FAQs

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Food Preparation

A trekker should also be well aware of food preparation. This mainly applies on the track where trekker’s food is usually cooked by porters, but can also be relevant when in Port Moresby before starting across the Owen Stanley Ranges.
  1. The cooking rule means that the heat will have killed off any of the bugs and bacteria that might have been lurking in things like meat, vegetables and in the water.
  2. A hiker who opens a food item himself can have some confidence the food is free from bugs. These are items like tinned food, packets of biscuits, cans of drink and fruit.
  3. Buying fruit from the villages along the track is one of the simple pleasures of a trek along the Kokoda Trail. And if a trekker opens the fruit, such as a banana, themselves there is the check of contamination.
  4. A trekker also needs to be aware of dragging the mouthpiece of their hydration bladder in the dirt when taking the backpack on and off. The dirt can contain bad organisms and these can easily be ingested when taking the next sip from the hydration bladder mouthpiece.
  5. Do not share food, eating utensils or drink out of other trekker’s water bottles or camel packs. Make sure when you are eating that you sit your eating utensils on top of your plates or bowls. Do not sit them down on campsite table or ground.

Your Trek Group

Everyone will have done their best to be as fit as they possibly can for their Kokoda adventure. There may be health issues with members of the group that don’t appear until they are on the track. Your Guide and our Head PNG guide will do their best to manage the circumstances. It is not unusual for treks to split into two groups. Not all of us are super men or women for 8 days straight. We will have our “off” days no matter how fit we are. The reality is the group can only travel as fast as the slowest trekker. Remember it was mate ship that got a lot of the diggers through the Kokoda Campaign. Always be patient, kind and helpful if someone is feeling demoralized or just having a rotten day. Work as a team it makes the experience a lot easier and friendships will be formed that will last a life time.

The track is challenging, a lot of people that come to walk Kokoda have never trekked before let alone in such extreme conditions. They are completely out of their comfort zone. For them to have the courage to come to Papua New Guinea and walk Kokoda is to be admired. Be tolerant of your other trekkers.

At the end of the trek you have all shared something totally unique. Every trek is different and the stories you have to tell are special to your trek.

Remember it is an adventure and you are here to enjoy.

Food Allergies/Dietary Requirements

Please contact us if you have special dietary requirements we can cater for most food allergies and food issues that trekkers may have.

Meals on the Track

Below is what we supply along the track in our ration packs. This may vary day to day. The breakfasts, lunches and dinners are freeze dried packets from New Zealand. If you have anything special that you particularly like to nibble on and we don’t supply please feel free to bring along. (not too much remember you have to carry it) All evening meals accompanied by rice which our boys prepare. Your guide will also try and purchase fresh vegetables and fruit where possible. Please note we do not cook fresh meat e.g sausages/steak along the track due to contamination. There is plenty of food. Please do not come to PNG with bags of food. Remember weight is always issue.

Day 1 Ration Pack consisting of:
  • Honey Soy Chicken – Dinner
  • Honey Soy Chicken – Dinner


Day 2 Ration Pack consisting of:
  • Porridge Supreme
  • Beef Teriyaki-Dinner
  • Snacks and Drinks


Day 3 Ration Pack consisting of:
  • Wheatflakes and Fruit Salad
  • Roast Lamb and Vegetables-Dinner
  • Snacks and Drinks


Day 4 Ration Pack consisting of:
  • Yoghurt and Muesli
  • Roast Chicken-Dinner
  • Snacks and Drinks


Day 5 Ration Pack consisting of:
  • Porridge Supreme
  • Classic Beef Curry-Dinner
  • Snacks and Drinks


Day 6 Ration Pack consisting of:
  • Wheatflakes and Fruit Salad
  • Mexican Chicken-Dinner
  • Snacks and Drinks


Day 7 Ration Pack consisting of:
  • Yoghurt and Muesli/li>
  • Roast Lamb and Vegetables-Dinner
  • Snacks and Drinks


Day 8 Ration Packs consisting of:
  • Porridge Supreme
  • Snacks and Drinks
  • Chicken/Ham Rolls
  • Cold soft drinks
Snack packs consist of:
  • 2 sweet biscuits
  • 2 beef biscuits
  • 1 can of tuna
  • Cheese & biscuits
  • Soy sauce/chilli sauce
  • Beef Jerky
  • Stewed fruit
  • Trail Mix
  • 1 pkt lollies
  • 1 pkt choco M & M’s
  • 1 pkt of powdered sports drink
  • 1 chocolate drink
  • 2 coffee sachets
  • 2 tea bags
  • 4 sugar sachets
  • 2 salt sachets
  • 1 pepper sachet
  • 4 creamers
  • 1 pkt of tissues
  • 1 plastic spoon
  • 2 minute noodles
All evening meals are complimented with rice and where possible your guide will purchase fresh vegetables and fruit.

Health & Hygiene

Personal hygiene is one area that a trekker needs to be extra vigilant while on the Kokoda Track. The entire trip can quickly turn into a disaster if a stomach bug is picked up. All the training in the world, the best equipment, boots and trekking with the best tour company can quickly be negated if drinking contaminated water or food.

  1. Therefore, the first requirement is to treat all water. Chemical or other treatment, such as a Steripen should be used or purification tablets. A trekker must not rely on boiling water, as a fire won’t always be available.
  2. Hands should be washed regularly; especially after ablutions and just prior to eating. Like normal hygiene measures in the city to avoid catching bacteria and viruses, a trekker should avoid putting dirty hands in their mouth, nose and eyes as this is a common way for nasties to enter the body.
  3. The alcohol based hand wash gels are perfect for trekking. Just a small amount is required to effectively sterilise the hands, so only a small bottle needs to be carried.

Betel Nut

  1. Chewing betel nut in Papua New Guinea is a common practice and causes ongoing health issues for those who chew. Cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach.
  2. Do not try this. It is a ghastly habit and is carcinogenic to humans.
  3. It will make you feel nauseas, hot and cold and could easily ruin your trek.

Toilets and Bathing

  1. All toilets along the track are pit latrines (long drops). A hint is to roll off the amount of paper you need to take to the toilet. Preventing the chance you may drop your roll down the toilet.
  2. Most important-remember to use your hand gel afterwards.
  3. We encourage our trekkers to use showers in the villages where available. If in a camp site please use environmentally soaps and shampoos.

Medication

  1. Get into a routine of taking medication such as anti malarial tablets. Either at night or in the morning.
  2. Make sure all medication is taken with purified water.

Track Accommodation

PNG Trekking Adventures supplies 2 person tents for all our trekkers. We find that a 1 person tent is just that only enough room for 1 body not much else. With a 2 person tent you will be able to get your gear in it with you. They all have a fly with vestibules so trekkers can leave their large pack and boots, poles in this area and will stay dry. The tents are all mosquito and bug proof.

We also stay in guest houses in villages which we have helped furnish with foam mattresses and pillows. If you choose to sleep in a guest house you must put up your mosquito net. They are traditionally built, wooden floors, bamboo walls, and thatched roofs. One door and windows with no glass.

Our village families will prepare special treats for our trekkers and boys. Pumpkin tips, tapioca, fried sweet potato and greens to compliment our evening meals.

Trekkers please make sure that you bring in all your clothes, boots etc each evening. Do not leave it hanging out side. The track is still used by local people to commute between Popendetta and Port Moresby. If they see a pair a boots laying in the middle of a camp site it may be just too tempting for them to pass by without taking them. Our boys will try and ensure that all gear is put away at night but there is always the possibility they may miss something. Also in saying this, we have never had anything stolen from any of our camp sites.

Please remember to never leave any food outside your tent or lying around the campsite. There are often dogs roaming around which are used for hunting by the villagers, they will be off with it in an instant. Always have food inside your zipped up tent.

Our boys have their own accommodation in villages and campsite. You will hear them at night softly telling stories around their campfire and singing songs.

What goes in your Day Pack?

Your personal porter will be carrying the majority of your gear in your large pack which you have purchased or hired off PNG Trekking Adventures, including the tent. It is very important that trekkers have a 35ltr day pack. It must have comfortable waist and shoulder straps. Remember you will be wearing this pack 6-10 hours per day for 8 days.

You should have in your daypack.
  • Camel pack or water bottles that will take 2-3 litres of water and purification tablets.
  • Sunhat
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • insect repellant
  • Cup, fork, spoon, knife and plate/bowl. We supply all other cooking utensils.
  • hand antiseptic wash/wipes.
  • one days rations (issued each evening)
  • Rain coat. Light cheap poncho style is good. Remember it will still be warm even though it’s raining.
  • Camera,
  • Staminade or some form of energy drink made up in bottle on outside of your pack.
  • Personal items such as plasters, headache tablets, toilet paper.
  • Head torch (in case we get caught out trekking at night) there is always the possibility that this may happen on our first day out depending on what time we fly into Kokoda.
  • Sometimes the plane is delayed due to weather.
  • Water Purification Tablets-all drinking water must be purified.
Please keep your daypack as light as possible. Your personal porter will never be far away, if you need anything out of your large pack during the day this will not be a problem.

Charter Flight to Kokoda

Please keep your daypack as light as possible. Your personal porter will never be far away, if you need anything out of your large pack during the day this will not be a problem.

http://www.cessna.com

Communication

There is some mobile coverage at the beginning and end of the track. This is very sporadic and can not be relied upon.

PNG Trekking Adventures carries satellite phones and track radios. The sat phone is used every evening to report into the office about how the trek is going and any other funny stories that have happened that day. This is then uploaded onto the PNG Trekking Adventures Facebook so family and friends can monitor the trek. Both the sat phone and radio can be affected by the weather and terrain that we are in. If it is overcast and we are deep in a valley camping then it is sometimes difficult to get a satellite. If we are unable to chat with the office that evening we endeavor to get through as soon as we are on higher ground the next morning.

Trekkers who bring up mobile phones please leave them back at the hotel. Do not take out on the track. In Port Moresby they can be used if you are with Vodafone, Telstra, Optus, H3G, or have International Roaming. Otherwise if you want to call home there is the option of using the land line phone in your hotel room. Please check your mobile phone carrier or Digicel our PNG Carrier website for more information.

Hydration

Proper hydration is one of the essential requirements when trekking under the conditions you will experience in Papua New Guinea.
  • Water is plentiful on most parts of the track.
  • Treatment of your drinking water is required at all times.
  • Most tablets generally require half an hour to treat the water before it is drinkable. Please check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Water treatment tablets are available at chemists and camping stores.
  • You will need to purchase these in Australia prior to departure and bring enough to treat up to 3-4 litres of water per day for two weeks.
  • Bottled water is not available on the track.
  • Nikki or Chris will advise you on where to fill your drink bottles and camel back.
  • Not all of the streams and rivers are advisable to use for drinking water. Always ensure that you have a bottle of treated water available while you are waiting for your replenished water supply to undergo treatment.
  • It is of great importance that you monitor your water intake.
  • You will be losing fluids from your body at a much greater rate than what you are accustomed to.
  • A person exercising in the heat can readily lose one litre of water per hour.
  • Drinking small volumes of water regularly will maintain hydration and will reduce the risks of nausea or stomach upsets.

Heat Exhaustion

  • This occurs with the signs and symptoms of dehydration.
  • It is vitally important to maintain your fluid intake.
  • Do not wait until you feel thirsty. Drink small amounts regularly at all times.
  • Monitor your toilet stops and ensure normal fluid transfer through your body is being maintained and the colour of your urine is not yellow or smelling strong.
  • You must take extreme care in this area to look after yourself and a simple question to a fellow trekker about their fluid intake can be of assistance to them.
  • Signs and symptoms are pale, cold clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, rapid breathing, profuse and prolonged sweating, thirst, nausea, vomiting, a constant headache and cramps.
  • If you feel yourself or observe another member experiencing any of these signs or symptoms tell your guides Nikki or Chris immediately.
  • Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which has a 70 per cent mortality rate. This statistic is not meant to alarm you. It is to illustrate how vital it is that we look after ourselves and each other, to prevent this happening.
  • Fluid intake does not stop when we cease walking. It must continue during our rest periods and morning and night. When resting sit in the shade, cool yourself with a wet sweat rag and rest properly when required.

Arriving at Camp Site

  • Groups normally get into campsites between 2:30-5:30pm.
  • Make sure your friends/family have arrived .
  • Help your porter erect your tent and set up your gear in the tent
  • Go and fill your camel pack and water bottle and purify
  • Take your boots off, put on camp shoes and go and have a cuppa and a snack
  • Or go and have a swim or shower first.
  • Relax, drink lots of tea. Walk around the camp site/village or have a nana nap in your tent before dinner. Have a sing along with the boys around the camp fire before retiring.

Heat Cramps

  • Heat cramps can occur after heavy sweating in a hot environment when the body loses more fluid through sweating than it can replace.
  • Signs and symptoms are pale, clammy skin, cramping pains in the affected area and nausea.
  • If this occurs, stop, tell your guide and rest. Gentle stretching and gradual fluid intake will aid in recovery.

What are the daily routines

On day 1 the group will be transferred to Tropic Air terminal to connect with our private charter to Kokoda settlement. Our boys will be at the airstrip (grass) to meet us and will carry all our gear up to the museum. It takes 15 minutes to walk up to the plateau where the musuem is. Once there your guide will show you around the memorials and you can visit the museum. Our boys will in the mean time be sorting out the packs and your personal porter will be putting their gear into your pack. After everyone has had a good look around, we will then introduce everyone to our team and your personal porter. Then off we go.

Wake up call is 5am every morning. Walking by 6:30am. No exceptions. Two reasons for this. We want to start walking before the heat of the day sets in and also want to be in camp at a reasonable hour so trekkers have time to have a swim/wash set up their tents, rest up for the next day and have an early dinner before retiring around 7:30-8pm most nights.
  1. Wake up call 5am
  2. Tend to your feet, strapping, vaseline etc, and put dry socks on.
  3. Pack up your gear. Sleeping bag, thermarest etc.
  4. Fill up camel pack and water bottle – Must be purified
  5. Have breakfast (most important-your body needs fuel to trek all day)
  6. Make sure you have some sweets or snacks in your pocket.
  7. Help your porter take down your tent
  8. Your guide will brief the group of what is going to happen today. E.g WW11 sites we will be visiting. Water availability along the track. How many ups and downs today etc.
  9. Have a good slug of water before setting out.

Trekking

  1. Never go past the head porter
  2. Always make sure you are in site of the person in front and behind you
  3. Remember to stop and look up and take photo’s
  4. Stop and attend to any blisters or problems immediately
  5. Nikki/Chris will always be walking at the back to pick up any trekkers that may have had to stop for any reason.
  6. Enjoy the day, enjoy the experience. Be one with the track don’t fight it as it will always win.
  7. We stop for lunch for 1 hour and will boil water for a hot a drink.
  8. Remember to hydrate

Hyponatremia

Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body’s fluid balance.

When the sodium level in your blood becomes too low, extra water enters your cells and causes them to swell. Swelling in your brain is especially dangerous because the brain is confined by your skull and unable to expand without causing symptoms.

Drinking too much water during exercise (exertional hyponatremia).Because you lose sodium through sweat, drinking too much water during endurance activities, such as marathons and triathlons, can dilute the sodium content of your blood.

Signs and Symptoms
  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Headache
  3. Confusion
  4. Loss of energy
  5. Fatigue
  6. Restlessness and irritability
  7. Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps
  8. Seizures
  9. Unconsciousness
  10. Coma
Prevention
  1. Take precautions during high-intensity activities. Athletes should drink only as much fluid as they lose due to sweating during high intensity exercise — usually no more than about 1 liter of water an hour during extended exercise.
  2. Consider drinking sports beverages during demanding activities. Ask your doctor about replacing water with sports beverages that contain electrolytes when participating in endurance events such as marathons, triathlons and other demanding activities.
  3. Drink water in moderation. Drinking water is vital for your health, so make sure you drink enough fluids. But don’t overdo it. Thirst and the color of your urine are usually the best indications of how much water you need. If you’re not thirsty and your urine is pale yellow, you are likely getting enough water

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