Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park: Safari Booking Guide, Procedures, & Expert Tips

Home to one-third of the world’s One-horned rhinos, Kaziranga National Park is a favored destination for nature enthusiasts. If you’re eager to witness the majestic movements of beasts like Tigers, Elephants, and Rhinos, then a Kaziranga safari should be on your list. Kaziranga National Park offers tourists and wildlife lovers the opportunity to explore the vast expanses of this semi-evergreen forest through various safari options. Whether you choose an off-roading gypsy or an elephant ride, you’ll be brought closer to the wonders of the wild. Kaziranga is also a haven for numerous rare and migratory bird species, making it a top pick among birdwatchers. Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga’s panoramic landscapes are sure to leave you in awe. If you’re ready for the adventures of Kaziranga, we have all the information you need for your Kaziranga National Park safari booking.

Types of Safaris Offered in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park offers two types of safaris:

• Jeep Safari
• Elephant Safari

Jeep Safari in Kaziranga

The four-wheeler gypsies offer the most adventurous mode for nature lovers to navigate the terrain of wildlife. A Jeep safari in Kaziranga delves deep into the wild, navigating the uneven off-road trails. Expansive meadows, dense forests, and bridges over lakes will accompany you, guiding the way. While Jeep safaris are scheduled daily, their numbers are limited to ensure a healthy and safe environment for both animals and tourists. The park organizes these rides in the morning and evening, with each shift lasting two hours. A Jeep safari is the best way to explore wildlife without disrupting the natural ecosystem. Every zone in Kaziranga National Park has a designated path for jeeps, ensuring you get a deep dive into nature’s captivating presence.

*Please note: The Jeep safari operates on an exclusive basis, accommodating a maximum of 5 individuals in one vehicle. Children under 4 years can join without any charge, but those aged 4 and above are considered adults and are billed for a full seat.

Elephant Safari in Kaziranga

While jeep rides offer a great experience, an Elephant safari stands out as truly exceptional. One of the premier ways to explore Kaziranga National Park is on the back of these magnificent creatures. Of the four zones in KNP, two zones—the central and the western—offer elephant rides. These elephants, guided by highly experienced mahouts, follow a set route that plunges deep into the forest. An Elephant safari in Kaziranga provides an up-close view of majestic animals like the one-horned rhinos, especially in the western zone. The rides commence from the entry gates of both the central (Kohora) and western (Bagori) ranges. Conducted only in the mornings, the timings for these safaris might be adjusted by the park authorities based on the season or other considerations.

Popular Safari Zones in Kaziranga National Park

The primary safari zones that attract the most visitors in Kaziranga National Park include:

Kohora (Central Range) Safari Zone

The Kohora Zone, or Central Range, is arguably the most renowned core zone in Kaziranga National Park—and with good reason. A deep jungle safari here provides a quintessential Kaziranga experience. This might be due to the prolific animal sightings, but the breathtaking landscapes certainly play a role. Access to the Kohora zone is via the central entry gate, just a kilometer off the National Highway. Both elephant and Jeep safaris commence from the Mihimukh riding point at this gate. One-horned rhinos, wild buffalos, and swamp deer are frequently seen here. Bird enthusiasts can also spot hornbills, owls, and fishing eagles. The zone’s large lakes, or “beels”, are its unique selling point, providing a rich habitat for numerous species. It’s common to see elephants enjoying these waters, making it a cherished sight for visitors. And while tigers in the area are generally elusive, there are always tales to be heard.

Bagori (Western) Safari Zone

Bagori represents the western section of Kaziranga National Park. The entry to this part is through the Western Bagori Gate on NH-37. This forest expanse has grown over the decades. Previously, it was a small section of the reserved forest. The most recent addition, a 307-hectare area, was incorporated in 2020. The Bagori zone boasts activities like organic farming and pisciculture, given its many small lakes. This zone is renowned for eco-tourism and offers captivating views from its watchtowers. The Donga area is especially popular for rhino safaris, hosting a significant population of rhinos, deer, elephants, and various fish species.

Agaratoli (Eastern) Safari Zone

Agaratoli, the eastern division of the park, is a bird-lover’s paradise. Dominated by water bodies and dense woods, its entry gate is situated in the Agoratoli town on KNP’s eastern edge. The beel and lake areas at Sohola are birdwatching hotspots all year round, with a total of six water bodies in the vicinity. This zone is also a significant habitat for swamp deer, and occasional tiger sightings are reported. The Maklung area, bordering the mighty Brahmaputra River, is another highlight. Expect to spot birds like geese, pintails, and mallards here.

Burapahar Range Safari Zone

The Burapahar Range, the westernmost zone of Kaziranga National Park, offers a magnificent natural spectacle best enjoyed through a jeep safari. Encircled by verdant hills and tea gardens, this zone enhances your nature experience, offering visual delight. Located about 40 km from the park’s central range, it’s the first zone you’ll encounter if arriving from Guwahati. The entry is via the Ghorakati village on national highway 37. Jeep safaris here kick off from the Rhinoland Park and cover popular spots like Patahi and Janata. With its numerous beels, the zone is perfect for birdwatching. And uniquely, it’s the only zone in Kaziranga that offers trekking.

• Provide the complete name, age, and gender of each guest as it appears on their ID, accompanied by the confirmation fee.
• Indicate your desired date of visit and choice of safari time (Morning/Afternoon).
• Submit a specific ID number (e.g., Voter ID, Aadhar Number, Driver's License).
• All safari fees should be settled in advance.
• Ensure you carry the same identification used for the online booking.
• Foreign visitors must provide passport details for reservation.
• Safaris are assigned on a "first-come, first-served" basis, subject to slot availability.

Essential Guidelines for Your Kaziranga Safari Experience:

• Entry permits are mandatory and can be procured using the previously listed documents.
• The safari reservation process adheres strictly to the guidelines set by the Kaziranga National Park's forest department.
• Jeep Safaris operate in two sessions: morning and evening.
• Elephant Safaris are also available in two sessions, both scheduled for the morning.
• Once issued, entry permits are non-refundable and non-transferable
• Only authorized guides can accompany your tours. Kindly refrain from substituting them.
• The National Park prohibits entry post-sunset.
• For your safety during a jeep safari, please remain seated in the vehicle at all times.
• We advise against bringing pets on your trip, as they are not permitted within the boundaries of Kaziranga Park.
• All guests at the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary must adhere to the Wildlife Protection Act's regulations. Your cooperation is appreciated.
• Acting as your booking agent for the safari, we cannot be held accountable for any incidents, injuries, thefts, or mishaps during the safari experience.
• Book in advance, as seat and zone confirmations depend on availability.
• An identity card is required for booking, while foreign visitors must provide passport details.
• The fare covers the Safari permit, vehicle, and guide fees.
• Consider accommodations near the park. Safari vehicles offer pick-up and drop-off services if you're within 5 kilometres of the park.
• Select the ideal safari based on your preferences. While Jeep safaris provide a comprehensive park exploration, elephant safaris offer a more adventurous and relaxed experience.
• Arrive at the park at least 15 minutes before your scheduled safari.
• Adhere to wildlife guidelines to ensure a smooth and secure experience.
• Dress appropriately for the wilderness. Opt for comfortable attire, stay hydrated, and use sunglasses and hats for sun protection.
• Bring along equipment like cameras and binoculars to observe and capture distant wildlife.
• Pets aren't permitted inside the park, so it's best to leave them at home.

How to book a safari in Kaziranga National Park?

Booking a safari for Kaziranga National Park is primarily done online. Choose your desired date and enter your details in the Kaziranga safari booking form on our website. We will create the itinerary and handle the booking for you. For assistance with booking in Kaziranga, call +91-9212777225.

What are the different types of safaris available at Kaziranga?

Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari are the two ways to explore Kaziranga National Park.

How long does the Kaziranga Jeep & Elephant safari tour last?

The Jeep safari in Kaziranga is 2 hours long, while the elephant safari lasts for one hour.

What is the best time of year to visit Kaziranga National Park?

November to April are the best months to book your safari in Kaziranga National Park. This period is ideal for experiencing wildlife in the gentle sunlight. This park closes earlier during the monsoon compared to other National Parks in India.

Which wildlife species can be observed during the Kaziranga wildlife safari?

Kaziranga is renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly the Indian One-horned Rhinos. In addition, you can spot Gaur, wild buffalo, Tigers, Swamp deer, sambar deer, Indian elephants, Bengal fox, macaques, mongoose, alligators, crocodiles, Indian rollers, openbills, fish eagles, blue storks, and dolphins.

Are private jeep safaris available in Kaziranga?

No private jeep safaris are available in Kaziranga National Park. Although you can book a single jeep all for yourself they are allowed to visit only the allocated zone.

How many people are allowed in one jeep during a Kaziranga safari?

six people are allowed in each safari vehicle (Excluding Driver and Guide). While Children below 4 years old will not be charged, older ones will be considered adults.

Are there any guidelines or rules to follow during the Kaziranga jungle safari?

Guidelines provided by the Wildlife Protection Act are to be abided during jungle safari at Kaziranga National Park. Some of the guidelines are:-

• Do not feed or touch the animals.
• Stay in your vehicle at all times.
• Pets are not allowed inside the park.

Can we choose a specific zone or area of the park for safari?

Each zone has a fixed number of vehicles allowed to enter in each safari shift. You can select your preference for any zone but the seats are subject to availability and can only be booked in specific zones if the seats are available.

Are photography and videography allowed during the Kaziranga jungle safari?

Yes, both photography and videography are allowed in Kaziranga National Park. However, camera charges must be paid upon entry.

What if we need to cancel or reschedule our safari booking?

Once confirmed, Kaziranga National Park safari bookings cannot be modified, cancelled, or refunded.