Embarking on a Kaziranga jeep safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To get the best and hassle-free experience in Kaziranga, you must plan your trip. The first thing that crosses your mind is “How to book jeep safari in Kaziranga?”. Safari is the most happening thing in Kaziranga and you would not like to spoil it by booking a below-par safari experience. This blog will explain everything about how to book jeep safari in Kaziranga, the cost of jeep safari and the necessary guidelines.
Things To Know Before You Book Your Jeep Safari
As for your information, there are four ranges of Kaziranga National Park: Kohora in Central Range, Bagori in Western Range, Agaratoli in Eastern Range and Ghorakati in the Burapahar Range. All four ranges are shown in red coloured squares in the above map.
Of all the four ranges, Kohora is the most famous range since it gives access to the central and core regions of the Kaziranga National Park. Besides, all the premium hotels and restaurants and are situated near Kohora range. Hence, it’s recommended to lodge in proximity to this range. Given that the early morning hours are invaluable for a jeep safari, you wouldn’t want to squander them on transit from your hotel to the Kohora range entry point.
Jeep Safari Booking Time in Kaziranga
Jeep Safari in Kaziranga is available from October to April. During April-September (monsoon season), jeep safari is closed due to flood and excessive rain in the region. However, the best time for Jeep Safari is during November-March. From November onwards, the weather in Kaziranga is favourable because of low temperatures, clear skies and lack of rain.
How To Book Jeep Safari in Kaziranga: Online Method
When booking online, it’s strongly recommended to use the official website of Kaziranga National Park for the most authentic and reliable service. Many third-party websites may not guarantee availability and authenticity, so relying on the official website ensures a hassle-free and trustworthy reservation process. You can download this pdf for proper guidelines on how to book jeep safari in Kaziranga.
Please note that Safari booking is closed for visitors for the tourist season 2023-24 w.e.f. June 1, 2024 due to monsoon. The booking page will be available from October 01, 2024.
Should You Book Jeep Safari in Kaziranga Online?
Even though the online method is efficient and hassle-free, there are various drawbacks. Tickets are not easily available on selected days. The official website says “The booking is full’; but you can book Jeep safari on the same day offline.
Secondly, the website uptime is not reliable. Many customers complain about the refund process of money after a failed transaction. So, if you are visiting on a tight schedule (one-day or two-day trip), it might create issues.
Lastly, don’t trust any other online website except the official website mentioned above. They charge more per trip and are not reliable at all. They can easily cancel your trip without prior warning.
How To Book Jeep Safari in Kaziranga: Offline Method
A convenient approach is to work with travel agencies affiliated with your hotel or resort. By doing so, you can arrange your jeep safari with ease. No more hassle in Kaziranga safari booking. Inform the hotel a day in advance, and they will handle all the necessary formalities, including obtaining entry passes, booking your safari, and providing pick-up and drop-off services.
In my case, I stayed at Bora’s Homestay near Kohora range. The homestay owner has their own Jeep Safari Services. So, your Safari plans are sorted once you book this homestay. You can choose any resort of your choice and plan accordingly.
Cost of Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park
The pricing for jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park varies depending on the selected range and the visitor’s nationality. Since Kohora is the most popular and the most expensive range, we will discuss about the jeep safari cost from this range.
For Indian Travellers:
- Park Entry Fee: Rs 1oo/-
- Road Toll: Rs. 300/-
- Still Camera Fee: Rs. 100/-
- Jeep Welfare Society Fee: Rs. 100/-
- Jeep Hiring Fee: Rs. 2200/-
- Total Cost: Rs. 2800/-
This is the official rate for the Kohora range. If you book through a third party, they may charge you extra. So, it’s better to know the actual price so that you can negotiate the price.
For Foreign Travellers:
- Park Entry Fee: Rs 650/-
- Road Toll: Rs. 300/-
- Still Camera Fee: Rs. 200/-
- Jeep Welfare Society Fee: Rs. 100/-
- Jeep Hiring Fee: Rs. 2200/-
- Total Cost: Rs. 3450/-
How To Book Jeep Safari in Kaziranga: Timing and Route Plan
The jeep safari operates on two schedules per day:
- Trip 1: from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
- Trip 2: from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
The jeep safaris follow designated routes within the park, covering specific zones where wildlife sightings are common. The routes are carefully planned to maximize the chances of encountering various animals while minimizing disturbance to their natural habitats.
- Kohora (Central) Range (around-27 KM Safari route): Mihimukh-Kathpora-Daphlang-Diffolu River Bank-Mona Beel-Karasing & back
- Bagori (Western) Range (around -22 KM Safari route): Dongabeel-Rouman-Rajapukhuri-Monabeel & back
- Agratoli (Eastern) Range (around -23 KM Safari route): Agratoli Sohola Beel-Rongamotia-Maklung-Turturoni-Dhoba & back
- Burapahar (Ghorakati) Range ( around -16 KM Safari route): Ghurakati-Potahi Beel-Diffolu-Phuloguri-Tunikati
Guidelines on Kaziranga Jeep Safari
♦ Each jeep accommodates a maximum of three persons.
♦ It is not advisable to bring infants or elderly individuals due to the nature of the safari.
♦ If your group consists of more than three adults, you’ll need to book two jeeps.
♦ Your jeep will be driven by an instructor who is a registered driver of Kaziranga National Park.
♦ Do not disembark from the jeep without the instructor’s permission.
♦ Avoid playing music or shouting during the safari.
♦ Ensure you’re ready at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the trip.
♦ Morning trips are generally preferable to evening trips.
♦ Carry a water bottle and small packaged food for the journey.
♦ Refrain from excessive filming or photography, especially of unnecessary reels and videos.
♦ Binoculars can be useful in certain conditions for better wildlife observation.
