Pench & Tadoba – Winter Tiger Marathon

TOUR OVERVIEW

The Pench Tiger Reserve & Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve are arguably two of the best locations in India to sight and photograph tigers in their natural habitat.

Pench, with its picturesque teak forests and open meadows, offers classic central Indian tiger country and incredible photographic opportunities. Tadoba, known as the “Land of the Tigers,” has built a formidable reputation for consistent tiger sightings and bold daytime movement, making it a dream destination for wildlife photographers.

These rich forests are also home to the Indian leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), sloth bear, jackals, jungle cats, rusty-spotted cats, wild boar, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, grey langur, rhesus macaque and a diverse array of birdlife including crested serpent eagles, changeable hawk-eagles, Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, paradise flycatchers and several species of owls.

We will be exploring both of these spectacular parks over 7 safaris in Pench and 7 safaris in Tadoba, spread across an immersive safari experience.

What’s even better, The Outback Experience’s Phillip Ross will personally guide you into the forests, take you through the fundamentals of wildlife photography and equip you with a solid understanding of tiger behaviour that will help you capture truly stunning images. Phillip has spent years guiding in central India and understands these landscapes intimately, leading you to zones where tiger sightings are known to occur.

Come join us for this one-of-a-kind wildlife photography tour and experience the magic of Pench & Tadoba through your lens!

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 (2nd December): Arrive in Pench

Arrive at your accommodation in Pench Tiger Reserve and check in at your leisure. Please note that all travel to Pench, between Pench and Tadoba, and onward from Tadoba is to not included as part of this tour. However Phillip will help you arrange your travel to these destinations, and you may share the costs based on actuals.

In the evening, meet Phillip and the rest of the group for a welcome briefing covering safari strategy, camera settings, photography techniques, and what to expect over the coming days.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge before retiring early in preparation for the first safari the following morning.

DAYS 2–4 (3rd–5th December): Pench Tiger Reserve – 6 Safaris

Over the next three days, we explore the magnificent Pench Tiger Reserve across six carefully planned safaris, combining both morning and afternoon game drives.

Pench is renowned for its picturesque teak forests, open meadows and seasonal riverbeds, creating beautiful settings for wildlife photography. The reserve is home to a healthy tiger population along with leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaur and an incredible diversity of birdlife.

Early mornings offer magical light and excellent opportunities for tiger movement, while afternoon safaris often produce exciting behavioural encounters as wildlife becomes active once again.

Throughout the tour, Phillip will work closely with drivers and naturalists to maximise photographic opportunities through careful positioning, anticipation of animal movement, and thoughtful use of light and backgrounds. Daily image reviews and informal mentoring sessions will help participants refine both their photographic technique and wildlife storytelling skills.

By the conclusion of Day 4, we will have completed 6 safaris in Pench.

DAY 6 (6th December): Final safari and Transfer to Tadoba

Enjoy one final safari in Pench and hope for a stunning tiger in a lovely winter coat to end our safaris in Pench with a bang. We return for breakfast and check out of the lodge, to make our way to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

The drive provides a comfortable journey between two of India’s finest tiger reserves, allowing plenty of time to arrive, check in and relax before the exciting days ahead.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner and discuss our strategy for photographing Tadoba’s famous tigers over the coming four days.

DAYS 7–9 (7th–9th December): Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve – 6 Safaris

Our adventure continues with six safaris across three unforgettable days in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Widely regarded as one of India’s premier tiger destinations, Tadoba is famous for its frequent tiger sightings, dramatic behaviour, and exceptional photographic opportunities. The reserve’s bamboo forests, dry deciduous woodland and picturesque lakes create spectacular natural backdrops for wildlife photography.

Each safari is carefully planned to maximise our chances of memorable encounters while ensuring the best possible light, backgrounds and photographic angles. Phillip will continue mentoring throughout the tour with image reviews, discussions on animal behaviour, reading tracks and alarm calls, and techniques for anticipating wildlife movement.

DAY 10 (10th December): Final Safari & Checkout

We embark on one final morning safari into beautiful Tadoba. By the conclusion of the tour, we will have completed 14 safaris across Pench and Tadoba, providing an outstanding opportunity to build a diverse portfolio of India’s incredible wildlife.

You’ll leave with not only a remarkable collection of wildlife images, but also a far deeper understanding of tiger behaviour, fieldcraft, photographic technique and wildlife storytelling after an unforgettable journey through two of India’s most iconic tiger reserves.

Check out and transfer to Nagpur airport.