Cardamom Tented Camp

Cardamom Tented Camp (CTC) is a non-profit project designed to support Wildlife Alliance’s ‘JW Tourist Concession’. The camp’s goal is to support the protection of 18000 hectares of Botum Sakor National Park in Cambodia. After 4-5 years (it has been going since November 2017), CTC wants to be self-sustaining and provide full funding to the 2 ranger stations in the concession. Botum Sakor National Park was established in 1993 and covers an area of 171,250 hectares - 72% of which has been sold to business interests. The rangers in the ‘JW Concession’ came in 2013, with 2 stations, and number 12 in total. Between 2013 and 2014 3000 snares were confiscated, as well as dozens of chainsaws and home made guns. In 2017-2018, there were less than 300 snares, no chainsaws and no guns - CTC seems to be working. CTC is also eco-friendly - water is filtered for staff and guests to drink, the weekly food shop is done with cloth bags, the garden is 100% organic, toiletries in bathrooms are eco-friendly, and Ibis rice is served at meal times. A large solar panel powers the entire camp and they recycle (no mean feat in Cambodia). The wastewater system ensures that water returned to the environment is clean and safe, and all organic waste is composted. Arriving at the camp makes the long journey from Phnom Penh worth it. After a 5 hour drive (CTC can organise the transfer for you), transfer onto a boat with your suitcases having been met by the friendly camp staff. The boat ride takes around 30 minutes, and on arrival at the pier you'll find other guests having a good time - jumping into the river for a splash after a long jungle hike is a favourite pastime! The food at CTC is excellent. Breakfasts mean fruit salad, strong coffee, fried rice and omelettes. Lunch could be tom yum soup with rice, or a delicious curry. Dinner is even better - delicious pork lok lak, or fish amok await. Followed by the house chocolate lava cake or the lemon pudding. There is an informal bar area by the main house where you can have a well earned aperitif and a game of cards. Now all there is to do is make the journey out along the wooden walkway to one of the 9 tents (raised up off the ground). Tent as a description feels like a bit of an injustice: a roomy and comfortable double bed awaits, with a wooden dressing table complete with mirror and power socket. Well-spaced flaps allow excellent views out onto the grassy area bordering the jungle. While all 9 tents are next to each other, each feels private and unintrusive. Climbing into bed after supper is exciting - listen to the sounds of the jungle outside and enjoy a good night’s sleep. Every tent also has a bathroom if you exit the door opposite the entrance - a shower, loo and sink in good condition. Just make sure you zip up the tent well to avoid any creepy crawlies getting in! After breakfast, head out to enjoy one of the numerous activities offered by the camp’s staff and expert guides. These include hiking (of varying lengths depending on ability/desire), trekking, canoeing, swimming in the river, tubing (beer in hand, down the river), or a cooking class. The canoe to the ranger’s station, followed by a tour of the rangers’ activities, and a jungle walk (for about 90 mins) back to the camp was a real treat. A truly immersive, back-to-nature jungle experience!