Semi-evergreen rainforest with patches of bamboo undergrowth intersected by seasonal streams and dotted with waterfalls
Adventure into the forest spotting wildlife with the help of your local guide unique forest knowledge and skills.
– Escape to nature and dedicate some time to relax in comfort at the unique Bamboo Camp where you can enjoy true wilderness soothed by the sounds of the jungle whilst enjoying delicious Bunong cuisine.
– Explore evergreen forest, sacred waterfalls, traditional Bunong farms and little-known remnants of historical conflict, such the site of a US Army base, deep in the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary, whilst spotting spectacular wildlife.
– Immerse yourself in indigenous forest culture, learn traditional forest skills from your local Bunong guide, hear about legends, history and folklore from an elder around the campfire and help a local farmer collect resin from his ancestral resin trees, an ancient and remarkable Bunong practice.
PHYSICAL CONDITION:
trekking at Jahoo is physically demanding due to tropical conditions and steep terrain and guests should have a good physical condition to endure hiking in a tropical climate on steep forest trails.
WEATHER:
wildlife watching opportunities can be impacted by the weather. The dry season November-April is on average the best for successful wildlife watching, however, strong dry winds from December to January can make wildlife watching challenging. From May to August, the weather becomes wetter with more rainstorms generally in the afternoon and evenings, which makes hikes and overnight stays at the camp more challenging. September to October is peak rainy season, rain is expected continuously during this period, guests should be well prepared for wet weather during this period.
GUARANTEES:
There is no 100% guarantee that we will see gibbons or any other wildlife. They are wild animals in a wild environment, we do our best to maximize opportunities for viewing wild animals but cannot guarantee views. Generally, the longer the stay the more opportunities for successful wildlife watching.
Accommodation
The Bamboo Camp at Jahoo is a unique destination and includes a dining room & lounge, bathrooms with western-style toilets and showers (not heated), kitchen (with set meal of Asian/Bunong cuisine) and comfortable huts with beds and night-sky view. Staying the night at Jahoo is an experience and provides possibilities of night-safaris and a more relaxed early morning start as you leave the camp at dawn and follow the song of the gibbons to locate them in the forest.
7:30 am the driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Sen Monorom and you’ll drive through rolling hills towards Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS). After 30 minutes, you’ll arrive in Andong Kraleung village, an ethnic Indigenous Bunong community. As you drive through the village look out for the bamboo water tower which provides homes with safe drinking water and spot the primary school children enjoying a hearty breakfast before school begins, two examples of programmes that Jahoo supports through ecotourism fees.
08:30 – 11:00 Wildlife Hike
Following your local guide, head out into the mixed-evergreen rainforest on the search for wildlife, such as rare primates, as you hike towards a remote waterfall.
11:00 Jungle Waterfall
Forage for your lunch and help your guide prepare a delicious Bunong meal over a campfire before refreshing yourselves in the natural pool at the waterfall.
12:30 – 16:00 Wildlife Hike
Continue with your local guide on the search for rare wildlife, such as black-shanked douc langur, as you return to the camp. Through the eyes of your indigenous guide, find traces of elusive wildlife such as the footprints of Asian elephants and the claw marks of sun bears.
17:00 Sunset Dinner
Refresh and relax at the unique Bamboo Camp, constructed of sustainably sourced bamboo, the camp is immersed in its forest surroundings and was designed to have minimal impact on the environment. Dine on Bunong-Khmer fusion cuisine cooked using locally sourced and seasonal produce whilst enjoying panoramic forest views.
18:00 Jungle by Night (optional)
After dinner, take a short walk with the help of headlamps into the forest to take a glimpse at nocturnal forest animals, before visiting the atmospheric indigenous hut for a traditional nightcap and to discuss history, folklore and indigenous culture with Bunong elders.
05:00 Gibbon Watching
Awake before dawn to the sounds of the forest and join wildlife researchers as they head into the forest to position themselves at the listening post. Upon hearing the piercing call of the yellow-cheeked crested gibbon, follow your guides as they track the gibbon family, moving swiftly and silently through the forest undergrowth. As you observe these unique endangered apes, learn about their behaviours as well as the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this species at Jahoo.
08:00 Cultural Journey
Return for breakfast at the camp before preparing to explore Bunong culture as you visit a traditional burial and spirit forest to learn about Bunong spiritual beliefs. Traverse through examples of modern and ancient farming practices and witness the transition from traditional swidden agriculture to current practices. Experience the ancient practice of resin tapping and observe other forms of sustainable harvesting of forest resources, traditions that have motivated forest protection for generations.
12:00 Jungle Waterfall
Discover another stunning jungle waterfall, take a swim in the natural pool and enjoy lunch at the edge of the forest stream. Take time to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this exclusive waterfall enjoying incredible views of towering trees and the abundance of beautiful butterflies
15:00 Wildlife Hike
Return to camp after a gentle stroll through the forest keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way, especially the prehistoric-like greater hornbill and other colourful forest birds.
17:00 Gibbon Watching (optional).
08:00 Breakfast Club
Learn about how the Gibbon Fund (from Jahoo ecotourism revenue) supports important social improvements such as primary school education and meet some of the key community members involved in these initiatives.
10:00 Natural Spring
Visit the spring with a local mother to understand her story and the important part that access to safe and reliable water plays in her and her family’s lives.
12:00 US Military Base
Mondulkiri was impacted on a devastating scale throughout the Vietnam-US war. Learn about how the events of modern history impacted this community and enjoy the open views from where the base once dominated.
14:00 Ranger Station
Take a tour of the stockpile of confiscated timber, equipment and other materials whilst learning about the pressures on protected areas as well as the ongoing efforts to save wildlife and wild places.
17:00 Departure – Return to Sen Monorom (accommodation not included).
Early we will hand you over to the wonderful Elephant Valley Project team. This world famous Elephant Sanctuary is an essential visit to anyone coming to Mondulkiri and Seima, giving you the chance to get up close to rescued Elephants.
Spend the morning with one group of elephants and also give back by volunteering! You will hike out to meet one group of elephants in the morning in their natural forest habitat. Enjoy the buffet lunch in the base camp at midday and then join locals, staff and other volunteers on the many projects it takes to keep the sanctuary running for example reforestation, farming for elephant food and small building projects (note these activities are not with the elephants). You can also take this time to relax at the base camp and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
You can find out more about the Elephant Valley Project here.
In the evening you will be returned to your accommodation in Sen Monorom.
Price per person included
– All Transfer to and from Sen Monorom
– Guide Fees
– Gibbon Fund Contributions
– Food and water
– Accommodation and food
– Park Entrance fees for Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS). These fees support the Department of Environment operations and management of KSWS.
– Contribution to the Gibbon Fund. The Gibbon Fund is used by the local community to improve community social services and incentivizes community conservation action to protect forest and wildlife.
– Jahoo Community-guide led tour: Experience Jahoo and Kea Seima Wildlife Sanctuary with local indigenous Bunong guides. Adventure into the forest spotting wildlife with the help of local forest experts and their unique skills and knowledge. Community-guides have very limited English-language skills but are proficient in Khmer language.
Tour elephant valley project:
– Transport from Sen Monorom to EVP site and back.
– 1 elephant experience (3-4km of hiking)
– 1 session of volunteering at the sanctuary
– Delicious buffet style khmer lunch!
– Unlimited water refills at base camp
$0
1 person
$0
2 persons
$0
3 persons
$0
4/5 persons
$0
6/7 persons
$0
8 persons
In price not included
Tip or gratuity, alcoholic beverages sodas.