How likely am I to see a rhino or tiger?

Rhino sightings are near-certain — Chitwan has over 700 one-horned rhinos and they are frequently spotted on jeep safaris. Bengal tigers are elusive with roughly a 5-10% sighting rate per safari day, though pugmarks and signs are common. Your naturalist guide maximizes your chances.

Is the jungle lodge comfortable?

Yes. Our partner lodges have en-suite rooms with hot water, fans or AC, mosquito nets, and full-board meals. They are comfortable without being extravagant — the jungle atmosphere is the real luxury.

Is malaria a concern in Chitwan?

Malaria risk in Chitwan is very low, especially in the tourist areas of Sauraha. Most travelers do not take antimalarials, but we recommend consulting your doctor. DEET-based insect repellent and long sleeves at dusk are sensible precautions.

Can I combine this with a trek or Pokhara visit?

Yes, Chitwan sits between Kathmandu and Pokhara on the main highway. We can arrange onward transfers to either destination, or package this with our Golden Triangle tour for the complete experience.

WildlifeBest Seller

4.9(214)

Chitwan National Park Safari

Name: Chitwan National Park Safari
Brand: Trek and Tour Nepal
Price: 350 USD
Availability: InStock

3 Days / 2 NightsChitwanFrom $350 / person

Overview

Step into the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shelters one of the last viable populations of the greater one-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal tiger. Over three days you trade city noise for the calls of hornbills, the rustle of tall elephant grass, and the stillness of a dugout canoe gliding past mugger crocodiles. This is the safari experience that consistently tops traveler review sites, and for good reason: Chitwan delivers wildlife encounters that rival anything in Africa at a fraction of the cost. Beyond the wildlife, this tour immerses you in the living traditions of the indigenous Tharu people, whose stick-dance performances, mud-walled longhouses, and centuries of coexistence with the jungle offer a cultural depth that most visitors never expect from a safari experience. This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a dramatic change of pace from Nepal's mountain scenery. With rhino sighting rates near 100 percent, even a short visit virtually guarantees unforgettable encounters. The best months are October through March when dry conditions concentrate animals near rivers and waterholes, but the lush monsoon season from June through September brings its own rewards for birders and photographers.

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, experienced, English-speaking.

Small Groups

Max 12 guests for a personal experience.

Pemba Sherpa

Founder & Lead Guide

20 years experience

Born in Namche Bazaar, Pemba has summited Everest 8 times and has been guiding treks for 20 years.

“Your experienced guide ensures a safe and memorable journey”

Highlights

Track one-horned rhinos on a full-day jeep safari

Canoe alongside mugger crocodiles on the Rapti River

Spot 540+ bird species in prime subtropical habitat

Experience indigenous Tharu stick dance at your jungle lodge

Visit the Elephant Breeding Center at Khorsor

What Trekkers Say

“The attention to detail was incredible. From the airport pickup to the extra acclimatization day they insisted on (which saved our trip!), everything was perfect.”

Sarah & Tom Jenkins · Everest Base Camp

“As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe the entire time. Our guide Pemba was incredibly knowledgeable and the porters were treated with respect and dignity.”

Emma Richardson · Annapurna Circuit

“Third time trekking in Nepal but first time with Trek and Tour Nepal. The difference in organization and local knowledge is night and day. Won't go with anyone else now.”

Michael Chen · Manaslu Circuit

Who Is This Tour For?

Wildlife enthusiasts, families, birders, and anyone seeking a dramatic contrast to Nepal's mountain scenery. With rhino sighting rates near 100%, even a short visit guarantees unforgettable encounters. Great for travelers who want an African-style safari experience at a fraction of the cost.

Best Time for Chitwan National Park Safari

Oct-Mar (Dry Season)

Peak wildlife viewing — animals congregate near rivers and waterholes as vegetation thins. Rhino sighting near-certain. Cool mornings, warm days. Best overall period.

Apr-May (Pre-Monsoon)

Hot (35°C+) but excellent wildlife sightings as water sources shrink further. Fewer tourists. Tiger sighting probability at its highest.

Jun-Sep (Monsoon)

Park partially closed. Lush greenery, exceptional birding with migratory species. Elephant grass tall, making large mammal sightings harder. Lodge prices lowest.

What to Expect

Activity Level

Moderate activity — a mix of jeep riding, canoeing, and walking. The jeep safari (4-5 hours on bumpy dirt tracks) requires tolerance for dust and jolts. The guided jungle walk covers 3-4 km on flat terrain but through tall grass. Expect early starts (5:30 AM) and warm, humid conditions (25-35°C). Insect repellent is essential. The pace is guided by wildlife sightings, not a fixed schedule.

Itinerary

3 Days

Depart Kathmandu early morning by tourist bus or domestic flight to Bharatpur, then transfer 20 minutes to your jungle lodge in Sauraha on the banks of the Rapti River. After check-in and a briefing from your naturalist guide, enjoy lunch on the lodge veranda while watching river birds -- kingfishers, egrets, and the rare Indian skimmer -- from your seat. In the late afternoon, cross the Rapti River by dugout canoe for a guided walk through a Tharu village. The Tharu people are the original inhabitants of the Terai lowlands, historically resistant to malaria, and their culture is a fascinating blend of Hindu tradition and animist forest spirituality. Visit a traditional longhouse to see their distinctive mud-and-thatch construction, learn about their herbal medicine practices, and watch women weave reed mats and fish nets. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening Tharu cultural program featuring the famous stick dance (Dhimay Naach), where performers clack hardwood sticks in accelerating rhythms that mimic the sounds of the jungle at night. Your guide briefs you on tomorrow's early-morning safari.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner