Kanha & Pench – India

11th – 21st January 2025 | 10 nights, 11 days

USD 6,200 per person on single occupancy basis

0 spots remaining

Hi! We are Harman and Nili, a team of experienced wildlife photographers with a lifelong passion for safaris. In January 2025, we invite a small group of four like-minded individuals to join us in exploring central India, particularly Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves. On this once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure, we will teach you photography and editing techniques, as well as share our knowledge of wildlife behavior – an essential aspect of successful wildlife photography.

Kanha

Kanha National Park, located in the heart of India, is a pristine wildlife sanctuary renowned for its lush sal forests and meadows. Covering over 940 square kilometers, it is one of the largest national parks in India and offers a haven for a diverse array of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and the rare barasingha deer, also known as the swamp deer.

In Kanha we will stay at Kanha Jungle Camp. The camp is nestled on the edge of Kanha National Park, offering a luxurious and immersive experience in the heart of the Indian wilderness. The camp features well-appointed tents and cottages that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing guests with comfort and a close connection to nature. Visitors to Kanha Jungle Camp can enjoy an enriching and unforgettable wildlife adventure.

Pench

Pench National Park, located in central India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. It is one of the prime tiger reserves in the country, providing a habitat for Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and the rare melanistic leopards, also known as black panthers. The park's diverse landscapes of teak forests, meadows, and river valleys inspired Rudyard Kipling's classic tale, "The Jungle Book." 

Pench Jungle Camp offers a serene and immersive stay on the outskirts of Pench National Park in India. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the camp provides comfortable accommodations in cottages and tents, blending rustic charm with modern amenities. In the evenings, enjoy sitting by the campfire under starlit skies, and experiencing the sights and sounds of the jungle firsthand.

Why January?

November to January marks the winter months in India, a stunning season for its lush jungles. The landscape transforms into an ethereal realm, with a beauty that must be witnessed firsthand to be fully appreciated. The forests and grasslands, still tinged dark green from residual underground water, offer natural streams and pools amidst drier conditions post-monsoon. Also, the cooler weather during this time alters the behaviour of big cats, allowing them to roam until late mornings and early evenings, a sight uncommon during hotter seasons.

Included in the Safari Price

  • 2 nights at a 4 or 5 star hotel in Mumbai on B&B

  • 4 nights at Kanha Jungle Camp in Kanha National Park

  • 4 nights at Pench Jungle Camp in Pench National Park

  • Full board accomodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in both camps

  • A total of 8 safaris in Kanha and 7 safaris in Pench

  • 15 safari permits

  • Use of two safari vehicles with 1 leader (Harman or Nili) plus 2 guests in each car.

  • Local return flights from Mumbai to Nagpur (12th January) and back to Mumbai (20th January).

  • All airport transfers

  • Ground transfers from Nagpur to Kanha, Kanha to Pench and Pench to Nagpur

  • Daily image review sessions

  • 1-on-1 photographic tuition in the field

Excluded in the Safari Price

  • Any extra accomodation not mentioned above

  • Extra activities not mentioned above i.e. sundowners, bushwalks

  • Any personal expenses not mentioned above i.e. laundry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, shopping

  • Tips and gratuities to safari guide and lodge staff

  • International flights

  • Health and travel insurance

  • Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for travel into Kenya

  • Camera equipment

Terms and Conditions

  • 50% deposit required to confirm this booking.

  • Remaining 50% to be paid 6 weeks prior to travel.

Meet your Hosts

Jambo! We are Nili and Harman, two passionate wildlife and nature photographers with roots in Kenya.

I am Nili, born and raised in the picturesque town of Kitale, Kenya. My childhood was spent gazing at the stunning slopes of Mt. Elgon, which ignited my love for nature and wildlife from an early age. I moved to Perth, Australia, to complete my Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance, but my heart remained with the wild. After returning to Nairobi in 2013 and working in the corporate world, my interest in wildlife and photography evolved from a mere hobby to a full-fledged passion. By 2016, I was making regular safari trips with a basic Nikon DSLR camera, which deepened my love for photography. Gradually, I invested in better equipment and eventually left the corporate world to become a full-time wildlife photographer and safari planner. For me, conservation and understanding animal behavior are as important as capturing their beauty on camera.

I am Harman, a wildlife, landscape, and travel photographer based in Western Australia. Born in Kenya, my childhood was filled with incredible wildlife moments that I loved to capture. Moving to Western Australia almost a decade ago pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded my photographic horizons to include diverse landscapes and marine wildlife. This experience diversified my portfolio and taught me the importance of adaptability as a photographer. My goal is to emphasize the importance of our natural world through artistic visuals, hoping to inspire change and raise awareness about the critical role nature plays in our existence.

Together, our work aims to highlight the beauty of Mother Nature and stress the importance of conservation.

FAQs:

What kind of camera gear do I need to bring?

We do not have specific requirements for our safari trips. Everyone is welcome, whether you're a photographer or just want to capture moments with your iPhone. If you are a photographer wondering about gear, we recommend a zoom lens of at least 500mm. However, we believe that great photography is more about technique than equipment. Many of our guests have captured stunning photos using their phones and digital cameras.

What is there to gain from this safari trip?

There is so much to be gained from this safari. We will teach you the intricacies of photography and editing, as well as provide insights into animal behavior. With our knowledge of the individual animals we encounter, which we've followed and identified over the years, you'll gain a deeper understanding of their lives. Beyond the wealth of information, you'll make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories with the other like-minded guests, your hosts Harman and Nili, and your guides.