On the Kokoda Track: Daily Routine, Safety and Itinerary

Getting started

Getting to Kokoda (or Owers' Corner)

Depending on your itinerary, the trek begins with a short flight over the ranges to Kokoda, or with a drive by truck to Owers' Corner. Either way the journey is part of the adventure. Weather can delay or reroute flights, so keep a relaxed attitude: your guide manages the bookings and the changes.

Your main pack is weighed for the flight, and the local team organise carrying. Everything you won't need on the Track stays safely in Port Moresby.

Daily routine

A typical day on the Track

Every day brings new sights, but the rhythm is similar. Your team wakes you early, packs the camp and cooks while you get ready.

5:00-6:00 am · DaybreakWake, pack your sleeping gear and move everything out of the tent by 6. Put on your (damp) trekking clothes.

6:00-6:30 am · Final prepTreat and fill your water, sanitise hands, eat a proper breakfast, tape any hot spots and pack your day.

Morning · TrekkingFollow the lead guide and stay within sight of the people in front and behind. Drink often, and listen as the expedition guide explains key sites. Rest and photo stops are plenty.

Midday · Lunch and restWash hands, change into camp sandals and rest your legs while lunch is prepared.

Afternoon · Into campArrive, change into dry clothes, rinse off in a creek or the portable shower, and relax before dinner and an early night.

Staying organised

Packing and repacking

A tidy pack is a quick pack. Keep the same item in the same place every day so you can find your headlamp in the dark. Pack your sleeping gear first each morning, then clothes, then snacks in easy reach. Keep your dry camp clothes sealed in a bag and never wear them while walking. Re-check that your pack cover is accessible before rain hits.

Trekkers in single file — Single file along the ridge.

Trekkers on an open stretch — Open stretches between climbs.

A steep slope on the Track — Steep slopes.

The group

Getting along together

You'll spend more than a week in close company, tired, muddy and happy. Be patient, share the load, stay positive when others flag, and respect the villages and the guide team. The porters' singing at rest stops is one of the best parts of the day.

Everyone has a bad day. Look out for the people around you, and let your guide know early if you're struggling. The group will carry you through, and you'll do the same for someone else.

Staying well

Health and hygiene

Sanitise hands at every toilet stop and before eating.
Treat all drinking water, even if it looks clean.
Wear footwear at all times, including at night.
Rinse off at the end of the day and change into dry clothes straight away.
Never use soap or detergent in creeks. Use only the biodegradable products your guide recommends, and away from the water.
Look after your feet: dry socks, early attention to hot spots.

Where you sleep

Tents and guest houses

You can choose each day between a twin-share tent with an insect screen (more privacy and bug protection) or, where available, a simple village guest house with a roof, raised floor and open windows. Guest houses are shared with other trekking companies, so can't always be guaranteed. Use a mosquito net if you sleep in one.

The guide team will set up the tents and the dining shelter, and cook your meals. Take your own sleeping bag.

Safety

Staying safe on the Track

Listen to your expedition guide and follow the guide team's directions. They will point out hazards and hold your hand across difficult sections.
At log-bridge crossings, rope handrails are rigged, a safety line is placed downstream, packs come off and go across with the guides, and only one person is on each span at a time. Never run.
Wear footwear at all times, look before you sit, and never leave food in your tent.
Rest when you need to, and tell a guide early if something hurts. Small problems like hot spots are easy to fix, and blisters are not.
Stay within sight of the group and never walk off the Track alone.

Trekkers crossing a creek on a rope handrail

Feet first

First aid and blisters

Blisters are the most common complaint. Prevent them with well worn-in boots, good socks, and by dealing with hot spots the moment you feel them: stop, dry the foot, and tape before a blister forms. If one does form, tell your guide. They'll help you drain and dress it properly.

Minor cuts and scratches should be cleaned and covered promptly. In the tropics even small wounds can become infected quickly. Use your personal kit, and tell the guide about anything that doesn't improve.

Example itinerary: Kokoda to Owers' Corner

One typical route is below. Treks vary in length and direction (and locally led treks usually run from Owers' Corner to Kokoda), so use this as a feel for the journey and check your own itinerary.

Fly to Kokoda, walk to DenikiA short flight over the ranges, meet your guide team, then climb through plantations and Hoi village to Deniki.
Isurava to AlolaVisit the Isurava memorial, then continue to Alola village.
Eora Creek to Templeton's CrossingA long, historic day beside Eora Creek to the base of Mt Bellamy.
Mt Bellamy to KagiOver the highest point on the Track (2,190 m) and down to the village that is home to many of our guides.
Brigade Hill to MenariClimb Brigade Hill, then a long descent to Menari. You will sleep well.
Menari to NaoroA steep saddle and a series of river crossings.
Naoro to Ua-Ule CreekOpen grassland, the Maguli Range, then the steep descent to Ofi and Ua-Ule Creek camp.
Imita Ridge to Owers' CornerThe Golden Stairs, the Goldie River, then the final climb to the memorial at Owers' Corner.

For more on the villages and battle sites along the way, see The Track.

On the Track