India Photo Safari

FAQ 

 

• Is April a good time for photographing tigers? 

April is during the high season for Tiger sightings.  April brings hot weather and with that the tigers like to come out and hang close to water, sometimes even taking an afternoon swim.  

• I am not a photographer; can I still attend?  or I have a partner who isn't a photographer, can they attend?  

Yes of course, you can attend (and your partner)!  We have had many non-photographers on our trips (even a few who have gone on repeat trips).  You will have a little extra free time at the lodges while we do classes and one-on-ones.  There is always lots to do at the lodges, from going for a swim, relaxing at the restaurant, or just hanging at the bar.  The biggest difference is that our group spends time with the wildlife, watching behaviors and observing.  Non-photographers have expressed that they have enjoyed this and even learn more and gain more appreciation for the animals this way.  

• What animals might we see?  

Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Neelgai, Chinkara, Gaur, Four Horned Antelope, Barasinga, Jackel, Langurs, Macaques and others

• I am a birder, can I join?  

While we are not a pure birding trip, we do love our birds.  If we have enough birders, we will give them their own vehicle (we just need 3 and find that birders love our trips).  We definitely stop and watch the birds.  I have met some birders over the years that are only interested in a check list to maximize the number of sightings.  We are not the type of tour that goes quickly to tick boxes.  We focus on animal behaviors and great photography.  I have found that over the years, our guest that are birders have spread the love and people sometimes come out of our trips as birders :)

• What birds might we see?  

Crested Bunting, Painted Stork, White-naped woodpecker, Jungle Owlet, River Terns, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Crested hawk eagle, Crested serpent eagle, Indian peafowl, White-rumped shama, Lesser whistling duck, Asian Paradise Fly Catcher, Spot Billed Ducks, Purple moorhen, White Breathed Water Hen, Hooded Oriole, White Throated Kingfisher, Open Billed Stork, White Throated Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Indian Roller, Yellow Footed Green Period, Honey Buzzard, White Eyed Buzzard, Bronze Winged Jacana, Cottom Pygmy Geese, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Brahminy Starling, Pied Starling, Rufous Tree Pie, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Red Naped Ibis, Lesser Goldenback Woodpecker, Ruddy Shelduck, Indian grey hornbill

• How do I get there?

You will need to fly into Jabalpur on the start date of the workshop, then out of Nagpur on the end date.  To make things easier, we are happy to arrange those domestic flights for an additional fee.  

• How physically demanding are the wildlife safaris

Our safari vehicles will be doing all the work.  So, sit back and enjoy being driven around to see and experience the wildlife.  

• I have dietary requirements/preferences; will that be a problem?  

Vegan and vegetarian cuisine is a specialty of our lodge's chefs.  Our chef can also cater to allergies, dietary preferences, and gluten free requests.      

• What about weather?

It is hot this time of year.  With heat the tigers come out to the waterways more, so it does help with tiger sightings.  While our open vehicle offers a lot of relief as we drive, and our rooms have great AC units, we suggest that you prepare for the heat.  We recommend bringing light clothing that will protect you from the sun and keep you cool.  We also suggest lots of water and bringing electrolytes to put in your water.   Tadoba will have the most heat, then it cools off as our trip goes on.  Temperature may reach 100 degrees or more.  A hat and sunglasses are also recommended.  We recommend that you stay away from alcoholic beverages until you get used to the temperature, or until we hit Pench and Kahna.  Avoiding alcohol will also help with the jetlag.  

• How many guests are in each vehicle?

Maximum 4 guest in each vehicle, so you will have a window seat.  The vehicles are open on top, so bring a hat and sunscreen.  Also, a beanbag is suggested for the vehicle (that we can fill out there).   

• How much gear can I carry on the drives?

​​​You will have a free middle seat next to you.  This space is shared for our cameras and day bags.  We ask on this trip that you carry your camera and a small camera pack that will fit under your legs or shared in this middle seat.  There isn't enough space for you to bring a large camera bag for the game drives.    

• What are the luggage restrictions for the domestic flights?

Our flights offer a free baggage allowance of up to 7 kg for hand baggage and 15 kg for checked-in baggage for domestic flights.  You can pay extra for additional weight in your checked luggage.  

• Will we have Internet and Phone service?

The lodges will have Wi-Fi services.  I have found that I often even get reception with my international T-Mobile plan inside the game parks.  I am happy to provide my number (in the case of an emergency only) to family back home.  

• What happens if there is a medical emergency?

One of the drivers can help take you to seek medical care.  We do require that everyone has medical insurance.  If this is a concern, I do recommend talking to your insurance company about what it provides.  Some policy will even do medical evacuations so you can get treated at home.  

• Any recommendation for travel insurance?

I personally use an Allianz Global policy.

• Any shots or vaccines?

You will need to talk to your own travel doctors about your recommended shots and medications.  To get an idea, I usually check the Traveler's Health area on the CDC website for India.  

• What about Visas?

Check travel.state.gov for up-to-date information on visas.  As of now, you will need a visa for India.  We can recommend an international visa processing company to help you with this.  

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