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Safari guide · For any safari, anywhere in India

Going on a safari?

A safari is one of the most exciting things you can ever do! Whether it is a jeep safari, a boat safari at Kabini, or a walking safari in Satpura — here is everything you need to know!

Types of safari

Different kinds of safari adventures

🚙 Jeep safari

The most common type! You sit in an open jeep called a Gypsy (6 people) or a bigger Canter (20 people) and drive through forest tracks. The jeep is open so you can feel the air and hear the jungle. Best for tiger spotting because jeeps can reach small tracks.

  • Morning safari: about 6am to 9:30am
  • Afternoon safari: about 2:30pm to 6pm
  • Morning is usually better — tigers are more active
  • You always go with a trained naturalist guide
  • Available at almost every national park in India

🚣 Boat safari — like at Kabini!

At Kabini (Nagarhole) in Karnataka you can do a boat safari on the beautiful Kabini river! You float quietly and watch animals come to drink and bathe. In summer, hundreds of elephants gather at the river together. Tigers and leopards come to the water's edge too. It is like being inside a wildlife documentary!

  • Completely silent and peaceful — animals don't fear boats
  • Best in early morning when mist is on the water
  • The summer elephant gathering (March to May) is one of Asia's greatest sights
  • You can combine boat AND jeep safaris at Kabini for the full experience

🚶 Walking safari — like at Satpura!

Satpura in Madhya Pradesh is one of the only places in India where you can walk through the jungle with a trained guide! You track animals by their footprints and listen to the forest sounds. You notice things on a walking safari that you completely miss from a jeep. Canoe safaris on the Denwa river are also available!

  • For older children and adults who can walk quietly for 2-3 hours
  • You learn to track animals by their footprints and sounds
  • Tigers are rare on foot but the experience is extraordinary
  • Canoe safari on the Denwa river at sunrise is magical

🐘 Elephant safari

At Kaziranga in Assam you can do a sunrise elephant-back safari! You sit on a trained elephant and move through tall grass that jeeps cannot reach. Because you are on an elephant, rhinos and deer are not scared of you. You get incredibly close to rhinos. A very special experience!

  • Available at Kaziranga for rhino watching in tall grass
  • Very early morning — usually 5:30 to 7:30am
  • Limited spaces — book well in advance
  • You see animals at remarkably close range
What to pack

Your safari packing checklist

Tick everything off before you go! You will be outside for 3–4 hours, sometimes cold in the morning and hot by midday.

👓
Binoculars
8x42 is ideal — absolutely essential
📷
Camera
Telephoto lens if possible
🧥
Warm layer
Cold at dawn even in April!
🕶️
Sunglasses
Dust in open jeeps gets everywhere
🧴
Sunscreen
Open jeep + strong sun = ouch
💧
Water bottle
At least 1 litre per person
🎨
Neutral colours only
Khaki, green, brown or grey
🪲
Insect repellent
Especially for morning safaris
📓
Notebook & pencil
For junior naturalists!
🍫
Snacks
Safaris can be 4+ hours long
🔇
Quiet voice
Your single most important item!
😊
Patience
Tigers choose when to appear
The rules

Safari etiquette — really important!

These rules keep the animals safe and keep you safe! When you are in the jungle, you are a guest in the animals' home.

✓ Please DO

  • Stay seated in the jeep at all times — even when very excited!
  • Speak in whispers when animals are nearby
  • Follow your naturalist guide's instructions immediately
  • Keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle
  • Switch your phone to silent before entering the forest
  • Take all rubbish home — leave zero trace
  • Enjoy everything you see, not just tigers!
  • Stay on designated tracks at all times

✗ Please do NOT

  • Make loud noises or shout — even when you see a tiger!
  • Play music in the jungle — ever, not even softly
  • Use flash photography — it blinds and distresses animals
  • Feed any animal however small or cute
  • Ask the driver to chase after a tiger
  • Wear bright colours — red, white or neon scare wildlife
  • Throw anything out of the vehicle
  • Expect a guaranteed sighting — nature decides, not us!
Always remember
When we are on safari, we are the guests. The tigers are home. We follow their rules, not ours. The jungle belongs to them and we are very lucky to be allowed inside.