World Rainforest Day I Rainforests, characterised by high rainfall, a closed and continuous tree canopy, and abundant moisture-dependent vegetation, are typically found in tropical and temperate regions and are known for their high biodiversity. They are under significant threat. More than half of the world's rainforests have been destroyed or degraded. Rainforest Foundation Norway reported that 64% of tropical rainforest has been destroyed or degraded. This means that only 36% of the original rainforest area remains intact. The destruction is primarily driven by human activities, leading to deforestation and forest degradation. Deforestation leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening countless plant and animal species. The remaining rainforests in the world are primarily located in the Amazon basin, the Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia, with smaller pockets scattered across various regions.
Travelling to a rainforest can be both beneficial and detrimental to the environment. While it can offer opportunities for conservation through ecotourism and support local communities, it can also contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction if not managed responsibly. The key lies in choosing sustainable and responsible travel options that prioritise the preservation of the delicate ecosystem of rainforests.
There are two main ways to access the Amazon rainforest in Brazil: the more well-known route through Manaus in the North and the lesser-known but more easily accessible route through Mato Grosso in the South. In Peru, the two primary gateways for visiting the Amazon are Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. As a tourist in the Amazon rainforest, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including jungle walks, wildlife watching, river cruises, and cultural experiences. Explore the rainforest's biodiversity by taking guided tours to spot animals like macaws, monkeys, and pink river dolphins, or try your hand at piranha fishing. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting indigenous communities and learning about their traditions and crafts.
Bear in mind that the Amazon rainforest has faced significant destruction, with an estimated 17-20% of its original area deforested in the last 50 years. Furthermore, an additional 17% of the forest is considered degraded, highlighting the extent of the threats facing this vital ecosystem. Thousands of tourists visit the Amazon every year, and although tourism plays a crucial role in the economy of Brazil, the increasing influx of tourists can adversely affect the environment and the ecosystems of an area that is already under substantial pressure due to logging. Additionally, in 2018, Peru’s congress passed a law allowing the construction of roads in the most remote and unspoiled regions of its Amazon rainforest—an area rich in mahogany trees and a sanctuary for isolated indigenous groups.
The best time to visit the Amazon rainforest generally falls between June and November, during the dry season. While the Amazon is a year-round destination, this period offers more accessible trails for hiking and easier navigation on the rivers, as water levels are lower.
While responsible ecotourism can support conservation efforts and local communities, unsustainable tourism practices can contribute to deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. Increased human presence can disturb wildlife and disrupt ecosystems and it has been proven that visitors can introduce diseases to vulnerable indigenous populations. To minimise negative impacts, choose responsible tour operators. Look for operators committed to sustainable practices, such as those certified by organisations like Rainforest Alliance, or with transparent policies for minimising their environmental footprint. Support local communities. Opt for tours that directly benefit indigenous communities or support local conservation efforts.
In certain areas of the Amazon rainforest in both Peru and Brazil, you may need permits or must be part of a guided tour, especially when entering protected regions. While some areas are accessible without special permission, national parks and reserves typically require permits from the appropriate government agencies and the accompaniment of a guide. For example, entry to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Peru requires a permit from the country’s park service. Many national parks and reserves in Peru mandate permits and guides, so it is always advisable to check specific regulations for the area you intend to visit. In Brazil, some national parks also require permits for entry. Many tour operators provide packages that include the necessary permits and guides for accessing specific areas.
Daintree Rainforest in Australia is known for its ancient rainforest, stunning scenery, and unique wildlife. You can explore it through guided tours or on your own, with options ranging from short walks to multi-day adventures. Daintree is located in Tropical North Queensland, about a two-hour drive north of Cairns or 50km north of Port Douglas. You can fly into Cairns Airport and either rent a car or book a tour from there. The Daintree River Ferry is necessary to cross the river and access the areas north of the river, including Cape Tribulation.
Daintree Rainforest has faced significant destruction, primarily due to deforestation for development, particularly in the lowland areas. While the entire rainforest is not destroyed, approximately half of the lowland areas have been cleared. This destruction has led to the loss of ecosystems and habitats for numerous species.
The best time to visit the Daintree Rainforest is during the dry season, which generally runs from May to October. This period offers pleasant, cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it ideal for exploring the rainforest and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.
Daintree Rainforest is a protected area. It is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Site, and a significant portion is also designated as Daintree National Park. This means it enjoys legal protection and is recognised for its unique biodiversity and ecological importance. A large part of the rainforest is protected within the Daintree National Park, which is managed by both the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.
When you visit, prioritise eco-friendly practices to minimise your environmental impact and support the local community. This includes staying in eco-lodges, using reusable items, respecting wildlife, and supporting local businesses and conservation efforts. Look for certifications like Ecotourism Australia's certification. Stay on marked trails to avoid trampling vegetation and disturbing wildlife habitats. Please do not feed the animals, as this can disrupt their natural behaviour and diet. Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife to avoid causing them stress.
There are no permits required for general entry into the Daintree Rainforest for tourists. However, permits are needed for camping at Noah Beach camping area. Crossing the Daintree River on the Daintree Ferry requires a fee.
The Congo rainforest is a remarkable destination known for its biodiverse environment. It is home to species such as gorillas, bonobos, forest elephants, and okapis, and boasts a stunning variety of plant and animal life. The Congo Basin is among the most biodiverse regions on Earth, featuring a vast array of species, many of which are found nowhere else. This region also hosts numerous indigenous communities, offering opportunities to learn about their cultures and traditional ways of life.
The best time to visit the Congo rainforests is during the dry season, which generally spans from May to September. Specifically, the months of June and July are often highlighted as being particularly favorable due to their dryness and relatively mild temperatures.
While the Congo rainforest serves as a critical carbon sink and vital ecosystem, it faces threats from deforestation and climate change. Therefore, it is essential to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices to protect this invaluable habitat.
The Congo rainforest requires permits to access national parks and protected areas. If you plan to trek to see gorillas, you'll need a separate gorilla permit for Virunga National Park. Depending on the specific area within the Congo rainforest you intend to visit, other permits or permissions might be necessary. It's advisable to check with the park authorities or a tour operator for specific requirements.
Some areas of the Congo Basin, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, face security concerns and travel advisories, which necessitate careful planning and sometimes require armed escorts. Accessing certain parts of the rainforest can be challenging, as it may require specialised transportation and navigation of difficult terrain.
The Borneo rainforest is one of the oldest in the world, estimated to be around 130 million years old, which has allowed for a long period of species diversification. The Heart of Borneo, a large area of intact rainforest, is crucial for maintaining biodiversity. It's one of the largest transboundary rainforest areas remaining in the world and provides a vital habitat for numerous species. The rainforest is home to an estimated 15,000 plant species, including 6,000 that are endemic (found nowhere else). The rainforest is particularly known for its iconic orangutans (both Bornean and Sumatran), as well as other endangered species like Sumatran tigers and elephants.
The best time to visit the Borneo rainforest is during the dry season, which generally runs from March to October. This period offers the best weather for exploring the rainforest.
Borneo's rainforest is facing destruction, with significant portions of the forest already lost and ongoing threats to the remaining areas. This destruction has severe consequences for biodiversity, carbon storage, and local communities. While Borneo's rainforests are not fully protected, significant portions are under some form of conservation. However, a large percentage of the remaining forest is still vulnerable to threats like deforestation. Around 31% of Borneo's 40 million hectares of forest are protected. Despite these protections, a substantial amount of rainforest is still being lost due to human activity.
While the rainforest is vast and remote in parts, there are many established tours and lodges that offer safe and responsible ways to experience it. It's advisable to plan your trip with reputable tour operators and be mindful of ethical wildlife tourism practices. Choose tour operators that prioritize ethical wildlife encounters, support local communities, and minimize their environmental impact.
While general entry into Malaysian Borneo for tourism purposes doesn't require specific permits for most tourists, certain areas within the rainforest, like Danum Valley, do require permits and can only be accessed through registered tour operators.
Costa Rica's rainforests are not ancient in the sense of being continuously present for millions of years. While some individual trees within the rainforests can be very old, even over 1,000 years, the rainforest ecosystems themselves have undergone changes over time, particularly in the last century. You can experience the rainforests in places like Manuel Antonio National Park which offers a combination of rainforest and beaches. You can hike through the rainforest trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. The Arenal Volcano Area is known for its rainforest, and volcano. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is famous for its cloud forests, which are essentially rainforests at higher elevations, characterised by misty conditions. You can walk on hanging bridges for a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy.
The best time to visit Costa Rica's rainforests is during the dry season, from mid-December to April, when you can expect warm, sunny weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. However, the "shoulder seasons" (May and November) offer a mix of sun and rain, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices, while still providing good opportunities for rainforest exploration.
Deforestation in the mid-1900s significantly reduced forest cover, but Costa Rica has since reversed this trend and increased its rainforest area. To minimise any damage from your footprint in the fragile ecosystems, look for accommodations that have been awarded the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, indicating they adhere to sustainable practices. Eco-lodges like Selva Bananito Lodge and Arenal Observatory Lodge prioritise sustainable practices and offer opportunities to learn about rainforest conservation.
While a general tourist visa might not be required for many nationalities, you will need to register and purchase entry permits for specific national parks and protected areas. Certain trails or activities within national parks may require you to be accompanied by a certified tour operator. The Costa Rican Tourist Institute (ICT) provides information on certified tour guides.
The rainforests of Madagascar are ancient, having evolved in isolation for over 88 million years since the island separated from India. This long period of isolation has resulted in a unique and highly endemic biodiversity, with over 90% of its species found nowhere else on Earth.
The rainforests are remnants of a larger prehistoric forest, Madagascar's rainforests are a global biodiversity hotspot, boasting a unique array of flora and fauna. The island is famous for its lemurs, with many different species and subspecies, as well as the fossa, a cat-like mammal, and various species of tenrecs. Madagascar's rainforests are home to a vast array of plant species, including unique baobab trees and plants with medicinal properties.
To experience Madagascar's rainforests, visit national parks like Ranomafana, Masoala, and Andasibe-Mantadia, which are known for their diverse ecosystems. Specifically, Masoala National Park, located in northeastern Madagascar, is the largest and considered by some to be the most beautiful.
The best time to visit is generally during the dry season (May to October) for easier access and wildlife viewing, though some unique flora and fauna are best seen during the rainy season (November to April).
While Madagascar doesn't have a specific national certification for hotels or resorts, you can look for accommodations and tour operators that are certified by international organisations like Rainforest Alliance, Green Globe, or EarthCheck. These certifications indicate a commitment to sustainable practices and responsible tourism. Additionally, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) lists hotels that have been certified under GSTC-approved standards.
Tourists need entry permits to visit Madagascar's national parks. While the national park permits can typically be arranged upon arrival at the park, it's advisable to check specific park requirements in advance, as some may have specific regulations or require bookings