Jeep safari through Bardia's grasslands

Bardia's jeep tracks run through sal forest, riverine woodland and open grassland, crossing streams and reaching watch points along the Geruwa and Karnali channels. We drive with our naturalist in a private open jeep, leaving at first light or in the late afternoon. Half-day drives last about 4 hours; full days take a packed lunch to a watchtower or riverbank and reach the farther grasslands, including the phantas of the south and, with time, the Babai valley.

The phantas are open grasslands where swamp deer, or barasingha, gather in herds, especially in the cool hours. Spotted deer, hog deer and wild boar are common, and greater one-horned rhinos, reintroduced from Chitwan, can be seen in the grasslands near water. Herds of wild elephants move through the forest, and our naturalist keeps a careful distance from them. Tigers are most often seen near water in the hot months. Birds include hornbills, eagles, peafowl and many grassland species.

Because Bardia has far fewer visitors than Chitwan, jeep tracks are quiet and sightings are rarely shared with other vehicles. We combine jeep drives with walking safaris, which reach places the vehicle cannot, and use the jeep to move between watch points. Park fees and vehicle permits apply; check current status before you travel. Bring binoculars, a long lens, a hat, a scarf against dust, and a warm layer for winter mornings, when the open jeep can be cold.