Iain Gibson embarked on a week-long safari across Panna, Sanjay Dubri, and Bandhavgarh, documenting thrilling encounters with tigers, leopards, sloth bears, rare birds, wild elephants, and dramatic river landscapes that deepened his connection with India’s wild forests and enriched his appreciation of nature.

Report By: Mr. Sudhir Sharma

My Safari Diary: A Wild Week Across Panna, Sanjay Dubri & Bandhavgarh (April 23–29, 2025)

  • Guest Name: Iain Gibson
  • Tour Guide: Manish Sharma
  • Panna Guide: Manoj Dewedi
  • Bandhavgarh Guide: Ayodhya Yadav

I just came back from a week in the forests of Madhya Pradesh – and I still can’t believe everything I saw. From leopards and tigers to rare birds, sloth bears, and even wild elephants, this trip gave me memories I’ll hold onto forever.

Here’s a day-by-day look at my safari adventure.

April 23 – Night Safari in Panna (Jinna Buffer Zone)

We kicked off the trip with a night safari in Panna Tiger Reserve. Driving through the forest in the dark was such a thrill. You can feel the forest come alive.

The first thing we spotted was an Asian Palm Civet — quick and quiet. Then, suddenly, a male leopard appeared on the path. What a start!

That night, we also saw a fox, hyena, sambhar deer, a few jungle rabbits, and both male and female blue bulls (nilgai). Not bad for a first drive!

April 24 – River Views & Tigers

Morning Safari (Madla Zone)

We took a peaceful boat ride along the Ken River and saw a big crocodile resting on the bank. After that, it was all about the birds — hawk eagle, white-throated kingfisher, green bee-eaters, Indian roller, and even the beautiful Asian Paradise Flycatcher (MP’s state bird).

Afternoon Safari (Madla Zone)

This drive was pure magic. We saw Tigress Geeta across the river. Then, two tigers actually in the river — Tiger 663 (male) and P141 (a sub-adult). Watching them walk through the water was something else.

April 25 – Cubs, Peacocks & Vultures

Morning Safari (Madla Zone)

Right at sunrise, we saw a leopard walk into the trees. Soon after, the sky filled with vultures — including the massive Himalayan Griffon and Long-billed Indian Vulture.

Then, while boating again, we saw Tigress Geeta — this time with her two cubs! Seeing a tiger family together was one of the top moments of the trip.

Afternoon Safari (Madla Zone)

The birdwatching was amazing — painted stork, adjutant stork, black stork, and birds of prey like shikra and a crested hawk eagle. We also saw a blue bull antelope again.

April 26 – Goodbye Panna, Hello Sanjay Dubri

Morning Safari (Madla Zone)

Our last safari in Panna gave us one more leopard sighting, plus a pair of Brown Fish Owls, a male Indian Gazelle (the smallest antelope in Asia), and a crocodile in the river.

Afternoon Safari – Sanjay Dubri

We transferred to Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve and jumped straight into a safari. We saw a hawk eagle, and then came the highlight — a tigress (17) three sub-adult cubs! They looked strong and healthy.

April 27 – First Roars from Bandhavgarh

Morning Safari (Magadhi Zone)

We started strong with sightings of Indian Gaur, jackals, and Tigress Badbada (Daughty’s daughter).

Then, we saw a leopard, and just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we found Tigress Sundari walking with Tiger Jobi — an amazing pair!

Afternoon Safari (Tala Zone)

This drive gave us more big animals — Indian Gaur again, and two wild elephants. We also spotted birds like the green bee-eater, serpent eagle, and a king vulture.

April 28 – Bajrang, Birds & Bears

Morning Safari (Tala Zone)

This morning, we saw the massive Tiger Bajrang – calm and majestic. Then, a dancing peacock, a ruddy mongoose, and some jackals came into view.

Bird sightings were a treat — pond heron, rocket-tailed drongo, golden oriole, paradise flycatcher, black-headed munia, grey hornbill, and red junglefowl.

Afternoon Safari (Khitauli Zone)

This drive was packed. First, birds: crested hawk eagle, adjutant stork, and woolly-necked stork. Then, the big one — three sloth bears, all in one sighting!

To top it off, we saw Kateebah (female tiger) with her sub-adult daughter. Powerful and graceful.

April 29 – A Perfect Farewell

Morning Safari (Khitauli Zone)

Our last safari started slow but finished strong. We saw birds like the grey hornbill, white-throated kingfisher, and the bright yellow-footed green pigeon. Then came the stars — Tiger D1, Tigress R, and the small but beautiful Black-naped Monarch.

Wildlife Count – What a Week!

  • Tigers: 12 adults + 2 cubs (all photographed)
  • Leopards: 4 (all photographed)
  • Sloth Bears: 3 (all photographed)
  • Wild Elephants: 2

Final Thoughts

This trip gave me so much more than I expected. I saw big cats in their element, watched birds I didn’t even know existed, and felt the wild in a way you can’t explain until you’re there. It wasn’t just about the sightings. It was about being quiet, watching the forest breathe, and feeling lucky just to be a small part of it, even for a week.

If you ever get the chance, go. The jungle is full of surprises, and some of them will stay with you forever.