Tiger Safaris are usually in an open jeep/vehicle, with unpredictable wildlife sightings, dirt safari tracks, undulating terrain, early morning and afternoon game drives, thrilling encounters, ever-changing weather conditions and an unforgettable blend of adventure, excitement and tranquility. Post safari return back to your rustic wildlife lodge/luxury camp, that offers warm hospitality, comfort, service, and local flavours.
Planning your safari holidays in India for the first time is exciting and overwhelming. The Central part of India covering its 3 states, has some of the best national parks in the country. It’s home to myriad bird species, reptiles, amphibians, herbivores, antelopes, elephants, bears, wild-dogs, leopards and the charismatic tigers.
Here’s a complete step by step plan for International and domestic travellers to plan their first Indian safari holiday.
Step by Step Plan for International Travellers
STEP I – Start with the Basic Research and Travel plan
- Start planning 4-5 months before you travel down to departure
- Decide your travel window (holiday season) and the length of your trip. We recommend anywhere between 9-10 days is good
- Choose your segment – Classic, luxury, ultra-luxury lodge/camp
- Combine or add-on destinations on your visit – Taj Mahal/Temples/Village/Culture etc.
STEP II – Consult with Noah Safaris team or your Tour operator
- Ground expertise is important to narrow down your visit and itinerary
- Book directly with us for best rates on travel, logistics, stay and safaris
- Our lodges/camps are into responsible and sustainable tourism practices
- Get photography and film-making advice, permits and your gear rental requirements in India
- Understand the zones, permit types, safari rules, and the best parks as per your visiting date
- Your special requests (diet, health, mobility) are all taken care by our team during your entire stay in India
STEP III – Choose your Safari destination: National park/Wildlife sanctuary
- Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Pench – Panna – Satpura – Bori – Tadoba
- Know seasonality, wildlife visibility, tiger density and high chance of sightings
- Understand the ground transfers, distance from major airports, safe and smooth travel
- Choose parks based on your goals: sightings, photography, comfort, family or activities
- Add tailored activities – Nature walks, Boat safaris, Birding, Village visits, Night drives (in select parks)
STEP IV – Choose the Best Season: Maximize your chance
- October – January: Lush green forest, misty mornings, excellent for birding and good for tiger photography in winter light
- February – June: Peak season for tiger sightings, flowering and fruiting in trees, lot of wildlife activities near waterholes
- July – September: Monsoon & Heavy rain starts, few tourists. Madhya Pradesh parks are closed. We don’t recommend you to visit at this time period for safaris
- Safari/Park tickets open 120 days prior to the Select date and gets sold out within hours if planning for peak and festival season – Christmas, New year, Diwali, Holi, Easter etc.
STEP V – Book in Advance
- Always better to reserve your park permits, jeep slot, guide and naturalist through your travel operator
- Book well in advance in the Select national parks to avoid last minute hassle and get the best safari zones
- Full day safari and, film-making permit process is time taking. We recommend to connect at least 4-5 months before, for the same
- Your booking confirmation is possible only with advance payments and deposits for your desired safari type
- Domestic flights, train tickets, ground transfers to the lodge, airport drop-offs should be done with reliable travel company only
The Safari Experience – What to Expect
- Safari gate opening and closing time varies depending on Sunrise and Sunset (every month) and usually starts from 5.30 AM in summers to 6.30 AM in winters. While evening safari gate opens at 4.00 PM in peak summers to 3.00 PM in winters.
- You will be starting early for Morning safari (5.00 – 6.00 AM depending upon the time of the year) to reach the park gate from your lodge
- For Evening safari (2.30 – 3.00 PM depending upon the time of the year) to reach the park gate from your lodge
- Guides, drivers and naturalists usually look for fresh pugmarks, alarm calls, speak with other vehicles to narrow down their search for big cats
- Very undulating terrain, and bumpy rides await you, so better have early lunch to avoid any nausea before leaving for evening safari
- Washrooms for loo in the park are designated at certain places are not well-maintained
Weather conditions
- From October to February, it is recommended to carry warm clothes for your Jungle safaris. At peak winters (from December – January you should carry thermals, extra layers, gloves, woollen caps etc.)
- Summers get very hot in Central India and from mid-April will be scorching dry heat to humid by end of June. But that is the peak for tiger sightings.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Apply for Indian e-visa and get it printed/scanned along with your passport
- Get your travel insurance covering medical, and emergency
- Get your routine health check-up (typhoid, hepatitis) and anti-malaria shots before coming to India
- Exchange currency to INR (Keep some small denominations – 50,100, 200, and 500). ATMs available in major cities. In nearby towns to national parks it might not work at times. So check with us before visiting
- Document copies – passport, visa, insurance, emergency contacts, itinerary prints, tour invoice in both digital and paper
Common mistakes to Avoid – First time safari travellers
- Booking a camp based on low price, no good location, constant music during nights, parties and poor service standards
- Choosing only few nights of stay, safaris and expecting big cats sighting on every safari
- Visiting national parks during its peak season without planning early and missing out good safari zones
- Expecting tiger sightings and tracking is very easy and the game is similar to Africa
- Not including a private safari guide, or naturalist for your safaris
- Underestimating last moment travel logistic booking and domestic flights
Why travel with Noah Safaris
- 16 years of safari and guiding experience with International guests
- Best in class naturalists and ground handling teams for smooth tour operations
- Tailored itineraries for photographer, film-makers, content creators, solo, couples, families
- Ground assistance with permits, logistics and local travel experience
FAQs – First time Traveller concerns
How likely we are going to see a tiger?
Sightings are never guaranteed but choosing the right park, season, private and experienced guides, naturalists will enhance your chances greatly. So far none of our guests have went empty handed with 100% sighting record.
How about Wi-fi and phone signal?
Noah wildlife lodges and camps have Wi-fi access but expect intermittent connectivity due to its remote locations.
What about making payments and tipping?
Carry Indian currency for tips, and all our lodges/camps has card machines to accept Visa and Mastercard.
Ready to plan your first Indian tiger safari?
Contact Noah Safari team with your dates, number of pax and safari destination. We’ll build a tailored itinerary, arrange permits and book the best local guides to maximise your chances of a life-changing tiger sighting.
