Tips on how to survive the jungle maze

Jungle pool
Jungle pool

Are you sitting comfortably in your chair right now and thinking that jungle survival is the last thing in the world that you want to think about?

But, have you ever wondered what it would be like if you got lost one day? Not having a clue what to do in such situation makes it a bad situation. Have a read of this article and hopefully you will remember the following tips, which could well save your life one day.

 

Jungle
Jungle

Orientation in the jungle  

Ok, we know this sounds impossible. Finding a path in the tree labyrinth can be quite exhausting, but there are ways to get to safety.

First, try to figure out where you came from by going back and finding some recognizable parts of the trail. Head downhill to find a stream, then follow it until it becomes a river, which will lead you out of the jungle. Try to make as little noise as possible to avoid the attracting animals.

 

Jungle
Jungle

If you see a higher point, a hill or a ridge, try to follow it because that likely means there is a river near. The wider the river is, more chances you have to find the way out of the jungle.

Protection 

Falling trees and branches kill quite a few people, therefore try to set your camp in an open area with no trees around your tent or your shelter. While moving through a dense jungle, walk slowly and be alert to all the sounds you hear.

 

Jungle
Jungle

Malaria is another killer that causes more deaths than wars do. To protect yourself from mosquitos use a mosquito net. If you don’t have one, try eucalyptus oil or sap from a camphor tree.

 

Mosquito
Mosquito

If you can avoid getting into a jungle river or a pond, then do so. These waters could contain crocodiles, leeches, electric eels, anacondas, piranhas, and stingrays.

Also, there are currents and underwater branches that can pull you down. Always keep your shoes and clothes on when entering into a jungle river.

Keeping your shoes and clothes on all the time will also protect you from getting sunburn and dehydration. Drink plenty of water!

 

You can drink this water after boiling it
You can drink this water after boiling it

When walking, always use a stick to remove the branches from your way and never touch the vines because many of them are poisonous. The stick will also help you to remove spiders and snakes if they appear near you.

Water and food

If you don’t have any water reserves or water purification tablets, there is still a chance you can find a drinkable water in the jungle.

Look for fast flowing water that is less contaminated and boil it before you drink it. As for the food, your most reliable resource is the vegetation.

For inexperienced adventurers, it can be hard to recognize which are edible and which not. Before eating a plant try the juice on your skin and see if there is a reaction. Avoid red berries and plants with milky white sap.

 

Don’t drink this water
Don’t drink this water

Shelter

After a long day of walking through the jungle, you would need to have few hours of sleep and stay safe at the same time. Use tree trunks to create a frame of your shelter and leave enough space in the middle to lay down. Cover the tree trunks with leaves and branches to keep you dry in case it rains.

Medicinal plants

Cordoncillo leaves are painkillers that can be chewed in a case of injury.

Cordoncillo – Author: Forest & Kim Starr – CC BY 3.0
Cordoncillo – Author: Forest & Kim Starr – CC BY 3.0

Tawari Tree bark is useful in treating infection and are used in treatments for cancerous cells, tumors, and inflammation.

Tawari Tree – Author: Richard001 – CC BY 2.0
Tawari Tree – Author: Richard001 – CC BY 2.0

Rat’s tail helps with digestion.

Rat’s tail – Author: Jod-let – CC BY-SA 2.5
Rat’s tail – Author: Jod-let – CC BY-SA 2.5

Now you know what to do in case you get lost while exploring a jungle. Finally, make sure you leave your trip itinerary with a friend or a camp mate, just in case anything bad happens. Good luck!

 

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival