Gir National Park

The last remaining bastion of the Asiatic lion, Gir National Park is the only place in the world where these majestic big cats can be seen in their...

Gir National Park at a Glance

Location
Western Arid & Semi-Arid Lands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
21.129310, 70.761880
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 Gir National Park

Nearest airport: Dhule Airport (DHL), 413 km away.

Big Five in Gir National Park

2 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Gir National Park

The warmest temperatures in Gir National Park occur in May, averaging 30.0°C (up to 37.6°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 20.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 40.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.5°C (rainfall: 1.5mm)
  • February: 24.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • March: 27.1°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
  • April: 29.8°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • May: 30.0°C (rainfall: 31.2mm)
  • June: 28.1°C (rainfall: 156.1mm)
  • July: 25.8°C (rainfall: 446.2mm)
  • August: 25.2°C (rainfall: 276.9mm)
  • September: 25.6°C (rainfall: 272.1mm)
  • October: 26.6°C (rainfall: 52.9mm)
  • November: 25.2°C (rainfall: 7.6mm)
  • December: 22.1°C (rainfall: 8.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Gir National Park

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 20.53°C, rainfall 1.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 48.7%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.11°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 40.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.05°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 39.5%
  • April: Great, temperature 29.81°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 45.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 29.97°C, rainfall 31.2mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 61.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 28.07°C, rainfall 156.1mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 78.4%
  • July: Poor, temperature 25.81°C, rainfall 446.2mm, sunshine 5.9 hrs, humidity 90%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.23°C, rainfall 276.9mm, sunshine 7.2 hrs, humidity 89.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.61°C, rainfall 272.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.61°C, rainfall 52.9mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 66.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.23°C, rainfall 7.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 46.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 22.13°C, rainfall 8.3mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 51.5%

Wildlife in Gir National Park

Home to 76 recorded species including 34 waterbirds, 21 birds of prey, 11 iconic birds, 3 tropical birds, 3 big herbivores, 2 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Gir National Park

Based on average temperature of 25.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 62%.

  • 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

Safari Lodges in Gir National Park

6 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Arid & Semi-Arid Lands

Visitor Tips - Gir National Park

Gir is a truly special place, the last bastion of the magnificent Asiatic lion. We find the experience of spotting these regal predators, often in surprisingly dense scrub, utterly captivating and distinct from any African safari. The sense of witnessing a species' remarkable comeback in its final wild stronghold is profoundly moving.

Gate Times

We always advise booking your permits well in advance online; they sell out quickly, especially for the coveted early morning slots. Gir typically offers three safari shifts: morning (around 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM), mid-morning (around 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM), and afternoon (around 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM). These timings can vary slightly with the seasons and sunrise/sunset. Remember, the park is closed annually during the monsoon season, usually from mid-June to mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated in India. For your safari guide and driver, we recommend a combined tip of INR 500-1000 per vehicle per day, depending on the quality of sightings and their efforts. For lodge staff, a communal tip box is often available, and we find a pooled tip of INR 200-500 per guest per day works well, covering housekeepers, waiters, and other support staff. Always tip discreetly and with a genuine smile.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Gir National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Gir National Park for optimal Asiatic lion sightings and comfortable weather?

The ideal time to visit Gir National Park is during the cooler, dry months from December to March. During this period, the vegetation is less dense, making wildlife spotting easier, and the lions are more active. The park remains closed from mid-June to mid-October due to the monsoon season.

How do I book a safari at Gir National Park, and what should I expect from the experience?

Safari permits for Gir must be booked online well in advance through the the official Gujarat Forest Department website, as daily entry is limited. Upon arrival, you'll hire a mandatory jeep and guide at the park entrance, embarking on a roughly three-hour drive through designated zones, primarily focusing on tracking the Asiatic lions.

Given the moderate malaria risk, what specific precautions should I take when visiting Gir National Park?

While the malaria risk is moderate, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent, and ensure your accommodation has mosquito nets or air conditioning to minimize exposure, especially during dawn and dusk.

Besides the iconic Asiatic lion, what other unique wildlife can visitors hope to encounter in Gir National Park?

Beyond the majestic lions and leopards, Gir is home to several unique species like the rare four-horned antelope (Chowsingha), the Indian gazelle (Chinkara), and marsh crocodiles in its rivers. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting over 300 species, including various raptors and migratory birds.

What are the typical costs and duration for a safari experience at Gir National Park?

A single safari typically lasts around three hours. The costs involve a permit fee (which varies for Indian and foreign nationals), a mandatory jeep hire, and a guide fee, totaling approximately INR 4,000-7,000 per jeep for foreign nationals, depending on the season and specific charges. It's recommended to budget for multiple safaris to increase your chances of diverse sightings.

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.