How To Explore The Wilderness Responsibly

A jungle safari goes beyond a short spur through the woods. It’s an invitation to enter a realm that operates on its own time and governed by its own laws with no promised viewings.

You walk in looking for a tiger or a leopard, but the true magic is often in the smaller moments – the slamming call of a deer, fresh tracks on a dusty road, or the silence of a moment before a predator appears.

And to relish these events without disturbing the woods, each traveller needs to know some fundamental jungle safari dos and don’ts.

Dos for a Safe and Memorable Jungle Safari

Follow Your Guide’s Instructions

Your naturalist or forest guide knows more about the landscape, animal behaviour and park regulations than anyone in the vehicle. Take in the surroundings especially when wildlife is sighted. Under no circumstances push guide or driver to get close, deviate from the scheduled path or chase an animal just to photograph it.

Dress in Neutral and Comfortable Clothing

You can Choose soft natural colours such as beige, olive, brown or grey as it makes you more apt to blend in and removes attention away from you. Wear breathable fabrics in summer, wear warm layers you want to take on a safari early morning in winter. Practical additions are closed shoes, a hat and/or light jacket.

Carry the Right Essentials

Travel light but remember the basic stuff:

• Valid identification and safari permit
• Reusable water bottle
• Binoculars, Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hat or cap
• Camera with spare batteries
• Necessary medication
• Limit plastic packaging as much as possible and know what the rules are in the national park before you visit!

Stay Quiet and Observe

The forest communicates through sound. Deer give alarm calls, monkeys become jittery and the melody of birdsong is altered when a predator comes close. Loud talk, music and shouting in the woods should be avoided as it will scare animals away limiting your sighting opportunities! Lower your voice and allow the jungle to speak.

Maintain a Respectful Distance

The safari vehicle should never surround or block wildlife or force them to change direction. A proper sighting, in turn, would give the animal freedom to behave as it needs. If the animal is acting uncomfortable, it keeps looking to and fro or backing away from your car, you may need to create more distance. The closeness of a photograph should not compete with the wellbeing of an animal.

Appreciate More Than Big Cats

Not seeing a tiger does not make a safari a failure. Birds; Reptiles; Elephants; Deer; Insects; Trees and Animal Tracks, all proves that the forest continues to excite even when its most famous inhabitants are out of reach.

Keep the Forest Clean

Take every bit of rubbish back, tissues, bottles and snack wrappers. Never toss anything out of the vehicle, even things which seem to be biodegradable. Safari done right should leave no trace that you were ever there.

Don’ts to Remember During a Jungle Safari

Never Exit the Vehicle Without Approval

A forest might appear calm, but there could be wild animals only metres away.

Limit yourself to the vehicle, unless your guide explicitly states that getting out is allowed. Avoid exiting the vehicle for a photograph, a better view or a brisk walk.

Never Feed Wild Animals

Wildlife feeding alters natural behaviour making animals dependant on humans. It may also make them approach vehicles or act aggressively around future walkers. Do not feed the animals or entice them.

Never ask the driver to chase an animal.

Wildlife is something that you encounter, not pursue. Never promote speeding, using off-road driving or blocking an animal from its trail. Allow the animal to determine the duration of visibility. Best Sightings happen when Wildlife continues behaving as if the vehicle is not there!

Avoid Flash Photography

Camera flashes can spook or stun animals, particularly in low light. Turn off flash before entering the park, also as much as possible reduce unnecessary camera sounds. Photograph without imposing on the very moment you are documenting.

Do Not Smoke or Carry Alcohol

Smoking, alcohol and flammable items are prohibited in most Forest Reserves. When there is dry vegetation, it easily lights on fire, and even the most modest spark can be destructive. Such items should simply be dumped outside of the park boundaries and follow all local regulations.

Do not take souvenirs from the forest

The ecosystem has flowers, feathers, stones, plants and shed antlers. Collect nothing and remove nothing from the forest. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures and a better respect for wildlife.

The Golden Rule of Etiquette on safari

Every single rule of responsible safari practice is based on one simple principle:

Do not force an animal to act differently because you are present.

The encounter is no longer respectful if your racket makes it turn tail with your car in its path or your food eggs it on to approach people.

A good safari isn’t judged by how close you are to an animal. It is measured by how naturally the animal acted while you were there.

Final Thoughts

The jungle does not guarantee views, great photos or thrilling encounters. This uncertainty is what safari is all about.

Be well-prepped, pay attention to your guide, stay calm, and let the forest unfurl on its own time.

You step inside expecting to see a tiger. You may depart remembering the quietness.

Please find below the do’s & Don’ts to be followed in Bandhavgarh National Park:

• Driving slowly as per speed limits gives you time to pause and observe the wildlife and flora on offer.
• The forest department has specified a track and route for the jeep safari in Bandhavgarh National Park in the zone booked as per the safari permits. Keeping to these routes helps maintain the roads and tracks.
• Respect the space and distance from the wild animals, simply as we are in their habitat.
• Park rules specify a few locations for tourists to get down the safari jeep or vehicle. Otherwise, jeep safari passengers are not allowed to get down from their vehicle at any place.
• Listen to your naturalist and local guides. They may be able to tell you stories and share information about the local flora and fauna visible during the wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh national park.