Jungle Safari Tours

Jungle Safari Tours

Nepal is not only famous for its massive Himalayas but also for its superb biodiversity and thrilling jungle safari adventures. Nepal possesses dense subtropical jungles, grasslands, and riverine forests that harbor elusive wildlife species, making it one of the best destinations to visit for a jungle safari tour in South Asia. Nepal's jungle safaris give the visitors a chance to experience legendary species such as the one-horned rhino, the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, gharial crocodile, and over 850 bird species. Safaris can be experienced in multiple ways, jeep rides, canoeing, nature hikes, or traditional elephant-back safaris, each offering a unique perspective on the wild. In addition to wildlife, jungle safaris also offer the chance to have cultural encounters with the Tharu and other local inhabitants living near the protected parks, giving tourists an experience of both adventure and culture.

National Parks for Jungle Safari in Nepal

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park in south-central Nepal's Terai lowlands is Nepal's most visited and accessible jungle safari site. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the park is 952 square kilometers in size and boasts an excellent diversity of wildlife. The biggest attraction here is the one-horned rhinoceros, which grazes grassland in significant numbers along with the Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and several deer species. The rivers within the Chitwan National Park, Rapti and Narayani, have the gharial crocodile and marsh mugger, both of which are the endangered category. Birdwatchers also spot more than 500 bird species, ranging from kingfishers to rare hornbills. 

Bardia National Park

Located in the remote western Terai, Bardia National Park offers a rougher and more off-the-beaten-path type of safari than at Chitwan. Covering an area of 968 square kilometers, it is Nepal's largest lowland national park. Bardia is the best place in Nepal to spot wild Bengal tigers, with its vast grasslands and sal forests in which these majestic felines can roam without restriction. The park also features ample elephants, rhinoceros, mugger crocodiles, as well as gangetic dolphins kept sheltered along the Karnali River. As opposed to Chitwan, Bardia receives fewer visitors, resulting in less crowded and more intimate safari. In addition, travelers may also encounter the local Tharu people living in and around the area, living a sustainable lifestyle and precious culture. Bardia is best suited for adventurous travelers looking for remote, off-the-beaten-track wilderness experiences with greater chances of tiger sightings.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, which is located in the eastern Terai region on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River, is Nepal's premier birding destination. Spanning 175 square kilometers, the reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds such as migratory waterbirds, storks, ibises, and eagles. Its main draw is the elusive wild water buffalo (Arna) as well as gangetic dolphins, jackals, and spotted deer in the riverine channels. Koshi Tappu's wetlands and grasslands provide a peaceful safari atmosphere, generally found by boat trips, guided treks, and short jeep tours. While it is poor in terms of abundance of large mammals like tigers and rhinos, it makes up with its serene atmosphere and matchless avifaunal wealth. The area is also excellent for nature photographers and for those who prefer a less frenetic safari experience. Koshi Tappu is best during winter when migratory birds arrive in large flocks, and turn into birders' and ecotourists' paradise.

Best Time to Go for Jungle Safari in Nepal

The best season for a jungle safari in Nepal is autumn (October–December) and spring (February–April). It is during this period that it is dry, with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, which makes it easy to spot wildlife since animals gather around water sources. Autumn comes after the monsoon, when grasslands and forests are lush and green, and spring has blooms of flowers and animals in a good mood. December to February is also favorable, although mornings and evenings may be chilly, especially in Terai. June to September is the monsoon month, which is undesirable as it is accompanied by heavy rain, marshy tracks, flooded rivers, and thick vegetation, making wildlife sightings a challenge. However, post-monsoon greenery and fewer visitors may turn out to be an advantage for certain travelers.

Why Jungle Safari in Nepal?

Rich Biodiversity

Nepal has more than 180 species of mammals and 870+ bird species, and hence is a South Asian hotbed of biodiversity. From the elusive Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros to migratory birds that are difficult to spot elsewhere, the forests present an opportunity unparalleled in the world for wildlife enthusiasts.

Unique Safari Experience

Unlike African savannas, safaris in Nepal take you through dense subtropical forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Jeep drives, canoeing, and walking in the jungle get you close to the wilderness, a new experience from typical trekking trails.

Conservation of Endangered Species

Nepal is a world success story as far as conservation is concerned, with the population of Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros on the rise. Nepal is a conservation world success story, particularly in terms of recovering the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. A safari here offers you a chance to observe conservation done and contribute to sustainable tourist activities.

Types of Jungle Safari Vacations in Nepal

Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris are the most common way of traveling through Nepal's national parks like Chitwan and Bardia. Moving through dense forests, grasslands, and riverbanks through a 4x4 vehicle gives you the chance to cover long distances and get a glance at elusive animals like tigers, rhinos, elephants, and deer. With knowledgeable guides, jeeps offer safe, comfortable, and efficient wildlife viewing, particularly for those who do not or cannot walk through thick jungle trails. Morning and late afternoon are the optimal times as animals generally become active at these cooler hours.

Elephant Safari

Classic and traditional elephant safaris are the optimum means to experience Nepalese jungles. Traveling on an elephant's back gives greater height, so you are looking above tall grasses and getting a glimpse of wildlife at a distance. The experience is also quieter and more intimate than with cars since elephants' walking slowly does not disrupt the forest as much. Canoe or Boat Safaris are best suited for slow, observational game viewing, particularly in Chitwan National Park where elephants are used routinely to patrol protected areas. 

Canoe or Boat Safari

Nepal's lakes, oxbow lakes, and rivers provide a perfect environment for canoe and boat safaris. Paddling quietly along the riverbanks or shores of the lakes gives intimate contact with aquatic birds, gharials, crocodiles, and the occasional rhino drifting down to drink at the water's edge. Canoe safaris are very popular in Chitwan and Bardia, and offer a peaceful and ecologically sound way of reaching areas not accessible by road, and giving bird watchers and photography enthusiasts incredible opportunities to observe wild creatures closely in their natural surroundings.

Bird Watching Safaris

Nepal is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 870 migratory and endemic species. Birding safaris in particular focus on spotting birds like the Bengal florican, crested serpent eagle, and kingfishers. Organized by experienced ornithologists, the safaris take the tourists to the most critical habitats such as grasslands, riverbanks, and wetlands for early morning or evening excursions when birds are most active.

Photography Safaris

For wildlife photographers, special photography safaris are organized in national parks for them. Strategically, the vehicles, elephants, or even guided walks are planned to have maximum opportunities for shooting elusive animals during daylight. Tips from experts, hideouts, and tips on best practice are given in such safaris together with the option to stay unobtrusive to wildlife in order to capture great photos of tigers, rhinos, deers, birds, and landscapes.

Cultural & Village Interaction Tours

A majority of jungle safari tours also combine treks through wildlife with visits to surrounding Tharu or aboriginal villages. This tour provides tourists with an exposure to local culture, traditional housing, handicrafts, and village life in relation to the forests. Tourists are permitted to watch cultural performances, eat local cuisine, and see how these individuals coexist with wildlife, making the safari both fascinating and experiential.

Nepal is not only famous for its massive Himalayas but also for its superb biodiversity and thrilling jungle safari adventures. Nepal possesses dense subtropical jungles, grasslands, and riverine forests that harbor elusive wildlife species, making it one of the best destinations to visit for a jungle safari tour in South Asia. Nepal's jungle safaris give the visitors a chance to experience legendary species such as the one-horned rhino, the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, gharial crocodile, and over 850 bird species. Safaris can be experienced in multiple ways, jeep rides, canoeing, nature hikes, or traditional elephant-back safaris, each offering a unique perspective on the wild. In addition to wildlife, jungle safaris also offer the chance to have cultural encounters with the Tharu and other local inhabitants living near the protected parks, giving tourists an experience of both adventure and culture.

National Parks for Jungle Safari in Nepal

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park in south-central Nepal's Terai lowlands is Nepal's most visited and accessible jungle safari site. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the park is 952 square kilometers in size and boasts an excellent diversity of wildlife. The biggest attraction here is the one-horned rhinoceros, which grazes grassland in significant numbers along with the Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and several deer species. The rivers within the Chitwan National Park, Rapti and Narayani, have the gharial crocodile and marsh mugger, both of which are the endangered category. Birdwatchers also spot more than 500 bird species, ranging from kingfishers to rare hornbills. 

Bardia National Park

Located in the remote western Terai, Bardia National Park offers a rougher and more off-the-beaten-path type of safari than at Chitwan. Covering an area of 968 square kilometers, it is Nepal's largest lowland national park. Bardia is the best place in Nepal to spot wild Bengal tigers, with its vast grasslands and sal forests in which these majestic felines can roam without restriction. The park also features ample elephants, rhinoceros, mugger crocodiles, as well as gangetic dolphins kept sheltered along the Karnali River. As opposed to Chitwan, Bardia receives fewer visitors, resulting in less crowded and more intimate safari. In addition, travelers may also encounter the local Tharu people living in and around the area, living a sustainable lifestyle and precious culture. Bardia is best suited for adventurous travelers looking for remote, off-the-beaten-track wilderness experiences with greater chances of tiger sightings.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, which is located in the eastern Terai region on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River, is Nepal's premier birding destination. Spanning 175 square kilometers, the reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds such as migratory waterbirds, storks, ibises, and eagles. Its main draw is the elusive wild water buffalo (Arna) as well as gangetic dolphins, jackals, and spotted deer in the riverine channels. Koshi Tappu's wetlands and grasslands provide a peaceful safari atmosphere, generally found by boat trips, guided treks, and short jeep tours. While it is poor in terms of abundance of large mammals like tigers and rhinos, it makes up with its serene atmosphere and matchless avifaunal wealth. The area is also excellent for nature photographers and for those who prefer a less frenetic safari experience. Koshi Tappu is best during winter when migratory birds arrive in large flocks, and turn into birders' and ecotourists' paradise.

Best Time to Go for Jungle Safari in Nepal

The best season for a jungle safari in Nepal is autumn (October–December) and spring (February–April). It is during this period that it is dry, with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, which makes it easy to spot wildlife since animals gather around water sources. Autumn comes after the monsoon, when grasslands and forests are lush and green, and spring has blooms of flowers and animals in a good mood. December to February is also favorable, although mornings and evenings may be chilly, especially in Terai. June to September is the monsoon month, which is undesirable as it is accompanied by heavy rain, marshy tracks, flooded rivers, and thick vegetation, making wildlife sightings a challenge. However, post-monsoon greenery and fewer visitors may turn out to be an advantage for certain travelers.

Why Jungle Safari in Nepal?

Rich Biodiversity

Nepal has more than 180 species of mammals and 870+ bird species, and hence is a South Asian hotbed of biodiversity. From the elusive Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros to migratory birds that are difficult to spot elsewhere, the forests present an opportunity unparalleled in the world for wildlife enthusiasts.

Unique Safari Experience

Unlike African savannas, safaris in Nepal take you through dense subtropical forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Jeep drives, canoeing, and walking in the jungle get you close to the wilderness, a new experience from typical trekking trails.

Conservation of Endangered Species

Nepal is a world success story as far as conservation is concerned, with the population of Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros on the rise. Nepal is a conservation world success story, particularly in terms of recovering the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. A safari here offers you a chance to observe conservation done and contribute to sustainable tourist activities.

Types of Jungle Safari Vacations in Nepal

Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris are the most common way of traveling through Nepal's national parks like Chitwan and Bardia. Moving through dense forests, grasslands, and riverbanks through a 4x4 vehicle gives you the chance to cover long distances and get a glance at elusive animals like tigers, rhinos, elephants, and deer. With knowledgeable guides, jeeps offer safe, comfortable, and efficient wildlife viewing, particularly for those who do not or cannot walk through thick jungle trails. Morning and late afternoon are the optimal times as animals generally become active at these cooler hours.

Elephant Safari

Classic and traditional elephant safaris are the optimum means to experience Nepalese jungles. Traveling on an elephant's back gives greater height, so you are looking above tall grasses and getting a glimpse of wildlife at a distance. The experience is also quieter and more intimate than with cars since elephants' walking slowly does not disrupt the forest as much. Canoe or Boat Safaris are best suited for slow, observational game viewing, particularly in Chitwan National Park where elephants are used routinely to patrol protected areas. 

Canoe or Boat Safari

Nepal's lakes, oxbow lakes, and rivers provide a perfect environment for canoe and boat safaris. Paddling quietly along the riverbanks or shores of the lakes gives intimate contact with aquatic birds, gharials, crocodiles, and the occasional rhino drifting down to drink at the water's edge. Canoe safaris are very popular in Chitwan and Bardia, and offer a peaceful and ecologically sound way of reaching areas not accessible by road, and giving bird watchers and photography enthusiasts incredible opportunities to observe wild creatures closely in their natural surroundings.

Bird Watching Safaris

Nepal is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 870 migratory and endemic species. Birding safaris in particular focus on spotting birds like the Bengal florican, crested serpent eagle, and kingfishers. Organized by experienced ornithologists, the safaris take the tourists to the most critical habitats such as grasslands, riverbanks, and wetlands for early morning or evening excursions when birds are most active.

Photography Safaris

For wildlife photographers, special photography safaris are organized in national parks for them. Strategically, the vehicles, elephants, or even guided walks are planned to have maximum opportunities for shooting elusive animals during daylight. Tips from experts, hideouts, and tips on best practice are given in such safaris together with the option to stay unobtrusive to wildlife in order to capture great photos of tigers, rhinos, deers, birds, and landscapes.

Cultural & Village Interaction Tours

A majority of jungle safari tours also combine treks through wildlife with visits to surrounding Tharu or aboriginal villages. This tour provides tourists with an exposure to local culture, traditional housing, handicrafts, and village life in relation to the forests. Tourists are permitted to watch cultural performances, eat local cuisine, and see how these individuals coexist with wildlife, making the safari both fascinating and experiential.