Night Safari in India – A Thrilling Experience

Intro

Night safari in India is a thrilling experience, Especially when you are inside a Tiger National Park.
Only a few Tiger National Parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Tadoba offer Night Safari in India.

Below is my experience on night safari in Bandhavgarh National Park (other park mentioned will be similar).

Experience

Night is when the forest comes alive and most animals are active especially the predators. The human mind plays its own role in darkness especially for city dwellers who have never felt pitch dark. Every movement in the forest is a thrill. The experience cannot be described and can only be felt.  Even inside the vehicle you see the forest differently than during the day. A small movement in the bush can suddenly surprise and make you thrilled.

Zones

Night Safari in these parks are only in the buffer zones and not inside core area of the park. Dont be discouraged by buffer zones as these are the same adjacent forest around the core areas. Tigers and other animals have no such division of the park. They move around the core and buffer and some tigers even have their territories spreading across both core and buffer. For tigers buffer areas are special as they have cattle in them and for some tigers these have become hunting grounds. In Bandhavgarh especially many of the tourist area tigers venture in buffer or nearby villages. So there is a very high chance to find a tiger during a night safari.

Timings

Nights safaris in India is after the Evening safari ends and usually from 19:00 to 22:00 in Bandhavgarh National Park. Other parks may have similar timings.

Safari Vehicle

Night Safari uses the same open 4×4 vehicle called Gypsy and with same Drivers and Guides of the park.

Video Clip

Below is a video taken on Night Safari in India in Bandhavgarh with an IPhone in the vehicles light. Not a great one, but it gives a idea of whats possible.

Wildlife Expected

Most people try to find Tigers on a night safari which is expected. However sometimes we also find Leopard, Sloth Bear and other wildlife.
On the trails we usually see nocturnal animals and birds like nightjars flying and black naped hares jumping around. An occasional civet cat or jungle cat is possible. You can definitely hear owls however sightings are difficult.

I have always imagined a pangolin, porcupine or hyena, however they are not found that easily.

Photography

Photography is not the main purpose of these safaris. However no photographer should venture without a camera in the forest, as you never know what rarity you might see.

Flash photography is not permitted, so your only option is carry a large aperture lens with high ISO camera and shoot in the light of the vehicle.
Carry a camera and lens (something like 70-200 2.8 would be nice)

I tried shooting with a 50mm 1.8 lens and mobile.

Booking

Advance booking is possible similar to regular safari permits. Book the permit in advance especially during peak season as they can be sold out.

What to carry & Wear

As you are inside the vehicle there is no need for any special preparations. A few things like camera, a small flash light, although you are not suppose to point them at the animals. Wear clothes that are silent and dont make noise. Dress appropriately for the weather, as nights in the forest can be cold.

Carry water if you get thirsty but don’t drink too much. Use the toilet before entering the park as there is no stops or breaks. It goes without saying don’t get out of the vehicle.

Follow the rules and guidelines of the accompanying forest guide and driver.

Conclusion

Night safari is a truly unforgettable experience even for regular day time park visitors regardless of what is sighted or not. To experience the forest sounds and sights in the dark is totally exciting.

If you are lucky you see something rare or a Tiger or even a Leopard in their elements.

These will be memories that will last a lifetime.