Tiger safari in an open jeep
Ranthambore's safaris run on fixed routes in 10 zones, each allotted by the forest department when permits are booked. Zones 1 to 5, around the lakes and the fort, are the classic tiger country; zones 6 to 10 on the edges also produce good sightings. Vehicles are six-seat open jeeps, known as gypsies, or larger canters seating about 20.
The morning drive starts at first light and the afternoon drive ends at sunset, each lasting about three to three and a half hours. Your naturalist reads alarm calls from sambar, chital and langurs, looks for fresh pugmarks and knows each zone's resident tigers. Sightings are never guaranteed, but over four or five drives most guests see at least one tiger.
Beyond tigers, Ranthambore has leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles and more than 300 species of birds recorded. Winter mornings are cold in an open jeep, and summer afternoons hot. Permit rules, zone openings and timings change by season, so check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What are the chances of seeing a tiger in Ranthambore
Over four or five drives across three nights, most of our guests see at least one tiger, but sightings are never guaranteed. Chances are highest from March to June, when tigers stay near water. One or two drives give a lower chance.
Jeep or canter in Ranthambore
A six-seat jeep, or gypsy, is quieter, more flexible and better for photography. A canter seats about 20 and is cheaper but noisier. We book private jeeps for our guests wherever permits allow, and use canters only when jeeps are sold out.
What should I wear on a Ranthambore safari
Neutral colours such as khaki, olive and brown. From November to February, a warm jacket, hat and gloves for the morning drive, when open jeeps are cold. A scarf helps with dust. In summer, light long sleeves and a sun hat.
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