SATPURA, PENCH AND KANHA - Bellingham Safaris · ACCOMMODATION: JAMTARA WILDERNESS CAMP IN: 3 MARCH | OUT: 5 MARCH Situated in the Village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park, Jamtara

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

PHOTO CREDIT: INDRAJIT LATEY

SATPURA, PENCH AND KANHA Bellingham Safaris Scheduled Tour

India

27 February to 10 March 2017/2018

Q100086 | BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED INDIA TOUR 2017/2018


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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 MAP



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TOUR AT A GLANCE

Day Date Location Accommodation

01 27 Feb Delhi Lemon Tree Hotel or similar

02 28 Feb Satpura National Park Reni Pani Lodge

03 1 Mar Satpura National Park Reni Pani Lodge

04 2 Mar Satpura National Park Reni Pani Lodge

05 3 Mar Pench National Park Jamtara Wilderness Camp

06 4 Mar Pench National Park Jamtara Wilderness Camp

07 5 Mar Kanha National Park Kanha Jungle Lodge




11 9 Mar Delhi Lemon Tree Hotel or similar

12 10 Mar Day of departure

COST OVERVIEW

These costs are based on 8 to 10 adults travelling

Per adult in double room 27 Feb to 10 Mar 2017 $ 6 970,00

Single Supplement 27 Feb to 10 Mar 2017 $ 1 250,00

Per adult in double room 27 Feb to 10 Mar 2018 $ 7 670,00

Single Supplement 27 Feb to 10 Mar 2018 $ 1 375,00

INCLUDES Accommodation Meals and soft drinks All internal flights as specified Ground transportation Activities as specified Services of a specialist Bellingham Safaris Guide Local staff gratuities

EXCLUDES Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes Items of personal nature Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required) Travel Insurance Excess baggage costs Any items not included in the inclusions above



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LOCATION: SATPURA IN: 28 FEBRUARY | OUT: 3 MARCH

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: JAMES KYDD, RENI PANI LODGE



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LOCATION: PENCH NATIONAL PARK IN: 3 MARCH | OUT: 5 MARCH

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: JAMES KYDD, JONATHAN CARAMANUS



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LOCATION: KANHA NATIONAL PARK IN: 5 MARCH | OUT: 9 MARCH

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: JAMES KYDD, INDRAJIT LATEY



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ACCOMMODATION: RENI PANI LODGE IN: 28 FEBRUARY | OUT: 3 MARCH

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.

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

www.renipanijunglelodge.com



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ACCOMMODATION: JAMTARA WILDERNESS CAMP IN: 3 MARCH | OUT: 5 MARCH

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: KANHA JUNGLE LODGE IN: 5 MARCH | OUT: 9 MARCH

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.


www.kanhajunglelodge.com



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DAILY DETAIL

Day 1, 27 Feb 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 Lemon Tree Hotel

Overnight: Lemon Tree Hotel

Day 2, 28 Feb Delhi to Satpura National Park

Today you transfer to the airport for your flights to Bhopal followed by a road transfer to Satpura where you will spend three nights.

Transfer: Lemon Tree Hotel to Delhi International Airport

Flight: Delhi to Bhopal

Transfer: Bhopal to Satpura - approx. 180kms / 3 and half hours

Overnight: Reni Pani Lodge

Day 3 & 4, 1 to 2 Mar Satpura National Park

You have two full days to explore Satpura National Park by way of game drives, walks, Elephant safari and boat.

Overnight: Reni Pani Lodge

Day 5, 3 Mar Satpura to Pench National Park

Today you depart Satpura by road for Pench National Park travelling through rural countryside, colourful towns and villages.



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Transfer: Satpura to Pench - approx. 230 kms / 4-5 hours

Overnight: Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Day 6, 4 Mar Pench National Park

At Pench you will embark on morning and afternoon game drives.

Overnight: Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Day 7, 5 Mar Pench to Kanha National Park

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

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

Overnight: Kanha Jungle Lodge

Day 8 - 10, 6 to 8 Mar Kanha National Park

At Kanha you have two full days to explore the park by way of game drives.

Overnight: Kanha Jungle Lodge

Day 11, 9 Mar Kanha to Delhi

Today following a final morning in the jungle, you depart for Delhi where you will overnight before departing.

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

Flight: Raipur to Delhi

Transfer: Delhi International Airport to Lemon Tree Hotel



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Overnight: Lemon Tree Hotel

Day 12, 10 Mar Day of Departure

Today you sadly bid farewell to your fellow travellers before your onward travels homeward bound.

Transfer: Lemon Tree Hotel to Delhi International Airport

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 minus 3% (the typical exchange rate applied by credit card companies), using this source: http://www.oanda.com. 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.



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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.

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. 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.

Documents

SATPURA, PENCH AND KANHA - Bellingham Safaris · ACCOMMODATION: JAMTARA WILDERNESS CAMP IN: 3 MARCH | OUT: 5 MARCH Situated in the Village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park, Jamtara