The Complete Guide to Tiger Tracking by Natural World Safaris

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO

TIGER TRACKING

A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

a world of natural wonders

You’ll feel the atmosphere of the jungle change when a tiger is close. The air fills with the sound of animal warnings and you can feel the tension as a majestic tiger enters their territory. Your first glimpse might just be the white flecks of hair on the tiger’s ears as he stalks through long grassland, occasionally catching a flash of bright orange or black. You might be exploring the forest before coming to a clearing of open grassland, finding a tiger basking in the sun before melting into the surrounding forest. Or your trackers may alert you as a tiger languidly pauses for a drink in a shady pool. No matter how it happens, you’ll never forget your first wild encounter with this most majestic of beasts. Many tour operators offer standard packages to track tigers but very few can match the experience that we at Natural World Safaris have in this field. We are specialists – yes, a lot of people say this these days! At Natural World Safaris however, we truly specialise in the Natural World and the select destinations that this takes in. We do NOT offer the world as a whole and we do NOT offer everything from safaris and beaches to villas and skiing holidays. We are: Niche. Wildlife. Specialists. Right Place, Right Time – on all occasions, this is the ethos that we adhere to. We are not led by commissions, loyalties or overrides, we tailor your holiday to maximise your return on your investment and to ensure that you see as much as possible. On occasions this may mean you are in basic tented accommodation, and on others you may be staying in the most expensive property in the country – wherever we put you, we endeavour to ensure that it you are in the right place at the right time to see as much as possible. This guide offers plenty of information and advice to help you understand what’s involved in a tiger tracking safari.

Natural World Safaris Whilst now we go by the name of Natural World Safaris, we originally set out as World Big Cat Safaris, a boutique operation specialising in primate safaris across the globe. From jaguar safaris in Brazil and snow leopards in Ladakh, to the big cats of the African plains and the tigers of Asia. Due to our success in this arena (as well as World Primate Safaris and World Bear Safaris), Natural World Safaris was born, providing unique bespoke safaris putting our clients in the right place at the right time to maximise their wildlife experience.

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ABOUT THE WORLD’S REMAINING TIGERS Bengal tigers

Status: Endangered.

Scientific name: Panthera tigris tigris.

Location:

Siberian (Amur) tiger

Status: Endangered.

Scientific name: Panthera tigris altaica.

Primarily found in India. There are smaller populations in China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutana and Myanmar.

Location:

Population:

Approximately 400 individuals.

There is thought to be fewer than 2,500 of these tigers remaining in the wild today.

Average lifespan: 8 to 10 years in the wild.

Weight: Up to 550lbs/249kg (males)

Length: Bengal tigers can grow up to 10 feet, from nose to tail.

Habitat: Mangrove forests, dry and wet deciduous forests, grasslands and temperate forests.

Diet: Carnivore.

Did you know... No two tigers have identical stripes, just like human finger prints. Bengal tigers have the highest population of all tigers.

Far Eastern Russia, bordering north east China.

Population: Average lifespan: Up to 14 years in the wild.

Weight: Up to 660lbs/300kg (males).

Length: 10.75 feet (average for males)

Habitat: They live within a mosaic of different forest types which vary with topography. In winter the floor is thick with snow.

Diet:

Indochinese tiger

Malayan tiger

South-China tiger

Sumatran tiger

Status:

Endangered.

Endangered

Extinct in the wild.

Critically endangered.

Scientific name:

Panthera tigris corbetti.

Panthera tigris jacksoni.

Panthera tigris amoyensis

Pantera tigris sumatrae.

Location:

Myanmar, Southern China, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Southern most region of Thailand and peninsular Malaysia.

Population:

Once found in Central and Eastern China - now only about 50 individuals live in China’s zoos.

Estimated 600-650 individuals.

Three sub-populations of Malayan tiger make up a total of approximately 500 individuals.

Average lifespan: Up to 15 years in the wild.

Weight: Up to 290lbs/130kg (males).

Length: 8.5 to 9.5 feet (males)

Habitat: Mainly tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest.

Diet: Carnivore.

Did you know...

These are the largest of the tigers, and biggest of all the big cats.

Indochinese tigers are also known as the ‘Corbett’s tiger’ after the famous hunter, Jim Corbett. Their stripes are more narrow and shorter than their Bengal cousins.

Unlike Bengal tigers, these huge cats have manes which in addition to their thick fur, keep them warm, especially in the winter.

Due to very low numbers, these species will inbreed. This has led to weakened genes, and sometimes to defects, e.g. cleft paletes.

Carnivore.

Did you know...

Average lifespan: Up to 15 years in the wild.

Weight: 260lbs/120kg (male average)

Length: 8.5 feet (male average)

Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands and subtropical moist broadleaf forest.

Diet: Carnivore.

Did you know... Thought to be Indochinese tigers, they were recognised as their own sub-species in 2004. The Latin name, Panthera tigris jacksoni, honours Peter Jackson, famous tiger conservationist.

Copyrights: Bengal tiger © Richard Denyer, Siberian tiger © Derek Ramsey, Indochinese tiger © R. Altenkamp, Malayan tiger © B_cool, South China tiger © J. Patrick Fischer, Sumatran tiger © Sergel Scurfield

Population: Functionally extinct - not seen in the wild for over 25 years.

Average lifespan: 15-20 years (captivity)

Weight: Up to 352lbs/160kg (males)

Length: 7.5 - 8.7 feet (males)

Habitat: Southeast China-Hainan moist forests.

Diet: Carnivore.

Did you know... Between the 1950’s and 1996, the population went down from about 4,000 to just 30-80 due to hunting. Hunting was banned in 1979. The South China tiger is considered by many experts as the ‘stem’ tiger, from which all other tigers evolved.

Location: The Indonesian Island of Sumatra.

Population: Less than 400 in the wild.

Average lifespan: Up to 15 years in the wild.

Weight: 165-308lbs/75-140kg

Length: 6.5-7.8 feet

Habitat: Lowland forest, mountain forest, swamp, evergreen and tropical rainforests.

Diet: Carnivore.

Did you know... Sumatran tigers are the smallest tiger sub-species and have heavy black stripes. These tigers are the only ones known to have partial webbing to their feet, which helps them to be even better swimmers.

WHERE IN THE WORLD YOU CAN SEE WILD TIGERS 1

Bengal tiger 1 2 3 4 5 6

India China Nepal Bangladesh Bhutan Myanmar

Indochinese tiger 1 2 3 4 5

Myanmar Southern China Thailand Vietnam Cambodia

Siberian (Amur) tiger 1 Far East Russia

5 4 6 1

Malayan tiger 1 Malaysia 2 Southern Thailand

3 5

Sumatran tiger 1 Sumatra

2 1

TIGER WATCHING IN INDIA

ABOUT THE PARKS AND WHERE TO STAY

The first place on the tip of everyone’s tongues for tracking tigers in the wild is India, and rightly so. Whilst the Bengal tiger is still severely under threat in the wilds of India, to date we have only ever had one client that has not successfully seen one of these graceful cats in its natural habitat.

Kanha

Bandhavgarh

Ranthambore

National Park

As one of the largest national parks left in India, Kanha National Park supports one of the best tiger populations in India. As it is larger however, the tigers can in theory be harder to find. Kanha is one of our favourites as it is probably the most similar to an African national park covering a larger surface area and having a much ‘wilder’ feel about it. You can also spot sloth bears, wild dog, wild pig, barking deer and about 300 bird species.

Bandhavgarh is a smaller, more intimate park than Kanha which can mean that at times it feels busier. It is generally believed that this means tigers are more easily spotted, but we are yet to be convinced. Consisting of only 450 square kilometres, Bandhvagarh has a diverse arrange of flora and fauna; 22 species of mammals (including our friend the tiger) and 250 different species of birds call the place home.

Perhaps unfairly, we are not huge fans of this national park. One of the biggest and most wellknown tiger parks, Ranthambore is within easy distance of Delhi (approximately 6 hours drive), and due to this close proximity it is often full. As a result of being busy, it has strict routes that you are permitted to take throughout the park, so realistically you either hit the jackpot with a tiger sighting on your route, or you don’t.

Where to stay

Banjaar Tola Lodge

Mahua Kothi Lodge

Sher Bagh Camp

National Park

Find out more about the best national parks for seeing tigers in India over the next few pages of the guide.

2 6

India’s Tiger Parks

This is the most luxurious option and overlooks the Banjaar River. 18 tented suites split into 2 camps.

Provides you with sumptuous comfort, in striking distance of the national park.

Shergarh Tented Camp

Samode Safari Lodge

Expert run and wonderfully located, each of the 6 rooms has a private veranda and bathroom.

Set in its own space, Samode is a high end lodge with more of a wilderness feel.

A beautiful Relaix & Chateau property with just 12 luxury tents. Great for an authentic jungle safari.

Khem Villas Chic, eco-aware accommodation with a choice in room type; luxury cottages, luxury tents, or rooms.

1 Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh 2 Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh 3 Ranthambore National Park, Rajastan 4 Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra 5 Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand 6 Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Flame of the Forest

Tree House Hideaway

Very remote, this luxury lodge is privately run and has just 4 sumptuous cottages for guests.

Uniquely designed treehouse rooms each with en-suite facilities and wonderful views of the park.

Oberoi Vanjavilas Excellent jungle resort accommodation in close proximity to the park, 25 luxury tents.

TIGER WATCHING IN INDIA CONTINUED 4

Tadoba

Corbett

Satpura

National Park

One of the less heard of tiger parks in India, with around 50 individual tigers in the area. The tigers themselves are slightly less habituated than those of the main national parks already mentioned above, so visitors here should be prepared to put in the time and effort to reap the rewards. Other highlights of the park include good quality leopard sightings, sloth bears, striped hyena and gaur. This is a haven for wildlife lovers.

Over the years Corbett has produced some of our best tiger sightings. India’s oldest national park has retained its primal ambience, making it perfect for the adventure-seeker. Approximately 160 tigers live here in the foothills of the Himalayas, sharing the land with leopards, elephants, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles and some 600 species of bird. The park is open from October to June, avoiding the monsoon seasons.

Similar to Tadoba National Park, Satpura is off the beaten track and away from the big players such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambhore. Satpura should be considered as a wider wildlife and wilderness experience rather than specifically for tigers. There are tigers here, but they are few and far between. Visitors are encouraged to explore on foot and there is a whole host of wildlife to meet on your way.

Where to stay

Whilst being less well known has its perks, with fewer people around and a quieter experience, it does mean there is limited accommodation. We have selected just one lodge which we think is the best in the park for amenities, as well as staff, and all round experience. There are other properties around, however, Svasara Jungle Lodge is by far the best quality and offers good value. There are other properties with access to Tadoba; however we feel they offer less in terms of value.

Svasara Jungle Lodge The principal luxury property, with a conservation focused experience and 12 spacious suites.

Accommodation throughout the park is basic with limited options available in the government owned forest rest-houses. Outside the park it is mid-range but clean and comfortable with the best option being Corbett Hideaway Lodge which is currently being overhauled by Taj Properties.

Corbett Hideaway Lodge A lively lodge on the edge of the Kosi River, just a 10 minute drive from Corbett National Park entrance.

Corbett Tiger Camp Cosy ensuite bungalows to return to after a day of tiger tracking in Corbett National Park.

There aren’t a lot of options in Satpura National Park, however if you are exploring on foot, we think Forsyth Lodge is the perfect base. Alternatively, another one of our favourites is the lovely Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, named after a neighbouring tribal village.

Forsyth Lodge Forsyth Lodge is stylish property offering game drives as well as uniquely designed walking safaris.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge A privately owned eco-lodge, here you have ideal access to the park and its wonderful wildlife.

WHEN TO GO: INDIA Tiger behaviour and location is largely influenced by the weather, and the country is so huge that the best time to go can vary depending on where you want to be and what else you want to see. Each year the tiger parks open from October to April, and throughout these months a lot changes in the parks.

October - January After the heat and heavy rains of the summer, the vegetation is lush and green and the landscapes are simply stunning, but there is a downside. Long grasses mean tricky tiger spotting. Their striped bodies camouflage surprisingly well, and among those tall grasses they are hard to spot. This adds to the excitement for some, but it’s not for everyone. Safaris at this time can result in wonderful photos of the green pastures contrasting with the orange fur of the magnificent big cats if you manage to spot them.

February - April In this time, the parks are heating up and drying out. From midtwenties (degrees centigrade), temperatures are now rising to high thirties, and even forties. The grasses wilt and fall flat, dying on the ground to expose landscapes covered in thick dusk, where water is scarce. This is an excellent time to go, less foliage means the wildlife is more exposed, and little water allows us to predict their behaviour as they congregate around the last remaining sources. For many, the landscapes don’t feel as picturesque, and drives can be uncomfortably hot. Remember, it is all about being in the right place at the right time. To date our Indian tiger safaris have been so successful that we have only ever had one client not see a tiger in the wild. That is an impressive strike rate for anyone.

Bengal tiger, India © Denise Allison Coyle

TIGER WATCHING IN RUSSIA

WHEN TO GO: RUSSIA

Siberian tigers are not the most visited wildlife in the world; however if we are to save these few individuals, then maybe it should be. With only 400 Siberian tigers left in the wild, these rare cats can be difficult to see in their natural habitat. We have pulled together a pioneering trip that maximises your chances of seeing as much of these big cats as possible in their natural environment. Whilst you are unlikely to see them in the flesh, with the help of camera traps and local specialist guides, you will be in for a truly authentic experience.

Tracking Siberian tigers can be done any time between August and the end of March.

August - September

The earlier months of August and September are more autumnal and therefore any tiger sightings or tigers caught on camera traps are likely to be on a ‘tundra’ or forested background. This is a nice time for photography, with wonderful autumnal colours and lots of foraging animals around. These months see temperature highs of 15 ºC - 25 ºC (cooling more towards September), and a low of 0 ºC in the evenings.

November - March If you wait until the latter months of November through to March then you are likely to be surrounded by snow. A truly picturesque environment with lines of birch trees, rolling hills and often waist deep powder.

1 Durminskoye Forest Reserve, Khabarovsk

ABOUT THE RESERVE & WHERE TO STAY 1

Durminskoye Forest Reserve

This is the place to go for Siberian tigers. Eight hours flying further east from Moscow, this is truly one of the most remote locations you will ever visit. On landing in Khabarovsk, you then have a four hour drive out to the Reserve where you will be hosted by one of the leading experts in tiger conservation. Each day you venture out, setting camera traps and spending time in the natural

environment of the endangered Siberian tiger. Hopefully you’ll follow in their tracks, feel their claw marks in the trees, or pull the thick orange and black hair from the bark of one of their marking trees. The ultimate prize, of course, is getting unique footage of a tiger in the wild as it walks past one of the camera traps that you have set only days (or sometimes only a few hours) before. The reserve itself is 20,000 hectares and was founded by Alexander Batalov in 1993. The

aim of the reserve is to preserve the areas natural resources and monitor the local wildlife via photo & video.

Where to stay

The Base A cosy base lodge with very basic amenities. This really is about right place, right time, not luxury.

At this time, footprints in the snow make the wildlife easier to track and carries with it the highest probability of tiger sightings with the use of camera traps and video. The temperature is cold at this time, sometimes dropping as low as -35 ºC at night (December to February). The best time to see the tigers is in the snow, but this does mean it is cold and can be wet, so this trip isn’t for the faint hearted. That being said, we simply can’t explain just how incredible it is, just to be in the habitat of these magnificent big cats, it’s something you need to experience for yourself.

CAMERA TRAPPING What are camera traps? Camera traps are remotely activated devices with a motion sensor or infrared sensor. They can be set up and left in some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most remote locations to monitor wildlife behaviour whilst there is no person present. Only triggered by movement or body heat, these cameras have been used for decades in tracking rare animals or witnessing the behaviour of wild animals with no human presence.

What are they used for? Camera traps capture critical data about rare species, helping conservationists and researchers preserve habitats and understand what is important in the lives of the wildlife. From the videos and photos obtained, we can estimate animal populations and discover habitat use, as well as studying the impact of human-built structures.

Siberian tiger caught on camera trap, Durminskoye Reserve.

As these cameras are set up and left out, they do not interfere with the animals themselves, and mean we can capture data without capturing the wildlife itself. This is more effective than the old, but still used, capture and release system as the footage can be viewed by other researchers. As they can operate 24 hours per day, we can find out invaluable information about the daily lives of animals, including what time they hunt or when they look for mineral licks.

Siberian tiger caught on camera trap, Durminskoye Reserve.

For Siberian tigers A huge part of your Siberian tiger experience is setting and collecting camera traps. You will find out the best places to put them and why, sourcing the best spots to capture shots of the elusive tigers. Navigating to some awkward, remote or hard to access areas, you will set up your traps out in the true wilderness, with the assistance of your expert guide, keeping your eyes peeled for predators. You will also collect traps that have already been set and enjoy watching the footage back of the wildlife caught on camera, which can include Siberian tigers, red deer, wild boar and much more.

Bengal tiger, India ÂŠ Andy Rouse

Managing Director, Will Bolsover, setting tiger traps in Durminskoye.

Owl caught on camera trap, Durminskoye Reserve.

Siberian tiger caught on camera trap, Durminskoye Reserve.

TIGER FACTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tigers are the largest of the big cat families. More specifically Siberian (also known as Amur) tigers are even bigger than their cousins the Royal Bengal tiger. At one time there were 9 tiger sub-species however hunting and deforestation has rapidly depleted these populations and now there are only 5 remaining sub-species in the wild. A tiger’s roar can be heard up to 2 miles away. Tigers live to between the ages of 8 – 10 years in the wild, sometimes longer. Tigers weigh in the region of 110 – 300kgs. The tiger is capable of killing animals over twice its size. Female tigers give birth to litters of between two and six cubs. Unlike other cats, tigers are good swimmers and can often be found cooling off in a river or lake. Tigers have antiseptic saliva. Whilst tigers feed primarily on deer, wild boar, antelope, etc. they also feed on smaller wildlife such as rodents, birds and reptiles. Tigers can jump up to 5 metres vertically. There are a larger numbers of tigers in captivity in the US alone than there are tigers left in the wild. It is thought that the remaining tiger populations in the wild could be extinct within the next 15 years. Bengal tiger, India © Richard Denyer

THREATS TO REMAINING TIGERS One would think that in this modern world that we live in we would be educated enough to understand when a species is on the brink of extinction, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. Even to this day tigers are under serious threat and it is not unlikely that they will become extinct within our lifetime.

Tigers for medicine When it comes to threats to tigers and their existence, unfortunately there are many. The majority of threats to these big cats can be attributed to humans. The Far East including China, Vietnam are where the main protagonists are based. Their cultural upbringing leads them to believe that tiger body parts (skin, fur, bones, teeth) provide medicinal value to their ailments. This is categorically wrong. Along with the rhino horn (also in demand from the Far East, which is decimating rhino populations), the tiger provides no value whatsoever to the world of medicine.

Habitat loss The loss of prime tiger habitat is also a key issue that threatens the existence of tiger populations around the world. The ever increasing human population puts pressure on the natural homes of tigers throughout the Asiatic region, both for space and resources. It was only the other day that we were in the prime habitat for the last remaining Siberian tigers and every 3 hours or so logging trucks were driving past taking felled trees out of the forest and to the cities. To put this in context, 93% of the historic tiger range over the last 100 years has been lost.

Poaching Poaching. Would you believe it is still an issue? Unfortunately, this is one of the most immediate threats to tiger populations. As well as being poached for their ‘medicinal value’, owning wild tiger memorabelia is now becoming even more of a status symbol among some Asian cultures. Wealthy people are displaying tiger skins and bones as a way of proving how much money they have. Tiger pelts are also valuable on the black markets. The illegal wildlife trade is now estimated to be worth in the region of US$19 billion a year.

Despite the issues that the world’s remaining tigers face, there is hope. By travelling to the remaining homes of these magnificent big cats, we can contribute to their continued survival through tourism. Putting our money into the reserves, will assist with their research and with keeping these parks running for their protection. Siberian tiger, © Will Bolsover

Trip details This itinerary is tailor-made, so can be edited to meet your specific requirements, including budget, time of travel and your experience.

WILDLIFE, TEMPLES & PALACES

THE ULTIMATE INDIA SAFARI

An 8 day luxurious tailor-made tiger tracking and culture safari from £4,100, excluding international flights

An immersive 22 day safari across India four different national parks - from £7,530, excluding international flights

What makes this trip extraordinary? •

Track Bengal tigers in Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks.

•

Visit the erotic Khajuraho Temples.

•

Fantastic opportunity to see wildlife such as jackal, wild pig, spotted deer, Indian wild dog, leopard and sloth bear.

•

Stay in luxury lodges with fantastic access to the National Parks.

Trip details This itinerary is tailor-made, so can be redesigned to meet your specific requirements, including budget, time of travel and your experience.

Properties have been chosen for their proximity to area of wildlife.

For more details, give us a call:

UK Office: +44 (0) 1273 691 642 US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569

Featured properties

The experience

Featured property

What makes this trip extraordinary? •

Discover the last population of Asiatic lions in Sasan Gir National Park.

•

Visit Dudhwa National Park, home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros.

•

Track tigers and other Indian wildlife in the jungles of Kanha and Pench National Parks.

•

Experience the vibrant street markets of Jaipur and historic sites of Agra.

The experience

Mahua Kothi Lodge

A lovely exploratory trip through India dipping your toe into Indian culture at the erotic Khajuraho Temples and then immersing yourself in the tigers and wildlife of Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks. Throughout your stay, enjoy a variety of luxurious lodges that maximise your comfort as well as ensuring you are in the right place at the right time to see as many natural wonders and cultural highlights as possible. A stunning journey seeing lots of India’s highlights.

Lion Safari Camp

Banjaar Tola Lodge

Travel details

Shergah Tented Camp

Travel details

Jamatra Wilderness Lodge

Best time to go: November to March Destination: Sasan Gir NP, Dudhwa NP, Kanha NP and Pench NP Style: tailor-made wildlife safari Duration: 22 days

Oberoi Grand Kolkata

Best time to go: November to April Destination: Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park and Calcutta Style: tailor-made luxurious wildlife safari Duration: 8 days

Experience the highlights of this diverse and vibrant country on this immersive 22 day safari across India. Discover the wildlife of four different national parks including tigers, leopards, lions, elephants and rhinos - visit the colourful city of Jaipur, and explore the stunning palaces of Agra.

Trip details

RHINOS, TEMPLES & TIGERS

SIBERIAN TIGER SAFARI

A 15 day India safari to see rhinos, temples, palaces & more from £2,950 excluding international flights

A 7 day specialist led Siberian tiger safari in the Russian Far East - from £3,000 excluding international flights

What makes this trip extraordinary? •

Excellent chance of spotting the Rhinoceros Unicornis.

•

The opportunity to track and see tigers in the wild.

•

Visit the iconic Taj Mahal.

•

Explore Delhi, Agra and Calcutta and experience Indian culture.

•

A thrilling mix of India’s wildlife and culture.

Trip details

Properties have been chosen for their proximity to area of wildlife.

This is a specialist led wildlife expedition. Russia does not have a past history of catering to tourism especially in these extremely remote regions. Facilities are basic and we will provide you with a translator throughout your stay.

For more details, give us a call:

UK Office: +44 (0) 1273 691 642 US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569

Featured properties

Featured property

This itinerary is tailor-made, so can be redesigned to meet your specific requirements, including budget, time of travel and your experience.

The experience

The Gateway Hotel Chandela

Giving you an excellent chace of spotting the Rhinoceros Unicornis (onehorned rhino), as well as Bengal tigers and much more, this increcible safari really does explore the best bits of India. Explore stunning national parks in search of the wildlife, from big cats and rhinos, to birds and reptiles, visit incredible cities and erotic temples, and even see the Taj Mahal. An exciting mix of wildlife and culture gives this safari an edge over any others in India.

Kings Lodge

Travel details

Shergarh Tented Camp

Best time to go: November to April Destination: Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Bandhagarh, Kanha, Raipur, Calcutta, Kaziranga Style: tailor-made wildlife safari Duration: 15 days

The Base

The Base: Sauna

What makes this trip extraordinary? •

Spend time in the wild environs of the last remaining Siberian tigers.

•

Set and collect camera traps.

•

Walk in the footsteps of the world’s biggest cats.

•

Spend time with Alexander Batalov, a frontline Russian conservationist who’s spent the last 20 years trying to protect the rare Siberian tiger.

The experience Arrive into Khabarovsk and transfer approximately 4hrs along bumpy roads and eventually forest tracks to the remote forest reserve of Durminskoye. This is prime habitat for the last remaining Siberian tigers. Over the next 5 days or so, you explore the reserve by foot, skidoo and 4x4 in search of signs of the Amur tiger, setting up camera traps along the way and hoping to record some footage of these incredible predators. This trip revolves around the experience of being in the tigers natural habitat.

Travel details Best time to go: November to March Destination: Durminskoye Forest Reserve Style: tailor-made , specialist led wildlife safari Duration: 7 days

The next step Contact our team of tiger safari specialists and design your very own journey into the extraordinary.

PLANNING YOUR TIGER SAFARI Whether you want to head to India or Russia to search for the tigers, there always more you can combine with your safari. These are incredible countries, filled with culture and wildlife.

India •

Culture: see the magnificent Taj Mahal, and erotic temples at Khajuraho as well as colourful, vibrant markets.

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Big cats: other big cats include the majestic snow leopards, and Asiatic lions - only found in India.

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Wildlife: there is an incredible diversity to India’s animals, with everything from langur monkeys and snakes to Asian elephants and one-horned rhinos.

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Beaches: Kerala is a world away from bustling India, a tropical paradise with stunning beaches.

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Cities: India’s cities can be quite intimidating, but they captivate the senses and are worth taking the time to explore; from Old and New Delhi, to Agra and Mumbai.

Far East Russia •

Wildlife: watch for Asian bears, red deer, wild boar, owls and more.

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Tiger rehabilitation: meet Zhoric the Siberian tiger who was saved and rehabilitated.

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Culture: visit the local Udeghe people and discover their fast diminishing indigenous culture.

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Fishing: take to some lakes for a bit of relaxation and fish catching.

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Conservation: this goes hand in had with a trip to this far region of the world, but help with the research of Siberian tigers through camera traps.

•

Cities: it is worth spending some time exploring Moscow and Khabarovsk.

Call from UK +44(0)1273 691 642 Toll Free from US 1866 357 6569 Toll Free from Australia 1800 66 8890 Email sales@naturalworldsafaris.com