Planning a safari in Ranthambore is an exciting experience. The Ranthambore National Park is in Rajasthan, and it is one of the best spots for tiger sightings in India. At this place, one can go for a thrilling ride and see the animals in their natural habitat. Many wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts come here to enjoy the safari rides. People who come here after knowing the things in advance enjoy their safari without worrying about anything.
A well-planned safari allows you to get more chances of seeing animals, enjoying the forest, and having a smooth trip becomes much better. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know before your first safari in Ranthambore National Park.
1. Know the Best Time to Visit
Ranthambhore is a thrilling wildlife spot that remains open from October to June. During this time, you can visit the park and enjoy sightings of animals and the exploration of different birds and plant species. You can choose your park visit month on the basis of the different experiences it offers.
If you wanna enjoy the birdwatching ( especially migratory species) and a soothing safari experience, then coming to the park in winter would be best for you. If you wanna enjoy the animal sightings and have the energy to bear the heat, then summer is best for it – as animals are seen near the water bodies every now aand then. So, choose the visiting months according to your preference.
2. Understand the Safari Types
After choosing the visit time, we suggest that the travelers read about the safari types. Here, one can enjoy a gypsy or a canter safari. You can make a Ranthambore safari booking for one that suits you the most. Both vehicles go through the same zones and give good chances of spotting animals.
The gypsy safari offers people to enjoy sightings of animals from a 6-seater open vehicle. This is better for those who wanna enjoy a flexible ride and are coming for photography. The gypsy safari in Ranthambore is best for wildlife photographers and small groups. On the other hand, the canter safari allows you to enjoy a ride with more people. This happens in a bus in which 20 people can comfortably sit. The canter is mostly chosen by large families or groups.
3. Choose Your Safari Zone Carefully
After deciding the trip date and safari type, choose the zone carefully. This park has a lot of zones, and every zone offers a different kind of experience. First, learn about the zones and know what they offer, and after that, make your Ranthambore safari booking. Let me clarify that safari zones are allotted by the forest department, but you can request a specific zone while booking.
The zones from 1 to 5 are known as the core area, and they have more chances of tiger sightings. These zones are famous for tigers like Riddhi, Arrowhead, and their cubs. On the other hand, the zones from 6 to 10 are a buffer area of the park. Menas the zones that surround the core area. The buffer zones have beautiful landscapes and lakes. These zones allow excellent sightings of animals as both prey and predators come here.
4. Pick the Right Time Slot
Ranthambore has two main safari timings, morning and evening. Travelers can choose their safari time according to their liking. Most of the wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts go for morning safaris as they get free time the whole day for exploration of other spots. But, if it’s your first safari, it’s better to do both morning and evening for a fuller experience. Many regular visitors say that doing safaris at two different times helps in better sightings of animals.
The morning safari starts early, around sunrise, and offers the exploration of a fresh, peaceful, and cooler forest. The morning safari offers better chances of animal sightings as animals remain active in the early morning. On the other hand, the afternoon, or you can say evening safari, offers a warmer experience. This happens usually around 3 pm and offers people to enjoy animal sightings when they come near water bodies. Animals like crocodiles, deer, and tigers are often seen around lakes during the evening safari time.
5. Book Your Safari in Advance
After choosing and reading about all the things, you can make a Rantambore Safari Booking without any confusion. Ranthambore National Park is a busy spot and remains filled with tourists. You cannot just go there aand get a ticket to go inside the park. It is usually recommended to make your booking in advance, so that you can choose the zone, timing, and other things according to your liking.
We suggest that travelers book the safari at least 30 – 45 days in advance. For long weekends, Diwali, Christmas, or New Year’s, book even earlier. While making the booking, it is important to provide details of your ID card. Also, carry your Aadhar card or passport for ID proof because the same ID must be shown at the gate when you go for your thrilling adventure inside the park.
Final Thoughts
Your first safari in Ranthambore can become unforgettable if you plan smartly for your trip. Make sure to book things in advance, like the safari and hotel. Choose a good place to stay, as it is a famous spot and has many resort options. Also, wear appropriate and comfortable clothing when going inside the park. Pick your clothes according to the season, and make sure they are in neutral shades.
Carry your essentials like medicine, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen in a backpack when going for a ride. These small things make the ride comfortable for you. To make your safari in Ranthambhore a safe experience, always follow what your trained guide and driver say. They know the forest, animal behaviour, and routes better than anyone. By doing these things and planning the safari and stay in advance, you can surely make your experience memorable in Ranthambore National Park.
