Trip Style - Portfolio
Gujarat Desert Herpetofauna[ Print this itinerary 
]
This herpetological experience takes in the deserts and forests of Gujarat. Travel with India’s top herpetologists in search of Indian star tortoises, mugger crocodiles, Indian pythons, Russell’s vipers and the giant 65cm saw-scaled vipers. In addition this tour will take in opportunities to see Asiatic lion, leopard, wild boar, crested serpent eagle, tawny eagle and many more. Gerry Martin and Soham Mukherjee will be your expert guides for the trip.
- Trip Highlights
- Detailed Itinerary
- Accommodation Gallery
- Inclusions / Exclusions
- Activity level
- Departure Dates
- Request Your Quote
- Indian Python
- Indian Star Tortoise
- Mugger Crocodile
- The Big Four (Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled Viper)
- Asiatic Lions
Day 1 - Ahmedabad to Bajana
Arrive in Ahmedabad.Transfer to Bajana
Upon arrival in Ahmedabad you will be met by Gerry Martin and Soham Mukherjee and be transferred to Royal Camp Safari, Bajana. After a chance to freshen up you will have a chance to go birding in the late afternoon. In the evening you will go out for the first of many nocturnal herping excursions.
- Accommodation: Royal Camp Safari
- Basis: Full Board
Desert Reptile Spotting
After an early breakfast you will head out in search of spiny tailed lizards, common trinket snakes, Leith’s sand snakes, and common sand boas amongst many other reptile species. At night we will drive into the desert to look for the many species of reptiles as well as mammals including Asiatic wild ass, Indian wolf, jackal, Indian fox, black buck and chinkara (Indian gazelle).
- Accommodation: Royal Camp Safari
- Basis: Full Board
Falcons, Royal Snakes and Scorpions
After an early morning spent spotting falcons and a hearty breakfast you will be driven to prime Royal snake habitat to look for the many species of desert herps to be found there including: including common cat snakes, saw-scaled vipers, common kraits, common Indian monitors, termite hill geckos and spectacled cobras.
After dinner you will go out for some nocturnal herping and Hottentota scorpion spotting.
- Accommodation: Royal Camp Safari
- Basis: Full Board
Transfer to Hingolgadh
In the morning you will transfer to Hingolgadh and after settling in you undertake a preliminary survey of the fort. After lunch you will be taken on a tour of the historic fort. Later in the afternoon and evening you will have the chance to go on a herping trek to the nearby ‘Lili Nariyeli’ hill returning at sunset. At night you will be able to look for nocturnal herps found around the fort.
Species include: Indian rat snake, red sand boa, glossy-bellied racer, Indian python, fan-throated lizard, bronzeback tree snake and the big four Indian venomous snakes (spectacled cobra, common krait, saw-scaled viper and Russell’s viper.
- Accommodation: Hingolgadh Palace Hotel
- Basis: Full Board
Herping in Hingolgadh
After breakfast there will be a walk to a nearby dam and back, obviously there will be plenty of herping opportunities along the way. Upon return Gerry and Soham will explain basic reptile identification and demonstrate snake handling of non-venomous snakes. This will give you the opportunity to increase your field handling skills with some of India’s finest herpetologists. After sunset there will also be the opportunity to partake in nocturnal surveys of the surrounding area for reptiles such as west-Indian leopard geckos, common kukri snakes, common cat snakes, banded racers and termite hill geckos.
- Accommodation: Hingolgadh Palace Hotel
- Basis: Full Board
Indian Pythons and Indian Star Tortoises
Today you will have the chance to photograph the individuals that have been found so far in Hingolgadh as well as the chance to see Indian pythons and the endangered Indian star tortoises. Gerry and Soham will also demonstrate safe handling of venomous snake species. Gerry will be leaving your company the following morning so there will be an opportunity for farewell drinks in the evening. Soham Mukherjee will be your guide for the remainder of the trip.
- Accommodation: Hingolgadh Palace Hotel
- Basis: Full Board
Transfer to Sasan, Gir National Park
You will transfer to Sasan in the Gir National Park early this morning. After a chance to freshen up and settle in you will be able to take a walk to the nearby Hiran river, herping along the way. This will give you the chance to spot various riparian herp species including Indian flapshell turtles, Indian softshell turtles and mugger crocodiles. After a spot of lunch you will be taken on a trek in the buffer zone of the National Park and visit the local mugger crocodile breeding facility. Species found in the area include Indian chameleon, common Indian monitor, striped keelback, checkered keelback, and the big four medically important venomous snake species.
- Accommodation: Sinh Sadan Guest House
- Basis: Full Board
Asiatic Lions, Birds and Herpetofauna
Today you will be taken on a safari in the National Park buffer zone in search of the rare Asiatic lion and numerous other species of mammal and bird including leopard, striped hyena, Indian wolf, Indian fox, jackal, wild boar, hanuman langur, jungle cat, honey badger, sambar deer, tawny eagle, changeable hawk-eagle, crested serpent eagle, and eagle owl. You will also have the chance to look for herps along the way.
- Accommodation: Sinh Sadan Guest House
- Basis: Full Board
Herping in Sasan
Today you will another chance to go herping in the buffer zone of Gir National Park, or maybe just relax at the guest house should you choose.
- Accommodation: Sinh Sadan Guest House
- Basis: Full Board
Transfer to Ahmedabad
Today you will be transferred to your hotel in Ahmedabad where you will have the chance to relax and freshen up before your flight home tomorrow.
- Accommodation: Fortune Landmark
- Basis: Full Board
You will be transferred to Ahmedabad Airport in time to catch your flight back home(flights not included in price).
What's Included
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Ground transportation with an English speaking driver/guide
- Park or reserve entry fees
- Game drives /activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Registered Guides
- Trekking permit
- Information Kit
- Taxes
What's Excluded
- Gratuities and Tips
- Visas and Insurance
- Vaccinations
- Optional activities (if any)
- Souvenirs
- All items of personal nature
Moderate - Requires a spirit of adventure and some degree of fitness, as the trip might consist of many activities or long journeys. These adventures involve walking, trekking, hiking, cycling, rafting, sea kayaking, or driving for long hours, at times for up to six to eight hours a day at a steady pace. The maximum altitude is 3000m, so it requires you to be reasonably physically fit. The trips are usually 6 to 12 days in duration.
The ‘Only Tigers’, a 11 day itinerary, is a perfect example of this activity level as it involves long journeys for up to eight hours a day and a bit of walking. Also, ‘Around Spitsbergen - Kvitøya and Beyond ’, a 10 day itinerary is another example of this trip activity level.
You should be reasonably fit because you will be travelling in extreme weather conditions.
Other Activity Levels
Basic - Designed for travellers who enjoy the outdoors, are in good health, and want an interesting yet relaxing wildlife experience. These trips
may involve walking, trekking, hiking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking at a very slow pace. Certain trips involve safari drives for a maximum of
five hours a day. Most of these trips are usually a week long in duration.
The ‘Classic Yala Tour’, ‘Kenya Luxury’ and ‘Luxury in Botswana’ itineraries are the best examples of this activity level as you’ll have a relaxed
holiday. These trips are mostly about culture and sightseeing. There will be exploring on foot and safaris drives involved as well. Most travellers
will find themselves comfortable with the basic activity level trips.
High - Fitness is vital at this level, as the environment traversed may be remote and challenging. These rugged experiences include long walks, trekking, cycling or rafting in isolated areas through variable weather conditions for up to eight to ten hours a day. These trips are usually 13 to 19 days in duration.
The ‘Ultimate Nepal Trekker’, is a good example of this trip activity level as it involves hiking and trekking for up to eight hours a day. Maximum altitude will be 4000m and you need to be very fit in order to withstand the weather conditions. Also, ‘Kilimanjaro Trek- Rongai route’ is another example that applies to this this activity level. Good physical condition is essential and previous hill-walking experience or preparation is advisable.
Advanced - At this level, PlanetWildlife recommends previous experience of the activity involved. These are our most challenging and advanced expeditions. They include long walks, cycling, trekking, hiking or rafting in variable weather conditions for more than ten hours a day. These trips may often be over 3 weeks in duration.
The ‘South Atlantic Odyssey’, a 31-day itinerary, is a perfect example of this trip activity level as it involves sailing for long hours in extreme weather conditions. Also, the ‘Snow Leopard Experience’ itinerary is another example which best suits this activity level. Ascents and descents are over 1000m at altitudes up to 6000m and the climate can be rigorous and challenging. Excellent physical condition and previous mountain trekking experience or appropriate preparation is essential.
This trip can be tailor made to suit your travel dates and preferences. The itinerary is designed to give you an overview of what you can do in this destination as is only a recommendation. All aspects of the trip – such as accommodation, activities etc., can be altered as per your own requirements.
Please click the “Request your Quote” tab and give us the information and we will design this holiday specially for you.
Please click the “Request your Quote” tab and give us the information and we will design this holiday specially for you.
Request a quote
Please fill this form and we will get back to you with confirmation on availability and a link to checkout your order within 2 business days.
How to Book
Follow the simple steps below to book the holiday of a lifetime. You can book a tour place online, send us an email or contact us over the phone to make a booking.
Telephone
1-855-814-2298 , 0203-242-0533
To ensure that your query is dealt with in the fastest possible time, please contact the office that is nearest to the country of your residence. Our staff will assist you in making your booking.
Email
travel@planetwildlife.com
If you require any assistance with booking your holiday, you can call us or send an e-mail.
Our friendly staff will do their best to help you with any booking and travel-related queries that you may have.
