How to climb a coconut tree.......in easy stages :)

Tanga, Tanzania - January 2007.

This particular climb was relatively easy since footholds, hollowed out from the tree trunk, existed and I could easily climb up to higher altitudes :)

Our guide explained that there are specific techniques, such as the Front-foot Technique and the Frog Technique.


The Front Foot technique basically involves putting your hands close to each other on the back of the trunk. Feet are pulled up one in front of the other on the tree enabling you to walk up, alternating moving your feet and hands.

The Frog Technique is said to be more efficient and involves placing one hand up and behind the tree and the other hand at your chest level on the front side of the tree. Both feet are brought up at the same time

The process to go down the tree is pretty much the same but in reverse mode!

If all else fails you could try using a ladder!