Health & Medical information for Kokoda Trail Treks
The Kokoda Trail runs through the Owen Stanley Ranges, rough terrain in a remote region of Papua New Guinea. Walking the Kokoda trek for between 9 and 11 days is both physically and mentally demanding and it is essential that trekkers are physically fit and medically prepared. For pre-trek training please see our Kokoda Trek Fitness Program or contact one of our Kokoda Trail specialists at 043 848 3789
or email us.
Kokoda Trail Safety is our #1 Priority
Although the Owen Stanley Range is demanding and challenging environments it is not overly dangerous in and of itself. Unfortunately accidents including fatalities have occurred but almost without exception each of these could have been avoided with proper safety and emergency preparedness, training and communication. The most common health issues on the Kokoda Trail are exhaustion and dehydration which are easily controlled and avoided through proper hydration and training.
The bottom line: Be prepared and the risk is minimal
Please see our Trek Safety and Security section for ways that Kokoda Trail Expeditions minimizes risk on all of our treks.
Medical Certificate
Kokoda Trail Expeditions requires a signed medical certificate from each client before the start of the trek. We require the certificate for the safety and protection of each trekker and the group as a whole as medical assistance is not available along the trail route. Approximately three months before departure Kokoda Trail Expeditions will send you the necessary form to be filled out by your doctor and returned to our offices before the start of the trek. If we do not receive the proper medical clearance before the start of your trek it will be cancelled.
We offer a variety of different treks with varying intensity levels and are happy to discuss the best option given your unique goals, fitness level and priorities.
Physical Fitness Program
All trekkers are strongly advised to complete our Kokoda Trek Fitness Program (KTFP) before starting the trek in preparation for the challenges of the PNG jungle. The program is derived from the Trek Fitness Program – Kokoda Edition, a fitness e-book that has been designed specifically for the Kokoda Trail which can be acquired on request.
Kokoda Trail Expeditions provides a free copy at the time of booking for each of our clients.
Travel Insurance
At Kokoda Trail Expeditions we take trek safety very seriously. One of the easiest ways to be prepared for emergencies during the trek is to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. For that reason we require that each trekker take out travel insurance with our preferred insurer, QBE Insurance. QBE’s “International Travel Plan C” qualifies trekkers for important insurance benefits including hospitalization and immediate Medical Evacuation and Repatriation off of the Trail and out of PNG in the event of emergency.
First Aid
We always ensure that our selected head guides/porters leading our treks are trained and certified in First Aid and have access to a comprehensive first aid kit that is part of the standard trekking and emergency equipment for each group. All trekkers also need to bring along a personal first aid kit for treatment of minor ailments. We can provide a detailed checklist of what your own first aid kit should include at the time of booking.
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
In the case of an emergency, head guides use mobile or an Iridium satellite phone to contact QBEs Omega Medical Team in Australia (For those taking out travel insurance with QBE), who will organise an immediate evacuation out of Kokoda or Buna, Gona and Sanananda. After administering on-site First Aid if necessary, porters will carry the injured or sick trekker by stretcher to our closest designated extraction point (helipad, airstrip or road) for immediate transfer to Port Moresby for treatment at a designated private hospital. In more severe situations, Omega will repatriate the patient by air to Australia for treatment on the advice of a doctor.
For this reason it is paramount and advisable that all trekkers take out appropriate travel insurance with QBE Insurance in order to cover emergency services rendered by the Omega Medical Team.
General and Public Liability Insurance
Kokoda Trail Expeditions carries General and Public Liability Insurance with Liberty Insurance Underwriters that covers all of our clients in case of an accident that results in permanent disability. This includes the Buna, Gona and Sanananda tours. Our limit of indemnity is $10,000,000.00 AUD on anyone occurrence. To view our Currency Certificate, click here.
Immunisations
Although no vaccinations are required for entry into Papua New Guinea it is important to discuss your trek with your doctor as they may advise inoculations or booster shots if you are not up to date. Please make sure this is done several weeks before your trek in case you need to schedule treatments in advance.
Health Hazards
Although the Kokoda Trail is challenging it is not overly dangerous. The most common health hazards in Papua New Guinea and on the Kokoda Trail are Dehydration, Heat Stress/Stroke and Malaria:
Dehydration / Heat Stress / Heat Stroke
The most common ailments affecting Kokoda Trail trekkers are heat related. As you will be undertaking strenuous exercise in hot and humid conditions for up to 11 hours per day you will need to replace lost fluids regularly. Drink sufficient water during your trek – roughly 3 to 5 litres per day - and it’s a good idea to bring
Gatorade or Staminade powder (electrolyte replacement powder) to mix in with your water for extra protection against dehydration.
You will be able to deal with the climate better if you are physically fit when you begin your trek. Our compulsory 16-week Kokoda Trek Fitness Program is included in your trekking package and we highly recommend closely following it to build up your strength, endurance and stamina.
Malaria
Malaria is a fairly common tropical ailment transmitted by malaria-infected mosquitoes, which only bite at night. Mosquitoes occur in the warmer, lower-altitude areas of Papua New Guinea and large parts of the Kokoda Trail are situated at higher altitudes where it is colder and mosquitoes-free. However, it is wise to take anti-malarial medication when doing the Kokoda trek as malaria can be very serious. Kokoda Trail Expeditions provides mosquito nets on request for use at night in areas where mosquitoes appear but the best defense is to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in the evenings and at night and to regularly use tropical strength mosquito repellent to cover any exposed skin.
Hyponatraemia
Hyponatraemia is a potentially fatal medical complication of ultradistance exercise and there has been a prevalence of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) on the Kokoda Trail. Research by Dr Sean Rothwell and Dr David Rosengren in 2010 in conjunction with the Kokoda Trail Authority found that the KokodaTrail is a safe and fantastic experience for most trekkers and only a small number of trekkers can become susceptible to fatal EAH. The following measures may help you prevent a potential EAH: Treat associated conditions that may contribute to low blood sodium; Educate yourself and beware of the signs and symptoms; Take precautions during trekking periods of high intensity by drinking only as much fluid as you lose; Consider drinking sports drinks containing electrolytes such as Gatorade; and Drink water in moderation by taking in sufficient daily fluid intake and not overdoing it.
