What to Pack for your India Tiger safari
India beats with the rhythm of its people. We are diverse in our language, dress, believes, festivals, crafts and customs, united by a shared sense of belonging. Spirituality is deeply interwoven in our day to day lifestyle and every prayer, every meal and offering reflects India’s timeless essence – that our lives are interconnected and worth celebrating for.
From Himalayas to the sun kissed deserts, from lush green Sal forests, mangroves, rainforests to mesmerizing coasts, every corner of India tells a story. This vast landscape is home to some of our planet’s most iconic wild species – the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, the Asiatic wild elephants, and the elusive Snow leopards.
If you are planning your wildlife safari and holiday trip to India, packing smartly will make all the difference as we ensure, you have more to take back as souvenirs. So, here’s a complete safari packing and travel essential list from Noah Safaris team for your reference.
Are you aware of Luggage restrictions on your Domestic Air Travel??
Once you land in India, for most of your domestic air travel to Wildlife lodges and Safari camps your Checked luggage/baggage allowance is 15 kgs and a maximum of 7 kg for Hand baggage.
Please note
- For additional weight it is cheaper to Pre-book excess baggage online prior to your travel date
- Always check baggage rules for individual airlines before flying, and keep your camera gear or valuables in your carry-on backpack.
Safari Clothing Essentials – What to wear on your Safaris?
- Avoid fluorescent, bright or flashy patterns which can startle wildlife
- Wear neutral tones like khaki, olive green, and beige for good camouflage
- A fleece jacket or warm clothing is required for early morning drive during winters
- Your itinerary might include beaches, cities, and historical sites, carry a few sets of non-safari clothing too
- Laundry service are available in all our lodges, camps and hotels. Enquire the delivery time as at some remote locations it may take more than 24 hours as well
Medicines, Vaccines & Health Essentials
Indian weather drastically varies from cities to its forest landscapes. Its highly important to carry Generic as well as Prescribed medicines on a compact kit with yourself
- First aid supplies
- Pre and Probiotic supplements
- Insect repellent & mosquito rub/roll-ons
- Oral rehydration salts (During peak Indian summers)
- Malaria tablet and vaccine (Check with us before travel)
Hats, Sunscreen & UV Protection
The Indian summer sun can be unforgiving and can cause distress, discomfort and sweating due to lack of acclimatization and coping up with heat. We always ask our guests to keep themselves hydrated during the entire summer trip and carry
- Sunscreen with High SPF
- A wide brimmed hat or Cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Safari Photography Essentials
In the Indian jungles, time moves very differently. The wildlife moments can be fleeting and unpredictable. So come prepared, and Carry
- Camera with additional batteries
- Monopod/Tripod or Bean bag for stability
- Telephoto – prime/zoom lens (200 mm or above)
- Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) for bird watching and sightings
Please note
- If you don’t want to carry heavy photography gear, especially for wildlife, you can rent cameras and lenses from Noah Safaris locally at Central India’s top national parks – Satpura, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Bori
- Drones are not allowed to fly in protected areas of the park and is a punishable act. Its only permitted from the Field Director of these parks, when a Wildlife documentary is being shot for. Contact us for Film-making details.
Travel and Tech – Safari Essentials
- Head torch or Flashlight
- Filtering water bottle or Steel bottles
- Power bank, Camera and phone charger
- Pro laptop, tablet, SSD hard drive, Lens cleaning kit
- Universal travel plug adapters (In India we use Type C, D and M plugs)
What are the essential documents required to Carry??
We suggest to keep photocopies of all the below-mentioned documents and it is important to keep them in waterproof pouch.
- Passport & Visa
- Original ID proof
- Credit or Debit cards and Cash in INR
- Safari booking and trip itinerary vouchers
Are you visiting any Religious sites in your trip/itinerary??
If your itinerary involves visiting cultural and religious places, we suggest to pack modest clothing, which ideally should cover shoulders and knees for both men and women.
What you shouldn’t carry on your Safari?
- Strong perfumes
- Flash Photography setup
- Loud devices or Speakers
- Drones (banned in most national parks)
Packing Checklist Summary – For both Men & Women
- Camera, lens & binoculars
- Walking and trekking shoes
- Insect repellent, malaria shots
- Safari shirts, t-shirts & trousers
- Cash, cards & travel documents
- Safari hats, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Generic and prescribed medical kit
- Power bank, adapter, torch, and chargers