Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Why Indian Safaris Focus on Tigers While Africa Offers More
Safaris let people watch wild animals from vehicles.
In India, many visitors hope most of all to see a tiger.
Indrajit Ghorpade says this can lead many vehicles to gather around a tiger.
He says that may be stressful for the animal and can take attention away from other wildlife.
African safaris can happen in protected areas and on privately managed land.
They can feature many kinds of animals, not just the famous Big Five.
India also has many different animals and landscapes to show visitors.
Ghorpade says tourism should include more of them.
He also says wildlife populations and habitats need attention so ecosystems can thrive.
Indian safaris mainly take place in government-managed protected areas, while African safaris can also operate on privately managed concessions.
Wildlife photographer Indrajit Ghorpade says Indian safari tourism is heavily focused on finding tigers.
He says tiger sightings can draw many vehicles, potentially crowding and stressing the animal.
African wildlife tourism is associated with the Big Five but also includes many other species and experiences.
Ghorpade urges India to develop tourism around more species, habitats and ecosystems, alongside efforts to restore wildlife populations.
- Who
- Wildlife photographer Indrajit Ghorpade discusses Indian and African safari tourism.
- What
- The article compares safari tourism models and argues that India should broaden its focus beyond tigers.
- Where
- India and Africa, with the Masai Mara in Kenya cited as an example.
- Why
- Ghorpade says a strong focus on tiger sightings can crowd the animals and leave other species and ecosystems underrepresented.
- Indian safari management
- Safaris take place in protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, primarily managed by state governments and forest departments.
- African safari model
- Safaris can operate in protected areas and privately managed concessions.
- India's sought-after species
- Ghorpade says the tiger is the most sought-after species in Indian wildlife tourism.
- Crowding concern
- Ghorpade says vehicles may gather around a tiger after sightings are shared by phone or walkie-talkie.
- African Big Five
- Lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo.
- Other Indian wildlife examples
- The article mentions lions, birds and wolves in Gujarat, and growing interest in snow leopards and wolves.
- Suggested direction
- Ghorpade calls for wildlife tourism across more species, habitats and landscapes, alongside restoring populations and wild spaces.