Campbell Bay National Park

Campbell Bay National Park is a protected area in India.

Campbell Bay National Park at a Glance

Location
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
7.108789, 93.765710
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Campbell Bay National Park

Nearest airport: INS Baaz (VOBX), 20 km away.

Weather & Climate in Campbell Bay National Park

The warmest temperatures in Campbell Bay National Park occur in April, averaging 27.5°C (up to 30.2°C). The coolest conditions are in November at 25.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 90.1mm. Average humidity: 79.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.1°C (rainfall: 102.7mm)
  • February: 26.7°C (rainfall: 90.1mm)
  • March: 27.2°C (rainfall: 124.4mm)
  • April: 27.5°C (rainfall: 120.2mm)
  • May: 27.1°C (rainfall: 278.9mm)
  • June: 26.7°C (rainfall: 234.6mm)
  • July: 26.6°C (rainfall: 231.4mm)
  • August: 26.4°C (rainfall: 234.1mm)
  • September: 26.2°C (rainfall: 291.5mm)
  • October: 25.8°C (rainfall: 332.9mm)
  • November: 25.6°C (rainfall: 371.0mm)
  • December: 25.8°C (rainfall: 196.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Campbell Bay National Park

The best months to visit Campbell Bay National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.06°C, rainfall 102.7mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 81.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.67°C, rainfall 90.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 79.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.22°C, rainfall 124.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 79%
  • April: Great, temperature 27.48°C, rainfall 120.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 81.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 27.12°C, rainfall 278.9mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.73°C, rainfall 234.6mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 26.63°C, rainfall 231.4mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 26.4°C, rainfall 234.1mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 26.17°C, rainfall 291.5mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.77°C, rainfall 332.9mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 88%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.58°C, rainfall 371mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 88.7%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.79°C, rainfall 196.4mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 85.2%

Wildlife in Campbell Bay National Park

Home to 36 recorded species including 22 waterbirds, 6 birds of prey, 6 iconic birds, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Campbell Bay National Park

Based on average temperature of 26.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 84%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Campbell Bay National Park FAQs

How do I reach Campbell Bay National Park, and are there special permits required for visitors?

Reaching Campbell Bay involves flying to Port Blair, then taking a ferry or helicopter to Great Nicobar Island, which can be a multi-day journey. All visitors, including Indian nationals, require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter the Nicobar Islands, which must be obtained in advance from designated authorities. This ensures regulated access to this ecologically sensitive region.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see at Campbell Bay National Park, given its island location?

Campbell Bay National Park is renowned for its unique insular ecosystem, offering sightings of the Nicobar Megapode, a rare ground-nesting bird, and various endemic reptile and amphibian species. The surrounding marine environment also hosts diverse coral reefs and marine life, making it distinct from mainland Indian parks.

When is the best time to visit Campbell Bay National Park, and what activities are available beyond traditional safaris?

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from October to April, when the weather is pleasant for exploration and sea travel is calmer. Beyond wildlife viewing, visitors can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring the pristine beaches, offering a tranquil experience due to the park's low crowding level.

What kind of visitor experience should I expect at Campbell Bay National Park, and what are the accommodation options?

Expect a truly remote and immersive wilderness experience, characterized by untouched natural beauty and minimal tourist infrastructure due to its protected status and low crowding. Accommodation options are limited, primarily consisting of basic guesthouses or forest rest houses in Campbell Bay town, so advance booking is essential.

How does Campbell Bay National Park contribute to conservation, and what are the guidelines for responsible tourism?

As a protected area, the park plays a crucial role in conserving the unique biodiversity of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, including endemic flora and fauna. Visitors are expected to adhere strictly to park regulations, such as not littering, maintaining silence, and respecting wildlife, to minimize their ecological footprint in this fragile ecosystem.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.