Seeing the rainforest is one of the world’s great experiences. Nowhere else on Earth can you be so close to so much life- the animals and plants of the tropical rainforest and jungle are incredibly diverse and often spectacular. Even the insects are thrilling. There are butterflies bigger than the palm of your hand in the brightest shades imaginable and the evenings can be lit by fireflies.
However, (as the name implies) the rainforest is very wet and usually very hot. For people from the temperate zones of Europe, Asia, and North America it can take a few days to adjust to the extreme humidity. There are also health risks in the jungle that you won’t find anywhere else. While that shouldn’t put you off going to the tropics it does pay to be careful and plan ahead.
The biggest peril in most tropical jungles is malaria, which can be very serious and even fatal. It’s usually treatable if caught early, but the fevers and sickness that come with it are no fun at all. If you plan to go somewhere that malaria-bearing mosquitoes have been identified, you’ll need to get anti-malaria medication from your doctor before leaving. There may also be other tablets or vaccinations required, so book an appointment as soon as you’ve booked your ticket. Your doctor will be able to find out exactly what risks a particular holiday destination has and make sure you won’t be troubled by them.
Not all tropical areas carry a risk of mosquito-borne diseases, and the biggest problem most visitors face is staying comfortable in the heat. The first step is to pack well. Choose loose, light clothes in cotton or a breathable fabric. The one exception to the light clothing rule is footwear. Boots are a good idea. They’ll make sure you don’t turn an ankle on a muddy path or a rocky river bank even if you are distracted by a troupe of monkeys or a stunning Bird of Paradise. While the danger of snakebite is minimal unless you’re going on a real expedition into the jungle, boots will also provide your feet and ankles with a degree of protection against bites.
The most common kind of bite is far less dangerous but still pretty irritating. At home in a temperate climate a mosquito or midge bite might itch a little then go away. In the hot, humid rainforest, scratching a bite can result in an infection. Small cuts and grazes are also much more likely to become infected, so make sure you treat even the tiniest wound or bite with antiseptic. Don’t scratch insect bites if you can help it.
Fungus like warmth and humidity too. If you suffer from athlete’s foot or any other yeast-based problem, it will probably get worse in the tropics. Take plenty of foot ointment with you as a precaution.
When walking through the jungle, take care where your hands go. A common but unexpected rainforest injury is caused by unwittingly placing a hand on a caterpillar. Many species are covered with fine, poisonous hairs and contact can be very painful or extremely irritating. Spiders may also be lurking on handrails and tree branches. Always look before putting a hand down.
It’s important to drink plenty of water in the heat. If you’re thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Make sure to keep a bottle of water with you if you go for a walk, but never drink from ponds, streams, or outdoor taps. Most tropical hotels and resorts keep up a good supply of fresh bottled water, and if they don’t, ask for some. If a glass of water has stood on your bedside table for a few hours, throw it away and get a new one.
That may sound like a lot of precautions for a holiday, but the rainforest is worth it. Nobody who has experienced the full glory of the jungle could claim otherwise. The heat and the humidity are a small price to pay to see such wonderful plants and animals, and such a tremendously rich ecosystem.
Jess Spate now lives in Wales, UK, although she travels to the tropics fairly frequently. She works as a travel writer and sustainable business consultant when not rock climbing, surfing, or hiking.
Image by Ericson Calderon
