Many women may ask themselves: ‘Is Kokoda too hard for me?’ The answer is a resounding no! Kokoda has been conquered by women of all age groups, all backgrounds and with varying levels of fitness. Certainly the Kokoda Track is a challenge, but women should not feel that the physical aspects are beyond them. Most women choose to employ a porter to carry their pack, opting instead to carry a small ‘day’ pack with the bare essentials such as water, food and toiletries. The weight difference between a ‘day’ pack (max. 4kgs + water) and a backpack (around 12-15kgs) is substantial, and you may want to consider asking for a porter. This also helps the local community as the porter is effectively ‘employed’ by you, which is how many earn a living.
What about Kokoda training?
The real question here is: ‘How fit do I need to be?’ Well, you need to be physically ready for the pressures that 9 days of solid hiking will have on the body. If you have not physically exerted yourself for a while, 10-12 hours of exercise each day will feel very unnatural. Your body will acclimatise to these ‘new’ conditions. However there needs to be a certain level of fitness beforehand. You should consult your trainer or trekking company as to the best preparation for your personal circumstances.
Is walking Kokoda dangerous?
No more dangerous than going to work on in the car, in my opinion. If you choose a reputable tour company, they will be certain to maintain high levels of safety and security along the track. The porters are locals – trekking is a vital component of their tourism industry. They will be fully aware of any problems or concerns ahead or behind. Scouting parties normally set out each day well before the trekkers to make camp and report back any issues via two-way radio. I always felt very safe.
What about hygiene?
So you like a morning shower? Don’t we all! As you can imagine, washing in the morning is not always possible, and yes, things get smelly and dirty. Where suitable, camps are made near rivers and streams, so a wash will be possible when you arrive. The day starts pre-dawn (which even in the tropics is cold), so washing before breakfast is not practical. If going 2 days without a shower is unthinkable for you, then Kokoda is not the right challenge.
And toilets?
You will be in the middle of the jungle. There are no flush toilets on the track. At camp there are generally ‘squat’ toilets with screens, so you can go about your business without the glaring eyes of others watching you. They tend to have a ‘pleasant’ aroma, which means that you will want to be done quickly, but it won’t kill you. Remember, being away from life’s luxuries is half the adventure. 
I’m adventurous…can I attempt the track on my own?
This is not advisable. Although it is feasible to obtain your own permit and guide to walk the track (it is still a working thoroughfare servicing villages), you are still in a foreign country. A woman on her own or even a woman with a porter may be seen as a potential target. Why risk it? Travelling in larger, organised groups is a much better idea. Like the old adage says: there is safety in numbers.
What if I get sick? I’ve heard there have been deaths on the track…
Once again, a well organised tour company will have provision for ill-health. They have access to two-way radio, satellite phones and know particular staging points along the track very well. Villages along the track also have access to communication devices should anything happen to the radios they are carrying. For reputable tour companies, safety is paramount. Think about it – their business relies on reputation and service. A poor safety management process would affect return business, so it is in their best interests to maintain a high level of safety and security on the track. This was my experience when I walked the track. We crossed paths with other groups, and even on those brief encounters, it was evident which operators were well organised.
There have been deaths on the track, but all were due to personal health problems unique to the individuals, not safety issues on the track. You must know your own body and your limitations. If you are unsure, seek the advice of your doctor. Experienced operators will demand health checks before trekking, so that they (and you) know about any issues that may arise. This type of preparation avoids potential issues before they have a chance to become life-threatening.
Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you
Walking the track will be THE most rewarding adventure you will experience this year. It may be your most rewarding adventure ever. You will find out more about yourself in those 10 days than you perhaps knew. You will learn about history – you will walk in the footsteps of very special Australians, and you will be encouraged to try bigger and more challenging journeys. Don’t let myth and rumour spoil the trip of a lifetime. If you have been thinking about this for some time, now is your chance to take action! Contact a tour company and get started on you Kokoda adventure.
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