Project Description
Tiger Photo Safari in India
Charl and Sabine have just returned from India where they were scouting out a new trip for us and they have returned with a wealth ideas for an amazing two week photo safari that we know will give you the most incredible photo opportunities and experiences that this amazing country has to offer.
Obviously tigers are the big draw, but India is so much more than that, and rather than opt to visit just one “Tiger hotspot,” we have designed this itinerary to visit three superb wildlife destinations that will also increase the chances of seeing and photographing subjects such as leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and wild dogs…and plenty of tigers too!
Depending on where you are flying in from, Charl and Sabine will meet you at the Airport hotel right next to the terminal, The Pride Plaza Aerocity. This is a super comfortable hotel and will allow you time to relax after the journey. In the evening, Charl and Sabine will host a dinner with the group.
The next day, you will return to the airport for the flight to Jabalpur (included). Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the best places in India to see Tigers (and where they shot the film above). We will base ourselves at Bagh Tola Lodge, which is in a great location with easy access to the park.
Our ground handlers will be arranging all the permits in advance, which will allow us early access through the gates to spend three full days in the park and make the most of our time there. Tigers will be the priority, but there is so much more to photograph in this beautiful park, including primates like Grey Langurs, assorted deer, elephants, wild boar, plenty of birdlife, and a surprising amount of landscape and environmental photo opportunities.
On the final day, we will do a morning drive followed by an optional evening drive in the buffer zone to see what nocturnal species we can see and photograph as they start the “evening shift.”
After brunch on the morning of the 6th of March, we will drive to Pench National Park, which will take around 5–6 hours in total (with stops along the way). We have opted to drive instead of flying between destinations, as it allows you to take in more of the sights and sounds of rural India, which is very much a feast for the senses! The journey will be undertaken in comfortable SUVs with two guests per vehicle.
We have chosen to visit Pench National Park as it has a reputation for excellent sightings of both leopards and wild dogs (or Dholes, as they are known). Once again, we will have access to safari jeeps with two guests per jeep, but instead of full-day drives, we will do the more familiar morning and afternoon game drives in the park.
While at Pench, we will be staying at The Pench Tree Lodge for two nights.
On the final day at Pench will have time for one last morning game drive before heading off to our final wildlife destination, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, again by road (around 6 hours with stops) and arriving in the late afternoon. We will be staying at Bori Safari Lodge.
Along with a healthy population of tigers, leopards and wild dogs, Bori has a reputation for being a great place to see one of the more elusive large mammals: – The Sloth Bear!
Once again, we will conduct morning and afternoon game drives in the sanctuary, with editing and image review sessions back at the camp during the day.
We firmly believe that by visiting three distinct reserves, you will end up with a far more comprehensive portfolio of images than from just visiting one location.
On the final full day of this incredible photo safari, we will head to Bhopal Airport for the flight back to Delhi. We have included a night back at the hotel next to the airport at the end for everyone to have a farewell dinner and not be rushed to get your international flight back home.
If you are interested in extending your time in the region, then perhaps you might consider heading to Sri Lanka. If so, click here to read Toby’s trip report for your reference.
$11,950 per person sharing | $14,450 Single
28th February to 13th March 2025
This photo safari will be limited to only eight guests travelling with Charl and Sabine. When out in the reserves we will be using four vehicles with two guests per vehicles. Charl and Sabine will then alternate between them. When not on activities, there will be plenty of opportunities to process your images in group editing sessions back at the camp.
Please note that we are also planning dates for a 2026 safari at the same time of year so please let us know in the form below if you would like to be added to the waiting list and we will send details when we have confirmed the dates.
Meet and Greet at Delhi Airport with overnight stay at Aerocity Plaza Hotel (HB)
All internal Flights (Delhi to Jabalpur and Bhopal to Delhi)
5 nights Bagh Tola (Bandhavgargh) with full day game drives (Full Board)
Road transfers in SUVs (Bandavgargh to Pench and to Bori)
2 nights at Pench Tree Lodge (Full Board).
Morning and afternoon Game drives in Pench
4 nights at Bori Safari Lodge (Full Board).
Last night with farewell dinner in Delhi
Daytime image review and editing sessions.
Photo tuition and assistance from Charl and Sabine throughout
International flights: please contact our office for any assistance on routing.
Clients must obtain comprehensive travel insurance for this trip.
Any required visas.
Customary tips for guides and camp staff.
All alcoholic drinks. (Soft drinks, tea, coffee and water are included)
Laundry and items of a personal nature
Suggested Add-ons to Tiger Photo Safari India
Please chat to your safari planner if any of these add-ons appeal to you.
Epic Kenya Photo Safari
Charl and Sabine will be travelling to India after our annual Epic Kenya safari which will visit Amboseli, Samburu and The Masai Mara. You can see details of that photo safari here.
There will be a few days in between the end of the Kenya safari to spend in Delhi to catch up on your editing!
Sri Lanka
Check out Toby’s report from his time in Sri Lanka here.
We have a fantastic local wildlife photography specialist who can design an amazing itinerary for you.
Our Reviews
Verified
Woodson642024-04-07Beyond awesome!! I just returned home from a fabulous 6 nights at the Pangolin Chobe Hotel in Kasane, Botswana. Everything was as expected. The room was comfortable with reliable internet and air conditioning. Lots of work space to edit photos, multiple international plugs (no need to bring a converter) and a comfortable bed. The food was outstanding at every meal and the staff was excellent. Many of the trips were on the river and the photo opportunities were endless. The boats are equipped with gimbals which helped with managing long lenses. Our guide was always looking to put us in the best positions to get great images. All of the guides there are outstanding and if you are into wildlife photography, booking a trip with Pangolin is a no brainer. I am eagerly looking to return next year and will bring along some of my photographer friends.Verified
Chris B2024-02-17Out of this world. Much much more than one could ever have expected This was the most amazing 5 days photography of my life. I was pretty reasonable before the trip but Janine's tuition / moving wokrshop ! turned something brilliant into something amazing. In addition my wife had previously rarely picked up a camera but having borrowed one of theirs came away with a thouroghly respectable 'portfolio' of wildlife shots, some of which I failed to capture. Am hoping to return one day. Oh and in addition the accommodation and full board etc was just perfect for the style of trip we were seeking. Only downside was that British Airways had my hold luggage for the whole of our 12 day visit to Africa however that did not spoil how good Pangolin are. Oh and we met a great couple from Ohio and are still in touch with themVerifiedbeegal2024-02-15An incredible experience top to bottom I can't say enough about Pangolin. We stayed for two weeks, complete with gourmet meals (including vegan options for my husband) in portions that were too large, open bar, pool, free laundry services, comfortable beds, amazing staff, and safaris that were exciting yet exhausting. They arranged a day trip to Victoria Falls for us. And we were only rained out of one boat safari in the entire two weeks (in rainy season!) We learned from the photo hosts and guides. You get your money's worth and more here.VerifiedJamie C2023-11-29Pangolin Photo safaris - a fantastic place to stay and to enjoy the Chobe We had a fantastic time at the wonderful Pangolin, everything was terrific. The staff were wonderful, both in the hotel and the Bush and all clearly well trained and very welcoming and helpful led by Dan. Charl was just what was needed on tour and with the photographing, we feel we all learned a lot as well as having fun. The food was delicious and the Chef great fun as well with his theatrical intros! I enjoyed the pool’s pond like qualities, which felt just right for the bush! Highly recommend this for photographic enthusiasts as well as everyone who enjoys the excitement of the Chobe wild life.Verified
lumenstein940022023-11-25No place is perfect, until you go here When I had an issue with a safari in the Okavango Delta, the company I had booked through pivoted and made arrangements for me to stay here for two nights. I have but one complaint, it was ONLY two nights. There cannot be anything said about this place that is not incredible. First, the staff is friendly from the pick up, to the in house staff to the team that works to make sure that your time here is as if you are family that you have known a lifetime. Because I was not originally planning on being here, I went in blind. Well, I can tell you that if you are thinking for a second of going here you have already thought too long. Just book it! I have already spent time looking at my next trip and it will be 100% with Pangolin. The boats are amazing, the team made you look better, spent time teaching me editing tips, and just cannot say enough about this company, the people and oh, the food!! The food each night was amazing.VerifiedMPA2023-11-14Fantastic all the way around 10/10 Wow these folks do it right! We just returned from leading our clients through Pangolin for our photography tour on the Chobe. I can't say enough about them. Everything from the staff and our guide (Richard) to Dan at the front desk and Guts with operations as well as the entire team are fantastic. We are for sure going to be working with them again in the future and look forward to it!Verified
Sheree R2023-11-01How wrong was I, Totally! As it turned out. This was a holiday that my husband wanted to do. I was very sceptical about doing it. After all how much were you going to see from a boat anyway. I was afraid of using my camera, so thought this may help. It was awesome, we had 3 days on the Houseboat and 3 days in their Lodge. Whilst in the boat we got to see 2 Lions bring down an Impala, only meters away from our boat. Jarco & Ray, our guides, were awesome. The people we met were lovely and we got some great photos. This is a holiday that we have and will continue to recommend. It was totally worth it.VerifiedCuthahotha2023-10-24Photography instruction to go from zero to hero in a few short days! With plenty of tips for the more experienced of us I'll make this short, there are no superlatives good enough to describe our time with Pangolin. We booked the Best of Chobe safari as my wife's first foray from North America. I had been watching all of the phenomenal YouTube content put out by Pangolin and knew they were the company to go with. They met and exceeded every expectation I had, and I had a lot. Our guides, Ray and Charlies, were excellent, knowing the game well and how best to position our boat or game drive vehicle for the best photos. Walter served as our photo host. Not only is he an excellent photographer, but he's an outstanding teacher. I do a lot of wildlife photography, and my wife is/was a complete novice at digital photography. By the end of the trip she was turning out outstanding images, and I learned more than a few tips. Well worth it for both of us. Typically, you'll do two game drives per day, either by custom-designed photography boats or game vehicles. We had four meals daily, and the evening meals were some of the best I have ever had. Also, while on the game drives, there are snacks, water, coffee, or sodas. You won't go hungry! While we both had gear (Nikon for my wife. I carry Canon R3 and Canon R5 ) they do have a loan department from which they will provide (free of charge) Canon 80Ds and 150-600mm lenses. The photo hosts are well-versed in the major camera manufacturers and models. Again, I can't begin to praise Pangolin, Toby, and Guts for the incredible customer service and photo safari.
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