how much does Gir Safari cost per person: If you are a wildlife enthusiast planning to explore India’s only home to the Asiatic lions, then Gir National Park in Gujarat should be on the top of your list. The most common question every traveler asks before visiting this incredible sanctuary is — “How much does Gir Safari cost per person?”
In this detailed travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Gir Safari prices, timings, zones, booking procedures, refund rules, and the overall experience of visiting the famous Sasan Gir National Park.
About Gir National Park
Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, India, is a vast natural paradise spread across 1,412 square kilometers. It is home to more than 600 Asiatic lions, making it the only place in the world where you can see these majestic animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.
The forest is not just about lions; it also shelters over 300 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, and 24 species of reptiles. With its unique landscape of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills, Gir offers one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in India.
Safari Timings and Zones
The Gir Safari is divided into different zones and timings to ensure a balanced flow of visitors and a comfortable experience for the wildlife.
Morning Safari Slots
- 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM – 50 Jeeps allowed
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – 50 Jeeps allowed
Evening Safari Slot
- 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM – 50 Jeeps allowed
Each safari lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and is conducted in open jeeps under the guidance of trained forest officials and local guides.
Booking is done online, and each time slot offers equal opportunities to witness lions and other wildlife species in their natural environment.
How Much Does Gir Safari Cost Per Person?
Now let’s talk about the most asked question — the Gir Safari cost.
The price per person varies depending on whether you are an Indian tourist or a foreign visitor, as well as how many people share the same jeep.
For Indian Tourists:
- The total cost per jeep starts around ₹6,000 (INR).
- Each jeep can accommodate up to 6 adults and 1 child.
- On average, if the jeep is full, the cost per person comes to roughly ₹1,000 – ₹1,200.
For Foreign Tourists:
- The total safari cost is approximately ₹16,500 (INR) per jeep.
- The same capacity rule applies — up to 6 people per jeep.
- Hence, the average cost per person comes to ₹2,750 – ₹3,000, depending on the group size.
Please note that these are approximate rates and can slightly vary based on the season, availability, and updated government policies.
What’s Included in the Safari Cost?
The safari charges are inclusive of several mandatory fees and services. When you book your Gir National Park Safari, the total package includes:
- Government permit fees
- Jeep rental charges
- Professional driver charges
- Guide or naturalist fees
- GST and service charges
- Optional pick-up and drop-off from your resort or hotel
- Camera charges (if applicable)
There are no hidden charges, but it’s always best to check the booking receipt for complete transparency.
Important Booking Rules and Requirements
Booking a safari at Gir is a structured and transparent process managed by the Forest Department of Gujarat. Every safari is officially registered and supervised for safety and ecological balance.
Here are some key rules and requirements for tourists:
- No private safari jeeps are allowed. All safaris are operated under the government’s supervision.
- ID proof is mandatory for every visitor. Acceptable documents include:
- Passport (for foreigners)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- The same ID proof must be shown at the park entry gate as used during online booking.
- Advance booking can be made up to 12 weeks before your visit.
- Each e-permit allows only 6 adults and 1 child.
- The entry route or zone cannot be chosen by the visitor — it is auto-assigned by forest authorities.
- Slight changes in timing or route may occur due to weather conditions or seasonal restrictions.
Gir Safari Online Booking Procedure
Booking your Gir Safari online is simple, fast, and recommended for all visitors — especially during peak tourist months (December to March).
Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the official Gir National Park website (authorized by Gujarat Forest Department).
- Choose your desired date and time slot (morning or evening).
- Enter details of all travelers, including name, age, and gender (as per ID proof).
- Upload or provide ID details (Aadhaar, passport, or voter card).
- Make the online payment using the secure portal.
- Once the booking is confirmed, you’ll receive an E-permit — print or keep it on your phone to show at the entry gate.
Foreign tourists must ensure that their passport details match exactly as entered during booking.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable, and plans can change. If you need to cancel your Sasan Gir Safari Booking, here’s how the refund process works:
- 15 days before the safari date: 75% refund
- 7 days before the safari date: 50% refund
- 2 days before the safari date: 25% refund
- Less than 48 hours before safari: No refund
All refunds are processed as per the official forest department’s policy.
Best Time to Visit Gir National Park
The best time to visit Gir is between December and March when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife activity is high.
However, if you are a wildlife photographer, the months of April and May are considered ideal because animals, especially lions, can be spotted more frequently near water sources.
Please note:
- The park remains closed from June 16 to October 15 every year due to the monsoon season.
- Online bookings reopen in mid-October for the new tourist season.
Wildlife You Can See at Gir
Gir National Park is much more than just the land of lions. During your safari, you can also encounter:
- Leopards
- Spotted Deer (Chital)
- Sambar Deer
- Blue Bull (Nilgai)
- Wild Boar
- Indian Gazelle (Chinkara)
- Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha)
Bird watchers can enjoy spotting species like crested serpent eagles, peacocks, partridges, owls, and woodpeckers.
It’s a paradise for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Also read: Van Vihar National Park: Madhya Pradesh’s Model for Wildlife Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Safety and Guidelines During the Safari
To make your visit safe and respectful towards nature, follow these basic safari rules:
- Always remain seated inside the jeep.
- Avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
- Do not feed animals or throw waste inside the park.
- Keep your mobile phones on silent mode.
- Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
- Wear earthy-colored clothes to blend with the forest surroundings.
These rules ensure a peaceful coexistence between visitors and the wildlife inside Gir.
Also read: New Permanent Elephant Camp at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Becomes a Major Attraction for Tourists
A Typical Gir Safari Experience
A day in Gir begins early with excitement in the air. As your jeep rolls into the forest, you’re surrounded by dry teak trees, chirping birds, and the rustle of the morning breeze.
The guides are experts at spotting fresh paw marks and distant roars. When you finally come face-to-face with the Asiatic lion, it’s a breathtaking moment that leaves every traveler speechless.
Beyond lions, you’ll also see herds of deer, peacocks dancing in open fields, and occasionally a leopard resting on a tree branch. Every safari in Gir feels like stepping into a live wildlife documentary.
Why Choose Gir Safari?
Among all wildlife destinations in India, Gir National Park offers something truly unique — the chance to see Asiatic lions up close.
The park’s professional guides, organized booking system, and sustainable tourism practices make it one of the safest and most rewarding wildlife experiences in the country.
Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, nature lover, or family traveler, Gir promises memories that last a lifetime.
Also read: Tadoba National Park: Explore India’s Premier Tiger Reserve
Conclusion
So, how much does Gir Safari cost per person?
To sum it up:
- For Indian tourists – around ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per person (in a full jeep)
- For foreign tourists – around ₹2,750 to ₹3,000 per person (in a full jeep)
These prices cover everything from permits to guides, ensuring a comfortable and safe wildlife adventure.
From the moment you enter the gates of Sasan Gir National Park, you step into a world where lions rule, nature thrives, and adventure awaits at every turn.
So don’t wait — plan your Gir Safari online booking today and experience the heart of Gujarat’s wild beauty!
