Safari & Wildlife Tours

Chitwan is the easiest start, reached by road from Kathmandu, with jeep and canoe safaris and frequent rhino sightings. Bardiya, far in the west, is wilder and quieter and better for tiger hopes. Kenya’s Maasai Mara is for lions, cheetahs and the great herds on open savannah. Sri Lanka pairs elephant and leopard country with temples and beaches, and Chengdu offers giant pandas at a research and breeding centre.

Chitwan and Bardiya are best from October to March. April and May are hot, but animals gather near water, which can help tiger sightings in Bardiya. Avoid the June to September monsoon. In Kenya, the herds are usually in the Maasai Mara from July to October, and January and February are also dry. Sri Lanka’s cultural and safari circuits suit December to April. Chengdu is most comfortable from September to November or March to May.

No honest operator can guarantee wild animals. Rhinos are seen often in Chitwan, but tigers are shy everywhere, even in Bardiya. In Kenya, river crossings during the migration depend on rain and herd movement, though lions, elephants and cheetahs live in the Maasai Mara all year. Early morning drives, patient naturalists and enough days in the park give you the best chance.

Watch animals from a vehicle, boat or guided walk without disturbing them, and avoid any experience that involves riding, touching or feeding wildlife. Our Chitwan tour does not include elephant rides. Keep your voice low, follow your naturalist or ranger, never ask a driver to crowd an animal for a photo, and take all litter back out of the park. These habits keep animals calm and sightings better for everyone.

Chitwan is the most family-friendly, with no altitude and short, flat walks. Jungle walks on foot suit older children better than toddlers. Kenya involves long, bumpy game drives and early starts, so it works best for children who travel well. In Chengdu, the panda base is a walking visit best done early in the morning, when pandas are most active. Tell us everyone’s ages and we will set the pace.

Share your travel dates, the number of travellers with their ages, the comfort level you want in hotels or lodges, and whether you prefer to drive or fly. For Kenya, Sri Lanka or China, say whether everyone flies from Kathmandu or some join from abroad, and which passport each person holds. Mention photography interests and food needs, and our Kathmandu team will suggest the right safari.