Arresting the gaze of a wild tiger is one of the most coveted images a nature photographer can pursue. And our India Tiger Photo Expedition offers the best possible odds for attaining this rare opportunity. In the tiger enclave of Tadoba National Park, when the Indian spring moves toward the hotter months of summer, animals anticipate the monsoon that is still weeks away. During the heat of the day, tigers seek shelter from the often-oppressive heat, but they must move into the open to drink, leaving the dry underbrush to reach water at least twice a day. With fewer visitors to India’s tiger reserves in late spring and early summer, it is typically the best time of year to see and photograph wild animals which may also include sloth bear, Indian civet, dhole (Indian wild dog), gaur, barking deer, honey badger, caracal, jackal, striped hyena, peacock, mongoose and other species.
Trip Highlights
Optimal Season for Tiger Photography
Visit Tadoba National Park at the best time of year for tiger sightings and unimpeded shots, as warmer weather draws tigers into the open in search of water
Plus Other Exciting Wildlife Photo Opportunities
Along with tigers, seek images of other rare wildlife including sloth bear, dhole (Indian wild dog), gaur (Indian bison) and possibly leopard —plus a private boat cruise for photographing migratory birds
Explore with Top Photographer Guides
Just six guests total—and only two per safari vehicle—travel with naturalist Expedition Leaders who are tiger experts and photography pros
We Help You Get the Tiger Shots You Covet
When you travel to India with Nat Hab to get those tiger shots of a lifetime, our Expedition Leader is by your side, ready with professional coaching and tips to help you get the photos you’ve dreamed of. Read on about what sets this special photo safari apart:
A Tiger-Intensive Photo Safari
For those in search of the world's best odds to photograph tigers in the wild, this is your trip. Tadoba National Park in Central India is legendary tiger country, and our tiger-intensive itinerary gives you 5-1/2 days on safari here, to maximize your chances of going home with the tiger images you dream of.The Best Location, at the Best Time of Year, for Tiger Photography
Though it's hot when we visit, this increases our chances of seeing tigers, since they must emerge from shade and seclusion in the underbrush in order to drink water twice daily. Our best opportunity to photograph them will be at these lakes and waterholes. Other wildlife must also come out in search of water, and we're likely to have excellent chances to photograph a wide array of native species.An Up-and-Coming Park without the Crowds of More Famous Locations
While Tadoba National Park offers outstanding opportunities for tiger viewing, it isn't nearly as crowded as India's best-known tiger parks. Here, you'll get to watch wildlife in relative peace and solitude, without hordes of Jeeps converging on a single sighting. No radio or mobile phone us is allowed between vehicles and visitors in this park, meaning you are less likely to share your experience with dozens of other visitors. Only traditional "word of mouth" methods are permitted for sharing sightings, as drivers and guides pass one another driving through the park.Six Guests Total—Just Two Photographers Per Safari Vehicle
You won't find a smaller group! Limited to six, with just two travelers and a driver-guide in our open-sided safari vehicles, you’ll have a quiet presence and unimpeded access for photography. There's also room to carry all your gear comfortably, and flexibility to adapt to changing conditions (light, weather, animal movements) in order to maximize photo opportunities.Shoot Alongside an Outstanding Wildlife Photographer
Our Photo Expedition Leaders are not only top naturalist guides but also accomplished photographers with coaching and tips to help you get the tiger shots you dream of. Your guide understands tiger behavior, movement patterns and how to locate them in their natural habitat. The interpretive experience goes hand in hand with the best photo opportunities, and you're assured of both on this unsurpassed expedition.Retreat and Refresh with Superb Accommodations
After intensive photography time in the field in often-hot temperatures, it can be a relief to return to air-conditioned rooms in our sustainable luxury ecolodge right on the edge of the park. And given that we like to start as early as possible and linger as long as we can, there are distinct advantages to such proximity—including the opportunity for a midday rest during the heat of the day.You'll Get a Taste of History & Culture, Too
While the bulk of our adventure is a tiger-intensive safari, with multiple days devoted to wildlife photography, we also include a half-day tour of Delhi, India’s vibrant capital, sure to captivate photographers, plus a a chance to photograph scenes of traditional rural life on the edge of Tadoba National Park—the perfect complement to the wild expanse of jungle that is our primary focus.Our Presence Directly Helps Protect Tigers
After years of precipitously declining tiger numbers, India is charting steady increases. Its 2022 quadrennial tiger census counted 3,682 tigers, up from 2,967 in 2018, an annual rise of 6%. Conservation groups attribute a share of the increase to responsible ecotourism. The economic value of visitors to India's tiger reserves benefits local communities, offering people an incentive to protect the wildlife they share the land with. Given that India is home to 75% of the world's remaining wild tigers, our presence here for wildlife tourism here is integral to that continued success.The World’s Finest Photo Expedition Leaders
Natural Habitat Adventures has a well-deserved global reputation for employing the highest-quality guides in the industry. Our Expedition Leaders are not only wildlife top photographers, they also have years of experience and training as naturalist guides, including resources from WWF's top scientists. You won’t find more knowledgeable—or more personable—guides than those who work with us. Our philosophy is simple: a nature adventure is only as good as the guide who leads it, so we provide the very best! See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding India Wildlife Safari
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive quality value guarantee that promises we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.
