Jungle Adventure

Immersing yourself in a jungle trek is one of the best ways to get close to nature and there are jungle adventures for all abilities. You may just want to experience what it's like to be inside a jungle or you may want to go on a full expedition deep into the heart of a jungle and camp under the stars or in a tree house. Jungles hold so much biodiversity from trees and plants to the animals and birds that live in them. Experienced guides are a must as it's not easy to spot animals and birds in a dense forest but an experienced guide offers knowledge of the different species of flora and fauna and tracking wildlife comes from years of experience. 

Uganda Jungle Adventure

Mgahinga National Park

   One of the most memorable jungle adventures is the Mgahinga National Park to trek through jungle to visit the mountain Gorillas on the slopes of extinct volcanoes. The trek takes around 6 to 7 hours. There are 19 Gorillas in the troop which consists of 9 members, 2 Silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. The troop is called the Nyakagezi. Gahinga Gorilla National Park was established in 1991, covers approximately 21 sq miles and is part of the Virunga Mountains. There are 3 inactive volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. There are many other species of animals with 76 species of mammals and over 180 species of birds. Some you may encounter are the endangered Golden Monkey, striped Jackals, forest Buffaloes, giant forest Hogs, Buffaloes and Elephants. There are also over 200 tree species. Also on the trek you can visit the Garama Cave which is 342 meters long and 14 meters deep or climb one of the three volcanos. 

Tanzania Jungle Adventure

Mahale Mountains National Park

 If you are looking for an unspoilt rainforest the Mahale Mountains National Park has 623 sq miles of pristine jungle which is abundant with wildlife. This is one of the few places that Chimpanzee’s can still be seen in the wild. There are many other animals here with nine species of primates including the Southern Lesser Galago, Vervet Monkey, Silver Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Yellow Baboon, Angolan Colobus, Red Colobus, Silver Greater Galago, and the Robust Chimpanzee. There are also over 70 mammals, 350 species of bird, 20 species of amphibian, 26 reptile species and over 30 species of Butterfly’s. Trekking through the jungle you will pass beautiful waterfalls with fresh water pools with over 1000 species of plants and trees as well as an amazing jungle to trek through. You can climb Mount Nkungwe which is 2,462 metres and takes 2 days to climb. Also there is Lake Tanganyika, a large lake with a white sandy beach where you can cool off after your trek which lays on the fringe of the jungle. Also on the eastern side of Mahale you will find populations of  Elephant, Lion, wild Dog, Roan Antelope, Buffalo, Zebra, Hyena and Giraffe. There are no roads leading here, you can either fly or take a boat, it’s very remote and absolutely stunning.

Tanzania Jungle Adventure

Kakamega Rainforest 

Kakamega Forest is the last primeval rainforest in Kenya. The forest covers about 143sq miles and comprises one national reserve (Kakamega forest), three forest reserves (Kisere, Kakamega, Malava and Bunyala) and two nature reserves (Isecheno and Yala). Kakamega Forest has some amazing biodiversity with 150 species of trees, 170 species of flowering plants with 60 species of orchid. Only 9 of these are found here with 60 species of ferns. There are 330 species of Birds, 28 species of Snakes, 7 Primates and over 400 species of Butterflies. Other animals to be found are Bush Bucks, red and blue Duikers, bush Pigs, Porcupines, Hammer-headed fruit Bats, tree Pangolins, Leopards, Mongoose, Aardvarks and African clawless Otters. An estimated 10 - 20% of the animal species in the forest are unique to this forest . The tracks are well signed in the forest and great for shorter treks, the longest is around 5 hours and camping is available. Places to visit in Kakamega Forest are  Buyangu Hill which stands 1633m above sea level, Isiukhu Waterfall, Lirhanda Hill at 1734m, the second highest mountain in Kakamega, the Bat Cave which holds the largest bat colonies in Kenya and hosts over 111 varied species of bats, the Rosterman Mines, a gold mine which was started by the British in 1935 no longer in use and the 40m Crying Stone of Ilesi where water flows from a groove in the stone and is surrounded by local mythology. You can also visit the Luyhia community who live around the forest in small thatched huts.

India Jungle Adventure
   

Guru Ghasidas National Park  

 If your after a Rudyard Kipling Jungle Book experience this is the jungle trek for you spanning 180.177 sq miles. The Guru Ghasidas National Park has less tourists than some of the other National parks which can be overrun with tourists and limits your chances of seeing animals. The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek is a tougher trek and is a full day trekking through the jungle, wading through streams covering about 8 miles a day over 2 to 3 days. You will be camping in tents giving you the experience of a jungle at night. There are 273 plant species, 72 species of tree, 309 bird species and 67 mammals. Some animals in the park to be seen are the Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Jackal, Sambhar, spotted Dearfour-horned Antelope, jungle Cat, barking Deer, Bison, Porcupine, Monkey, striped Hyena, sloth Bear, wild Dog, wild Boar, Cobra, monitor Lizards and Civets. On your trek through the jungle you will come across small tribal settlements. This must be one of the best jungle treks you will find in india. Other things to do and see are in the Chhattisgarh area are the Amritdhara falls and Gaughat falls which are each about 50-60 ft tall. You can also visit some Temples like the Pondi Jagganath Temple and the Sirouli Temple and The Korea Palace. Other activities include Boating on the Hasdeo River, the Singhanpur cave in the Raigarh district with pre-historic paintings. This must be one of the best jungle treks in India.

Nepal Jungle Adventure  

Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung (PIT) Red Panda Protected Forest  

 There are many jungle and forest walks in Nepal but the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung protected forest is a less trodden path in eastern Nepal in the famous Ilam tea area. The forest is part of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area which covers 786 sq miles. The Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung (PIT) Red Panda Protected Forest which is the largest protected forest in Nepal and has 225 hectares to explore is a great jungle trek as this area is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. On this trek you will be tracking the endangered red Panda through broadleaf, coniferous and bamboo forest in the shadow of Kanchenjunga mountain which is the third largest in the world. There are over 2900 plant species over 150 species of birds and some of the most endangered animals in the world like the clouded Leopard, Assam Macaque, Chinese Pangolin, Leopard cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Asiatic golden Cat, Marbled Cat, Himalayan Serow, Satyr tragopan, Spotted linsang and Barking deer. There are also many other animals in this area. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to do this trek of up to 7 hours which will take you up to elevations of 3,636m. Places to stay can either be a hotel, homestay or tent. This is a great place for the eco tourist with a passion for nature.

Laos Jungle Adventure

The Nam Ha National Protected Area

Laos offers a breathtaking natural landscape and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for an adventurous trekking experience. Creating a memorable 3-day trek in this remarkable region requires careful planning and an appreciation for the diverse ecosystems and local communities. The journey begins at the entrance of Nam Ha NPA, where experienced local guides will lead the way. The trek kicks off with a moderate hike through dense forests, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the pristine wilderness. Along the way, encounters with rare wildlife species like gibbons and langurs are possible, highlighting the area's biodiversity. After a few hours, a picturesque village of ethnic minorities welcomes trekkers for an overnight stay, providing an opportunity to experience their traditional lifestyle and warm hospitality. The second day takes trekkers deeper into the heart of Nam Ha NPA. As the landscape gradually changes, participants navigate through towering mountains and sparkling rivers. The trek incorporates visits to remote ethnic villages, where trekkers can interact with locals, learn about their customs, and savour authentic local cuisine. In the evening, a campsite is set up near a tranquil river, offering a chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy a delicious campfire dinner. The final day of the trek brings trekkers through scenic valleys and breathtaking viewpoints. Lush rice fields and cascading waterfalls create a stunning backdrop, providing ample photo opportunities. The trail may also pass through sacred sites, allowing trekkers to learn about the spiritual significance of the region. The journey culminates with a return to the entrance of Nam Ha NPA, where trekkers can reflect on their incredible adventure and bid farewell to the remarkable natural and cultural wonders they have encountered. 

Overall, a well-planned 3-day trek in Nam Ha National Protected Area promises an unforgettable experience, where trekkers can connect with nature, engage with local communities.