Jungle Trekking Information
Itinerary
The wild animals here in the Sumatra jungle are completely wild and have total freedom of movement. For this reason, there is not a set itinerary for trekking. After many years spent leading jungle tours, our guides have experience in knowing where to find orangutans and other wildlife based on the seasons, weather and current conditions of the forest. They also understand that every guest and group has different limitations and are able to adapt to these, providing a unique experience for every trek.
However, most people like to have an idea of what they're getting into! So here is an overview of what to expect from your jungle adventure.
How many days jungle trekking?
Treks with Safar can be anywhere from 1 to 5 or more days long. The most popular choice is a 3 day, 2 night trip. This gives you one full day in the middle where you can wake up and go to sleep among the sounds of the jungle.
First day in the Gunung Leuser
It is best to arrive in Ketambe the day before you wish to start the trek. This will give you an opportunity to get a good night’s rest before your adventure begins. On your first trekking day, have breakfast at your guesthouse around 8am. Bring a small backpack only. You can store the rest of your luggage in a locked room at Safar’s house or at the guesthouse you are staying at. Safar will come to meet you at the guesthouse and give you a pair of leech socks to put on. Take the opportunity to ask any last questions, then everyone should be ready to go at 9am.
Safar will guide you up to the entrance of the National Park and into the jungle, through the labyrinth of paths. There will be several hours trekking and looking out for orangutans and other animals, before arriving at camp beside the river for lunch. Take lunch and a short rest, then venture back into the forest with just your camera and water bottle to spend the afternoon exploring and animal spotting.
In the evenings you can take a swim and wash in the river. Meanwhile Safar and your porter will cook dinner and boil water for drinking. Afterwards you can play cards together, read, chat or just relax and enjoy the ambience.
Sleeping in the jungle
A shelter will be built from wood and clear plastic, fully enclosed with thin sleeping mats lining the floor. These guys are excellent at making completely waterproof places to sleep, even during heavy storms. There will also be a smaller conventional tent in which you can sleep and change your clothes that fits 2 people. Larger groups can spread out to sleep in the handmade jungle tent. The opaque screen protects from insects and weather while allowing a magnificent view of the early morning jungle.
Things to see
The rest of your jungle trekking days will vary based on your fitness levels, the weather, and where animals are on a particular day. It’s possible to visit the hotsprings and soak in the thermal waters, see the ‘mother tree’ in all her beauty, climb the inside of a liana, swing on vines like Tarzan, swim under a waterfall or simply spend your days waiting and watching the animals in their native environment.
Just in case
If at any stage you feel uncomfortable, worried, scared, sick, exhausted or have any other problems, never be shy to talk with Safar. Most importantly he wants you to have an enjoyable trip, and will be happy to cater to the will of the group whenever possible.
