At Timbuktu, thrilling, far-flung destinations are what makes us tick – and it doesn’t get more off-the-beaten track than the jungle. From juicy enclaves in the Amazon to the lemur-filled forests of Madagascar, we’ve rounded up our favourite jungle lodges across the globe to get you dreaming about an adventurous trip to these untouched corners of the world.
Nayara Tented Camp
Arenal
Surrounded by thick rainforest beneath the gaze of the mighty Arenal Volcano, Nayara might be a camp, but it can barely be called camping! Imagine gorgeous tented suites with huge canopy beds, private infinity pools, and an open-air spa reached by winding trails where sloths dangle and hummingbirds flit between the leaves. Happily, Nayara Tented Camp is also very eco-focused with a design that keeps its footprint small and delicious dishes served with locally-sourced ingredients, as well as playing a role in the reforestation of surrounding Arenal National Park. There’s plenty to do as well, including on-site birdwatching and nighttime hikes, and the guides will help organise everything from exploring the Mystic Hanging Bridges to rappelling down waterfalls. On your return, the pool and swim-up bar wait to serve you something chilled as you soak up the atmosphere.
Sacha Lodge
Ecuadorian Amazon
Set on the edge of an inky black lagoon in the midst of a 5,000-acre reserve, Sacha Lodge is your gateway to the weird and wild wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The cabins are huge and almost entirely built from sustainable wood – and you’ll be sharing the trees with chilled-out sloths. Barbecue lunches are served at the on-the-water deck where caimans lurk just beneath the surface and otters splash. There are a dozen ways to explore the surrounding reserve including hikes across suspended tree bridges, treks through the forest with your eyes peeled for creatures great and small, and canoe explorations along the (many) waterways. Although, there’s also something to be said for a few hours spent lolling in your hammock as birdlife flits in and out of your eyeline…
SUJÁN Sher Bagh
Ranthambore
Sitting on the very edge of the enticing Ranthambore National Park, SUJÁN Sher Bagh, with its hand-stitched tents, gleaming paraffin lanterns and campaign furnishings, has more than a touch of old-world glamour. Two suites boast a private hot tub overlooking the golden grasses, where Ranthambore’s delightful birdlife flitters around merrily. You’ll be reminded of your primary reason for visiting by the tiger-themed memorabilia dotted around camp – a prominent female has even been known to wander the pathways. Led by your expert guide, you’ll embark on tiger-spotting safaris through the tawny thicket in the park and along the river’s edge. On your return, there are alfresco spa treatments followed by G&Ts and scrumptious thali dinners around the fire. You’ll retire with the day’s events still running through your mind…
Manjarano Lodge
Andasibe
Located just where the emerald expanse of Andasibe opens onto a lagoon, Manjarano Lodge couldn’t be more embedded in the wilderness. The collection of villas gaze across the water and all are equipped with a King-size canopy bed and deep stone bathtub. Exploration is the name of the game here and Andasibe is nature’s playground, with a phenomenal 13 species of lemur frolicking in the trees. In fact, this is one of the best places to see them in the wild and you’ll often be awoken by the haunting calls of the largest lemur, the Indri. Activity-wise, enjoy early-morning canoe rides, then hike into the forest to see the lemurs for yourself. Back at the lodge, take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, cleverly suspended above the lagoon, or partake in an organic treatment at the spa. What a day!
Aria Amazon
Peruvian Amazon
Seemingly floating through the wide waterways of the Peruvian Amazon, the Aria is elegance personified. Designed by renowned architect Jordi Puig, the interiors are sleek and chic and the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows offer heavenly views from the comfort of your bed. If you fancy taking in the surroundings from a different vantage point, head to the rooftop hot tub for a soak as birdlife flits above the river. The 360-degree views continue in the dining room, where you’ll tuck rainforest-to-table dishes, paired with wines from across Europe. When you’re not admiring the scenery from a sedentary position, there’s plenty of exploring to be done too: head ashore for hikes into the forest and the chance to spot sloths, shrieking monkeys and incredible birds, or kayak along the water to see elusive pink river dolphins. Then, head back to the boat in time to see the sunset turn the water crimson.
Bisate
Volcanoes National Park
Set on the forested slopes of an extinct volcano, Bisate is the epitome of style. Architect Nick Plewman ensured it would have the wow-factor with a clever nest-like design, inspired by the royal palace of Rwanda. The six bedroom suites are filled with gorgeous textiles, and a central fireplace will keep you toasty on chilly nights in the forest. All open onto a private deck with sensational views of Mount Bisoke, whilst Karasimbi and Mikeno can also be seen from the main lodge. Gorilla trekking is the main focus at Bisate, and you’ll head deep into the forest to find a family of mountain gorillas – the hour you spend in their presence is a moment that will never leave you. You may also see the rare golden monkey and an incredible array of birdlife. Afterwards, there’s nothing better than a superb meal and a long soak in your massive bathtub.
Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Wild
Cardamom Mountains
Being at Shinta Mani Wild is like entering an entirely different world, where the ingredients for dinner are foraged from the forest each day (we’re talking everything from mud crabs to wild potatoes), grabbing a drink at the bar requires ziplining in, and foot massages take place in a waterfall pool. The location for each and every tent was chosen after years of deliberation and they range from being perched atop chunky boulders to standing over cascading waterfalls. Whichever you choose, the view is spectacular! Designed by Bill Bensley, the tents manage to combine a nature-infused feel with vintage flair, including tin bathtubs on the private deck. Organised by your ‘Adventure Butler’, experiences include hiking into the forest, kayaking on the river, ziplining expeditions, and even the chance to participate in anti-poaching activities.
Ngaga Camp
Odzala
Set just outside of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Ngaga Camp is surrounded on every side by luscious forest where all manner of primates dwell. Established as a gorilla research camp, the main focus is still to see the magnificent Western lowland gorillas on foot, and you’ll trek with experienced local trackers who have made the forest their home. Back at the lodge, each room is built from sustainably-sourced wood and raffia, creating a space that is both rustic and deeply relaxing. You can soak up the idyllic views from your wrap-around veranda or head to the central fire pit, where you’ll feel completely immersed in the natural beauty of the forest. And whilst the camp may not have a pool, who needs one when you have the Ngaga stream to swim in?
Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya
The one and only lodge in one of the most secluded reserves in Sri Lanka, Gal Oya has its roots firmly in the wilderness. It’s also dedicated to protecting this unique corner of the country with a number of conservation projects for guests to get involved with. Begin your day with a picnic breakfast on the riverbank as birds flutter by, then go on a boating safari to watch the elephants swimming from island to island before ending off with a pangolin-tracking walk in the moonlight. Entirely solar-powered, the lodge is as down-to-earth as they come with an open-air kitchen for cooking lessons and to watch the chefs whip up a number of Sri Lankan specialities. In between adventures, sip on an arrack sour in the pool, and admire the views of formidable Monkey Mountain; the adventurous among you can even hike to the summit.
Mashpi Lodge
Ecuadorian Cloud Forest
Escape to a place that feels far, far away from the real world: Mashpi Lodge in the Choco-Andean Cloud Forest. And yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. At Mashpi, hummingbirds join you for breakfast as you gaze across the ethereal, clouded canopy, chocolate body wraps await at the spa, and every morning, you’ll wake (in your giant, pillowy bed), thrilled at the day’s prospects. Take your pick from over two dozen hiking trails, take the ride of your life on a Sky Bike, and then cool off in a cascading waterfall. Back at the lodge, enjoy a look round the Expedition Room for fascinating insights into your environment and the critters that call it home, or take in the astounding vistas from the eight-storey observation tower. You’ll never tire of the view…
