Camp Beng Mealea orientation
Details: Travel to Camp Beng Mealea
Camp Beng Mealea is a delightful rural camp set on the outskirts of Teuk Lich village within Beng Mealea commune. Accommodation is in the form of traditional Khmer stilted longhouses positioned in the shade of large banana
and papaya trees. While here, three meals a day will be provided. The camp is surrounded
by paddy fields and pretty amazing views on all sides. On a clear day you can see the
impressive ridge line of the Kulen National Park from your longhouse. And if that isn't enough,
there is the ancient ruined temple of Beng Mealea to explore only a short walk away, as well
as a large ornate pagoda where the Buddhist monks live. You'd be hard pushed to find a
more authentic Cambodian experience!
Details: Spider Town visit
The town has become famous as a place where tarantulas have been bred for generations
as a source of food for the local people. Teams can try this local delicacy if they dare, or
perhaps just holding one will do if eating them is a step too far.
Details: Check into the traditional style accommodation
We will be staying in traditional jungle lodges on bunk beds, the bathroom facilities have flushing toilets, cold showers and sinks. The end of each cabin has a chill out space with cushions and there is a small dining room.
Details: Community and project sites overview
The community of Donbiki are situated in the heart of the Ecuadorian rainforest. Ecuador is the eighth most biodiverse country on Earth, with more than 20,000 plant species, 1,500 bird species, more than 840 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 341 species of mammals. Yet it also has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, where up to 200,000hectares of forest are destroyed illegally every year leaving less than 15% of primary forest intact. Most of this is due to the expansion of pastures and pressure from oil and mining companies. The Shiwakucha (Donbiki) community are very concerned about the deforestation and are keen to preserve the forest by planting indigenous trees. As the community expands, more trees are cut down to sell the wood and make space for crops. Since 2019 we have been working with the community to reforest land that had been used for agriculture. Yutzu trees are excellent for helping with issues of erosion in the riverbanks. Chunchos are among the tallest of the locally species. Both species are native and play a part within a process of conservation in the area.
Details: Safety and Orientation brief
While at camp, three healthy, well balanced and tasty meals will be provided daily. For example, toast, cereal, and fruit for breakfast; fish with veg for lunch and dinner and fruit. The signature dish is Maito de tilapia or Maito de pollo - Fish or chicken cooked inside a banana leaf with palmito (roots of a type of palm) and yuca (root veg) and rice.