Are you serious about getting the best tiger photographs? Want to significantly increase sighting chances on your safaris? Then, this guide is a must read. After more than 16 years of tracking and photographing tigers across Central and South India, completing 2000+ safaris as lodge naturalists and camp managers, these are our most valuable learnings and insights to share with you as a traveller.
HIRE A GREAT SAFARI TEAM
A great safari team consists of 2 people or I must say two brilliant spotters who accompany you.
- Your Driver (In most of the wildlife safari lodges, their In-house naturalists drive their vehicles and act as drivers cum nature interpreters)
- Your Park Guide (Assigned by the forest department)
Your most Important Ally – The Driver or The Naturalist
The foundation of a great safari experience is established by your safari vehicle driver. A great driver knows:
- The behaviour, territorial range and nature trails of individual tigers
- Where to position the jeep for best angles, and have fair idea of light conditions
- How to drive smoothly around game roads, guest physical concern and mobility issues
In a nutshell, the best drivers are often photographers themselves. They understand your expectations – position for low-angle shots, golden light, a certain composition you shared with them, often before you even ask.
Book Our Seasoned Driver – Naturalist for all your Safaris!!
The Sharp Eye you Need to Spot – The Park Guide
Park guides are assigned by the forest department, and each individuals skill vary widely. Some of them excel at
- Spotting wildlife from impossible distances
- Tracking tigers brilliantly through the alarm calls
- Know the expanse of tiger territories, their behaviour and movement patterns
- Making quick decisions during critical safari moments on taking the best chances
Then there are few gems who master all these skills. If you want a fixed guide (which at some parks of Central India are allowed to take) reach out to Noah Safaris team at an additional fee. It often makes a massive difference.
PLAN & EXECUTE TO WIN
Without proper planning of your safari & lodge bookings – it’s a complete disaster. First connect with your travel operator or with our team, at least four – five months before your trip. Ask questions about which zones tiger sightings happening. Tell about your plan and vision for photography for this visit.
Understand tiger dynamics and sighting status, when and which zone park ticket should be booked maximum. Whether a full day safari or a normal/regular morning-evening jeep safari is better? Ask and then book it. In this way you will not be disappointed.
Of course no one can guarantee tiger sightings in any of the zones but you have maximized your chances of seeing one.
TRUST YOUR SAFARI TEAM
Your guide, and driver/naturalist understand the forest better than anyone else. They know:
- Which individuals are shy or bold in the park
- When to wait patiently and when to move for other tiger chance
- Which waterholes will be productive depending on previous sighting
- Which tigers are sighted recently, active in tourism zone, mating, or nursing cubs
Trust their judgement. Tiger sightings require both skill and patience. If you are a first time visitor, ask us or your travel agency specifically mentioning to get one of the best naturalists and drivers for your safaris.
This one request often defines your entire safari experience.
