india - bellinghamsafaris.com · day date location accommodation 01 03 mar delhi the pride hotel or...

BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM

PHOTO CREDIT: INDRAJIT LATEY

KANHA, PENCH AND SATPURA Bellingham Safaris Scheduled Expedition

INDIA

03 to 15 March 2018

BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED EXPEDITION INDIA 2018


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India is justly famous for its iconic mammalian mega fauna, foremost of which is the Royal Bengal Tiger. This regal cat, the largest of all felines, may sadly be the first of the big cats that we condemn to extinction, and the opportunity to encounter this majestic beast is the apex of India’s wildlife highlights. This being said India’s wildlife includes a host of other magical mammals and in order to give you a complete experience and excellent chances for Dole and Sloth Bear you will spend time at 3 different reserves – Kanha, Pench and Satpura.

TOUR AT A GLANCE Day Date Location Accommodation

01 03 Mar Delhi The Pride Hotel or similar

02 04 Mar Kanha National Park Kanha Jungle Lodge




06 08 Mar Pench National Park Jamtara Wilderness Camp



09 11 Mar Satpura National Park Reni Pani Lodge



12 14 Mar Delhi The Pride Hotel or similar

13 15 Mar Day of departure

COST OVERVIEW These costs are based on 6 adults travelling

Per adult in double room 03 – 15 March 2018 US$ 7,670.00

Single Supplement 03 – 15 March 2018 US$ 1,365.00

US$300 Air Credit available for participants continuing to Leh for the start of the Bellingham Safaris Snow Leopard Expedition (15th to 26th March).

SMALL PARTY SUPPLEMENT: Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small-party supplement may have to be charged. INCLUDES Accommodation as per itinerary Meals: dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 13 All internal flights: Delhi to Raipur and Bhopal to Delhi All road transfers in air-conditioned vehicles



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Services of a specialist Bellingham Safaris Guide Services of English speaking resident naturalist at Kanha, Pench and Satpura National Park Services of English Speaking accompanying escort cum naturalist from Delhi to Delhi Open 4x4 vehicle safaris at Kanha, Pench and Satpura National Park Entry fees into the parks (elephant safari is subject to availability) Mineral water during all transfers and at lodges and during safaris Assistance at airport and at all major city hotels at the time of check in/out Local staff gratuities

EXCLUDES Beverages Laundry Gratuities for Indian escort and tour leader Items of personal nature Telephone calls Video camera fees Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required) Travel Insurance Excess baggage costs Any items not included in the inclusions above

PHOTO CREDIT: TIGRESS BY INDRAJIT LATEY



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LOCATION: KANHA NATIONAL PARK IN: 4 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 8 MARCH 2018

Located in the heart of India, this Project Tiger Reserve is a scenic wonderland of Sal forest and bamboo thickets interspersed with rolling grasslands, scrub covered ridges and meandering streams. This is the classic untamed India as immortalized in Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Kanha’s fabulous large mammals are what has led to its fame and popularity, first as hunting grounds for the wealthy Maharajas, then as a protected area in 1933 and finally as a national park in 1955. Although the regal Bengal Tiger will be the target for this leg of the tour, this is far from a single species quest. The park also has a thriving population of Leopard while you also have fair chances for Dhole, Chousingha, Gaur, the endangered hard-ground Barasingha (this being the only place where this sub species of deer persists), Barking Deer, Ruddy Mongoose, Asiatic (Golden) Jackal and with a healthy dose of luck, the mysterious Indian Wolf in the far east of the park or the rarely seen Pangolin or Blackbuck. Large groups of Chital (Spotted Deer), grazing in the open tend to be more reminiscent of the savannas of East Africa than of India, and are the most abundant prey species for Tiger. This scenically stunning park offers excellent birding including the Red Junglefowl, smaller numbers of Red Spurfowl, and the resplendent Indian Peafowl, as well as Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard Shikra, Peregrine Falcon, Jungle Bush Quail, Indian and Savannah Nightjars, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Yellow-eyed Babbler and the bizarre Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.

PHOTO CREDIT: TIGRESS BY JAMES KYDD AND CHOUSINGHA BY INDRAJIT LATEY



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LOCATION: PENCH NATIONAL PARK IN: 8 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 11 MARCH 2018

Pench and neighbouring Kanha are the original setting of Kipling’s, The Jungle Book. Here you will set out by jeep on morning and afternoon drives into the heart of Kipling’s Jungle Book. Endless groves of impressive Teak climb into the skies, a legacy of the royal hunting conservancies of the past. Pench has the highest large herbivore density in India. Herds of Chital graze, with intricate antlers and white spots on their copper coats. Lord of the forest must be the Sambar with a dark coat and majestic set of antlers. The strange Nilgai (Blue Bull) appears on occasion. Sounders of Wild Boar trot together seeking out tubers and grubs. You may encounter the impressive Gaur, the body-builder of the Indian forest that can weigh just over a ton. Predator sightings can be exceptional with both Tiger and Leopard. With a sprinkling of luck Sloth Bear may be seen hunting termites. Golden Jackals abound and you may witness interactions between these canids at carcasses, fiercely defending their scraps from each other and chasing off vultures. Perhaps the highlight mammal of Pench is the athletic Dhole, or Indian Wild Dog. Dhole closely resemble African Wild Dog in social structure, relying heavily on cooperation between members of the pack. The bird life is almost fictional. Over 170 species of birds include Junglefowl (a robust descendant of a rooster), Peafowl, Jungle Babblers, Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, Indian Scops Owl, Black-rumped Flame-backs, Indian Rollers, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Rufous Treepies and flocks of Scaly-breasted Munias to name a few.

PHOTO CREDIT: DHOLE BY JAMES KYDD, INDIAN PEACOCK BY JONATHAN CARAMANUS



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LOCATION: SATPURA IN: 11 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 14 MARCH 2018

Satpura National Park covers 524 square kilometres of protected forest. It is classified as part of the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests eco-region and forms part of a zone of steady transition between the forests of Eastern and Western India. Its terrain of tall mountains, perennial rivers, deep gorges, sandstone peaks and waterfalls make it rich in biodiversity. The careful observer will thus come across stands of Teak, Indian butter tree and Sal. The action of water within this rugged terrain has resulted in the formation of many caves and shelters, which along with the dense forests, make it the perfect habitat for animals such as Kipling’s “Baloo”; a celebration of the nocturnal Sloth Bear and this is certainly one of the best places in India to sight this mega mammal. You will take morning and afternoon safaris either by jeep, Elephant or canoe. Remarkably you are also able to head out on foot – a rare privilege in Indian National Parks and a thrilling experience in Tiger country! Apart from an impressive suite of Tiger, Leopard, and Sloth Bear, the area is also home to Gaur (Indian Bison), Chousingha (the world’s only four-horned antelope), Nilgai, Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Indian Wolf, Striped Hyaena and the Rhesus Macaque. The Malabar Giant Squirrel and the Mouse Deer, unusual species for Central India, have also been spotted here. Among the smaller mammals reported are the Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Indian Porcupine, Bengal Fox, Black-naped Hare, Jungle and Rusty Spotted Cat and Flying squirrel. Hornbill and Peafowl are showy birds amongst a plethora of avian delights.

PHOTO CREDIT: SLOTH BEAR BY JAMES KYDD AND ASIATIC LEOPARD BY RENI PANI LODGE



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THE PRIDE HOTEL IN: 3 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 4 MARCH 2018

IN: 14 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 15 MARCH 2018

The 385 room luxurious hotel is a blend of contemporary style, warmth and sophistication. Pride Plaza's rooms and suites offer premier amenities including rich decor and plush interiors. All rooms are equipped with mini bar, LED TV, Wi-Fi, electronic safe and contemporary bathrooms.

Rates include: Half board accommodation

www.pridehotel.com



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ACCOMMODATION: KANHA JUNGLE LODGE IN: 4 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 8 MARCH 2018

Kanha Jungle Lodge offers 18 spacious rooms and two new independent deluxe cottages with private patios, overlooking a lush green forest. The rooms are all with modern facilities including attached bath with running hot and cold showers and comfortable furniture. All rooms are equipped with single, twin or double beds, with reading lights, a writing table and lounge chairs, large luggage rack etc. and even a hot water bottle at night! Dimple and Tarun the hosts are simply amazing and their magical touch has made this easily one of the best lodge experiences in Kanha.

Rates include: Full board accommodation, 2 Jeep safaris per day, still camera fee and entrance fees.

www.kanhajunglelodge.com



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ACCOMMODATION: JAMTARA WILDERNESS CAMP IN: 8 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 11 MARCH 2018

Situated in the Village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park, Jamtara Wilderness Lodge is a 10 luxury tented property in the heart of rural Pench. Surrounded by tall Arjuna Trees and an ancient Banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, each tented room overlooks the forest which set the perfect background to this jungle experience. Each luxury tent is designed to feel light and open, allowing guests the optimum view of nature. With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, guests can bring the outside in but still be in the privacy of their own rooms. Although, these are tented rooms, the bathroom has been made into a permanent structure for the comfort of guests.


www.jamtarawilderness.com



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ACCOMMODATION: RENI PANI LODGE IN: 11 MARCH 2018 | OUT: 14 MARCH 2018

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, located in a pristine forest typical of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, gets its interesting name from a neighbouring tribal village. Reni Pani features twelve luxury cottages encompassing three distinct architectural designs each being built using local / indigenous material and characterized by viewing decks, large lounging bay-windows and luxury bathrooms. The ‘Gol Ghar’ or the meeting place, has a fascinating and unique design and features a dining area, a bar, a library and a lounge set in its various corners.


www.renipanijunglelodge.com



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DAILY DETAIL

Day 1, 3 March 2018 Delhi Your tour begins in bustling capital city of Delhi. On your arrival at the international airport in Delhi and after clearing customs & immigration, your guide will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel for your overnight stay. Described as the “colourful, crowded, unruly heart of India”, Delhi is steeped in culture and history set against a backdrop of rich and flamboyant architecture.

Transfer: Delhi International Airport to The Pride Hotel

Overnight: The Pride Hotel

Day 2, 4 March 2018 Delhi to Kanha National Park Today you transfer to the airport for your flight to Raipur followed by a road transfer to Kanha National Park where you will spend four nights.

Flight: Delhi to Raipur on Indigo Air 6E-453 Departing: 07h25 Arriving: 09h10

Transfer: Raipur to Kanha - approx. 230kms / 4-5 hours

Overnight: Kanha Jungle Lodge

Day 3 – 5, 5 to 7 March 2018 Kanha National Park At Kanha you have three full days to explore the park by way of game drives in open 4x4 vehicles.

Overnight: Kanha Jungle Lodge

Day 6, 8 March 2018 Kanha to Pench National Park Today after a morning safari, you depart Kanha by road for Pench National Park travelling through rural countryside, colourful towns and villages.

Transfer: Kanha to Pench - approx. 6 hours

Overnight: Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Day 7 & 8, 9 & 10 March 2018 Pench National Park At Pench you will embark on morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles.

Overnight: Jamtara Wilderness Camp



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Day 9, 11 March 2018 Pench to Satpura National Park

Following a final morning safari at Pench, you depart by road for Satpura National Park.

Transfer: Pench to Satpura - approx. 5 hours

Overnight: Reni Pani Lodge

Day 10 & 11, 12 & 13 March 2018

You have two full days at Satpura to indulge yourself in game drives, walking, boat or elephant safaris.

Overnight: Reni Pani Lodge

Day 12, 14 March 2018 Satpura to Delhi

Today, following a final morning safari, you depart for Delhi, where you will overnight. This evening you will enjoy a lovely farewell dinner with your tour leader and other tour participants to celebrate a fantastic Indian safari and bid farewell to your tour leader, who along with some of the participants, will have an early start the following day, as he heads to Leh for the start of our Bellingham Safaris Snow leopard Expedition.

Transfer: Satpura to Bhopal Airport approx. 5 hours

Flight: Bhopal to Delhi on Jet Airways 9W-2256 Departure: 16h35 Arrival: 18h20

Transfer: Delhi International Airport to The Pride Hotel

Overnight: The Pride Hotel

Day 13, 15 March 2018 Day of Departure

This morning after breakfast you will transfer to the airport, in time for you international flights home, where your tour with us concludes.

Transfer: The Pride Hotel to Delhi International Airport



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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Payment In the event of a go ahead we will require a non-refundable 30% deposit and the balance to be settled 2 months prior to arrival.

We may have to impose more stringent payment and cancellation terms, should that be demanded of us by any of our individual suppliers that have been included in your itinerary.

The tour price is always fixed in the currency quoted, and the actual cost in the other currencies will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (payments can be made either in USD or ZAR).

We use the exchange rate of the day with a 3% margin (the typical exchange rate applied by credit card companies), using this source: http://www.oanda.com – the currency quoted is plugged into the “Currency I Want” and the INTERBANK +/- is adjusted to 3% automatically generating the rate of the day. Guests are given 7 days to process with wire, after which we may need to update the exchange rate.

Please note Upon confirmation of this tour, the cancellation policy for Bellingham Safaris will be effective

immediately and the parties agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions as stated in our booking form. In the event of the Booking Form not being signed, the placement of any booking/s, by any means including e-mail, shall be deemed to be confirmation that the Terms and Conditions have been read, understood, any queries have been addressed to the satisfaction of the parties and that the parties agree to be bound by thereto.

Rates quoted are subject to change if there are any increases in park fees, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services, currency fluctuations or any other circumstances beyond our control. We will use our best endeavours to bring such changes to your attention, but you are nevertheless bound thereby.

Prices are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs. Should an amendment in a routing or itinerary be necessary, we will adjust the price but such adjustment will be for your account.

If the number of nights or dates of travel or number of participants should change, this may have an effect on the cost. We will re-cost accordingly and you agree to be bound by such re-costing.

Please be sure to carefully check your visa requirements before your intended date of travel, as Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary visa requirements not be fulfilled. Please remember that in some cases you may need to apply for a multiple entry visa. Please be sure to carefully check your passport requirements before your intended date of travel, as Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary number of blank pages and passport validity dates not be fulfilled.

Please consult your physician before you travel for advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis. Bellingham Safaris strongly advises that you take out comprehensive travel insurance covering

yourself for personal effects, cancellation and curtailment. Personal accident, medical and emergency travel expense insurance is mandatory on any of our tours. Some activities and services may have weight and/or height restrictions per guest. For the sake of your own comfort, please advise us at time of booking if you are particularly bulky or tall and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please note additional costs may apply.

Luggage restrictions are applicable including the use of hard suitcases. Details of luggage restrictions per region are available on our pre-departure documentation. Please peruse all flight information supplied by the airline concerned.



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Some flights may involve stops before reaching the final destination. Please check your itinerary and all flight information supplied by the airline concerned.

Although we will try to stick as closely to the itinerary as possible and include all the activities mentioned there may be changes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Flights, times and routes are subject to change without notice. Please make sure that you are aware of the check-in times for flights and give yourself ample time in this regard.

Please advise us prior to booking should you have any health concerns. Also please notify us if your age is above 80 as you may require a doctor’s certificate.

There may be some age restrictions with certain activities, most notably canoe rides and walking.

All accommodations, activities and other services are subject to availability at the time of booking

India All parks of Madhya Pradesh (includes Bandhavgarh and Kanha) remain closed for safaris on

Wednesday afternoons. Activities such as nature walk/bird watching in and around the lodges will be arranged at the lodges as an alternative. This will be the case in the above itinerary in Kanha on Wed 7 March.

The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays. Last minute changes are an inherent risk in India, furthermore rules and regulations within the

parks may change, we will however try to stick as closely to the itinerary as possible.

PHOTO CREDIT: TIGRESS BY INDRAJIT LATEY

india - bellinghamsafaris.com · day date location accommodation 01 03 mar delhi the pride hotel or...

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