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GAME DRIVES

  • Safaris (Game Drives) in India are Managed by the Forest Department, an entity operated and regulated by the government.
  • Most Safari Vehicles are open top and 4 x 4, accommodating a maximum of 6 guests in 1 vehicle, accompanied by a driver and guide appointed by the forest department. Most Vehicles are owned and maintained by the forest department.
  • Child Policy No age restrictions for Safari.
  • Timimgs Typical game drives in India are operated in morning and evening slots. Parks open for tourists at sunrise and range till 11:00 AM. Evening Drives begin post 2:00 PM and last till sunset. These timings however differ from State, Season and changes to protected area policies.
    ** Full day drives are offered in limited destinations, where you get to enter the park earlier than other tourist vehicles, leave the park later than other tourist vehicles, and stay in the park between the morning and evening slots**
  •  An experienced English Speaking Naturalist will accompany you for your game drives.
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KEY INFORMATION

  • Visas:
    Travel Visas are required for most countries. Arrange prior to arrival based on your country’s foreign policy.
  • Travel Insurance:
    Mandatory for all foreign tourists. Arrange prior to your travel.
  • Currency: Only Indian Rupee is accepted in most places.
  • Luggage Allowance:
    Local/ Domestic Indian Flights allow 15kg/33lbs check in baggage plus 7kg/15lbs hand luggage per person. Extra weight can be purchased on a prior basis or during Check In.
  • Laundry:
    Laundry services are available in all Wild Panthera partner lodges and camps.
  • Transfers:
    Our Typical Airport to Lodge Transfers are in a 6 seater SUV Vehicle.
  • Drones:
    India prohibits drones from overseas in most cases.
  • WiFi:
    Our partner lodges provide WiFi in common spaces, with weak – moderate speeds that are just enough to check emails and chat.
  • Mobile Network Connectivity:
    Mobile network connectivity is poor in most parks and our Partner Lodges.
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EVERYDAY BASICS

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Scarf (dust protection)
  • Sunscreen/SPF
  • Lip Balm
  • Shoes
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Charging Cords for mobile device/laptop
  • Electric Plug Converters as per country
  • Prescription Medication
  • A valid Photo ID

** These are everyday basics that remain constant for all destinations. A “Things to Pack” guide will be provided by your destination specialist based on your destination, the season and your itinerary**

 

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ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE

Wild Panthera’s partner lodges are located in the wilderness with direct connectivity to the protected forest. This means people and wildlife share these spaces which are critical corridors for the movement of wildlife. For this reason, it is important for the traveler to be aware of the sensitivities of the land.

  • Wild Panthera’s Partner Lodges and Camps encourage local employment. Majority of the staff hail from villages nearby and are trained by the team.
  • Avoid carrying LOUD MUSIC DEVICES such as speakers as this disturbs wildlife and the privacy of other residing guests.
  • Most wildlife camps and lodges don’t offer ROOM SERVICE. Food is typically served during dedicated times of the day in the common dining spaces or private dinner spaces.
  • A guard will escort you to your room and back from common spaces of the lodge (dining, library, pool, bush dinner. etc) during the dark hours. Each Partner lodge/camp have their own protocol, which will be briefed to you at the time of Check In.
  • Single Use Plastics can be a hassle for our lodges and camps to dispose off. Avoid carrying as much as possible.
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