The Tigers of Ranthambhore: An Indian Photo Tour 2024
Week 1: March 31st – April 8th
Week 2: April 12th - April 20th
British wildlife photographer Chris Rodgers, with over 30 years of international experience, specializes in photographing wildlife—particularly the wild tigers of Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan, India. Initially a wedding and social event photographer, Chris made the transition to wildlife photography after his first trip to India in 1993. Chris has worked on commissions for multinational companies like Boots, American Express, and English Premiership Rugby Union.
Chris Rodgers leads regular photographic tiger safaris in India, collaborating with expert local naturalists, drivers, and tiger behavior specialists. This partnership not only ensures a unique and immersive experience but also supports local communities. By benefiting directly from the tours, these communities are less likely to engage in activities that pose a threat to the tigers.
There is no doubt that the tiger is one of the most beautiful animals on the planet and unfortunately, one of the most endangered. Seeing a wild tiger in its natural habitat is a breathtaking experience and one that only a few of us will get to experience. Tigers are now only found in a small number of countries around the world and getting to see one without professional guidance is not an easy task. Whilst tigers can be found outside of India, the local habitat and behavior of the tigers makes them almost impossible to see and many photographs you see of wild tigers are taken with remote cameras.
Ranthambhore National Park in India is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to photograph the Bengal Tiger, a truly majestic animal. Its diverse landscape, featuring numerous lakes, streams, and watering holes, offers respite to the park's thriving wildlife during scorching summers. Home to over 300 bird species, both resident and migratory, as well as 75 species of mammals and reptiles, Ranthambhore teems with life. In addition to tigers, visitors may spot leopards, caracals, jungle cats, rusty spotted cats, sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), blue bulls (nilgai), Indian gazelles, wild boars, sloth bears, Indian foxes, jackals, mongooses, and striped hyenas. While our safaris focus on photographing wild tigers, you'll also have the chance to capture the park's diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.
Our tiger photography tours in India are designed with photographers in mind, but wildlife enthusiasts without cameras are equally welcome. Unlike typical tours catering to general tourists, our expeditions offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife photographers and passionate enthusiasts. With the assistance of our expert naturalist and his tracking skills, you'll have the best chance to return home with remarkable photographs and unforgettable memories.
Your adventure starts in the bustling city of Delhi, where Chris will personally greet you at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may either spend a night soaking up the local culture in Delhi, or head directly to the train station for the journey to Sawai Madhopur. From there, you'll continue to your hotel, located on the fringes of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to unwind in the comfort of your room or refresh by the pool with a cold beer in hand. In the relaxing ambiance, you can engage in insightful discussions about the week's itinerary, potential wildlife sightings, and photography tips with Chris and our local naturalist.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive from New Delhi, get settled in your room and then meet for dinner (a wide range of Indian, Asian and Western food is available) and a drink, meet our host and then get ready for our first tiger safari, the first thing the next morning.
Days 2 to 8
You will spend the next 7 days surrounded by the incredible wildlife and spectacular scenery of Ranthambhore National Park. Tigers are the main reason most people visit the area, but this doesn’t mean we won’t stop to photograph the other wildlife that is found in the park. Along with our expert guide, I will go out of my way to maximise your chances of seeing some amazing wildlife. Being in the park in the morning and the late afternoon/evening will give us some excellent opportunities to experience wildlife in excellent light.
Please note that every Wednesday is a free day for you to enjoy as you please. The park is closed on this day for conservation efforts, allowing for important activities and maintenance within the park. You can take this opportunity to relax by the pool, catch up on some sleep, or explore the magnificent Ranthambhore Fort. It's your day to take it easy and indulge in activities of your choice.
You will be woken at 05.00 am with a cup of coffee or tea before meeting in the lobby, where we will wait to be collected by our private jeep. After a short drive, we will arrive at the national park. Driving along the narrow track from the main entrance conjures up images of the opening scenes of Jurassic Park; you cannot fail to be impressed by the surroundings. Early mornings offer the best chances of spotting leopards. I have spotted quite a few leopards on the road up to the entrance of the park so it’s always a good idea to keep your eyes peeled. We will stay in the park until around 9:45 am and then head back to the hotel to grab a shower and have breakfast.
After breakfast, you are free to lounge by the pool, visit the local town (which is within walking distance and offers great opportunities for street photography), or relax in your room until we are picked up for the evening safari at around 2:15 pm.
The afternoon/evening safari offers a new perspective on the park, allowing us to follow up on any sightings from the morning and to experience the beauty of the setting sun over Ranthambhore Fort. The safari wraps up around 6:00 PM, after which we'll return to the hotel. Following some time to freshen up, we'll gather for dinner. The hotel's excellent Indian and Asian cuisine caters to all tastes, including vegetarian options. Enjoy your meal in the relaxed hotel grounds and consider rounding off the day with a drink from the open-air bar, offering a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks.
Day 9
We'll enjoy one final breakfast before bidding farewell to Ranthambhore. We'll then travel by train back to New Delhi and head to the airport for your onward journey. It's worth noting that the park's tiger population has grown recently, thanks to the dedicated efforts of park rangers and tiger conservation programs. With a thriving population of tigers in Ranthambhore, our Tiger Safaris in 2024 are poised to offer some of the most remarkable sightings yet.
Should you choose to extend your stay in India, we offer assistance with exploring nearby attractions such as the vibrant city of Jaipur or the iconic Taj Mahal. We can facilitate your extended journey by helping with accommodation and transport arrangements, and we can even provide a guide, if needed, to enrich your experience.
Recommended Equipment
For photography, you'll need to provide your own equipment. For serious photographers, lenses ranging from wide-angle to 500mm are ideal. However, a 70-200 zoom or a 300mm lens would also suffice. An effective strategy is to use one camera with a wide-angle lens (a high-end compact camera is suitable for this) and another with your larger lens. If you'd prefer not to carry heavier gear, modern super-zoom compact cameras also capture great shots and are a lighter alternative.
Additionally, protecting your camera equipment from dust is important. I always recommend bringing a soft cloth or towel to cover your camera and lens when they're not in use.
Consider bringing a laptop or tablet to store and review your photos during the tour. Don't forget spare memory cards, batteries, and a battery charger—you'll likely take many photos each day. We'll provide more detailed packing advice closer to the departure date. Remember, this safari is not just for photographers— it's an opportunity to experience tigers in their natural habitat. Many participants find the memories alone to be a rewarding takeaway. You're welcome whether you're behind a lens or not.
Additional Information
Rajasthan's climate is hot and dry in March and April. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing for comfort, and consider a hat and high-factor sun cream for sun protection. Mosquito repellent may be useful in the evenings, although mosquitoes aren't usually encountered during safaris. You should be reasonably fit, although most activities involve jeep travel, not walking—except if you choose to explore the local town or Ranthambhore Fort.
Before departure, I'll provide further information about local customs and what to expect. Consult your doctor or travel clinic about necessary vaccinations for travel to India. Citizens from most countries require an Indian visa—I'll send more information about this after booking
Costs and Inclusions
The 9-day tiger safari photo tour to Ranthambhore, India, is priced at 3,499 GBP per person. This includes:
• Eight nights in air-conditioned, ensuite rooms
• Daily morning coffee/tea, breakfast, lunch, and evening meals
• Two bottles of mineral water per day
• Roundtrip transportation from Delhi airport
• Six morning and six afternoon/evening safaris in a private jeep
• Services of a qualified naturalist/guide and driver
Please note the price does not include:
• International flights to Delhi
• Travel visas
• Alcoholic/soft drinks and extra mineral water
Sundry items and tips
• Extra excursions and personal expenses
• Additional accommodation in Delhi if needed before or after the trip.
Booking and Payment Details
Secure your spot on the Tigers of Ranthambhore Indian Photo Tour 2024 with Chris Rodgers today. Experience the thrill of observing Bengal Tigers in their natural environment and explore the diverse landscapes of Ranthambhore National Park. This is a unique opportunity to capture incredible photos and make memories to last a lifetime.
A non-refundable deposit of 1,500 GBP per person is required to book your place. This deposit is essential for early zone reservations in Ranthambhore.
The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip begins.
Please Note: This itinerary is provisional and could change depending on local conditions or unforeseen circumstances and costs that sometimes increase year to year. We will however do our very best to keep this itinerary as it is.
We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance to protect against any unforeseen personal circumstances or medical conditions. This is crucial to ensure peace of mind during your travels.
Our photo tours are designed for small groups to enhance personal experiences. Each week, we accommodate a maximum of three guests per private jeep.
For larger groups, we can arrange for up to seven guests distributed across two jeeps.
Please click here to email me with your preferred dates and number of places required or if you need any further information.
Join us for the Tigers of Ranthambhore: An Indian Photo Tour 2024:
Week 1: March 31st – April 8th
Week 2: April 12th - April 20th
