I am a big advocate of tourism supporting conservation and as importantly conservation supporting tourism. It’s a mutually beneficial circle. India is making good progress in this regard at least in terms of tourism supporting conservation, which brings me back to my pointers on getting the most out of a Tiger Safari. My advice is to travel in March or early April as it is getting warmer and Tigers look for watering holes to cool down in the morning, often in well-known locations. Take a safari that includes a minimum of six nights visiting more than one National Park in Madhya Pradesh. And choose wildlife specialists that support conservation to arrange your trip for you. The rest is down to luck. But if you’re looking for statistics, by following these pointers each of our safaris have averaged 7-18 different Tiger sightings in recent years and resulted in some fantastic images. 

Join us on our Indian Safaris in 2020  Click here for more info and then email mysafari@ontracksafaris.com to be eligible for our special offers.

Jaguars do climb trees

In Brazils Pantanal Jaguars don't need to climb trees to escape other predators as is the case with leopards in Africa. However, height often gives them a better view and so from time to time we find Jaguars in trees during our safaris.
Of-course we don't just look for Jaguars on our safaris, we look for all creatures from birds to mammals to reptiles. This area is simply teaming with wildlife, but.....Jaguars are a prize draw and we usually see several different individuals on our safaris and have multi sightings of each Jaguar as we progress.

If you would like to join our 2020 special group safari to Brazils Pantanal then click here for more information and contact us at mysafari@ontracksafaris.com

Jaguars everywhere

This years special group safari to Brazils Pantanal region was a huge success once again. Along with over eighty different bird species seen and many different larger species from river otters to capybara and crocs to iguanas; we had a plethora of Jaguar sightings.
We were privileged to be able to enjoy private sightings of Jaguars hunting, swimming and just watching the world go by.

If you would like to join our 2020 special group safari to Brazils Pantanal then click here for more information and contact us at mysafari@ontracksafaris.com

Tigers: Some better news

I have been working in wildlife conservation and especially with big cats for the last fifteen years. And it gladdens my heart to be hopeful about Tiger conservation in India. Some of the policies that are being implemented there are not only great news for Tigers but would work well in Africa where I spend much of my year. For example, even in a country with over one billion people, the areas where Tigers are protected are being expanded. Wildlife corridors are supported and encouraged by the government. And best news of all, the Tiger population is steadily increasing. 

Of-course there is still a lot to do, and sadly we have lost 97% of the Tiger population worldwide in the last 100 years. However, in India at least, the graph has turned north.

There are many reasons for this, but the main reason is that humans (in whatever guise whether politicians, conservationists, livestock owners, tourists or poachers turned game keepers), are making a difference.

Join us on our Indian Safaris in 2020  Click here for more info and then email mysafari@ontracksafaris.com to be eligible for our special offers.

Eight Jaguar sightings

Once again this years special Jaguar safari produced amazing wildlife sightings on a daily basis. Jaguars are of-course top of the list for most guests and we were not disappointed, enjoying eight sightings, two of which were with Jaguars hunting.

The best time to visit the Pantanal wetlands is during the dry season from June to September. Wildlife congregates around the riverbanks.

We explore the rivers and the land with our expert guides, looking for everything from jaguars and capybaras, to caiman and river otters. As throughout the rest of the year, birding is great and it is possible to see hyacinth macaws, as well as toucans, roseate spoonbills and the magnificent jabiru stork. 

If you would like to join our 2020 special group safari to Brazils Pantanal then click here for more information and contact us at mysafari@ontracksafaris.com

Tigers: Aren't they hard to see?

In early April this year I sat watching a Tigress serenely enjoying a cool dip one morning in Kanha National Park, India.  My safari guests were excitedly and somewhat anxiously clicking away. Their excitement taking precedence over my advice to relax, take your time, compose each shot and just enjoy the experience. Finally, their pace steadied, and heads began to come out from behind the cameras, smiling and enjoying spending quality time in the company of one of the world’s most beautiful creatures.

I thought back to 2018 when I had met first met some of this group and the inevitable question “Aren’t Tigers very difficult to see in the wild?” An understandable question, but actually not necessarily the case any longer.

Okay, so let me qualify that statement. There are a few things you need to get right to ensure the best chance of seeing not just one, but multiple Tigers. 

Select the right time to visit India. Book early. Choose the best National Parks. And opt for a tour operator who understands wildlife. Tick all those boxes, and the chances of seeing Tigers are very high. 

Join us on our Indian Safaris in 2020  Click here for more info and then email mysafari@ontracksafaris.com to be eligible for our special offers.