Tips for big cat safaris

“Enjoy everything about the trip, don't be hooked up on seeing tigers, they are there and can be hard to find, and when the moment arrives it is magical!!! Pack less than you think (laundry service available), have old clothes for game drives can be really dusty in hotter months and you do get dust everywhere, have something to do for between game drives / evenings as resorts are quite isolated ... Embrace the experience, the locals, the wildlife, the sights and the train, you may be surprised…This was a great holiday, enjoying a group holiday for the first time, meeting folks from different walks of life, mixing with the local people, enjoying the sights of India, and finally the wildlife and achieving my dream of seeing wild Tigers .... Awesome !!” – Ian Harrison on a tiger tour in India

“Seeing a leopard drinking from a water hole as we were hurrying (within the speed limit!) to try and reach the exit from the Kruger before the gate closed caused us a big dilemma! Naturally we stopped to watch it and risked a fine at the gate which fortunately didn't occur; Coming across a magnificent male lion lying just 25 yards from us whilst on a night game drive who obliged us by roaring shortly after we stopped to watch him. Hearing a lion roar so close was a truly memorable experience.” – Lena Hughes on a wildlife safari in South Africa

“We went on this holiday in the hope of seeing a Tiger. Not only did we see one on the first day but had the privilege of seeing a total of ten tigers in three different National Parks. We actually followed a large male tiger along a track for more than half an hour while he sniffed and scent marked his way along. An experience never to forget.” – Peter Kemp on a tiger tour in India

“We spent nearly 50 hours watching interaction between several different cats including hunting and mating. Make sure you have good telescope, binoculars and camera lenses. Even if you don't see snow leopards, they are needed for the birdlife. Suggest getting a solar powered charger for electrical equipment – they don't weigh much and work really well. Have a care if you suffer from vertigo – you will be climbing up the side of mountains and walking along narrow trails in order to get good vantage points!” – Liz Cooke on a snow leopard tracking holiday in the Himalayas

“There were many (memorable moments) but it had to be finally seeing a Leopard in the wild...we were lucky and had wonderful views as an adult female came down to drink at a waterhole... It was a wonderful trip, providing many new sightings...The country was wonderful, and beautiful. The people very friendly. Our guides were very attentive. I would definitely recommend to any one to go to Sri Lanka.” – Chris Rose on a Sri Lanka wildlife and whales tour

“The walking safari was exhilarating. Just to be in and amongst the wildlife was brilliant. But the whole trip was fantastic from start to finish. Be prepared for long days bouncing around in a jeep. Its harder work than you think.” – Dawn Howarth on a Nepal tiger safari