Julian is a conservationist, rewilder and eco-entrepreneur with deep expertise in tigers and a passion for wild places. In the early 1990s, he founded Discovery Initiatives – now part of Steppes Travel – a pioneering conservation travel company that raised significant funds for global wildlife efforts. In 2004, he launched TOFTigers to support tiger conservation through nature tourism, championing what he calls ‘Tigernomics’: the economics of saving tigers. Julian knows the people on the ground who can bring to life the extraordinary turnaround story of the tiger.
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/03/26 | 02/04/26 | 14 days | £7,995 pp | £1,950 | Julian Matthews | 14 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
More than a typical tiger safari, this unique conservation-focused journey offers unmatched insight into the survival story of the Bengal tiger.
Guided throughout by expert naturalist Indrajit Latey, you’ll meet leading tiger specialists including Amit Sankhala, Dr. H.S. Pabla, and Hashim Tyabji – each offering deep, first-hand knowledge of India’s tiger landscapes. The tour is hosted by renowned conservationist Julian Matthews, ensuring an experience that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.
Visit key tiger habitats – Kanha, Pench and Satpura – to help illustrate India’s remarkable tiger recovery story, spanning from the 1860s to their near extinction in 2004, and the present day’s successes. As well as jeep safaris, engage with rural village communities to understand what it means to live alongside large predators. Spend time birdwatching, taking guided nature walks, and have the chance to join a thrilling night drive.
Introducing your expert
Julian Matthews
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Storytelling
Meet some of the passionate experts, guardians and characters at the coal face of tiger conservation.
Biodiversity
Visit Kanha, Pench, Satpura and Bori Sanctuary – India’s premium tiger parks, home to an enormous variety of wildlife.
Variety
Not only jeep safaris – take guided nature walks, visit local villages and participate in lively debates with park directors.
Lodges
Stay at exceptional properties, renowned for their service and commitment to protecting India’s wild habitat.
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Day 1
Arrive Delhi (Hyatt Andaz)
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Day 2
Delhi - Raipur - Kanha National Park (Shergarh Tented Camp)
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Days 3 - 5
Kanha National Park (Shergarh Tented Camp)
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Day 6
Kanha National Park - Pench National Park (Jamtara Wilderness Camp)
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Days 7 - 8
Pench National Park (Jamtara Wilderness Camp)
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Day 9
Pench National Park - Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (Bori Safari Lodge)
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Day 10
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (Bori Safari Lodge)
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Day 11
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary - Satpura National Park (Reni Pani Jungle Lodge)
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Day 12
Satpura National Park (Reni Pani Jungle Lodge)
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Day 13
Satpura National Park - Bhopal - Delhi (Andaz Delhi)
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Day 14
Depart Delhi
Day 1
Arrive Delhi (Hyatt Andaz)
VIP Meet and Greet assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel to check in.
Day 2
Delhi - Raipur - Kanha National Park (Shergarh Tented Camp)
Transfer to the airport for an internal flight to Raipur before transferring by road to Kanha – a journey of around four hours. Check into your camp for the next four nights.
Days 3 - 5
Kanha National Park (Shergarh Tented Camp)
Over the next three days you will take guided jeep safaris into Kanha Tiger Reserve in search of tiger and a wealth of other wildlife. One of the afternoons will be set aside for a nature walk and a meeting with prominent local conservationist Hashim Tyabji.
Day 6
Kanha National Park - Pench National Park (Jamtara Wilderness Camp)
Leave Kanha in the morning for a slow drive to Pench National Park, taking around five hours. The park is closed this afternoon so after checking into your camp, Amit Sankhala, owner of Jamtara and principal trustee of Tiger Trust will join you to visit a local village to understand the benefits and challenges faced by a local community living in such close proximity with tigers.
Days 7 - 8
Pench National Park (Jamtara Wilderness Camp)
Morning and afternoon jeep safari in Pench National Park. On one of the afternoons, you will take a nature walk with Amit followed by an evening presentation on Pench Tiger Reserve and the forest corridor connecting Pench and Kanha.
Day 9
Pench National Park - Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (Bori Safari Lodge)
Depart Pench at around 09:00 today and after lunch enroute arrive at your lodge in Bori Wildlife Sanctuary at around 16:00. Check in and relax at the lodge.
Day 10
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (Bori Safari Lodge)
Morning jeep safari exploring the exciting rewilding project at Bori Sanctuary (Churna Zone) where the fauna count is high but tourist footfall is low. This evening, head back out in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 11
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary - Satpura National Park (Reni Pani Jungle Lodge)
A full day safari today takes you from Bori Sanctuary to Satpura National Park, one of the early centres of tiger conservation in India. The journey will be broken up with a stop for a picnic lunch at the Forest Rest House where Malabar giant squirrels reside in the surrounding trees.
Day 12
Satpura National Park (Reni Pani Jungle Lodge)
Explore the park by jeep safari this morning before time to relax in the afternoon. Later today the group will be joined by former Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh and tiger conservation pioneer, Dr H S Pabla.
Day 13
Satpura National Park - Bhopal - Delhi (Andaz Delhi)
Drive from Satpura National Park to Bhopal airport, a journey of approx. four hours. Enroute, stop to explore the rock shelters of Bhimbetka where around 500 of the 700 caves are decorated with ancient, colourful paintings. Continue onto Bhopal airport for an internal flight to Delhi where you will check into your airport hotel.
Day 14
Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
A Symbol of Hope
Tiger Conservation
Such a potent symbol of endangered species all over the world, a world without wild tigers is unimaginable. But in 2006, this was the shocking prospect facing the world, as tiger numbers in India plummeted to around 1,400. Fast forward 20 years and the future of the tiger is far less perilous, with a recent census counting 3,600 individuals in India. The expansion of protected reserves, the development of sustainable wildlife tourism and the implementation of stricter anti-poaching laws have all played a role in turning the fate of the tiger around.
There is no room for complacency as challenges remain, such as habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict, however with the continued efforts of people like those you’ll meet on this trip, the tiger’s future is looking bright.
Read More
Who You'll Meet
Amit Sankhala
From an illustrious line of conservationists, Amit has an innate love of Indian wildlife. Grandson of renowned conservationist Kailash Sankhala (founder of Project Tiger), Amit is principal trustee of the Tiger Trust, addressing challenges like habitat loss and human-wildlife through his links with eco-tourism. Amit is the owner of several lodges in Madhya Pradesh, where he has a reputation for fostering strong community partnerships and offering innovative and insightful wildlife experiences. Amit’s dedication positions him as a leading figure in India’s tiger conservation efforts.
Who You'll Meet
Dr H S Pabla
Dr. Pabla, former Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh, served 35 years in the Indian Forest Service, and is a pioneer of captive-bred species reintroduction and animal translocation. His team’s successful release of two orphaned tigresses into Panna reshaped big cat conservation, marking a historic milestone in wildlife protection. He is a vocal advocate of sustainable wildlife tourism, believing that if conservation is to succeed, it must deliver tangible economic value. Dr Pabla is not afraid to challenge the status quo and the prevailing conservation strategies of India, as his series of myth-busting books on the subject testify.
Who You'll Meet
Hashim Tyabji
Hashim Tyabji has worked in nature conservation and wildlife tourism for 45 years, beginning as a naturalist and birder in 1978 at Tiger Tops Lodge in Nepal, followed by wildlife research in central India. A pioneer in using tourism as a conservation tool, he helped establish Bagh Van in Pench and Forsyth’s in Satpura, setting a precedent for sustainable tourism in both parks.
Now a partner in Kaafila Luxury Camps, he helped launch the first dedicated wildlife lodges in Ladakh, which contributed to a recovery in snow leopard numbers in the Sham region. He has served as honorary warden of Bandhavgarh, on the Indian Board for Wildlife, and authored several books, including the story behind the BBC’s Tigers – Spy in the Jungle. He lives in Bandhavgarh.
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Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Single Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- VIP Meet and Greet on arrival
- All accommodation
- All meals with the exception of dinner on the first and last night in Delhi
- 11 jeep safaris including a night safari and a full day safari
- Village visit and two nature walks with local experts
- All activities and sightseeing as detailed
- All transport including domestic flights
- Accompanied by Tour Expert, Julian Matthews, throughout
- A local tour manager and naturalist who will escort the group throughout
- Meetings with key conservationists
- Tips for drivers, park guides and local naturalists
What is excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Gratuities for your lead naturalist
- Travel insurance
- Drinks
Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/03/26 | 02/04/26 | 14 days | £7,995 pp | Julian Matthews | 14 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 880 980Send us an enquiry
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