Photo tour India: Leopard safari in Bera-Jawai (Rajasthan)

In the red and gold hills of Bera-Jawai, we discover a hidden wilderness paradise: Here, away from the crowds of tourists, Indian leopards roam the barren semi-desert. On this photo tour through India, we go on safari to Bera - a remote area in the Aravalli Mountains that is often described as one of India's best-kept wilderness secrets. The landscape is not a dense jungle, but is characterized by ancient granite rocks, dry hollows and golden grasslands. This offers ideal conditions for photographing rare cats of prey in an undisturbed atmosphere: The leopards often rest listening on the rocks or roam through the bushes in the evening on the hunt. At the same time, a rich animal world lives here: sloth bears, hyenas and crocodiles share the wilderness with over 150 bird species. As nature and wildlife photographers, we enjoy an open safari experience where every jeep safari adventure seems like a new story carved in stone.

Highlights of the trip

• Leopard encounters: Bera is famous for the leopards moving freely and almost fearlessly. In this open terrain, sightings are frequent. Our experienced guides know exactly where and when the chances of photographing an Indian leopard are best - from the shadow of a rock face to the evening light.

• Rich fauna: in addition to the big cats, we discover sloth bears, rusty cats and even crocodiles at the Jawai Dam. Over 150 bird species congregate at the waterholes - perfect for impressive nature photography.

• Rabari culture: A visit to a village of the indigenous Rabari nomads provides an authentic insight into their lives. We learn how these shepherds have lived in harmony with nature for centuries - fascinating in combination with the leopard world around them.

• Atmospheric nights: away from the settlements, the starry sky shines more intensely than anywhere else. Evenings around the campfire at the lodge, surrounded by the silence of the desert, give every picture from our camera a special mood.

• Exclusive safaris: With a maximum of 6-8 guests per tour group, we enjoy comfortable jeep safaris with a very good time budget. Our nature guides ensure that we are able to take optimal photo positions at all times - whether shooting through branches or capturing the perfect light mood.

Workshop on camera trap photography in Bera

In the rocky surroundings around Bera Safari Lodge, we have the special opportunity to use camera traps to capture leopards and other nocturnal animals in their natural environment - up close and undisturbed.

I will show you how to set up camera traps correctly, which sensors are useful and how flash technology can be used inconspicuously. After an initial test phase, we'll make adjustments together and analyze the results - with a bit of luck, we'll succeed in taking spectacular night shots.

Possible species in front of the lens:

• Leopard
• Striped hyena
• Rusty cat
  Langurs
• Deer (Axis and Sambar deer)

The village of Bera

In addition to the legendary leopards, which are often visible on open rock in Bera, a surprisingly diverse animal world awaits us: striped hyenas, rusty cats, sloth bears and even marsh crocodiles are among the secret inhabitants of the landscape. The birdlife around the Jawai reservoir is also particularly impressive - with over 150 species, including owls, kingfishers, eagles and flamingos. This photo tour through India therefore not only offers big cat motifs, but also excellent opportunities for atmospheric landscape, bird and cultural photography.

What makes Bera unique is the peaceful coexistence of humans and leopards. There is hardly any other region in the world where large predators live so close to traditional villages - and largely without conflict. The Rabari herders accept the leopards as part of their environment without chasing them away or persecuting them. This unusual coexistence not only creates authentic cultural encounters, but also gives us a particularly close and respectful photographic insight into the lives of the animals. Bera thus symbolizes an alternative approach to wild animals - at eye level, respectful and sustainable.

Accommodation

Our base is the Bera Safari Lodge - a stylish boutique resort in the middle of the granite formations of Jawai. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the terrain, the lodge offers rustic charm with modern comfort: cozy cottages and a blazing campfire create a family atmosphere. Here we enjoy the silence of the desert to the sound of birdsong and peacocks calling, dine under an endless canopy of stars and discuss our experiences in the evening. The location of the lodge is exceptional: it lies in the middle of the most important leopard territories in Rajasthan, giving us exclusive access to photo spots. At the same time, we honor the culture of the local Rabari people by respectfully contributing to their daily lives. Every stay here blends adventure and comfort into an authentic nature experience - we truly live the wilderness rather than just visiting it.

We pay attention to sustainable travel organization and work closely with local conservation projects to protect leopard habitats. Join us in the wilderness of Bera and experience India off the beaten tourist track - in its most pristine form, just you, the camera and untouched nature!

Prices:

• 4,900 € per person in a double room

• Single room supplement: 1.900 €

Terms of payment:

• 25% non-refundable deposit upon booking or 120 days prior to departure (whichever comes first)

• 120 days before the start of the trip, we determine whether the trip will actually take place (i.e. whether the minimum number of participants has been reached)

• Remaining amount (75%) at the latest 60 days before departure

In India, safari bookings are only released by the national park authorities four months before the planned travel date. Your booking is registered directly in your name and is tied to you. If you cancel the trip later, the authorities will retain the entire entrance fees for the national parks - regardless of the costs for accommodation or meals. Unfortunately, these amounts cannot be refunded or transferred to other people, even if someone else wants to take your place.

We also need to book as soon as possible, as there are only a few jeeps on the road in Satpura and otherwise all safaris are fully booked.

In short: If you make a binding booking and then cancel the trip, neither you nor we can get back the park entrance fees you have already paid.

On this nine-day safari through India, we travel from Delhi to the remote Bera Jawai region in Rajasthan. Six nights in the comfortable Bera Safari Lodge, two game drives a day in search of leopards, a visit to the Rabari herdsmen and a morning excursion to the Jawai reservoir await us. The tour ends with a relaxed return to Delhi and dinner together.

Included in the tour price:

• Transfers & tour guide: Private airport transfer in Delhi as well as all domestic flights (Delhi-Udaipur-Delhi, economy) and road trips in India. We are always accompanied by local drivers and German-speaking tour guides/nature photographers.

• Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel mentioned in Delhi (breakfast) and 6 nights at Bera Safari Lodge (full board).

• Meals: Full board during the lodge stays, with local specialties. In Delhi only breakfast is included.

• Safaris & Programs: All game drives (morning and afternoon safaris) in an open jeep according to the program. Additional activities (bird watching at the Jawai reservoir, visit to Rabari village) are included.

• Entrance fees & charges: Entrance fees to game reserves and national parks, all local transportation fees and all local taxes.

Not included in the tour price:

• International arrival and departure to/from Delhi and applicable airport taxes.

• Visa fees (Indian tourist visa application).

• Travel and health insurance, baggage insurance, etc. (we strongly recommend taking out insurance before the start of your trip).

• Drinks and personal expenses (drinks at meals, hotel minibar, laundry, internet, telephone).

• Tips for drivers, guides, lodge staff and other services.

• All other services that are not expressly listed as included.