Safari Essentials

Let’s do first safari in Central India.

If you are going for the first time, you may be overwhelmed by all the available options. By spending time together in person or on the phone, our expert consultants will help you narrow down the choices.

“Safari” means journey in Swahili, there cannot be more exciting journey than your first trip to Central Indian Highlands. The possibilities are endless: the iconic valleys of river Narmada had been home to dinosaurs and now acting as a perfect refuge to not only bengal tigers but also to an array of fauna like Indian bison, leopards, sloth beers, wild dogs, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, swamp deer, muntjack to name a few.

We’ll ask you questions about everyone who is travelling and what you want to see and do. Would you prefer an active holiday packed with varied activities or are you a photography enthusiast who wishes to spend all the day waiting for that perfect shot? Do you like to step out of your comfort zone in a tented camp or in a jungle lodge more your style. By sharing your dreams with us, we can craft a safari that is perfect for you adding some unexpected surprises you never have thought of and a pinch of culture for good measure. You might be steered away from the locations that can be busy or advised against a particular camp or lodge depending upon its suitability and location.

We’ll listen, discuss the options with you and use our experience and knowledge to come up with a vacation packed full of excitement, adventure and relaxation that’s tailor made just for you. We are committed to provide a fun filled and hassle free safari holidays.

When should I start planning?

We recommend you to plan at least 120 days in advance in case of foreign national and at least 60 days in case of domestic traveler, to guarantee the best choice of accommodation and with detailed planning of itineraries. If you are traveling from foreign countries and are a larger group of friends or families, we are expecting you to give us much time, even 6 months or more to serve you better.

How many National Parks should I visit?

It depends on your desire to explore and your budget in hand. Central India encompasses major National Parks like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park and Satpura National Park, Depending upon the time you have, but in our opinion you should plan at least 3 reserves at a stretch. You can extend your vacations for all 5 reserves with some add on attractions nearby like Ratapani Sanctuary, Sanjay Dubri National Park, Mukundpur White Tiger Safari, Khajuraho Temples etc.

How long is a typical Safari?

We recommend you to spend at least 8-9 days on the ground. If possible two weeks. We’ll make your swift ground travel arrangements in order to maximize your time and allowing you to see as much as possible, without ever feeling rushed.

What would be my dream itinerary?

In my opinion, a great Central Indian Highlands itinerary over 11 days would cover a few nights in Satpura, exploring the back water of Denwa with Pachmarhi, the hill station nestled in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Safaris in the dense forests of Satpura National Park where you will get an ample of chances to spot leopards, sloth bear, giant squirrel, sambhar, deer, crocodiles and tiger.
Next couple of days in Kanha National Park which inspired Rudyard Kipling to conceive The Jungle Book. Kanha is the home to barahsingha (hard ground swamp deer), tiger, leopard, dholes, bison alongwith a wide variety of birds. Then you could move on to Bandhavgarh, which boasts of the highest tiger density in the park. Kids can make the most of elephant back riding in the jungle exploring the tiger in his habitat. From here you can have your last spell in Panna National Park or Pench National park as per your choice, wrap it up all in style with the amazing safari viewing in the absolute wilderness before heading for your place.

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Check-List for Packing

Hats/Caps- Suited to the season.
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.

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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, gray and brown clothing. Bright and contrast clothes 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 fire arms 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.