Do you know that in the whole world there remains only 600-700 Asiatic lions. And they are only found in the Gir Forests of Gujarat!!
During our 2 weeks Gujarat road trip, Gir was one of the last stops for us. After spending a couple of days exploring Kutch, visiting Dholavira and enjoying Kutch hospitality staying at a homestay in Kutch, enjoying the Rann Utsav, we started further south of Gujarat. Our next stops were the temple of Dwarka and Somnath Temple. After visiting the Somnath Temple, we headed to stay amidst nature at Savvas Resort Sasan Gir.
From here, we went on a Gir Lion Safari. We found the whole process very smooth and well organised when it comes to a lion safari in Gir. In fact, a Lion Safari in Gir National Park is an incredible experience that brings you face-to-face with the majestic Asiatic lion in its natural environment. With the right planning, you can enjoy a memorable wildlife adventure, whether you’re looking for the best time to visit, understanding the costs, or choosing the ideal safari zone. Gir National Park not only offers a chance to see the lions but also provides a rich wildlife experience with its variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this biodiversity hotspot and get closer to nature in one of India’s most important wildlife sanctuaries!And we will talk about it as well. So, let me share my experience with you about the Gir Lion Safari.
An introduction to Gir National Park
Located in the western part of Gujarat, Gir National Park is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary and the only place on the planet where you can witness the majestic Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. Covering an area of over 1,400 square kilometers, Gir is a unique ecosystem that houses a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Gir National Park was established in 1965 as a protected area for the Asiatic lion, a species that was once on the brink of extinction. Today, Gir is the last refuge for these lions, and their numbers have significantly increased thanks to years of conservation efforts. Aside from the lions, Gir is home to numerous species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Visitors flock here not only to witness the Asiatic lion in the wild but also to explore the park’s picturesque landscapes, which include dry deciduous forests, grassy plains, and riverine areas.
Which is the best time for Lion Safari in Gir
The best time to visit Gir National Park and go on a Lion Safari is during the winter months, from October to March. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for both visitors and wildlife. The lions are also more active during the cooler months, making sightings more frequent and enjoyable. The park opens its gates for safaris around mid-October, after the monsoon season, and it remains open until June.
However, the peak season for lion sightings is during the winter months, especially from November to February, when the animals are more likely to come out in the open in search of food. March to May can be quite hot, and the dry conditions often cause animals to move towards water sources, making safaris a bit challenging. June to September is the monsoon season when the park is usually closed due to the heavy rains and the risk of floods.
There are two Safari timings in a day –
Morning 6:30am to 9:30am
Evening 3:00pm to 6:00pm
The morning slots are more preferable. As the lions are most active during the morning time. And hence the chances of spotting them during the safari are much higher.
What is the cost of Gir Lion Safari
The cost of the Gir Lion Safari depends on several factors, including the type of safari, the vehicle, and the duration of the tour. Here is a general breakdown of safari costs:
Open Jeep Safari
- For a 6-seater open jeep (which is the most popular mode of transport for safaris), the cost generally ranges from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 for a two-hour safari.
- The price usually includes the entry fee for the park and the cost of the jeep and driver.
- Additional costs may apply if you need to hire a naturalist guide.
Private Vehicle
- If you wish to take a private vehicle (like a car or SUV), the cost is typically higher, ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 depending on the type of vehicle and the duration of the safari.
Entry Fees
- Entry fees for Indian tourists are around ₹500 per person for a single visit. For foreign tourists, the fee is higher, generally around ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.
- There are additional charges for a camera and vehicle (if separate from the jeep).
How to book a Gir Lion Safari Tickets
Online Booking
The Gujarat Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) has a website where you can book safari tickets online. This is the most convenient option, especially during the peak tourist season when safaris tend to get booked quickly. The online system allows you to select your preferred safari zone, the date and time, and whether you wish to book an open jeep or a private vehicle. It is advisable to book your safari well in advance to secure your spot, especially during the winter months when the demand for safaris is at its highest.
Booking Through Local Operators
If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can also book your safari tickets through local travel operators and tour guides in Sasan Gir (the nearest town to Gir National Park). Many of these operators offer tour packages that include transportation, safari booking, and a guide who will accompany you during the safari. This can be a good option if you’re unfamiliar with the area and would like a more seamless experience.
Ticket Counters at Gir
You can also purchase safari tickets directly at the ticket counters at Sasan Gir. However, this is less recommended during peak season as there is no guarantee of availability, especially if you’re visiting during the busy winter months.
PS: Booking in advance is the best option. The booking starts 3 months in advance. And the slots full up really early, particularly in the main season. So, do book your tickets in advance and online.
There are different zones in the Gir National Park. Read about the zone information in the below section before making a decision on which zone you want to book your Gir lion safari in.
What are the zones for Gir Lion Safari
Sasan Gir Zone
The main zone of the Gir National park is Sasan. And this is where most of the lion safaris take place. It’s the most popular area for lion sightings and is home to dense forests and scrublands. The Sasan Gir Zone is well-developed with multiple safari routes. And it offers a higher chance of lion sightings. This is also the zone which is in highest demand. Since the number of safaris that happen in one day is limited. And so is the number of permits issued in a day. The Gir Lion Safari permit tickets for Sasan Zone get filled fastest.
Kankai
Located towards the northern end of the park, Kankai is another great safari zone, known for its diverse wildlife, including spotted deer, wild boar, and leopard. The chances of spotting lions here are slightly lower than in Sasan Gir, but it’s still a popular spot for wildlife lovers. If you are not able to get a safari spot in Sasan Gir, then Kankai is your next best option.
Mendha
This zone is quieter and less crowded, providing a more peaceful safari experience. It’s a great place to explore the natural beauty of Gir, with opportunities to spot smaller wildlife, birds, and the occasional lion. This is the least preferred of all the three zones when it comes to lion safari in Gir. And the last preference of the three for those booking a lion safari in Gir National Park Gujarat.
Devaliya Safari Park
Located about 12 km from the main Gir National Park, Devaliya is a fenced enclosure that provides a controlled environment for wildlife viewing. It’s a great option if you’re short on time and want to ensure a high likelihood of seeing lions and other animals in a more concentrated area. The safari here is conducted in a vehicle through the park’s designated routes.
If you don’t get a ticket in the main zones of Gir National Park, then you can always book in Devaliya. Since the number of tickets and permits for Devaliya are much higher. And the safari duration is shorter (~1 hour). So, there are much more slots available in Devaliya. We also did our lion safari in Gir in Devaliya only. Initially I was a little disappointed. And thinking that this Safari might be like an enclosed zoo visit kind of experience. Like how we had at the safari at Shimoga Zoo. But it was almost similar to the jungle safari experience. Only instead of very large trees, you go through grasslands.
The chances of spotting the Asiatic lions at Devaliya are extremely high since it’s a grassland region.
Each safari zone has its own entry and exit points, and safaris are limited to a specific area in order to protect the animals and minimize human disturbance.
Where to start the Gir Lion Safari
While each zone at Gir National Park has its own entry gate that marks the safari starting point. But the main safari starting point is at Sasan Forest Office at Gir. Visitors arrive here to board open jeeps or private vehicles, accompanied by licensed guides who will take them through the park’s designated routes to spot the Asiatic lions and other wildlife. From this point, safaris typically head into the Sasan Gir Zone, which is the park’s most popular and lion-rich area. And the vehicles will also take you to other zones from here, if you have booked your ticket for the other zones.
How was our experience doing the Gir Lion Safari in Gujarat
We had booked a safari in Devaliya zone of Gir National Park. Since, we were staying at Sasan Gir Resort, which was just 3km from the main Sasan Safari starting point, we arrived here. There is well designated parking space for your four wheeler here.
The campus also has resting and waiting areas in the form of small parks, kids play area etc. with benches around them to sit and wait. There are restrooms and souvenir shops in the campus as well.
We parked our vehicle and then went to the ticket counter with our printed online ticket.
Here we made the payment for safari vehicle and guide. We took a 6 seater vehicle for our family. And we were designated a guide and a driver in our vehicle. We soon boarded the vehicle for our Gir Lion Safari.
First we traveled from here to Devaliya. Safari buses also ply to Devaliya. From the main Sasan office, the Devaliya park office is around 8km. If you are boarding the buses then you can come directly to this park and board your bus from there.
Safari into Devaliya zone of Gir National Park
The safari started from here. Initially we spotted some herd of deer, some wild buffaloes and a few other such animals.
After first 15 minutes of safari, we spotted our first trio of asiatic lions. There were two lioness and one lion sleeping in the shade of trees after perhaps their afternoon meal.
From here, we proceeded further. And we got really lucky. As we spotted a lioness with two of her cubs. While the cubes were playing around. The lioness was aggressively and attentively maintaining a protective stance in front of the oncoming vehicles. As per our guide, it was a rare sighting. As, lioness with smaller cubs usually tend to stay deeper in the forest and not come out in the open.
Apart from these lions, we spotted some mongoose on our way further down the grasslands.
The safari lasted some one hour. And we were very satisfied at the end of the safari.
What I liked about Gir Lion Safari
There were certain things about the overall Gir Lion Safari experience that I liked a lot. To quote a few –
- The office at safari starting point is very well maintained. With it’s neat and clean premises. restrooms, beautiful souvenir shops and ample space for guests to rest while they wait for their safari to start, was really impressive.
- The ticketing system is very clear and hassle free. The vehicles are also promptly allotted.
- Vehicles are very neat and clean, in good condition and well maintained.
- Online booking is very smooth through the official Gir website.