29 safari lodges
    Eastern Nepal Terai & Border Hills, Nepal
    Quiet
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    Nepal's only Ramsar site, Koshi Tappu is a crucial wetland reserve famous for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities, hosting over 500 species of migratory and resident birds. It's also home to the endangered wild water buffalo (Arna) and various other mammals, making it a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers.

    Best timeOctober to March (dry season) for Chitwan and Bardia tiger safaris.
    Species
    68
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    29
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The Indian Big 5

    1 of 5 found in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    Tiger
    Elephant
    Rhino
    Leopard
    Sloth Bear

    Recent sightings at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    Sign in to report

    68 species recorded in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve4 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    For the ultimate wildlife encounters in Nepal, we find the dry seasons from October to March offer the most rewarding experiences in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. During these months, the...

    January

    Now
    low

    Dry Season

    Expect crisp, clear days with cool to cold mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring, but pack warm layers.

    This is prime time for spotting rhinos and tigers in Chitwan and Bardia as vegetation is sparse. Birding is excellent with resident and migratory species present.

    We love the crisp air and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing in the Terai parks this month.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    February

    low

    Dry Season

    Days remain cool and clear, gradually warming up towards the end of the month. Mornings can still be quite chilly.

    Wildlife viewing remains superb, especially for large mammals like rhinos and tigers. The forests begin to show signs of spring.

    We recommend heading to Bardia for a more remote tiger-spotting experience before the heat arrives.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    March

    moderate

    Pre-Monsoon

    Temperatures start to rise significantly, especially in the Terai lowlands. Days become warm to hot, with increasing humidity.

    The landscape starts to green up. Rhinos and tigers are still relatively easy to spot before the dense foliage returns. Bird activity increases.

    We find March offers a great balance of warming weather and accessible wildlife before the peak season.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    April

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    This is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring in the Terai. Humidity is high, and dust can be an issue.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to find. Look for elephants in Chitwan. Snow leopard sightings are possible in the Himalayas.

    We advise early morning and late afternoon safaris to beat the heat, and we love the chance to see elephants in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Annapurna Conservation Area

    May

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    Still very hot and humid, with the possibility of pre-monsoon showers. The air can feel heavy.

    Waterholes remain key viewing spots. The forests are lush but can be dense. This is a good month for birding.

    We recommend staying in lodges with good cooling systems and enjoying the vibrant birdlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    June

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon rains begin, bringing relief from the heat but making some park areas inaccessible. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity.

    Vegetation becomes incredibly dense, making wildlife spotting challenging. However, rivers swell and the landscape is dramatically beautiful. Birding is excellent.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes and the incredible birding opportunities this month.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    July

    low

    Monsoon

    Heavy monsoon rains continue, particularly in the Terai. Roads can be muddy and impassable. Humidity remains high.

    Focus shifts to birdwatching and enjoying the lush greenery. Riverine species are more visible. Tiger sightings are rare due to dense cover.

    We suggest focusing on birding in Koshi Tappu or enjoying the dramatic scenery if visiting the Terai.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    August

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon starts to taper off, but intermittent heavy showers are still common. Humidity remains high.

    The landscape is at its greenest. As vegetation starts to thin slightly, wildlife becomes a little more visible. Birding is still fantastic.

    We find August offers a unique perspective on the parks, with fewer visitors and vibrant green scenery.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    September

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon

    Rains become less frequent, and the weather begins to clear. Days are warm, and humidity starts to decrease. The landscape is recovering.

    Wildlife viewing improves significantly as the vegetation dries and thins. Rhinos and tigers become easier to spot. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We recommend Bardia this month for its excellent chances of spotting tigers as the jungle opens up.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park

    October

    high

    Dry Season

    The weather is ideal, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity. Daytime is warm, and evenings are cool.

    This is peak season for wildlife viewing. Rhinos, tigers, and elephants are actively seen. Birding is superb with the arrival of winter migrants.

    We believe October is one of the best months for a safari in Nepal, with perfect weather and abundant wildlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    November

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail. Days are sunny and pleasant, while mornings and evenings are cold, especially in the Terai.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The dry conditions make spotting animals easier. This is a great time for birdwatching.

    We love the crisp mornings and the excellent visibility for spotting tigers and rhinos in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    December

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cold and dry weather characterizes this month. Mornings and nights are very cold, but daytime temperatures are often mild and sunny.

    Wildlife is concentrated around water sources. The sparse vegetation aids sightings of rhinos and tigers. Birding is excellent.

    We recommend packing plenty of warm clothing for early morning game drives, where rhino sightings are almost guaranteed.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Dry Season

    Expect crisp, clear days with cool to cold mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring, but pack warm layers.

    This is prime time for spotting rhinos and tigers in Chitwan and Bardia as vegetation is sparse. Birding is excellent with resident and migratory species present.

    We love the crisp air and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing in the Terai parks this month.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    February

    low

    Dry Season

    Days remain cool and clear, gradually warming up towards the end of the month. Mornings can still be quite chilly.

    Wildlife viewing remains superb, especially for large mammals like rhinos and tigers. The forests begin to show signs of spring.

    We recommend heading to Bardia for a more remote tiger-spotting experience before the heat arrives.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    March

    moderate

    Pre-Monsoon

    Temperatures start to rise significantly, especially in the Terai lowlands. Days become warm to hot, with increasing humidity.

    The landscape starts to green up. Rhinos and tigers are still relatively easy to spot before the dense foliage returns. Bird activity increases.

    We find March offers a great balance of warming weather and accessible wildlife before the peak season.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    April

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    This is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring in the Terai. Humidity is high, and dust can be an issue.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to find. Look for elephants in Chitwan. Snow leopard sightings are possible in the Himalayas.

    We advise early morning and late afternoon safaris to beat the heat, and we love the chance to see elephants in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Annapurna Conservation Area

    May

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    Still very hot and humid, with the possibility of pre-monsoon showers. The air can feel heavy.

    Waterholes remain key viewing spots. The forests are lush but can be dense. This is a good month for birding.

    We recommend staying in lodges with good cooling systems and enjoying the vibrant birdlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    June

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon rains begin, bringing relief from the heat but making some park areas inaccessible. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity.

    Vegetation becomes incredibly dense, making wildlife spotting challenging. However, rivers swell and the landscape is dramatically beautiful. Birding is excellent.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes and the incredible birding opportunities this month.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    July

    low

    Monsoon

    Heavy monsoon rains continue, particularly in the Terai. Roads can be muddy and impassable. Humidity remains high.

    Focus shifts to birdwatching and enjoying the lush greenery. Riverine species are more visible. Tiger sightings are rare due to dense cover.

    We suggest focusing on birding in Koshi Tappu or enjoying the dramatic scenery if visiting the Terai.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    August

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon starts to taper off, but intermittent heavy showers are still common. Humidity remains high.

    The landscape is at its greenest. As vegetation starts to thin slightly, wildlife becomes a little more visible. Birding is still fantastic.

    We find August offers a unique perspective on the parks, with fewer visitors and vibrant green scenery.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    September

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon

    Rains become less frequent, and the weather begins to clear. Days are warm, and humidity starts to decrease. The landscape is recovering.

    Wildlife viewing improves significantly as the vegetation dries and thins. Rhinos and tigers become easier to spot. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We recommend Bardia this month for its excellent chances of spotting tigers as the jungle opens up.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park

    October

    high

    Dry Season

    The weather is ideal, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity. Daytime is warm, and evenings are cool.

    This is peak season for wildlife viewing. Rhinos, tigers, and elephants are actively seen. Birding is superb with the arrival of winter migrants.

    We believe October is one of the best months for a safari in Nepal, with perfect weather and abundant wildlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    November

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail. Days are sunny and pleasant, while mornings and evenings are cold, especially in the Terai.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The dry conditions make spotting animals easier. This is a great time for birdwatching.

    We love the crisp mornings and the excellent visibility for spotting tigers and rhinos in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    December

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cold and dry weather characterizes this month. Mornings and nights are very cold, but daytime temperatures are often mild and sunny.

    Wildlife is concentrated around water sources. The sparse vegetation aids sightings of rhinos and tigers. Birding is excellent.

    We recommend packing plenty of warm clothing for early morning game drives, where rhino sightings are almost guaranteed.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Dry Season

    Expect crisp, clear days with cool to cold mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring, but pack warm layers.

    This is prime time for spotting rhinos and tigers in Chitwan and Bardia as vegetation is sparse. Birding is excellent with resident and migratory species present.

    We love the crisp air and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing in the Terai parks this month.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    February

    low

    Dry Season

    Days remain cool and clear, gradually warming up towards the end of the month. Mornings can still be quite chilly.

    Wildlife viewing remains superb, especially for large mammals like rhinos and tigers. The forests begin to show signs of spring.

    We recommend heading to Bardia for a more remote tiger-spotting experience before the heat arrives.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    March

    moderate

    Pre-Monsoon

    Temperatures start to rise significantly, especially in the Terai lowlands. Days become warm to hot, with increasing humidity.

    The landscape starts to green up. Rhinos and tigers are still relatively easy to spot before the dense foliage returns. Bird activity increases.

    We find March offers a great balance of warming weather and accessible wildlife before the peak season.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    April

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    This is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring in the Terai. Humidity is high, and dust can be an issue.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to find. Look for elephants in Chitwan. Snow leopard sightings are possible in the Himalayas.

    We advise early morning and late afternoon safaris to beat the heat, and we love the chance to see elephants in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Annapurna Conservation Area

    May

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    Still very hot and humid, with the possibility of pre-monsoon showers. The air can feel heavy.

    Waterholes remain key viewing spots. The forests are lush but can be dense. This is a good month for birding.

    We recommend staying in lodges with good cooling systems and enjoying the vibrant birdlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    June

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon rains begin, bringing relief from the heat but making some park areas inaccessible. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity.

    Vegetation becomes incredibly dense, making wildlife spotting challenging. However, rivers swell and the landscape is dramatically beautiful. Birding is excellent.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes and the incredible birding opportunities this month.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    July

    low

    Monsoon

    Heavy monsoon rains continue, particularly in the Terai. Roads can be muddy and impassable. Humidity remains high.

    Focus shifts to birdwatching and enjoying the lush greenery. Riverine species are more visible. Tiger sightings are rare due to dense cover.

    We suggest focusing on birding in Koshi Tappu or enjoying the dramatic scenery if visiting the Terai.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    August

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon starts to taper off, but intermittent heavy showers are still common. Humidity remains high.

    The landscape is at its greenest. As vegetation starts to thin slightly, wildlife becomes a little more visible. Birding is still fantastic.

    We find August offers a unique perspective on the parks, with fewer visitors and vibrant green scenery.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    September

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon

    Rains become less frequent, and the weather begins to clear. Days are warm, and humidity starts to decrease. The landscape is recovering.

    Wildlife viewing improves significantly as the vegetation dries and thins. Rhinos and tigers become easier to spot. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We recommend Bardia this month for its excellent chances of spotting tigers as the jungle opens up.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park

    October

    high

    Dry Season

    The weather is ideal, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity. Daytime is warm, and evenings are cool.

    This is peak season for wildlife viewing. Rhinos, tigers, and elephants are actively seen. Birding is superb with the arrival of winter migrants.

    We believe October is one of the best months for a safari in Nepal, with perfect weather and abundant wildlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    November

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail. Days are sunny and pleasant, while mornings and evenings are cold, especially in the Terai.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The dry conditions make spotting animals easier. This is a great time for birdwatching.

    We love the crisp mornings and the excellent visibility for spotting tigers and rhinos in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    December

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cold and dry weather characterizes this month. Mornings and nights are very cold, but daytime temperatures are often mild and sunny.

    Wildlife is concentrated around water sources. The sparse vegetation aids sightings of rhinos and tigers. Birding is excellent.

    We recommend packing plenty of warm clothing for early morning game drives, where rhino sightings are almost guaranteed.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park
    Planning & reference

    We love Koshi Tappu for its serene atmosphere and unparalleled birdwatching opportunities, a true hidden gem away from the more crowded safari circuits. The true magic lies in drifting along the Koshi River, spotting wild water buffalo and a kaleidoscope of migratory birds, offering a deeply immersive and peaceful wildlife experience.

    Gate Times

    We find that Koshi Tappu typically operates from sunrise to sunset, usually around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though these times can shift seasonally. We always recommend confirming exact hours with your lodge or guide, especially during the monsoon season when access might be limited due to water levels. A permit is required for entry, which is usually arranged by your tour operator or lodge in advance.

    Tipping

    Tipping is a thoughtful gesture for excellent service in Nepal. We suggest around USD 10-15 per person per day for your main guide, and USD 5-10 per person per day for camp staff, which can be pooled and given to the camp manager. For rangers encountered during specific activities, a smaller token of appreciation, perhaps USD 2-5, is appropriate. We prefer to tip in local currency, Nepalese Rupees, or crisp US Dollars.

    Dress Code

    We always pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colours like khaki, olive, or brown, as bright colours can startle wildlife. Layers are key; mornings can be cool on the river, while midday is often warm. For evening game drives and walks, we recommend long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against insects, especially given the moderate malaria risk. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are essential for exploring the reserve, and a wide-brimmed hat is a must for sun protection.

    Photography

    Koshi Tappu is a birdwatcher's paradise, so we recommend bringing a telephoto lens to capture the incredible avian diversity. We always advise against using flash photography at night, as it can disturb nocturnal animals. Drone usage is generally restricted and requires special permits, which are rarely granted for wildlife areas. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer sensational light for photography, especially over the wetlands, and patience is always rewarded with unique shots.

    Etiquette

    We always advise maintaining a quiet demeanour during game drives and walks to avoid disturbing wildlife. It is crucial to remain inside your vehicle unless instructed otherwise by your guide, for both your safety and the animals' well-being. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife. In camp, we encourage respectful quiet, especially in the evenings, allowing everyone to enjoy the sounds of the bush. We find that a mindful approach enhances the experience for all.

    What to Bring

    Binoculars
    Camera with telephoto lens
    Wide-brimmed hat
    High-SPF sunscreen
    Insect repellent with DEET
    Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers
    Comfortable walking shoes/sandals
    Small backpack for day trips
    Reusable water bottle
    Headlamp or small flashlight
    Power bank for electronics
    Personal first-aid kit including anti-malarials if prescribed

    Temperature

    15.05°C

    59°F · Range: 10.21–21.16°C

    Rainfall

    3.8 mm

    Dry season · 1 rainy days

    Humidity

    81.3%

    Sunshine

    9 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    2.78 m/s

    10.0 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Reviews