The Best Methods for Spotting Tigers on Safari
The forests of India are world-famous for their beauty and mystery. And the most important identity of such forests is: Sher Khan, i.e., the tiger. Every person going on safari has the biggest wish of seeing the king of the jungle with their own eyes. But it is not easy to see a tiger: the culprit behind that is that the species is smart, alert, and extremely mysterious. He is an expert in his art of hiding and most often disappears among bushes, trees, and grass.
Then comes the point of how to enhance the chances of tiger sighting on safari. It is: patience, peace, understanding, and the right information. Let’s know in detail.
Things You Should Keep in Mind While on the Way
1. Be patient and calm
The very first rule in tiger viewing is calmness.
- Noise, laughing, sudden movement—all of these will send the tiger away.
- The distance over which he can sense human movement and sounds is significant.
- Remember, the jungle is his home and we are just guests. The more you stay quiet, the more chances he will appear in front of you.
Example: Many times tourists are very eager and ask the guides repeatedly, “Where is the tiger? When will we see it?” During this, the real opportunity is lost. Guides and drivers know that waiting patiently is the best strategy.
2. Listen to the guide
The guide accompanying you on the safari is your real key.
- He or she knows which area tigers roam the most.
- They know which path has fresh pugmarks or where the tiger’s call has been heard.
- If the guide says to wait quietly for a while, then trust them. Most times, the tiger gives everyone a surprise by appearing suddenly.
3. Pay attention to alarm calls
In the jungle, not just eyes, but ears are also a great aid.
- When a tiger or leopard is nearby, deer, monkeys, and birds start screaming or hollering loudly.
- These are called alarm calls.
- You will know that a predator is nearby if you suddenly hear the neigh of a deer or the continuous screams of a monkey. The guide will take you in that direction.
4. Search for pugmarks
While walking in the forest, the tiger leaves clear paw marks on the ground, which we call pugmarks.
- If the pugmarks are fresh and the soil looks wet, then that path has just been crossed by a tiger.
- Guides and drivers often interpret these tracks to predict the tiger’s direction.
- Tigers often walk on trails and unpaved paths instead of going into bushes to avoid thorns.
5. The use of binoculars and telephoto lens
The tiger may not always come close to sight. Sometimes it sits far away near a riverside or in an open bush.
- With a good telescope, you can catch a glimpse of it from a great distance.
- For photographers, a 300mm or 400mm telephoto lens is ideal.
- This not only helps to see tigers but also deer, birds, and other animals very clearly.
Pick the Right Time and Place
1. Traveling in summer
- From March to June is the best time for viewing tigers.
- During this season, tigers tend to sit close to water sources—ponds, wells, and lakes—to drink water or take a shower.
- Safari spotting in summer can be tough, but chances of seeing a tiger are higher near water sources.
2. Early and Late Safaris
- In mid-day sunlight, the tiger is usually lying in the shade and is hard to spot.
- The best times are early morning after sunrise and late evening before sunset.
- These are the times when tigers are most active, and safaris are usually organized accordingly.
3. Choosing the right park
India has many national parks and tiger reserves, but not all guarantee sightings.
- Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh): High tiger concentration.
- Ranthambore (Rajasthan): Tigers roam in large open areas.
- Tadoba (Maharashtra): True jungle feeling with high chances of encountering tigers.
If it is your first safari, choose parks with high chances of tiger sightings.
Preparation and Conduct
1. Wear the right clothes
- Avoid bright colors such as red, yellow, or blue. Tigers and other animals notice them easily and may run away.
- Always wear earthy colors—green, brown, beige, or khaki. This helps you blend into the jungle.
2. Keep away from strong smells and perfumes
- Tigers have a very strong sense of smell.
- Strong perfumes may alert the tiger and make it run away.
- It is better to wear simple clothes and go on safari without strong scents.
3. Make more than one safari
- Many people rely on just one safari, hoping to spot a tiger on the first try.
- Luck plays a huge role, so the more safaris you do, the higher the chances of seeing a tiger.
- Booking three or four safaris at different times and areas increases the likelihood of sightings.
4. Always stay in the vehicle
- Never get out of the vehicle for safety.
- Leaving the vehicle can be dangerous for you and disturb animals.
- Some people break this rule in greed for better photos, which is prohibited.
- Respect forest rules and follow the guide’s instructions.
Conclusion
A tiger sighting in the true sense is difficult but not impossible.
- Patience, calmness, and the alertness of a guide are key.
- Observing alarm calls, pugmarks, and visiting at the right time increases your chances.
- Stay positive, even if you don’t see a tiger. There are hundreds of other wondrous animals and beautiful birds in the forest—the peacock’s dance, the herd of deer, monkey antics, and the soothing call of birds.
The real thrill of a safari comes from becoming part of the forest for a few moments. Spotting a tiger is a bonus, but even without it, the experience is unforgettable.
