Family Safari
Welcome to Junglewala. Family safari holidays in Central India Highlands can be amazing way for children to learn about nature and many trips will also include encounters with different cultures. To get the best out of a family safari to Central India, we would use our experience to tailor the trip for your family. As per your interest and budget, we will consider the age and individual maturity of your children and any safety concerns.
For parents and grandparents, the joy of introducing your children to wilderness is without equal. Watching a child’s delight as they come face to face with their first tiger in the wild, make spears with their guide or marvel at a safari tent that bears no resemblance to any camping gear they have seen at home, is an amazing and enduring experience. While Central India is undoubtedly about the wildlife and nature, we will ensure that you have the unique experiences to make your family holiday unforgettable.
Finding good, child friendly lodges may see the obvious choice but only a few live up to their marketing promises. Give us a call or drop an email to discuss your wishes in detail.
Family Safari Travel Tips
- Relaxation is important on safari for the young. Bring along favorite activities for quite afternoons in camps, coloring pencils, playing cards, I pods, indoor games can all help young minds recharge.
- Make children feel special, small backpacks of their own will all add to the adventure. This means they can carry what they choose for journeys by vehicle or plane.
- Slow the pace- When travelling as a family, three nights in each camp is really the minimum that way everyone can settle in and make the most of the experience.
- Make each camp different- By choosing safari camps in different habitats, you will ensure new sights and experiences come thick and fast.
- Add boating in your plan- Almost all children love water, enlivened by dugout canoes, safari boats and ferries, will add zing to your safari experience.
- Be Adventurous- Children are often stronger and braver than we think.
- Catch the best view- Binoculars are a must for grownups but children also need their own.
- Dress to impress- Hats and sunscreens are essential but Central India can also be cold in December and January especially during nights and early mornings. We will advise suitable warm clothing in winters.Safari clothing is best in mild colors. Too much bright and contrast are not advisable as they frightens off the animals.
We know little ones work to a different schedule so we leave plenty of time between the safaris for them to run, swim, play games, nature walks and just soak up the environment. It’s important that families spend time together. After two safaris, you are starting to notice the resident fauna and be aware of the nuances of the jungle craft. The kids get it straight away, even more so than adults, and it really lights a fire inside of them.
What would be your dream itinerary?
A great Central Indian Highland’s family itinerary over 11 days would cover a few nights in Satpura, exploring the back water of Denwa with Pachmarhi, a hill station nestled in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Jeep safaris in the dense forests of Satpura Tiger Reserve, will get you an ample of chances to spot leopards, sloth bear, giant squirrel, sambhar deer, crocodiles and tigers. Satpura also offers boat safaris and walking trails in the forests.
Next couple of days can be spent in Kanha Tiger Reserve, where Rudyard Kipling inspired to conceive The Jungle Book. Kanha is the home to Barahsingha (hard ground swamp deer), tiger, leopard, dholes, bison along with a wide variety of birds. Then you could move on to Bandhavgarh, which boasts of the highest tiger density in any park in the world. Kids can make the most of elephant back riding in the jungle exploring the tiger in its habitat. From here you can have your last spell in Panna National Park or Pench National Park-the Mowgli land as per your choice. Wrap it up all in style with the amazing game viewing in the absolute wilderness before heading for your place.
Check-List for Packing
- Hats/Caps- Suited to the season (Warm/Cold)
- Safari Clothing- T Shirts/ Trousers/ 3-4ths/ Capries/ Jackets in earthen shades.
- Binoculars- At least two in a family of four. Individual possession is better.
- Camera- A good SLR Camera and Lenses with extra memory cards and additional battery is advisable. Some compact cameras are also found producing fantastic results.
- A light cotton stole will help you to protect your camera and face from the fine dust during jeep safaris.
- Footwear- A comfortable pair of walking shoes with cotton socks is advisable.
- Medicines- Some common medicines for emergency with first aid kit is advisable.
- Notebook- It would be better to take field notes on flora and fauna in the wild.
- Field Guide for Birding- Will help you to identify the species and provide more details about the avian
Safari code of conduct
- Wildlife always has right of way. This is the home to the wildlife – you are only a visitor.
- Wear some kind of dull colors like green, khaki, grey and brown clothing. Bright and contrast clothes (White & Red) are inadvisable.
- Use toilets at authorized place only.
- Do not get down of the Safari vehicle at any time during the Safari.
- Do not feed wildlife as this can have severe consequences for an animal’s social behavior patterns and lead to increased aggression.
- Do not encourage guides to move so close to wildlife that your presence disturbs it or interferes with its natural behavior.
- Do not encourage guides to pursue wildlife that is showing avoidance tactics e.g. displaying threatening/alarmed behavior or is moving away. Let them stay in peace.
- Do not encourage guides to drive off-road in protected areas when this is prohibited in the protected area. Follow your assigned routes consciously.
- Do not approach breeding sites (nests, burrows, dens, caves etc.) as this can affect the breeding success of wildlife.
- Speak quietly and do not make any sudden movements when close to wildlife so as not to alarm it.
- Be aware that the use of flash photography to take photos of wildlife is prohibited in National Parks.
- Be quiet and considerate when viewing wildlife, keep a safe distance away and ask your driver to switch off the engine.
- Be sensitive to wildlife. Loud noise or shrill phone calls do not advisable in National Parks.! Use of mobile phones during safari drives should be discouraged.
- Please do not damage or remove any flora or fauna, including stones, bones and plants.
- Do not throw trash, litter, peels of fruits etc.
- Do not block their line of travel or escape routes.
- Do not wear perfumes or any other strong smelling substances. The animals are sensitive to smell and it may arouse their curiosity.
- Carrying of firearms of any kind is not allowed and also illegal on a Safari.
- Don’t smoke inside the park – this can cause fires and harm wildlife – behave responsibly.
- Take up opportunities to exchange culture with the local community in authentic settings and with willing participants.
- Approaching too closely will disturb them. Do not stand up when you are close to tigers – animal might see it as a threat and may be provoked to charge back.
You can play an important role in the conservation of the park by giving your valuable suggestions and recommendations.
