Frequently Asked Questions

You can book up to 90 days in advance, which we strongly recommend during peak season (October to March). We sometimes also have last-minute availability, so don't hesitate to enquire even for upcoming dates.

Once a safari permit is confirmed, it is non-refundable and non-transferable, since the fee goes directly toward a reserved government permit. We recommend confirming your dates carefully before booking.

Yes! We provide pick-up and drop from your hotel in Sawai Madhopur to the safari gate. You don't need to worry about finding your own transport — we take care of everything so you have a completely hassle-free experience.

Once a safari permit is confirmed, it is non-refundable and non-transferable, since the fee goes directly toward a reserved government permit. We recommend confirming your dates carefully before booking.

A limited number of tatkal permits are sometimes released closer to the date, at a higher fee, to fill seats that went unbooked in the standard 90-day window. Availability depends entirely on how full the zone already is, so treat this as a backup option rather than your main plan.

Each safari lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. There are two sessions daily — morning and evening. The morning session typically starts between 6:00–7:00 AM and the evening between 2:00–3:30 PM, varying by season.

Timings vary by season:

Oct 1–31: Morning 6:30–10:00 AM | Evening 2:30–6:00 PM
Nov 1–Jan 31: Morning 7:00–10:30 AM | Evening 2:00–5:30 PM
Feb 1–Mar 31: Morning 6:30–10:00 AM | Evening 2:30–6:00 PM
Apr 1–May 15: Morning 6:00–9:30 AM | Evening 3:00–6:30 PM
May 16–Jun 30: Morning 6:00–9:30 AM | Evening 3:30–7:00 PM
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Zones 1–5 closed; Zones 6–10 open.

A Gypsy is an open jeep accommodating up to 6 people (including guide and driver), offering a more intimate and private wildlife experience with greater manoeuvrability on narrow jungle tracks. A Canter is a larger open bus holding up to 20 people — a more social and budget-friendly option. We also offer a Luxury Gypsy with premium seating for added comfort. For a full comparison of cost, comfort and which suits photographers versus groups, see our Jeep vs Canter safari guide.

While no wildlife experience can guarantee sightings, Ranthambore has one of the highest tiger sighting rates in India. Our experienced guides know the park thoroughly and position the vehicle in the best spots. The probability is especially high during October–June, and you will almost certainly spot sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife on every safari.

Zones 1 to 5 are the core zones and generally offer the best tiger sighting probability. Zones 3, 4 and 5 are particularly popular as they include the historic lakes (Padam Talao, Rajbagh, Milak) where tigers often come to drink. However, all zones have excellent wildlife and our guides will recommend the best zone based on recent sightings.

Both vehicles enter the same zones and follow the same routes, so your actual odds of a sighting are the same either way. A Gypsy gives the driver more flexibility to reposition quickly when a sighting happens nearby, which photographers tend to prefer. A Canter is steadier and more social, better suited to larger groups. Neither vehicle improves or reduces your chance of seeing a tiger.

You can request a preferred zone when you book, and we do our best to secure it, but final zone allotment is controlled by the forest department, not by us. If your preferred zone isn't available for your dates, we'll suggest the next best option based on recent activity.

Safaris run as scheduled in light to moderate rain, since our open Gypsies and Canters are built for monsoon conditions. In the rare case of heavy rain that makes tracks unsafe, the forest department may shorten or reschedule that shift, and we'll let you know as early as possible if that happens.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for every visitor — Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence or Voter ID. Please carry the original document on the day of the safari. Children below 5 years are free but still need their birth certificate. International visitors should also check the "Rules Specific to Foreign Tourists" section of our permits and booking rules guide, since passport rules work a little differently from Indian ID requirements.

Wear neutral, earth-tone colours (olive, khaki, beige) — avoid bright colours and white. Carry a light jacket or shawl as mornings can be cool. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle. Your camera with a long lens will capture the best wildlife shots. Avoid wearing perfume as strong scents disturb wildlife.

There's no official minimum age, but children above 5 generally handle the 3.5-hour duration more comfortably. Children below 5 travel free of the safari fee but still need proof of age, such as a birth certificate, on the day.