Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast "The jungle has everything you need to survive, but also things that can kill you"
Nov 13, 2025
Dr. Joshua Allison, Medical Director at Unique Expeditions and an authority on survival in extreme environments, shares his expertise on navigating jungles. He highlights that heat and humidity are greater threats than wildlife, and offers practical tips on clothing, gear, and foot care to avoid injuries. Joshua also discusses how to sleep safely in the jungle, advocating for treated hammocks over tents. The conversation contrasts the challenges of jungle versus Arctic expeditions, revealing unique insights into extreme adventure survival.
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Heat, Not Wildlife, Is The Main Threat
- The biggest danger in jungles is heat and humidity rather than wildlife or insects.
- Dr Joshua Allison says heat exhaustion and overheating cause far more problems than mosquito-borne illnesses in practice.
Real-World Jungle Cases Are Surprisingly Ordinary
- Dr Joshua Allison recounts seeing few malaria cases but many people suffering from overheating or carrying heavy backpacks.
- He emphasises common problems like overpacking and heat-related collapse are far more frequent than dramatic animal attacks.
Cover Up And Protect Your Feet
- Wear full-coverage clothing: long trousers, long sleeves and a peaked hat to protect from thin vines and insects.
- Use jungle boots to keep feet dry and avoid bogs to prevent warm water immersion foot.