Your day will typically begin with a wake-up call before the sun rises. Freshen up and head to the lounge where a steaming mug of tea or coffee awaits before you board your jeep.

Standard game drives use Forest Department jeeps, which are generally open-top with two elevated cushioned bench seats behind the driver. You will be accompanied by a government naturalist, and while we will always use the best available, they may not be up to the standard of African safari guides. In addition, if your game drive is part of a Guided Group Tour, these may use larger canter vehicles - elevated, open safari vans designed to carry from 12 to 20 passengers. 

On our private tours we offer game drives on a private basis, except in Kaziranga and Nagarhole National Parks where they will be shared (up to five passengers). If staying at certain Ranthambore lodges, upgraded options are also available: superior game drives offer more comfortable vehicles, while premium game drives also have the benefit of the lodge’s dedicated naturalist/drivers, who are amongst the best in the reserves.

At this magical time of day, the jungle slowly awakens and animals are often at their most active, so you’ll spend the next few hours searching for wildlife while your guide brings to life the secrets of the animal kingdom. Be aware that to manage levels of disturbance to the tigers, game drive routes are strictly assigned in advance by the authorities and are strictly adhered to, so there is little chance of variation even if tigers are spotted elsewhere in the park during your visit.

On your return, it’s time to enjoy a hearty breakfast before a few hours at leisure. Depending on your lodge’s facilities, you may wish to relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy one of the optional activities available, or simply catch up on your sleep. Later enjoy a laidback lunch.

Mid-afternoon, as temperatures start to cool and predators awake from their afternoon slumbers, you’ll set off on an afternoon game drive. Whilst nothing compares to the thrill of meeting a tiger up close, they are notoriously difficult to spot and you may go on several drives without seeing one. You will however discover plenty of colourful birdlife and a diverse range of smaller animals and antelopes. The afternoon is also a good time to try and spot elusive leopards and sloth bears.

Join your fellow guests for pre-dinner drinks, reliving the day’s captivating sightings. Evening meals are often communal, occasionally with the in-house naturalist and may be served in the main dining room or in an atmospheric setting, perhaps under the stars or beside the campfire. Most lodges provide wildlife presentations or short films after dinner, although many guests opt for an early night.

Make sure you wear plenty of clothing layers as the dawn/dusk temperatures can drop considerably compared to the heat of the day. As the jeeps are open, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. A cool box with water, soft drinks and some snacks is provided on each game drive. We recommend you bring your own binoculars. 

Please note: All tiger reserves across India are closed between July and September annually, and game drives don’t operate on Wednesdays in the Central India reserves.

For more inspiration, take a look at our India’s Tiger Reserves & Wildlife Sanctuaries Holidays pages.