Gir National Park Safari Packing List – Forest vacation essentials

While national parks protecting tigers are more fascinating for visitors, visiting a lion reserve has a different charm in itself. Visitors coming to India should certainly go on a safari to Gir National Park. The Gir National Park is the only abode for Asiatic lions and also has a massive variety of birds. It is the 8th biggest National Park in India with over 670 lions and 500+ leopards in an area of 1400+ square kilometres. 

Safaris are the best way to spot the wildlife of Gir National Park. Dr. Salim Ali during one of his visits to Gir said that Gir could have been a bird sanctuary if not for lions! And it is so true.

If you’re planning a visit to Gir National Park, there are a few things you’ll need to make it comfortable and easy. This safari packing list will have you well prepared for one of the most incredible experiences of your life.

Camera

A good camera is the first item you should have on your safari packing list. There is so much to see in Gir National Park, that you will regret not to bring your camera along – it’s the most important component of your safari equipment. Yes, you can use your smartphone but a long-angle lens will be better. It is also a great alternative to binoculars so that you can see animals that are far away as if they are close up. A good camera allows you to take photos of the amazing animals and the unique wilderness. 

A regular or mirror-less DSLR, semi-DSLR, point-and-shoot camera with good optical zoom is the best to carry in here. For big mammals such as lions and leopards commonly found in Gir National park a telephoto lens of 250-300 mm is ideal. However, if you wish to photography birds, I suggest you bring at least a 500mm lens for clear and crisp shots.

Spare memory card

If you are like me, you may run out of space on your memory card as I always click wildlife pictures in RAW file format. I am sure you don’t want to spend the time in between the sightings deciding which photograph to delete from the memory card to make more space. This happened to me once and since then I always make sure to carry an extra memory card in my safari packing list. Bring a spare card if you can, so that you don’t have to sit for hours on your safari, unable to capture the special moments.

Binoculars

Gir is a heavily forested area with big trees of Sagwan. When driving through the roadways, you may not always be able to get as close to the animals as you’d like. A respectful distance is important, and vehicles can’t go off track, where they would damage important vegetation or disturb and threaten smaller creatures. Because of this, binoculars are an incredibly helpful addition to your Gir safari packing list.

While it is possible to rent binoculars in Corbett National Park, this facility is not available in Gir. if you are an avid wildlife enthusiast, it is high time to invest in a good binocular for wildlife. I own a Olympus 10×50 DPS I and it gives amazing results.

First Aid Kit

While getting hurt on a vehicle safari, is unlikely, do keep in mind that you are in an area that is full of forests and wildlife. Scrapes, cuts and bruises can take place by lighting brushing from an acacia tree thorn or the vehicle metal bar. However, carrying a basic first aid kit is a good idea in your safari packing gear.

Cap and face mask

Wondering what personal items to pack for a safari in India? This may seem like an obvious one, but you can never have too many reminders. Indian summers are harsh and with the open-top vehicle, you are directly bearing the sun. while winter sun is not harsh, the time of your safari will make all the difference. The afternoon safari will be hot whether it is winter or summer. So it only makes sense to carry a cap/hat/stole to cover your head. Use sunscreen lotion if you get easily tanned. 

A face mask is compulsory due to covid-19 precautionary measures and even otherwise it is best to hide your face in a mask to avoid inhaling the dust from the vehicle ahead of you!

You can choose on wearing sunglasses but I will discourage you to do that as you may miss out on seeing a movement in the forest in those polaroid glasses.

Neutral coloured clothes

It is wildlife etiquette to wear neutrally coloured clothes in earth shades so as to blend with safari. Ideally shades of green, brown and grey are perfect for Gir safari packing list. Avoid wearing eye-popping colours such as yellow, red and blue. 

Winter mornings in Gir are super chilly, and the wind from the open gypsy vehicles makes your bone chill. So don’t forget to carry a windcheater/jacket/pullover. Pack light, breathable long-sleeved tops, and comfortable long pants. These will also serve you well in the evenings when the weather cools down. Try to bring neutral coloured warm clothes for the safari.

Comfortable shoes

Since you’ll spend most of your time in the safari vehicle, hiking shoes are not necessary. However, you’ll want footwear that’s comfortable and can be worn for many hours at a time.

So, pack your comfiest sneakers and a few breathable pairs of socks. You will want your feet to be able to breathe, as the days get very hot, and your feet are where you keep a lot of your heat. Check sustainable footwear – Loom Footwear.

High energy snacks 

It’s always nice to have something to snack on when you’re spending a few hours on the safari. And somehow early morning safaris make you hungry on the go. Go for high energy protein snacks which fill you instantly. A pack of dried fruit or a protein bar will satisfy cravings for sweet and salty, without making you feel heavy.

Logbook / journal

My husband always makes sure to carry a logbook with him. He carefully documents the bird species with an approximate number in his logbook. It is an easy way to go back to tick out the species you have seen. If you find a logbook idea boring, you can do it digitally, by typing it in a phone notebook.

Final thoughts on Gir safari packing list

Any trip is exciting especially if it for a safari. It is important to list these things out so that you don’t miss out and enjoy the safari to the fullest! 

Best time to visit Gir National Park

The most popular time to visit Gir is in winters in the months of December to March as the temperature is bearable and there are chances of sighting migratory birds. However, summers are better for sighting the big cats as they out often to drink water at the water holes.

The best safari to go on is in the morning when the lions are most active. They tend to sleep for the rest of the day.

How to reach Gir National Park

By Air

The nearest airport is in Rajkot which is 3 hours away. One can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sasan Gir. 

By rail

The nearest railway station is at Junagadh, and from here the park is about 50 minutes drive. Trains are available from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Junagadh. 

By road

One can drive in their own car or hire a private bus to Sasan Gir from Ahmedabad. This is the most convenient option and one can cover other nearby places such as Diu and Somnath. 

Did this fuel your wildlife wanderlust? Check the following National park articles for inspiration.

Tadoba National Park

Manas National Park

Eravikulam National Park

Jawai Leopard Safari

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