the billy for those cups of tea that we are always craving and help prepare our meals.
You will need a light sleeping bag for although it is quite hot and humid during the day it can be very chilly at night. If you have a good set of thermal underwear, a self-inflating sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag you will enjoy a deep, comfortable sleep each night.
There is the opportunity to stay at village guesthouse accommodation. For the other locations you will need a tent. You also need a plate, canteen/cup and eating utensils. We provide all cooking pots.
Back packing equipment for camping can be purchased, hired from outdoor shops or borrowed. One of the most important items is a good backpack. One that can be adjusted so approximately two-thirds of the weight will sit on your hips and one-third on your shoulders. Ensure the belt is well padded to avoid chafing.
First aid kit which contains antibiotics, anti – diarrhea medicine, anti – malaria tablets, aspirin, anti – inflammatory tablets, Panadeine forte, antiseptic, sticking plaster, elastic bandages, Staminade drink, sunscreen ointment, insect repellent
Oral Electrolyte - it is highly recommended to bring enough of these to be taken daily, before you get dehydrated. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea or sweating. In emergency this can be substituted with drinking boiled water plus a bit of salt and one teaspoon of sugar.
One of our ex trekkers took the time to post his thoughts, perhaps you might like to take the time to view what worked for him. If you are interested please go to our forum area, 'Preparing for Kokoda - the Average Joe', by Dan Towler
We carry a first aid kit for our guide and porters, however you are expected to bring with you your own first aid kit. Remember common sense prevails. Do not bring with you a box of bandaids for example that would cater for the whole group of trekkers instead of just yourself with maybe a few extra.
The major area of concern is your feet. Ensure you have a comfortable pair of walking boots and good thick socks (bring one pair of thin socks as they can be worn with the thick ones to prevent blisters). Each night you will have the opportunity to thoroughly wash and dry your feet. It is then a good idea to give them a liberal covering of tinea of anti fungal powder to dry them out during the night. Next morning it is advisable to give them a liberal coating of Vaseline. We recommend tea tree antiseptic oil or cream to treat any minor scratches or bites you might have.
The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten. Mosquitoes are not a major problem on the Kokoda Track because of the altitude. Nevertheless they are about. We therefore advise you to wear long sleeved shirts and apply 'Rid' mosquito repellent to any exposed areas of skin whenever you stop and rest.
Blisters should not be a problem if you have good boots and have broken them in properly. Even so it is a wise precaution to have a blister kit with you. The Spenko blister kit contains a soothing 'second skin' and is highly recommended.
It is a good idea to carry some pocket money during the trek, perhaps around 100-150 Kina - in small notes of K5's and 10's. The local villagers often offer you to buy their fruit and produce which you might like to have for lunch or dinner during the trek.
If you have favorite snacks you'd like to have during the trek, such as snack or fruit bars, please bring them along. You may do some shopping at the supermarket in Port Moresby prior to your trek, if you arrive 1-2 days ahead of the schedule. Please note that as part of your trek package, you will also be provided with some snacks as well as meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Prospective trekkers should have a medical checkup to verify that their health is satisfactory for this strenuous walk and provide proof of their own travel and medical insurance cover.
There are shops that can rent out the trekking gear that you need, such as backpacks, tents, and more. We are listing some of them here for your convenience. Please contact them for more details.
Torre Mountain Craft - Brisbane
Phone: (07) 3870 2699
Fax: (07) 3870 3223
Website: www.torremountaincraft.com.au
For people interested in the challenge of the Kokoda Track, it is suggested they obtain a copy of Clive Baker’s book “KOKODA TRAIL TREK”, available from Australian Military History Publications, 13 Veronica Place, Loftus, NSW 2232, Australia, phone (02) 9542 6771, fax (02) 9542 6787
E-mail: warbookshop@bigpond.com. This book is a good travel companion and a
memento of your trip
