The jungle is one destination that promises travelers incredible adventures and the chance to get up close with some rare wildlife in lush surroundings. Most jungles are home to countless species of flora and fauna, and host some of the most wonderful wildlife. Trekking through a dense rainforest will definitely awaken your wanderlust and of course, you will get to have the most exceptional and adventurous moment of your life.
Whether you’re headed to the mighty Amazon Jungle, the sprawling Island of Borneo jungle, or to the famous Congo rainforest, here is a comprehensive travel guide that will help you navigate the jungle with ease, protect yourself from lurking dangers, and of course make the most out of your jungle travel experience.
Travel Guide for Jungle Survival: Everything You Need to Know
1. Pack the essentials- and Pack Light
It’s your first jungle trip and you have no idea what to pack and what not to pack. Well, there are two rules when it comes to packing for a jungle trip- pack the essentials and pack light. You only need to carry what you need. Bring a minimum amount of clothes that are lightweight and breathable, and whose fabric is strong enough to resist tears. Don’t carry shoes, jungles are best trekked with boots.
Other essentials to carry along include mosquito repellants, a head torch (and extra batteries), a small travel towel, tissues and wet wipes, an extra waterproof jacket, seamless socks to keep leeches out, and other important items. For sleeping, you can carry a sleeping bag. Your tour guide can carry cooking equipment and a tent.
2. Hire a Local Guide
If you’ve watched the movie Jungle, then you surely wouldn’t want to experience what Daniel Radcliffe had to go through after getting lost in the Amazon jungle. Even if it’s your 10th time in the jungle, it’s still advisable to hire a local guide who knows the ins and outs of the jungle. It’s no fun wandering in the jungle with no idea where North or South is, not to mention that you risk meeting face to face with some of the most dangerous jungle predators!
3. Watch out for Dangerous Jungle Predators
The jungle might be one of the best places to have the ultimate adventurous experience, but it’s also a dangerous place to be. As a home to some of the most dangerous and fearless animals like snakes, tigers, elephants, leopards, wild pigs, sun-bears, and some other weird predators, you wouldn’t want cross paths with these aggressive predators. This isn’t meant to discourage you from visiting the jungle. The good thing is that some of these animals live deep inside the jungle and tend to avoid human interactions. However, you should definitely be wary of dangerous predators like water moccasin snakes.
The water moccasin snake, also known as cottonmouth snake, is a very dangerous and venomous snake that is commonly found in Southeastern United States. A single bite from this snake can be extremely fatal, which is why most jungle trekkers and hikers often fear crossing paths with the snake. The good news is that water moccasins rarely attack humans, well, unless provoked. You surely don’t want to mess with this one!
4. Stay Hydrated
Trekking through the jungle with a backpack can not only be tiring, but can also make you extremely thirsty. If you’re going to make it through the jungle, you need to stay hydrated, especially in a hot, humid climate.
Carry a few water bottles, in addition to rehydration tablets or sachets. Since you can’t carry enough water on your backpack, you can bring some bottles for refilling at various locations throughout the trek.
5. Be Mosquito-Ready
The jungle is habited by thousands of mosquito bugs and if not properly dressed, you might end up dealing with painful bites and discomfort, not to mention a risk of developing malaria or dengue fever. Of course, getting sick on a jungle trek isn’t something you would want to experience. Therefore, a mosquito repellant is something that you don’t want to trek through the jungle without.
Ensure that every part of your body is covered, and cover your body while sleeping. To reduce your risk from malaria or dengue fever, be sure to get your travel vaccinations and talk to your doctor about getting malaria tablets.
6. Be Open to Staying Primitive
Forget about your computer, tablet or Smartphone. Most importantly, forget about your high-end life in the city. In the jungle, the only way to survive and enjoy your adventure is to stay primitive. Allow yourself to blend in with the surroundings, connect with the locals, and basically adopt the jungle life. This means starting your own fires, cooking in the open, fetching water in the river, etc. You will be surprised at how much peaceful and enjoyable living in the jungle can be.
Wrapping It Up
A jungle trek or safari provides you with the ultimate experience to bond with Mother Nature and of course experience new exciting adventures. Stay positive, survive, and have the best time of your life!
