From Africa to Australasia, in India, Bangladesh and Madagascar, there remain patches of ancient primeval rainforest known as ‘jungles’. These areas are teeming with life; – plants and animals that can be seen nowhere else on earth and which are often endangered or threatened with extinction. Despite covering only a small fraction of the Earth’s surface, jungles are intensely important resources.
Jungle tourism is best defined as managed visits to rainforests, which incorporate accommodation and tours into the forest itself. Groups are very small, often kept by local legislation to numbers of 15 or below. This is to minimise human impact upon exceptionally delicate eco systems. Groups are usually led by local, experienced guides, who know the safe paths through the forest, as well having a good understanding of local wildlife – some of which will be dangerous. All jungles are inhabited by snakes and many different varieties of insects, some of which could be poisonous. All reputable tour companies offering jungle experience holidays also have well managed permanently manned helpdesks, so that any difficulties or emergencies can be dealt with immediately. Before visiting, tourists will need to check that they have key vaccinations, and may need to take malaria tablets. Clothing will need to be hard wearing and robust, including sun protection, walking shoes or boots, and long sleeved shirts/blouses for certain areas.
Jungle tourism is a relatively recent but increasingly popular holiday experience. While operating to some degree since the 1960’s, jungle tours began in earnest in the mid 1990’s. This was in response to increased TV coverage of previously difficult to reach areas. Falling into the category of ‘adventure holiday’, you need a degree of physical fitness to cope with the terrain and temperatures. By definition, jungles are hot and steamy, especially during the rainy season, but many are also situated on the sides of mountains or at high altitudes, so they are not for the physically unfit. Some have raised walkways at tree top level so that the tree canopy becomes visible. They would be problematic for any tourist with a fear of heights. The benefits are many and well worth the high cost; as well as seeing rare species of animals and plants first hand; many jungle areas also have historical gems hidden within them – for example, the Mayan temples of South America and the temple ruins within the Burmese jungle. These are deep, hidden, mysterious places that add to the uniqueness of the experience.
Jungle tourism operates in South America; Asia and Indonesia; Australasia and some parts of Africa. There are now dozens of companies offering holidays to these remote and previously inaccessible areas.
Central America.
As well as the Mayan ruins, Central America is also well known for its enormous variety of birds, including many rare varieties of parrots.
The Amazon.
This is the most famous jungle of all, covering the basin of the Amazon River, and home to a fifth of the world’s plants species and a tenth of the planet’s mammals.
Africa and Madagascar.
Once intensely forested, much of the Madagascan jungle has now disappeared. Several exceptionally rare animals call Madagascar home; including several different species of lemur. Africa also has some very high tree canopies, known as ‘high cloud forest’.
Asia.
The rainforests of South East Asia include the huge mangrove swamps of Bangladesh – the biggest on Earth. The rainforests here cover an area from India and Bangladesh, through to Java and Borneo.
Australasia.
Once part of an ancient forest, Australia, New Zealand and Guinea all have areas of tropical rain forest. In Australia, this covers only 0.3% of the land, yet is home to massive numbers of plants, mammals and reptiles.
Jungle tourism, now well established in all parts of the world, may not be a common holiday destination. For those fortunate enough to be able to visit, it offers a never to be forgotten to chance to visit some of the most important and diverse habitats on earth.