Fresh from Karnataka's Kabini Backwaters; a photographic report!

[Galana]

@@Galana - Tigress by a bus stop? Do fill us in on that story?

I don't want to hijack your excellent post but every word is true. If the moderator permits I will do a 'mini report'.

I think Janzin may have heard it already!

Edited April 18, 2016 by Galana

[madaboutcheetah]

@@Galana - please do- would love to hear more! Thanks in advance!!!

[elefromoz]

@@madaboutcheetah, thanks for all the "insider info" in #21. Very useful stuff, appreciate it.

[madaboutcheetah]

No worries - as an alternate; if the lodge etc etc., is more important than the drives - I recommend the Bison. Atleast, it has a bush vibe to it and their owner Shaaz Jung is passionate about photography and nature. A pity - they mostly get the canters (when JLR is busy).

 

My personal opinion, the game drive experience is more important for the random 2-3 nights I go there and can deal with lodge at JLR.

 

AVOID the Serai and Orange County even if your travel agent markets it to you - it's a large Disneyland ish resort ................. KAAV is a new property, that I've only heard of - but, they look good from what i've read. No personal experience so can't comment ...... It's inconsequential anyways, if they are unable to get a jeep for their guests.

 

One thing I can assure you - there would never be a Tiger Circus that can happen in the popular Tiger parks..........

Edited April 19, 2016 by madaboutcheetah

[Galana]

@@Galana - Tigress by a bus stop? Do fill us in on that story?

 

OK. Here is the link. http://safaritalk.net/topic/16249-theres-a-tiger-at-the-bus-stop/

[madaboutcheetah]

Another weekend in Kabini ........ Pictures to come .......... In brief, Green season was no different from dry season - an awesome Leopard sighting; Tiger cubs; general game in plenty ......... What more can you ask! Was nervous because I had to take friends visiting me from California - glad it worked out!!!

[Galana]

<What more can you ask!?>

That the pictures come quickly before the anticipation kills us.

[madaboutcheetah]

Here goes ......... Here's Kabini in the monsoon!!! Black Panther remains elusive to me - that's why i need to return!!!

[Galana]

Spotted Cats and Spotted Doves. Nice mix.

That young tiger look a bit thin or is the angle?

Thanks for sharing. So when is the next visit?

[madaboutcheetah]

@@Galana - looks like a hungry cub. One of three - the other two were hiding in the thickets..... Mum was presumably out hunting. We heard some alarm calls in the vicinity - but, no luck.

[michael-ibk]

Great stuff, Hari, thanks for posting. How much time did you spend there?

[madaboutcheetah]

Hi Michael - 5 game drives. Missed the final one as we wanted to get back home early in the day.

[Atravelynn]

Even with no black panther, it was a splendid 5 drives!

[jeremie]

Did you feel wildlife was more widespread and difficult to spot, especially tigers, during monsoon compared to dry season?

Your pictures are wonderfull!

I will have a look to Kabini Jungle lodge

[madaboutcheetah]

@@jeremie - I follow updates from the JLR guides on facebook - it seems to be consistently good even during the monsoon.

 

Personally, when we were there end July - the Tiger with sub adults was just too far when we spotted them first up in the morning - so, not much we could do on that day! A case of good luck/ bad luck. They've had consistent sightings through the monsoon though.

 

I will be back in the winter! will report back ........ Thanks for your kind comments!

 

PS - had friends stay at KAAV recently - they loved it!!

Edited September 16, 2016 by madaboutcheetah

[madaboutcheetah]

Update - went upto KAAV for the weekend!

 

Kabini is rocking at the moment - Finally got hold of the elusive BLACK PANTHER .......

 

and oh! Tigers too ..........

[kittykat23uk]

Photo on Facebook is amazing! I might have to put Kabini on my list for next time I visit India!

[madaboutcheetah]

Here's a couple from the weekend ...... More to come when i get to the editing....

[Galana]

One word! Terrific. Baggie lives! Especially like the one of both pelages together.

[janzin]

I came over here to see if you posted these larger than you did on Facebook Just unbelievable!! Fantastic stuff, and I'm happy for you (and oh so jealous )

 

I might have to go to Kabini! But..on the other hand...how many tries did it take until you finally saw it?

 

Can't wait to see more.

[wilddog]

So pleased you managed to find and photograph the black leopard. Superb

[SafariChick]

@@madaboutcheetah SO awesome!!! Love the photos large!! Am jealous but happy for you :-)

[madaboutcheetah]

Thanks a lot.....

 

@@janzin - you've got to try and take your chance. You will still see something or the other ...... This being a male at roughly 5 years in age, I don't think we have too many opportunities left to find him. I recommend 4-5 nights. He is a stunner!!!!

 

While I have many attempts this year, I've only put in 2 night visits as I'm using longer trips for elsewhere so don't have too much time.

[Kitsafari]

Photo on Facebook is amazing! I might have to put Kabini on my list for next time I visit India!

 

me too....

 

@@madaboutcheetah - does kabini get very crowded like the other popular parks?

[madaboutcheetah]

@@Kitsafari - There are zone restrictions .......... 6 vehicles max in a zone at any given time.

 

Expect all 6 at a Black Panther sighting .......... but, totally worth it. It's once in a lifetime!!! Most unique experiences aren't without crowds, correct? - for instance, there can be upto perhaps 30 people on foot in Mana Pools during busy times at a dog sighting - but, again so totally unique and awesome!!!

 

FYI - I can still vouch that this is a private experience compared to the "crossings" in the Mara or even the Northern Serengeti.

Edited October 31, 2016 by madaboutcheetah