When it comes to wilderness adventures, fear often holds people back. The thought of encountering snakes, spiders, or bugs in the jungle can make anyone hesitate. Similarly, the idea of wild camping, surrounded by nothing but canvas, with no phone signal and no way to contact home, is enough to make many people uneasy. But here’s the thing: those fears are completely natural. And more importantly, they’re an invitation to push past your limits and discover something profound about yourself.
Let’s start with the jungle. We often hear from potential adventurers that they’re afraid of snakes, spiders, or “creepy crawlies”. It’s a common concern, but it’s important to remember that most wildlife is harmless, generally uninterested in us, and often really fascinating to observe from a safe distance.
Take this charming little creature for example, the tailless whip-scorpion. Despite the name this is not a scorpion but rather an arachnid. Most people react to spotting one with fear/alarm/disgust. But if you get to know a little about it you learn firstly they are not harmful to humans – they are shy, and have no venom. Indeed they are fascinating, ancient creatures that have been hanging out in warm, dark spaces in the tropics since the Carboniferous period. They are one of the only arachnids to display social behaviour, and some people even keep them as pets!
On our expeditions, we don’t put you in harm’s way, and we teach you how to navigate the jungle with respect, curiosity and awareness. Our guides are experts, and they make sure you’re fully prepared to stay safe while still immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity of the jungle. The jungle doesn’t need to be feared—it’s a place to be respected, appreciated, and experienced on a deeper level.
Then there’s the fear of wild camping—no walls, no phone signal, no cozy bed. It’s understandable. The idea of being in the middle of nowhere can trigger anxiety about isolation, lack of safety, or even the practicalities of having to pee in the wild. It’s also easy to worry about being out of touch with home. These fears are valid, but they’re also the very things that make wild camping such a powerful experience.
Being disconnected from the everyday stresses and distractions of modern life is exactly what makes time in the wilderness so transformative. When you’re surrounded by nature, it forces you to be in the present moment—no constant checking of your phone or worrying about emails. Instead, you learn to focus on your surroundings, your group, and your own instincts.
And yes, it’s okay to feel vulnerable when you’re camping under the stars with only a canvas around you. That’s part of the experience. But it’s also where you build resilience. It’s all about comfort in the discomfort, about learning how to handle the unexpected with calm and confidence.
The truth is, fear often holds us back from the very experiences that help us grow. When we confront those fears, whether it’s the idea of encountering wildlife or the thought of being in the wilderness without walls, we come out stronger, more self-reliant, and deeply connected to the natural world.
So, if you’re feeling unsure about the jungle or wild camping, know that you’re not alone. These fears are part of the adventure. You’re never truly “out there alone” with our expert guides, who will be with you every step of the way. And when you push past that fear, you’ll discover the power within yourself that you didn’t even know existed.
Ready to face your fears and discover your wild side? Come to the jungle and face your fear of the “creepy crawlies” or join us in the desert to confront your nerves about wild camping. We will support you every step of the way!
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