Kokoda Track

Anyone who has walked the Kokoda Track.. would you suggest using a porter to help out with the baggage? Also, how many days before beginning the trek did you arrive in Port Moresby? (I'll be doing it in early November this year)

Oh wow.. Enjoy.. I did it in 96 and it was the hardest physical and mental activity I have done in my life.. I did it without a porter which was a mistake, sleeping in a hammock.. Do not take the Kokoda trail lightly.....
Moresby is expensive, but you want to try to acclimatise. I came from Cairns so it wasn't so bad.. .. The jungle is intensely hot and humid, you will drip sweat constantly. . I did it in Sept.. Expect very long days of 3 hours up, half hour down in repetition.. ... Day 3-5 were the hardest that I remember. .. Loads of small leaches all day long, seemingly following you.. You need alot of water, so have some way to purify.. A camel back and some very high energy bars would greatly help, and carry next to nothing.... ..They Weren't available back then, so I had granola bars... Take dehydration salts... I Left most of my gear at a high end hotel in Moresby and carried maybe 10 kg.... It was 7too much

Starting the trek is a weird thing. You have to go through some prison lands to get rhere where the prisoneers roam free and the locals all tell you to be careful. ... There is no tourism so you can't just wait around for someone else to share the costs... A porter can double as a guide and cook.. The maps back then by LP were a joke so I hope it's better marked now..

Good shoes with grip are important.. I had older Tevas without much traction... Fun to watch the leaches though sleeping over the ground to my toes.

If you can't make it, there are a few places where a supply plane can ferry you out....

The jungle is amazing.... Good luck

I just Googled the kokoda... Seems times have changed!! .. The cost is rediculous.. Dont consider less than 8 days imo... Took me longer but I fell and twisted an ankle and stayed in a village for a few...

Honestly, you would be one of the few in the world who has done it but your $ would be better spent elsewhere.. I think I spent 100$..

the kokoda track authority has lots of information

http://kokodatrackauthority.org

it is not advised to trek without one of their permits or to trek with a guide not licensed by them

they liase with the various villages, maintain the track and ensure that money is properly distributed
and that trekkers are safe and secure - make sure you are ready and properly equipped and that you support the locals

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.