After a long tenure of adventure and thrilling activities, jungle safaris in Nepal can be a perfect ending for your vacation or sheer fun. Indeed, a lifetime experience with exotic wildlife and the comfort of deep green verdant jungles.
Like the cherry on top of a cake, jungle safari is the cherry on your adventure experience. It’s the finishing touch on your thrills as you co-exist alongside the wilderness openly. These safaris are a paradise for wildlife with various endangered animals, flora, and fauna.
Lying in the warm belt of the Terai region, a jungle safari in Nepal is all walks and tours amidst the colossal greenery in the comfort of an elephant’s back or a jeep. This pleasant holiday in the sub-tropical temperature is all about the sensation of freedom and the sheer adrenaline rush of being among the wildlife closely.
These jungle safaris in Nepal are home to some rare species that extend from east to west around this fertile land. You can get this enthralling beauty across the vicinity of 1 Wildlife Reserve, 12 National Parks, 6 Conservation, 13 Buffer Zones, and 1 Hunting Reserve from low lands to high mountains.
Jungle Safaris In Nepal
For biologists and zoologists, and every individual, a jungle safari in Nepal is a memorable walk across nature. These safaris will give you a quick rundown of the well-preserved natural heritage. So are you ready to take a glance at the unspoiled wilderness? Come and explore some of the country’s treasures.
Chitwan National Park
Established in 1973 AD, Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Well, this park covers an area of 932 square kilometers of subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal.
This national park is home to many ecosystems, including the Churia hills and the stretched flood plains of the Rapti, Reu, and Narayani Rivers. Additionally, this national park shares its eastern boundary with Parsa Wildlife Reserve, another protected country area.
Highlights
This park protects over 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles. Chitwan National Park is a perfect habitat for many endangered animals, such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted leopard, wild elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, freshwater gangetic dolphin, blue bull, and others.
Furthermore, you can also find wild boar, sloth bears, two types of monkeys, and four varieties of deer. You will also see crocodiles in the rivers in the middle of the forest.
As a fun fact, you can also visit and roam around the Elephant and Crocodile Production Center. Well, it is a lifetime experience for travelers as you can play with baby elephants.
These babies would wrap their trunks around the visitors and trumpet loudly. Here is another fact, there are only two elephant breeding centers worldwide—one in Chitwan and the other in Sri Lanka.
Moving on, Chitwan National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers as it gives you around 634 birds, a series of migratory and residential birds. These avian birds include Paradise flycatchers, Indian pitta, parakeets, waterfowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, cormorants, woodpeckers, hornbills, peafowls, floricans, and storks.
Activities
Chitwan National Park is not only about the wilderness and gentle walks but also provides multiple adventure activities inside. Before we jump to the primary activities, you can savor all the excitement of these safaris through either elephant or jeep rides.
If you are traveling through the open back of the jeep here, your driver will run you down through several animals and birds. Additionally, with jeep safaris, you will get two options.
Well, the first option for this jeep safari is a short one that lasts four hours with a head count of a maximum of seven. At the same time, the other option is a full-day jeep safari which starts early in the morning.
Likewise, you can also opt for that ride to be on the back of an elephant, as you can also travel across the core areas of the park. Apart from a simple ride, you can also enjoy elephant bathing beside the tranquility of the Rapti River.
Bardia National Park
Established in 1969, Bardia National Park is the largest national park in the southwestern part of Nepal. This park covers an area of 968 square kilometers from an elevation of 152 meters (Manaughat) to 1564 meters (Banspani Peak).
This park was initially made for the royals and their guests, while today, it is available for everyone. Not to mention, this area conserves the habitat of the tiger and its prey species. Furthermore, this reserved area includes rivers such as Karnali, Geruwa, Babai, and Orahi.
Highlights
Bardia National Park is one of the significant wildlife sighting destinations. You will come close to some endangered species such as Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Wild Elephant, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Black Buck, Crocodiles, and Gangetic Dolphin.
Additionally, this park is home to the tallest recorded Asian wild elephant, which is often known as “Rajagaj.” Moving on, this park is also the one with the highest population of Asian Wild elephants while the second-highest population of Royal Bengal Tiger, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, and Swamp Deer.
Furthermore, this park area is also a heaven for various bird species like Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican, and White-rumped Vulture. Altogether, you can enjoy this experience through a jeep safari.
Other Top Destinations For Jungle Safaris
Among many destinations for jungle safaris, you can enjoy your adventure on some of them listed below.
- Banke National Park
- Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge
- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
- Parsa Wildlife Reserve
- Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
- Sagarmatha National Park
- Makalu Barun National Park
Wild Ways For Your Safari
You can make a jungle safari more exciting with some of the options for your safari.
Elephant Safari
As one of the most popular experiences, you can enjoy the ride through dense grassland.
If you are concerned with how the elephants may feel, rest assured that these beautiful creatures are well treated and nurtured. Riding along the back of the elephant gives you a prime view of the safari and even closer looks at the animals.
Walking Safari
It is all about visiting the wildlife by foot, and it is one of the majestic ways to enjoy the ride. For this adventure, you will be guided and explain to the plants and animals around you.
Canoe Safari
This method of going on a safari allows you to guide you with glimpses into its residents’ daily habits. Furthermore, you can also enjoy some daily activities going on around the park.
Well, the most exciting and best time for canoe safari is during the sunrise or sunset. You will be with a cool breeze and golden light of the hour.
Jeep Safari
For anyone who does not want to walk on foot for the safari, you can opt for a jeep safari. It provides the comfort of riding on the open back of the jeep.
However, the sound of the jeep might limit your chances of noteworthy sightings though the drivers are cautious about taking things slow and steady.
Tips For Your Jungle Safari Experience
- Always wear dull colors while on a safari so that you do not attract any unwanted attention. This will help you camouflage into your surroundings; hence, colors such as black, brown, gray, and tans are much better than bright colors such as red, yellow, and so on.
- Since it is hot in Chitwan, you should bring plenty of drinking water.
- Indeed, you are in the middle of the dense forest; you will have several bushes and insects lurking around. Therefore, wearing comfortable shoes that cover your foot well and clothes that protect you is necessary.
- Sunscreen is the most important when the sun is boiling high right there.
- If you have the safari experience in winter, it is best to wear layers to keep you warm. Likewise, if you are out for the experience during monsoon, you must take a reliable raincoat with you.
- Moving on, you should always be prepared for rashes and bites. Always carry a repellent and a natural bug spray.
- An experience like this should be captured at the moment. Make sure you have a camera with a good lens and a binocular so you can zoom in to look into your background.
- If you are on for the adventure, always ensure you have plenty of cash, as sometimes the ATMs charge you extra for the withdrawal.