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From Away.com

Jungle Exploration: A Primer


By Paul McMenamin

Travelling in the tropics, where the world's great jungles are found, is invariably fraught with problems. Sweltering weather, ever-present insects, and slow transport will test your patience. However, if you prepare for the worst, and know what to expect, you can keep the annoyances to a tolerable level, and learn to appreciate the richest habitats of life on our planet, our vanishing jungle environments.

Choosing an Outfitter
In the past, the world's great jungles were inaccessible to all but the most intrepid explorers. Today the adventure travel industry has made it possible for anyone with sufficient funds to visit the most exotic jungle venues. The very explosion in jungle travel however, has made it even more important to make the right outfitter selection when planning a jungle adventure. Before you book a jungle trip, we advise that you consider the following:



How experienced is the outfitter in the locale?
Because pioneering companies will usually have worked out the best program it is a sound strategy to stick with a well-established outfitter.

What company actually runs the tour?
Many big companies use smaller foreign outfitters to run their jungle trips. You can often save money by booking directly with the smaller outfitter, or at least obtain a wider selection of itineraries and departures.

How many other tourist trips operate in the same area at the same time?
Ask your outfitter about the level of tourism in the area you want to visit. If you aren't happy with what you hear, check with other outfitters.

Are departures and group size limits guaranteed?
Outfitters sometimes cancel trips, or combine two trips, creating a tour group that is unmanageably large. For exploring remote villages there should be no more than 12 persons, ideally six. Choose an outfitter that will guarantee your departure date and maximum group size.

Health and Medicine
No matter what your condition, we strongly advise that you have a thorough physical exam before you head to the jungle. On some jungle treks you'll be expected to walk as much as ten miles a day. Even if you're not carrying heavy equipment, or paddling a dugout canoe, the heat and humidity of the tropics will sap your energy quickly.

During your check-up, you should also get the shots and prescription drugs you will require. You will probably need anti-malarial medication, and this should be started at least four weeks before you depart. In addition, you should probably be vaccinated for cholera, typhoid, and in some cases yellow fever. Some experts advise an immunoglobulin injection, but you should discuss this with your physician. Be sure to have all your immunizations entered on an official International Health Certificate.

Photography
Tropical rainforests and expensive camera equipment don't mix. Wherever you go in the tropics you can expect your camera equipment to be exposed to a lot of moisture. If you're riding on a motorized canoe in the Amazon, for example, your camera can easily get soaked with spray. We recommend keeping your camera in a doubled zip-lock bag when not in use to protect the delicate electronic circuits. Keep some packs of silica gel inside to absorb moisture. Do the same with your film packs. (Film is very expensive in jungle areas, and slide film is virtually impossible to find, so bring plenty with you.)

Packing and Personal Items
You don't need to bring much of anything to the jungle. A sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes, a sun hat, light cotton clothing, and reliable insect repellent and sunblock is all that you need. You don't want to carry heavy bags in 100 degree heat and 100 percent humidity. Try to stick to one small suitcase and a daypack.

On jungle hikes, shorts are tempting, but a pair of full-length lightweight cotton trousers will protect your legs from insects and thorns. When venturing into the bush, bring water bottles, and consider taking salt pills. Road-test insect repellent and sunblock before the trip to assure they don't irritate your skin.



Paul McMenamin is the author, editor, and photo director of the original Ultimate Adventure Sourcebook.