We are visiting the animals home and it’s important to be mindful of that.
Leave Nothing But Your Footprint: In Search of a True Wildlife Experience on a Tiger Safari with Pugdundee”
Review of Pugdundee Safari- Pench and Denwa Backwater Escape
During my four-day stay at the Denwa Backwater Tiger Reserve in January, I had an unforgettable experience. The Pugdundee Safari Lodge exceeded expectations, offering breathtaking views of the river. The lodge was beautifully designed, and the restaurant delivered exceptional cuisine that truly impressed. What stood out most was the staff—warm, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to guest satisfaction and, most importantly, the conservation of wildlife.
As a solo traveler, I was disappointed that meals could not be taken in my room or on my verandah. However, I accept that this policy was implemented to avoid encouraging the feeding of wildlife by humans.
The tiger reserve itself is government-managed, meaning that all visitors must use official vehicles. These are gypsies—uncomfortable jeeps—accompanied by both a driver and a game ranger in addition to the trained naturalist provided by Pugdundee. Typically, two safaris are conducted daily: one early in the morning and another in the afternoon. Each safari assigns different drivers and guides, which contributes to high tipping costs. Some of the guides, however, were less than ideal—more interested in chatting amongst themselves or with guides from other vehicles than engaging with the guests or focusing on the safari.
This was not my first safari, but it was my first time in an Indian reserve in over 40 years. I was curious by the naturalist’s explanations regarding “alarm calls”—distress signals made by animals like monkeys or deer when predators such as tigers or leopards are nearby. However, I was taken aback by the chaotic scramble of vehicles that ensued whenever an alarm call was heard. Jeeps revved noisily as they raced to the scene, often resulting in a cluster of vehicles surrounding the animals. At one point, when we spotted a tiger, no fewer than 11 vehicles crowded the road, creating a scene of loud excitement that detracted from the serenity of the moment I have no idea what impact that has on these beautiful animals.
I’ve always believed that a safari should be a patient, quiet experience—spending hours in peaceful observation, with moments of thrilling excitement punctuating the stillness. Unfortunately, this felt more like an amusement park, with vehicles vying for position rather than respecting the animals’ space. I requested my driver to maintain a slow pace, and this allowed us to observe the jungle in a far more tranquil and rewarding way.
Despite these challenges, I commend Pugdundee for their efforts to balance guest experiences with the vital work of wildlife conservation. They are certainly navigating a difficult landscape, striving to instill a sense of respect and quiet within the government-run park. All in all, my time in the reserve was a remarkable experience, and Pugdundee did everything in their power to make my visit memorable.
Thank you Pugdundee for your hospitality. I also visited Pench prior to this trip, and it was another unforgettable experience—equally magnificent and highly recommended