Best Jungle Safari in Nepal

Jungle safari in Nepal offers you a unique experience into the heart of enchanting and lush forests where elephants can roam freely in herds, tigers hidden in shadow, crocodiles thriving in wetlands, and birds filling the jungle with their chirping. In addition to offering exhilarating wildlife encounters, a Nepal jungle safari immerses you in the dynamic ecosystems that flourish in the verdant forests.

The magic inside these lush forests can be discovered through various guided options like jeep safari, elephant safari, canoeing, rafting, etc. Rafting and canoeing on the fast-flowing river of Nepal can give you glimpses of the endangered gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphins.

Likewise, following the footsteps of the Royal Bengal Tiger slowly gives you a quick glimpse of this elusive species in their natural habitat. These experiences are not just witnessing diverse wildlife, but it's the feeling that stirs your senses, offering not just sights and sounds but a rare feeling of being part of something truly wild. There are many Nepal safari tour packages, like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini tour, Bardia National Park Jungle Safari, that can provide you with this adrenaline-rushing feeling.

Why Jungle Safari in Nepal?

Nepal is not just a country with towering snow-capped mountains; Nepal is rich in biodiversity, ecosystems amidst the raw wilderness. From the lowlands of Terai to the middle hilly and upper high mountain regions, the rich biodiversity includes 185 species of mammals, 850 recorded species of birds, 230 species of fish, and 123 species of reptiles.

From the easily spotted animals like Rhesus monkey, langur, hyena, jackal, wild boar, antelope, wild cat, wolf, sloth bear, to endangered species like wild buffalo, Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, red panda, etc, the national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserve provide home to them in their natural habitat.

Hence, a jungle safari is a great way to promote wildlife tourism in Nepal. Jungle safari is not just about seeing animals; it goes beyond that. It is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the lives of indigenous groups like the Tharu, who coexist peacefully with the environment, as well as deep in the woods and alongside meandering rivers.

These safaris go beyond just animal sightings—they take you deep into forests, along winding rivers, and into the lives of indigenous communities like the Tharu, who live in harmony with nature.

What Makes the Best Jungle Safari in Nepal?

The word best can have a vague meaning. With different people, the meaning of best can be changed. For some travelers, the best jungle safari may be witnessing the Royal Bengal Tiger. While some travelers consider the Nepal Jungle tour the best by enjoying the peace and remoteness of the jungle, staying at the jungle resorts in luxury. So, there are a few factors that can determine the parameters of the best jungle safari.

Wildlife variety and sightings
The chances of spotting rare animals like tigers or rhinos
Accessibility and travel time from major cities
Local culture and hospitality
Activities available: jeep safari, bird watching, canoeing, elephant safari, boating, etc
The overall vibe

Top Jungle Safari Destination in Nepal

1. Chitwan National Park

One of the great introductions to Nepal’s lush jungle and wildlife is Chitwan National Park. This park is the oldest national park of Nepal, covering about 952.63 SQ km. Spreading across the subtropical lowlands of the inner terai, this park has forest including buffer zones, and private lands, including cultivated lands too. Mostly with tropical and subtropical forests, Chitwan National Park fosters diversity of ecosystem. The heart of the jungle is home to 31% of mammals, 61% of birds, 34% of amphibians and reptiles, and 65% of fish recorded in Nepal. Whether you are doing various things to do in Chitwan like a jeep safari, a safari walk, or canoeing and boating on the river, this jungle safari will undoubtedly be mesmerizing and rewarding.

What Can You See During a Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari

Deep inside the subtropical forest of Sal trees, you can witness diverse wildlife like the Gaur. Royal Bengal tiger.
Wild elephant, Four-horned antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard, Python.
Visiting the visitor center on foot provides you with insights into the wildlife and their conservation process.
Elephant safari gives you a wonderful opportunity to have a close view of the one-horned rhinoceros.
Patient waiting in different spots allows you to catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal Tiger.
A Foot Safari to the Elephant Breeding Center at Khorsor gives you insights into the elephants, their calves, and the breeding process.
Inside the Gharial Breeding Center, you can see the marsh mugger and different species of turtles.

2. Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park is the hidden gem of the western lowlands of Terai. Initially introduced as a wildlife reserve mainly for conserving the habitat of the tiger and its prey species, this reserve was changed to a national park in 1988. Covering an area of 968 SQ km, around 61 species of mammals, 513 species of birds, 42 herpetofauna, and 120 fish species have been recorded in the national park area. From riverine forests to wooded grasslands, Bardia National Park Jungle Safari Tour has thriving wildlife in the undisturbed wilderness in their natural habitat. The blue waters flowing across the national park provide a home to many reptiles, fish. Likewise, the riverine forests dotted alongside the river shores offer a home to many species of birds.

bardia national park jungle safari tour packages

What Can You See During a Bardia National Park Jungle Safari

With the translocation of one-horned rhinoceros from Chitwan National Park to Bardia National Park in 1986, the Bardia National Park Jungle safari is a great option for spotting the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.
The Karnali River and the Babai River are home to the endangered gharial crocodile and the marsh mugger.
During canoeing, you can catch a quick glimpse of the endangered Gangetic dolphin.
A rafting expedition in the Karnali River gives you a wonderful opportunity to discover the Large mahasher, a game fish.
Alongside the shores of the river, you can watch birds such as herons, egrets, black-necked storks, and little pratincoles enjoying their time in their prime habitat.
The vast wilderness of the Sal tree hides the Royal Bengal Tiger. You can see the rare Bengal Tiger during the jeep safari of the Bardiya National Park Tour.

3. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Nestled in the south eastern Terai, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve holds its foot on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi River. Even though this national park is Nepal's smallest wildlife reserve with an area of 176 SQ km, this reserve has great significance for wetlands and buffer zones. Covering the national park mainly by tall grasslands and small patches of deciduous mixed riverine forests, this reserve is home to 20 mammals, 441 species of birds, and 80 species of fish.

What Can You See During a Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Jungle Safari

During the migratory seasons, you can watch a perfect blend of migratory birds and residential birds.
You can witness about 87 winters and trans-Himalayan migratory species at the Koshi Barrage during a jungle safari.
Discovering Ibies species of birds like white tailed stonechat and the Striated Marsh Warbler is such a cherry on top for your journey.
If you are lucky, you can witness 14 endemic species of birds in this wildlife reserve.
Jeep safari inside the tall grasslands can give you a glimpse of many animals like Hog deer, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Blue bull, and Rock Python.
Since this reserve is home to the last remaining population of wild buffalo, you can witness them during your jungle safari.

Best Jungle Safari Based on Your Travel Style

Witnessing Endangered Animals Like Bengal Tigers and One-Horned Rhinoceroses

If the main objective of your jungle safari is spotting elusive Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros, then Bardia National Park and Chitwan National Park are the best jungle safaris in Nepal. With a population of around 694 one-horned rhinoceros, Chitwan National Park is the second largest home in the world for this endangered species. Likewise, with above 128 Bengal Tigers in Chitwan National Park and 125 in Bardiya National Park, these two areas are the biggest playgrounds of Bengal tigers in Nepal.

Best Offbeat Jungle Safari in Nepal

If you are searching for an offbeat safari with a less crowded trail, then the Bardiya National Park safari can be an ideal option for you. The tranquil atmosphere and undisturbed habitat can make your jungle safari a perfect escape in the wilderness. Offering a glimpse of Bengal tiger, asian elephants, gharial crocodile, and one-horned rhinoceros, this journey is a pristine experience in the jungle.

For the First Timer or a Family-Friendly Jungle Safari

If you are doing a jungle safari for the first time or searching for a family-friendly jungle safari, then Chitwan National Park can be a great option for your adventure. Within easy reach of Kathmandu city, this national park possesses diverse wildlife and plants. An easy witness of the wildlife during the jeep tour will keep you entertained. Moreover, with a variety of activities like canoeing, boating, tharu programme, jeep safari, birdwatching, etc, this jungle safari can be a perfect way for relaxation and soaking in the wilderness for beginners and families. Furthermore, the diverse accommodation options can add more luxury to your journey.

Best Bird Watching Jungle Safari

If you are a bird enthusiast or into bird photography, then the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve can be the best jungle safari in Nepal for you. With around 441 species of birds spotted in this reserve, you can find 14 of the endemic species of birds. You can also witness some of the endangered birds like Striated marsh warbler, shore birds in your jungle safari. Moreover, you can also find many migratory birds during March in the jungle safari.

Couples Jungle safari

If you are embarking on a jungle safari as a couple, then Chitwan National Park can be a great option for your journey. The lowland national park is one of the well-developed and well-maintained national parks in Nepal. The easy accessibility to the highways and good mode of accommodation make the Chitwan National Park jungle safari one of the best jungle safaris for couples. You can easily find teahouses, jungle resorts, and even community homestays. Moreover, canoeing and boating on the Rapti River alongside the birds on the shores can be the most romantic thing for adventurous couples. The elephant safari and Jeep safari deep into the subtropical jungle on the search for Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros can be a great romance in nature, isn't it?

Best Time for Jungle Safari in Nepal

Usually, spring and autumn are considered the best times for a jungle safari in Nepal. The mild temperature with pleasant weather allows you to stroll around the jungle more comfortably. Moreover, from March to May, the animals wake up from their winter hibernation, so the chances of witnessing more animals and birds increase during spring. Moreover, the vegetation starts to flourish during spring, providing you more appealing atmosphere for photography.

Likewise, during autumn, the dry trails and weather allows you to enjoy the safari. Moreover, from September to October, the vegetation starts to thin down due to the fall season. As a result, you can spot wildlife more easily. Generally, monsoon and winter are also favourable for the Nepal jungle safari. However, the excessive rainfall and wet trails can make your journey a little bit difficult. Moreover, the active leeches and other insects can make the safari inconvenient. Similarly, winter can be quite chilling, especially inside the thick forest. So, with proper preparation, a jungle safari in monsoon and winter can also be done.

Do's and Don'ts in Nepal Jungle Safari

Always listen to the instructions of the wildlife team. Do not wander around the national parks on your own.
Try not to make loud noises as they can disturb animals and birds.
Stay inside the Jeep or walk within the instructed trail.
Don't try to feed animals, as it can cause the occurrence of dangerous situations.
Always try to keep a safe distance from wildlife.
During the night, avoid flashing the cameras for photography. It can scare animals and birds.
Do not keep any high expectations about the jungle safari. Sometimes you cannot witness the animals you desire to see.
Staying patient is the key to a jungle safari. Sometimes you have to wait for hours for the animals or birds to appear in certain spots.

Jungle Safari is not just catching a glimpse of the wildlife in the raw nature. It's the feeling of experiencing the thrill in the wild. It's the little dance or low cheer after spotting every animal. It’s a way of creating and connecting a sustainable bond with nature. Whether you are tracking wildlife by jeep, catching a glimpse of wildlife by hiding in the bushes, or photographing birds, a Jungle safari in Nepal will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Contact us today for more tour packages and experience this wild adventure.