Pench National Park Safari Permit Tips

1. Book Your Safari Permit in Advance

Pench National Park is a popular wildlife sighting spot that remains busy, especially from October to June. A specific number of gypsies are allowed to go inside the park in a day. The safari slots fill up quickly, especially for the core zones like Turia and Karmajhiri etc. So, booking a permit at least 2–3 months in advance is important so that you can get your preferred zone and preferred safari timing as per your schedule. Booking early also ensures last-minute disappointments of not getting one.

2. Online Booking is the Best Option

Booking your safari permit online is the easiest way. You can book through the penchsafari.com by following the easy online booking process. You just have to provide the details of your government-issued identity card to make a booking. Also, for online booking of a safari, you have to choose the zone, date, and time of the safari. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive an e-permit. Keep a printout or digital copy with you during your trip.

3. Carry the Correct ID Proof

When you make a booking for your safari, at that time you have to fill in information about your identity card, like (Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving License, PAN card, or Voter ID). It is important to keep the same identity card with you when you come for a safari inside the park. The name and ID details match exactly with the booking form. Even a small spelling mistake can cause issues, and your safari ride will be cancelled. So, double-check everything when you make a booking and bring along your identity card.

4. Choose the Right Safari Zone

Pench has core zones (like Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara, and many more) and buffer zones (like Rukhad, Khawasa, Telia, etc.).The core zones and buffer zones allow tourists to enjoy a ride inside the park. But all the zones offer unique experiences to guests and different types of sights. Choosing the right safari zone according to your preference is important. Just read the information about each zone and then make a booking for one that suits you most. After your permit is issued, making changes in the zones, time, or anything is not allowed.

Tip: If your first-choice zone is not available, consider nearby zones instead of skipping the safari altogether.

5. Age & Number Limits

A maximum of 6 people are allowed per gypsy (excluding the driver and guide). Children below 5 years are usually free, but must still be mentioned in the booking. Children above 5 are counted as full passengers, so you have to pay for their safari ride. If you're coming in a group larger than 6 people, you’ll need to book multiple gypsies. Each booking must be done separately for the group that wants to sit together.

For example: If you are 10 people, you should book 6 people in the first gypsy, and then book 4 people separately in another gypsy. Each group’s booking will have the names of the people who will sit together and get the permit accordingly. This way, your group will be properly divided, and everyone will have a valid safari permit.

6. Be On Time for Your Safari

It is important for every tourist to report to the entry gate at least 30 minutes before the safari begins. If you are late, even by a few minutes, you may lose your safari, and no refund will be given. So, arrive on time and keep your ID and permit ready for checking. Each and every ID and permit is thoroughly checked, so reaching early is necessary to avoid delays.

7. No Cancellations or Refunds

Once the safari permit is issued, it becomes non-refundable and non-transferable. It means that you cannot cancel the ride and ask for a refund. You can not make changes in the permit related to anything like passengers, date, timings, etc. Also, the identity card information is written on the permit, so giving your permit to someone else is not possible. Being 100% sure about your travel plans before booking the permit is important. Just double-check the dates, time, zone, etc, before making payment.

8. Choose Weekdays Over Weekends

It means that you should choose to make a booking for your safari on weekdays because the park experiences lower crowds, so you can enjoy the safari in peace. Also, the permits are easily available on weekdays than on weekends, and they also offer better chances of a peaceful animal sighting. Weekends and holidays usually attract larger crowds, which can disturb the peaceful safari experience of tourists.