CAMP OVERVIEW

Nestled at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve is one of India’s first and finest Tiger Reserves, and also Southern India’s most famous. The reserve boasts of an array of fascinating flora and fauna, and is the best remaining haven for the endangered tiger, leopard, Asiatic elephant and Indian wild dog. The reserve is also home to over 300 species of birds.

Bandipur is primarily a dry deciduous forest that is rich in bamboo, teak, sandalwood and flame of the forest.

Serving as base camp, the tastefully furnished Bandipur Safari Lodge by Jungle Lodges and Resorts will be our home for the 3 days at camp.

What’s better, The Outback Experience team members Phillip Ross, will guide your child into the forests, take them through the fundamentals of wildlife photography and equip them with a basic understanding of animal behaviour that will help them take stunning photographs. The instructors know these forests like the back of their hand and will lead your child to places where wildlife sightings are known to happen. Bandipur after all is easily one of the best places in India, to track a tiger and also happen’s to be Phillip’s most favourite jungle of South India.

So what are you waiting for ? Book a place now and reserve a chance to come across one of Bandipur’s famous big cats.                           

 

CAMP TAKEAWAYS

With an array of activities including wildlife safaris, animal tracking, birdwatching, photography and fun nature-based games, your child is sure to have an unforgettable camping experience. The specific of the camp include:

  • A fascinating experience in one of India’s richest tiger habitats
  • Comprehensive understanding of photography and wildlife
  • Tons of good wildlife sightings
  • A very luxurious stay and delicious meals at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, JLR
  • A fun-filled great holiday
  • Expert guidance from wildlife photographer Phillip Ross

CAMP ITINERARY

Dates: 12th to 14th November, 2023

DAY 1:

At the crack of dawn, we depart from the city of Bangalore and proceed to check-in at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, run by Jungle Lodges & Resorts.  After check-in and a scrumptious lunch, camp leaders will introduce the participants to Bandipur with a brief on the wildlife found in the area, the afternoon’s safari plan and also a presentation on the ideal settings for their cameras for the first safari.

We’ll then find ourselves aboard safari vehicles, driving into parts of Bandipur, not knowing what will be lurking around every corner. Bandipur is one of India’s richest tiger habitats, and is especially known for having some amazing tiger sightings. We’ll keep our eyes peeled and hope that the safari turns out to be a very successful one.

Later that evening, we’ll gather around a campfire for a presentation on composition and discuss our safari experience and animal behaviour.

We end the night with a session of entertainment followed by a delicious dinner.

DAY 2:

We awake to the sweet calls of the birds found within the campsite and after a hot cup of coffee or tea, prepare to depart for the morning safari. This safari will be very exciting as each participant will certainly have a better grasp of photography after the instruction session the previous evening and will be more confidant to take that stunning shot.

We return to the resort for breakfast and rest for a bit. Just before lunch, we’ll have a discussion about exposure compensation and focussing before we embark on the afternoon safari. On our return at dusk, we will play a few nature-based games, review photographs taken over the last 3 safaris, learn and practice low-light photography and end the night with some entertainment and a celebratory dinner.

DAY 3:

On the final morning, the forests of Bandipur beckon us to end the camp on a high note with a superb sighting on the fourth and final safari trip.

After the safari and breakfast, we gather for a rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and driving back to Bangalore, where we are sure your child won’t be able to wait to tell you some fascinating tales.

COST & TERMS

How much does it cost?

Individuals

INR 27,900/-

per participant(Exclusive of 5% GST)

Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous The Outback Experience camps or workshops

Inclusions

  • Road transfers from Bangalore, to the destinations and return
  • Shared accommodation in very comfortable rooms
  • All delicious meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
  • Bottled water
  • Four jeep safaris and entry fees

Exclusions

  • 5% GST
  • Camera Fee’s – As per the Karnataka Forest Department, the fee is INR 500/- + 18% GST, per safari for a DSLR and lens above 200mm. The total camera fee’s per participant will be: INR 590/- x 4 safaris = INR 2360/-
  • Any extra meals and beverages ordered
  • Airfare, if applicable
  • Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list

Payment Terms

100% payment in advance for confirmation of booking.

Payment can be made via UPI, bank transfer to our account, or by card. Please fill in the “Book Now” form below, and we will get in touch with you with the payment details. Please inform us of the reference number once the payment is made.

Cancellation Fees

  • 10% outside 30 days before the camp
  • 25% between 29 and 22 days before the camp
  • 50% between 21 and 15 days before the camp
  • 75% between 14 and 8 days before the camp
  • 100% within 7 days before the camp

Have questions about this camp?

We hope you'll find your answers here.

Who is this camp for?

Any child or teen between the ages of 10 and 16 is welcome to enrol for this camp. There are no other eligibility criteria.

My child is older or younger than 10 and 16. Can an exception be made?

The age group of the children has been carefully chosen keeping in mind the content and style of delivery. However, if your child is outside the age group and you’re interested in admitting him or her, please talk to us.

How do I make the payment?

We have multiple payment options available from which you may choose one as per your convenience. Details will be shared when we receive your enquiry.

How many participants can be expected to attend?

A maximum of 6 children are expected. The Outback Experience’s USP is to provide as much individual attention and quality time to each participant as possible and thus the camp strength has been kept low. We do not cater to very large groups per batch!

Where are we staying and what sort of accommodation and food can we expect?

We will be staying at the Bandipur Safari Lodge run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Bandipur Safari Lodge is a beautiful resort situated at the entrance of Bandipur and overlooks the jungle. All participants on camp will be staying in luxurious rooms. The food served is a delicious buffet spread of local, Indian and continental delicacies.

What all items should my child bring to this camp?

Once you register and pay for the camp, the camp instructor will send out the camp advice and general guidelines to every participant. This document will contain all the necessary information, a checklist of items to carry, etc.

Will my child be safe during the camp?

Don’t worry at all! Your child’s safety is of paramount importance to us. The camp instructor is well trained with regards to child protection and health and safety.

How do I register my child?

Fill up the form in the ‘BOOK NOW’ section and we’ll get back to you with all the necessary details in a jiffy.

BOOK NOW!

Please submit your details, to enrol for this event.

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