Solo Female

[Jan]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to be embarking on my first Kokoda trek in August (only 3 weeks away!) and I only just stumbled onto this forum a few days ago. I'm kicking myself I didn't find this sooner, however I have read almost every discussion and found the advice invaluable!

I was originally supposed to be going with my older brother but two weeks ago he had to undergo ACL surgery on his knee and as such, cannot go with me anymore. I'm a 27 year old female and considered pulling out as well, but I had been planning and looking forward to this for over a year, I had already paid for the trek in full and gotten time off work – so I decided to go ahead and "Just Do It" as they say.

One advantage I suppose I do have, is that I was born and raised in Lae, and although I've lived in Australia since I was 10, my family still lives in Lae and Moresby and I go back at least twice a year to visit. So, I'm no stranger to PNG, I know what to expect regarding the people, weather, crime, etc etc. So at least I won't have to worry about the "cultural shock" that some people experience.

Despite this, I'm still very nervous about Kokoda. I was wondering if there are any other females out there who have done Kokoda solo? I have booked with what I believe to be a reputable trekking company (but not KTL) and I have complete faith in them. I guess my concern is how I will be able to cope without a friend or family member to lean on, both physically and emotionally. Any advice or personal experiences would be most helpful!

Jan

[Boss Meri]

Jan, we have taken out heaps of women who have trekked on their own and no problems whatsoever. I do not know about the company you are trekking with but more often then not, you will find yourself in a mixed group and will soon make friends with other trekkers.

On one occasion we took a female out on her own as the only time she could get off did not fit into another trek we had organised. The lady was up here on work and wanted to fit it into the time she finished and the time she was due back at her next job in Australia.

I met with her and then picked staff I knew would make sure she was safe and off they went. She came back in absolutely wrapped in her experience and loved every minute of it.

With family here and from Lae you can no doubt speak fluent pidgin so will fit in with their staff or as you say no culture shock and this alone should break the ice with porters.

Have fun and enjoy the journey!

[EveG]

Hi Jan.

Bummer about your brother's surgery, but I'm glad you've decided to go anyway. I think you'd kick yourself if you postponed. I had planned to go this time last year, so this is a long time coming for me, too. I'm also going with another company in a few weeks (10 Aug), but I'm confident it's a good choice (my dad wanted us to trek with a specific trek leader).

I hope you have a fabulous time.

[39thdecendant]

Hi Jan,
I can understand exactly where you are coming from, I too was raised in Lae & Goroka, living most of my earlier years up there and being very aware of the dangers, especially to females, I was also very nervous even though I was with a big group. However Kokoda is nothing like Moresby or Lae, it was like stepping back 40 years or so, the villages are so friendly and they are not touched by the problems of alcohol which I believe is the root of all of the lawlessness in the towns, that and the lack of employment. I have no hesitation in returning and walking the track again, you will get all the support you will need from your trek leader & porter who seem to take an immense personal pride in making sure all their trekkers finish. I still have friends who live in Lae and am still in contact with them, so I know too well why you may be a little nervous however let me assure you, you will love it. You will find it the old PNG you knew and loved. I also still speak fluent pidgin, and you will find that such a bonus even though most of the natives speak English, they seem to be much more comfortable speaking pidgin. At no time did I feel uncomfortable or in any sort of danger, as is always the case, treat the locals well and with respect, and they will look after you. I am 100% certain you will have a ball.

Nettie

[Waza]

Hi Jan

I can only agree with Gail, Nettie & Eve, you will enjoy yourself and I'm sure you will be safe. How long are you in Moresby for, before you go? If you have a few days there, do try and meet Gail at KTL as she is an awesome Lady and an inspiration to all those that she meets and Gail has done some wonderful work for the Orokaiva people.

Good Luck with your Trek and absorb the experience, as it will live with you for a life-time.

Best regards

Warren (Waza – Trek 83)

PS: Hello to Gail and also Nettie, who has shared a number of Posts with me.

[Jan]

Thanks for your comments and encouragement everyone. The countdown is on. Looking forward to it!

Jan

[Lorna]

Definitely go on your own Jan. I did, and have been home almost a month now. It was absolultely awsome….. I had a ball. An incredible challenge but my training, up and down the Darling River bank ( which most people scoffed at… but was the closest I had to a hill) with about 12kg in my pack, was adequate to ensure I had no aching muscles at all and thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip.

I'm 48 and went with a fantastic company ( not KTL). There were 15 of us, fathers and sons, brothers and friends. Myself and another lady were the only ones who knew noone. But we all bonded really well. The first night in Pt Moresby I shared a room with the other single lady, we hit if off immediately and were about the same fitness level dn we ended up doing most of the trek together with our porters.

Don't give it another thought…

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