This list presents general ideas on what to pack for an Indian tiger safari during the warmer months of spring and summer (April through June in India).
Guidelines Specific to Your Adventure
Central India sure can get hot, and temperatures can easily reach right into the triple digits through the summer months. Make sure you’re prepared for hot temperatures with the appropriate attire, such as lightweight and breathable clothing items.
Our wildlife adventures can be quite dusty during the summer and spring. You should look into bringing a bag that is proofed against dust to keep your photography gear safe while we are out and about. If your eyes have a sensitivity to dust, you might also want to bring some eye drops for the adventure.
We also believe everyone on the adventure should consider the local attitudes of people when it comes to things like modesty and being proper. The way you dress can and will influence how you are accepted by and interacted with by the locals. Make sure you consult with your tour guide on dress codes for the day’s activities.
You will probably see other tourists donning traditional summer clothing, but anything that is considered revealing (especially your knees and your shoulders) can be considered to be disrespectful to Delhi’s culture. This rule goes double for women.
It is definitely okay to bring along your short sleeves in national parks. You might consider long sleeves on the drive, however, because they will help protect your arms from the blazing heat.
If you visit a mosque, don’t be surprised if you are asked to take off shoes. Clothing of modesty is a tradition in these areas, and is important especially in temples, monasteries, and other religious locations. No revealing articles of clothing should be worn in these areas.
Clothing
You’ll want a rain jacket and umbrella. Our adventures take place well before the start of monsoon season, but precipitation is always likely. You should consider bringing a nice and lightweight, breathable raincoat with a hood for your use during outdoor drives. A smaller umbrella could also come in handy, which would be far comfier during tours of the city in the outdoor heat.
You’ll also want sturdy shoes or sports sandals. You’ll want to bring whatever is comfiest to you for walking, because we will be doing a lot of it. Sturdy sandals like Tevas, Keens, or Chacos can be comfy on our wildlife drives.
Bring some short sleeved shirts. Lightweight, short sleeved shirts will help keep you cool, and they are socially modest as long as they cover up your shoulder areas. We recommend wearing a light long sleeved shirt during outdoor tours, however, as they will help protect your arms from the summer sun.
Clothes your going to wear on the safari should be subdued colors that blend in good with nature. Stay away from bright reds or blues. These can be distracting to animals and alter behavior.
You might also want to bring a few pairs of shorts, or you could even consider pants that zip off. Shorts aren’t recommended to wear in Delhi, but the pants that zip off can definitely come in handy during our time in national parks. Women are encouraged to bring a few long skirts for the occasion.
You might also consider bringing another pair of your comfiest shoes. This is for evening wear when we have outdoor excursions on our trip. You’ll want some socks, as well as some sleepwear and a swimsuit if you’re planning on diving in the water during the trip.
Additional Items
You’ll want to bring some money for extra expenses (might also bring some envelopes for presenting cash discreetly). This cash can also be used for personal expenses (things like souvenirs, food and drinks not included in the standard price of the trip, etc.
You should consider bringing some binoculars. These are great for seeing wildlife (we’ll be doing plenty of that, too). Make sure you’re well accustomed to using your binoculars before your trip so you can ensure they are not overly strong, or that you have no problems with steadily holding them.
A backpack that is protected against dust and water can go a long way on our adventures, too. These are great for carrying your photo gear. Having one that is dust proof will also ensure the protection of your stuff from dust while on outdoor tours.
You might also consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight. It is not rare for power outages to occur, so you might also consider bringing some spare batteries.
You’ll want a hat and sunglasses for keeping the sun out of eyes during our time out in nature. Bring any prescription lenses for your sunglasses if applicable. You should also bring your toiletries (things like shampoo, soap, lotion, deodorant, and other necessities) if you’d like, but some toiletry items are also provided by most accommodations.
A few extra things you might want to bring are eye drops for the nature drives, insect repellent, and toilet paper (not always available in bathrooms for the public, so it wouldn’t hurt to keep an extra roll in your backpack). You might also want a pocket calculator for currency conversions, as well as flavor packets for adding your favorite flavors to bottled water.
You may be interested in our Indian Packing List. You may consider supporting WCS India who helps save Wildlife and habitat in India.