Sohelwa WLS

Sohelwa WLS is a protected area in Nepal.

Sohelwa WLS at a Glance

Location
Indian Terai Borderlands, Nepal, South Asia
Coordinates
27.741596, 82.336624
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (dry season) for Chitwan and Bardia tiger safaris.

Getting to Sohelwa WLS

Nearest airport: Sravasti Airfield, 40 km away.

Nearest international airport: गौतम बुद्ध विमानस्थल (BWA), 109 km away.

Big Five in Sohelwa WLS

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Sohelwa WLS

The warmest temperatures in Sohelwa WLS occur in June, averaging 29.8°C (up to 34.2°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 13.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in November with average rainfall of 2.5mm. Average humidity: 70.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 13.6°C (rainfall: 18.7mm)
  • February: 17.1°C (rainfall: 16.0mm)
  • March: 23.1°C (rainfall: 15.8mm)
  • April: 28.3°C (rainfall: 7.2mm)
  • May: 29.0°C (rainfall: 85.1mm)
  • June: 29.8°C (rainfall: 209.3mm)
  • July: 28.1°C (rainfall: 312.5mm)
  • August: 27.6°C (rainfall: 236.5mm)
  • September: 27.2°C (rainfall: 206.9mm)
  • October: 24.6°C (rainfall: 61.1mm)
  • November: 20.2°C (rainfall: 2.5mm)
  • December: 15.8°C (rainfall: 8.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Sohelwa WLS

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 13.56°C, rainfall 18.7mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 82%
  • February: Great, temperature 17.09°C, rainfall 16mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.1°C, rainfall 15.8mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 53.8%
  • April: Great, temperature 28.29°C, rainfall 7.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 36.8%
  • May: Great, temperature 28.96°C, rainfall 85.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 55.8%
  • June: Good, temperature 29.82°C, rainfall 209.3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 67.9%
  • July: Good, temperature 28.11°C, rainfall 312.5mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 83.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.6°C, rainfall 236.5mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 85.3%
  • September: Good, temperature 27.22°C, rainfall 206.9mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 83.9%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.57°C, rainfall 61.1mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 76.2%
  • November: Great, temperature 20.17°C, rainfall 2.5mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 15.75°C, rainfall 8.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 73.2%

Wildlife in Sohelwa WLS

Home to 43 recorded species including 16 waterbirds, 9 iconic birds, 8 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 2 predators, 1 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Sohelwa WLS

Based on average temperature of 23.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 70%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • 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 Sohelwa WLS

23 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Indian Terai Borderlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Nepal

Travel advisory for Nepal

Sohelwa WLS FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Sohelwa WLS for wildlife viewing, and what specific species might I encounter?

The dry season from October to March offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate near water sources and vegetation is sparser. Sohelwa WLS is known for its diverse birdlife, various deer species, and potential sightings of smaller predators like civets and jungle cats.

Given Sohelwa WLS's low crowding level (2/5), what kind of safari experience can I expect compared to more popular parks in Nepal?

You can anticipate a more intimate and tranquil safari experience at Sohelwa WLS, with fewer vehicles and visitors, allowing for undisturbed wildlife observation. This offers a unique opportunity for immersive nature photography and a deeper connection with the wilderness, away from the typical tourist rush.

What specific precautions should I take regarding malaria prevention when planning a trip to Sohelwa WLS, given its moderate risk level?

While the risk is moderate, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if available to minimize exposure.

How accessible is Sohelwa WLS, and what are the typical transportation and accommodation options available for visitors?

Sohelwa WLS is generally accessed via local transport from nearby towns, often requiring a jeep or private vehicle due to its protected status. Accommodation options are typically more rustic, ranging from community-run lodges to basic guesthouses outside the core area, which tend to be more budget-friendly than luxury resorts.

As an IUCN Category IV protected area, what does this designation mean for visitors, and how does it influence the park's activities?

The Category IV designation signifies that Sohelwa WLS is a Habitat/Species Management Area, meaning its primary focus is active intervention to manage habitats and species. Visitors can expect to see evidence of conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration projects or specific species monitoring, contributing to a deeper understanding of ecological management.

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.