CARDAMOM rainforest

ASIA’S LAST RAINFOREST

The largest tract of uninterrupted rainforest left in Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s Cardamom region is home to more than 50 endangered animal species — elephants, sun bears, pangolins, pileated gibbons, and many more — as well more than 2,000 species of plants. It is a vibrant, lush landscape full of astonishing natural beauty. But its existence is threatened by illegal mining, poaching, and logging.

The goal of Shinta Mani Wild is to preserve the forest through sustainable tourism, so this place and its magical creatures can thrive once again.

ENTER
THE
WILD

The remoteness and seclusion of our private nature reserve is what makes it so special: There are no roads, no power lines, no planes flying overhead. Our camp is truly, magically wild. And while getting here isn’t fast, we make it as easy and as enjoyable as possible.

HOW TO GET HERE

The dry, brisk evenings make sundowners, campfires, and massages a delight, especially on the northernmost stone riverbed. Butterfly season is in full swing and continues through March.

JAN – FEB

CAMPFIRES & BUTTERFLIES

While the climate of the Cardamoms can be broadly divided into dry and wet seasons, the weather, flora, and fauna change throughout the year, each month with its own glories. In short, there is no bad time to visit.

The Khmer New Year sees low water levels that allow for heading deep into the rainforest for mountain biking and hiking. Over this season, the trickle in the river rises to 1/2 meter (20 inches), and we are grateful for the odd 15-minute showers that cool and refresh the jungle valley.

mar – may

SHALLOW WATERS, DEEP EXPLORATIONS

When the rain, mist, and monsoons begin their dance, our 17 intermittent rivers and streams come back to life and you may witness a torrential outpouring. Trees begin to fruit — attracting the birds — and our favorite herd of wild elephants sometimes makes an appearance. The Tmor Rung River has ample water for kayaking and bird watching: The many drongos and kingfishers are just delightful. It’s a great time for foraging as well.

jun – july

MISTY MOUNTAINTOPS & FORAGING

The pinnacle of the wet season is when you’ll experience the jungle at its most glorious. Our three major waterfalls bulk up tenfold at least, with Raging Big Sister Falls producing a veritable mountain of mist. The pileated gibbons are especially vocal in the early mornings this time of year, their calls to establish territorial boundaries seemingly louder and more serious. The orchids are perhaps at their most glorious toward the end of this season.

aug – oct

WHEN WATER FALLS & ORCHIDS BLOOM

As the orchids remain in bloom, the cry of the Raging Sisters calms and a great season for swimming in the river begins. At Srey Ambel estuary, remote sandy beaches reveal themselves for picnics and sun worshippers. This is also the beginning of the butterfly season.

nov – dec

PICNICS & RIVER SWIMS

WHY
THE JUNGLE
MUST BE
SAVED

Since 2001, satellite imagery shows that Cambodia has lost 4.3 million acres of forest — one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. While much of the forest is officially protected, enforcement is weak, and many threats — logging, mining, construction, poaching, slash-and-burn agriculture — are making headway.

Why does this matter? Because the Cardamom Rainforest is one of Asia’s most biodiverse regions, with countless rare and endangered species, from clouded leopards to Southern river terrapins and giant ibis. And because it acts as a vast carbon sink, helping to slow global warming — but only if it survives.

We are proud to partner with and help fund rangers dedicated to preserving and reforesting this critical ecosystem. Our armed patrollers help protect the rapidly shrinking rainforest, looking for chainsaws, snares, and other signs of illegal poaching and logging.