FAQ 

 

• Is late February to early March a good time for photographing tigers? 

By this time, the dry season is well underway in central India. The tall grasses begin to die back, and foliage thins out, making it easier to spot and photograph wildlife, especially tigers that are naturally well-camouflaged in dense greenery earlier in the season. This creates excellent opportunities to see them out in the open, 

During this time tigers and other wildlife start moving more frequently as they search for water, but the intense summer heat hasn't arrived yet. In addition, tiger cubs born in the previous season often start emerging with their mothers around this time, and there's a better chance of witnessing playful or tender behavior as they explore the area under maternal watch. 

Lastly, the lower sun angles in February and early March also provide softer, golden light during safaris - perfect for capturing dramatic wildlife images without the harsh contrasts of summer.
 

• I am not a photographer; can I still attend?  or I have a partner who isn't a photographer, can they attend?  

Yes of course, you can attend (and your partner)!  We have had many non-photographers on our trips - even a few who have gone on repeat trips! You will have a little extra free time at the lodges while we do classes and one-on-ones. There is always a lot to do at the lodges, from going for a swim, enjoying a nature walk, touring the organic gardens, enjoying the butterfly gardens, relaxing at the restaurant, or just hanging at the bar.  The biggest difference is that our group spends time with the wildlife, watching behaviors and observing.  Non-photographers have expressed that they have enjoyed this and even learn more and gain more appreciation for the animals this way.    

• What animals might we see?  

Tigers, Indian Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, Sambar, Jackals, Langurs, Indian Guar, Striped Hyena, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Indian Fox, Macaques Monkeys, Marsh Crocodile, Monitor Lizard, Four-Horned Antelope, Indian Wolf, and many more. In addition, there are hundreds of bird species! Just a small listing of the diverse amount of birds we can see on our adventures include Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Osprey, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Hooded Oriole, Indian Roller, and a variety of species of owls, woodpeckers, and flycatchers!

• I am a birder, can I join?  

While we are not a pure birding trip, we do love our birds - and birders love our trips! If we have enough birders (minimum of 3) we will give them their own vehicle. That said, we definitely stop and watch the birds. Some birders like to check their sightings off on a list. Although there is certainly time for this, we are not the type of tour that goes quickly to tick boxes, as we focus on animal behaviors and great photography. We’ve found that our bird-loving guests have a contagious enthusiasm, often getting fellow travelers excited about birding - and even inspiring new birders to join our future trips

• What birds might we see?  

Crested Bunting, Painted Stork, White-naped woodpecker, Jungle Owlet, River Terns, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Crested hawk eagle, Crested serpent eagle, Indian peafowl, White-rumped shama, Lesser whistling duck, Asian Paradise Fly Catcher, Spot Billed Ducks, Purple moorhen, White Breathed Water Hen, Hooded Oriole, White Throated Kingfisher, Open Billed Stork, White Throated Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Indian Roller, Yellow Footed Green Period, Honey Buzzard, White Eyed Buzzard, Bronze Winged Jacana, Cottom Pygmy Geese, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Brahminy Starling, Pied Starling, Rufous Tree Pie, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Red Naped Ibis, Lesser Goldenback Woodpecker, Ruddy Shelduck, Indian grey hornbill (to name a few!)

• How do I get there?

You’ll fly in and out of New Delhi, India for this photography workshop. After arriving in the capital, we’ll begin our travels together with a flight to Jabalpur, where our journey through three remarkable tiger reserves begins. Each location offers unique landscapes, wildlife, and photographic opportunities. We’ll then fly out of Nagpur as a group and return to New Delhi, where our time together concludes, and you’ll catch your flight home!

• How physically demanding are the wildlife safaris

Not very - our safari vehicles will be doing all the work! You can simply sit back and enjoy being driven through stunning landscapes as we search for wildlife. It’s an immersive experience that requires minimal effort (but offers maximum reward).

• I have dietary requirements/preferences; will that be a problem?  

Not at all! Vegan and vegetarian cuisine is a specialty of our lodge chefs, and they’re also happy to accommodate any food allergies, gluten-free needs, or other dietary preferences. Beyond that, they are incredibly thoughtful and creative, ensuring that every single guest enjoys delicious, beautifully-prepared meals made with fresh, local ingredients (many harvested from their organic gardens on the property!) that honor and respect each individual’s dietary choices or restrictions.    

• What about weather?

The transition from winter to summer during late February and early March offers a balance of pleasant weather and heightened wildlife activity, making it a prime period for tiger photography in India. The combination of clear skies, soft natural light, and active wildlife creates ideal conditions for photography - and reduced foliage enhances visibility, allowing for unobstructed shots of tigers in their natural habitat. While our open vehicle offers a lot of relief as we drive, and our rooms have great AC units, we suggest that you prepare for the heat. We recommend bringing light clothing that will protect you from the sun and keep you cool.  We also suggest lots of water and bringing electrolytes to put in your water. Tadoba will have the most heat, then it cools off as our trip goes on. Temperature may be in the 90 degree range. A hat and sunglasses are also strongly recommended. As a general rule, we also suggest that you stay away from alcoholic beverages until you get used to the temperature, or until we hit Pench and Kahna. Avoiding alcohol can also help with jetlag!

• How many guests are in each vehicle?

There will be a maximum of four photographers in each vehicle, so you will always have a window seat. The vehicles are open on top, for maximum visibility (so bring a hat and sunscreen!). There are also small beanbags available in the vehicles, and you are always welcome to bring an empty bag that we can fill there, if you would like more options. 

• How much gear can I carry on the drives?

​​​You will have a free middle seat next to you.  This space is shared for our cameras and day bags. We ask on this trip that you carry your camera and a small camera bag or backpack that will fit under your legs or in the shared middle seat. There isn't enough space for you to bring a large camera bag for the game drives.      

• What are the luggage restrictions for the domestic flights?

Our flights offer a free baggage allowance of up to 7 kg for hand baggage and 15 kg for checked-in baggage for domestic flights. You can pay extra for additional weight in your checked luggage.  

• Will we have Internet and Phone service?

The lodges will have Wi-Fi services. Kristi has found that she can often get reception with her international T-Mobile plan while traveling (check with your provider before you go to ensure you can access the international plan properly once there). We are happy to provide a number that has access (in the case of an emergency only!) to any contacts back home.   

• What happens if there is a medical emergency?

One of the drivers can help take you to seek medical care.  We do require that everyone has medical insurance.  If this is a concern, I do recommend talking to your insurance company about what it provides.  Some policy will even do medical evacuations so you can get treated at home.  

• Any recommendation for travel insurance?

We use Allianz Global policy.

• Any shots or vaccines?

We recommend consulting your travel doctor to discuss any vaccinations or medications that may be advised for your trip. For a general overview, you can also visit the CDC’s Traveler’s Health section for India, which outlines current recommendations and health precautions. Your healthcare provider will be able to guide you based on your personal health history and travel plans. 

• What about Visas?

A visa is required to enter India. For the most up-to-date information, please visit travel.state.gov or the official Indian visa website. If you're applying for a single-entry visa, please note that you can only submit your application within 30 days of your arrival date.

We’ve created a helpful document with tips to guide you through the application process, and we’re happy to recommend a reliable international visa processing service if you’d like additional support.

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