Are Nepal Safari Experiences Worth It? Yes.
Should You Even Bother Booking a Safari Tour in Nepal?
The Answer is a Resounding, Yes!
When most travelers think of Nepal, they imagine snow-capped Himalayan peaks, trekking trails, tea houses and spiritual mountain monasteries. But venture south, and you’ll discover an entirely different world of lush jungles, wild rivers, and two of the best-kept safari secrets in Asia: Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. But, is a safari in Nepal worth it? I can tell you from experience, the hype is real!
These parks offer rich wildlife experiences rivaling those of Africa or India, and as a seasoned traveler who has experienced one of these locations personally, as well as other jungle escapes from the Amazon to Australia and across Southeast Asia, I can tell you, a Nepalese safari is unforgettable. If you do not add a safari excursion to your Nepal itinerary, you are truly missing out on one of the greatest natural treasures this country has to offer; and that is saying a lot about a place that already boasts the highest mountain peak in the world.
So, now that you know you should be adding a safari excursion to your next Nepal adventure, let me tell you exactly how to plan it.
Best time to book a safari in the Southern Highlands of Nepal?
Best Time: October — March
I personally visited Chitwan in March. This is peak travel season, which means more crowds, but it also comes with ideal safari conditions: dryer weather, warm days, cooler nights. Especially towards the latter half of this time frame more animals will be found by watering holes and vegetation will begin thinning out. Additionally, you may get to experience major Nepali festivals like Dashain (Oct) and Tihar (Nov).
Shoulder Season: April — May; September
In April and May, the weather can get hot and humid, but it is still possible to travel. The birdwatching can still be good during this time but less comfortable for jungle walks. September sees the end of monsoon season so it is possible that you will still experience rain. The trails will be muddy and the landscape lush which makes it much harder to spot wildlife.
Low Season: June — August
It is not recommended to visit during peak monsoon season unless you are highly adventurous. The crowds will be much lighter, but so will your opportunities to see wildlife. Many tours may be restricted during this time due to the weather, or cancelled all together.
What Safari Park in Nepal Should You Visit?
When it comes to wildlife safaris in Nepal there are two destinations located in the Southern highlands that are worth a visit: Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. I don’t think it is necessary to visit both on the same trip, and either park has its own charm and merit. Let’s break down what each one has to offer.
Chitwan National Park
Where wildlife meets comfort and accessibility.
Chitwan, meaning “heart of the jungle,” is Nepal’s premier safari destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to the iconic one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, wild peacocks, sloth bears, and marsh mugger crocodiles, among hundreds of other species. With its subtropical climate and river-fed jungle landscape, Chitwan feels more like the African savannah than the Himalayan highlands, and that’s exactly its charm.
For families or first-time safari-goers, Chitwan offers a smooth experience with plenty of comforts, cultural activities, and wildlife thrills all within easy reach. The main tourist hub is Sauraha, just outside the park boundary, where most accommodations and tour operators are located. The park entrance itself is in nearby Kasara.
How to Get There
Chitwan is located southwest of Kathmandu and is easily accessible. By air, take a 25-to-30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport, followed by a short drive to the town of Sauraha. If flying isn’t your thing, a tourist bus from Kathmandu leaves every morning at 7AM, taking 7 to 8 hours to reach Sauraha (Tip: VIP or deluxe buses are nominally more expensive but well worth it for the more comfortable ride). Private transfers are also an option if you are willing to spend the money. Any of these options can be booked at any tourist center in Nepal, but especially in high season, it is best to book ahead.
Safari & Activities
Activities in Chitwan can be booked directly through your hotel, or at a number of tour operator offices in town.
- Jeep Safaris (Half- or Full-Day): $40–$100 USD per person
- Jungle Walk + Canoe Ride: $30–$70 USD
- Birdwatching Tours: From $25 USD
- Multi-day Packages (inclusive): $150–$600+ per person for 2–3 nights.
- Biking riding (many hotels offer bicycles for rent)
- Sunset Viewing: Watch the sun dip behind the Rapti River—often accompanied by drinks and music at riverside cafés
- Cultural Tours: Visit the local Tharu community to learn about their traditional homes, dances, and lifestyle
* Prices were researched in 2025 and are due to change based on the providers discretion.
Where to Stay at Chitwan National Park
Whether you’re a backpacker or luxury traveler, Chitwan has options for everyone:
- Budget: (~$20–$40 USD/night)
- Tiger Wildlife Resort – Wildlife views, clean rooms and nice amenities
- Tharu Community Lodge– Helpful and friendly staff, free airport shuttle
- Mid-Range: (~$60–$120 USD/night)
- Green Park Chitwan – Well-reviewed with a pool and in-house guides
- Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan – Well-reviewed, large, clean rooms and with lodge-style design
- Luxury: (~$250–$700+ USD/night)
- Barahi Jungle Lodge – Private riverside cottages, spa, and fine dining
- Meghauli Serai by Taj Safaris – World-class service, amenities and stunning views over the Rapti River
Bardia National Park
Remote, raw, and rewarding for true wildlife lovers
Established as a national park in 1988, Bardia (or Bardiya) National Park is the largest and most pristine wildlife sanctuary in Nepal. While less visited than Chitwan, it is equally, if not more, rewarding for nature lovers. With fewer crowds, deeper jungle, and a strong chance of seeing the Bengal tiger, this park is a dream for photographers and conservation-minded travelers.
Wildlife includes leopards, gharial crocodiles, one-horned rhinos, Asiatic elephants, swamp deer, Gangetic dolphins, and over 400 species of birds. With approximately 125 wild tigers calling Bardia home, this is often touted as the best place in Asia to spot one. Bardia is best for those who value authenticity and don’t mind fewer creature comforts in exchange for a wilder, more immersive experience. I recommend it for second-time visitors to Nepal or for travelers eager to go deep into nature.
How to Get There
Bardia NP is further west of Chitwan, but while it takes more effort to reach, the experience is all the more exclusive and special. From Kathmandu, the easiest transport is a 1-hour flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to the small town of Thakurdwara. Many resorts will be happy to arrange this airport transfer. For the adventurous, there is also a 16 to 17-hour overnight tourist bus from Kathmandu.
Safari & Activities
The village of Thakurdwara is very simple and authentic, not offering much in the way of restaurants, shops, or tour providers, as seen in Chitwan. However, there are several hotel options for travelers with varying budgets, most of which have their own restaurants and tour options available for their residents. It is also acceptable to shop tours from hotel to hotel if you so choose.
- Walking Safaris: Half- or full-day guided treks (~$50 USD pp)
- Jeep Safaris: Private full-day drives (~$200–$250 USD per jeep)
- White Water Rafting: Along the Karnali River (varies by provider)
- Fishing Excursions: In the Karnali and Babai rivers
- Cultural Tours: Explore Rana Tharu and Dangora culture and villages, local homesteads, and traditional crafts
- Sunset Watching: No riverside bars here—just nature, serenity, and color
* Prices were researched in 2025 and are due to change based on the providers discretion.
Where to Stay at Bardia National Park
Bardia’s accommodations reflect its more remote, laid-back vibe, but you’ll still find lovely places at every budget level:
- Budget: (~$15–$35 USD/night)
- Wild Planet Eco Retreat – Friendly, affordable, and close to the park
- Bardia Riverside View Park Resort – Simple and peaceful accommodations with excellent reviews
- Mid-Range: (~$40–$100 USD/night)
- Mr. B’s Place – Comfortable cottages with excellent food and warm hosts
- Sunsetview Bardia – Elegant rooms and comfortable amenities
- Luxury: (~$300–$600+ USD/night)
- Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge – Boutique jungle luxury with sustainable practices, fine cuisine, and expertly guided wildlife safaris
- Burhan Wilderness Camps – elegant, all-inclusive glamping safari
Are Nepal Safaris Worth It? Final Thoughts
Whether you choose Chitwan’s accessibility and amenities or Bardia’s remote and untamed wilderness, there is no doubt that Nepal’s safari parks offer something magical and are certainly worth a visit. Using this guide, simply select the right park, lodge, and tour style to match your own comfort and goals, whether that’s wildlife photography, conservation, cultural immersion, or a truly unforgettable honeymoon in the jungle.
🐅Looking to pair your safari with a trek in the Annapurna’s or a spiritual retreat in Pokhara? I can help design a custom itinerary that’s as wild, or as refined, as you are. Click here for more information on my travel consulting service.
