Jungle Trekking

The word trek means to travel in Afrikaans, and refers to a long journey on foot.

Jungle trekking is basically a long hike through a jungle, often a jungle trek will be days of walking and camping. Through terrain that most people other then the natives find uncomfortable. It takes a little bit of getting used to as well as some good planning to get the most out of a good jungle track.

There are a few simple things you need to do before going on a long jungle trek.

Rub your feet with alcohol every night for 2 weeks before trekking, it toughens the skin and helps prevent blisters. WARNING : do not overdo this as your skin might crack.

Research about the area you are going to be trekking through.

• Wildlife.
• Terrain.
• Political situation of the country.
• What vaccinations you will need.

Remember that this is a trek, that means you will be carrying all the things you bring. Make sure that you are able to carry these items for extended periods of time.

• Shoes ( bring 2 pairs and a pair of sandals )

• Clothes

• Insect netting

• Knives ( I recommend also carrying a Swiss army Knife )

• First aid kit ( wilderness first aid kit )

• Maps

• Compass

• Communication Device ( Satellite Phone )

• Anti-bacterial Soap

• Plastic Bags/zip lock bags

• Fire starting system ( Lighter/Ferrocerium rod /Blast Match /Magnesium Block )

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste

• Para cord Bracelet

• Cooking kit

• Hat

• Water Bottle/Bag/Canteen

• Mini Survival Kit

Real Survival Food such as Jerky, Pemmican, Hardtack are great for long treks.

Water Purification systems are essential, filters, tablets, crystals.

If you have Porters or Guides who will carry these items for you, they will make your trek more enjoyable, just keep in mind these are non essential items.

• Tents

• Sleeping bag

• Talc

• Sunscreen

• Head torchlight

• Torchlight

• Camera or video camera ( waterproof container for video/camera gear )

• Pen and paper

• Trail mix

Most people are not used to carrying a stick while trekking, But it is an invaluable tool in the jungle. It can be used to move brush out of the way, to check water levels in a river/stream, to help stabilize you while you are trekking on uneven terrain, to ward of wild life ( snakes/monkeys ).

Choose one that is about the same height as your shoulder, not too heavy for you to carry, and that will not snap in half if you put your full body weight on it. Falling on a broken stick can be deadly. Choose wisely.

Common sense will tell you that jungle trekking alone is dangerous. In case of an emergency having a companion is invaluable, a group is even better.

It is always recommended that you hire a local guide who knows the terrain. Some places are more dangerous then others, unless you are an experienced trekker, hire a local guide.

Always keep your documents and cash on you at all times, you would be surprised how many people lose valuables in the jungle. A money pouch is best.

Expect all your gear to get damp, choose easy to dry clothing, waterproof things that need to be kept dry and always sleep in dry pajamas, never in your wet clothes.

Only kill what you plan to eat or to defend yourself.

Take as many photos as you like.

Do not destroy the environment ( chop down trees/ hack your way through foliage when you can walk around it ).

Do Not litter, whatever you bring into the jungle, carry back out with you.

This is a basic guide to what you might need on a long jungle trek, depending on where you are hiking and for how long, you might need more or less items.

A Bushmaster would need less then half of these items. A native would probably be happy with 20% of the gear listed here.

Click here to Join Hubpages, earn a Passive Income, be able to comment on the hubs you have read and to write your own awesome article for the whole world to read. A friendly and helpful community of writers are here on Hubpages.

Copyright © 2013 Ketage Veritas