Most of what goes wrong on a safari is a packing problem. Guests arrive in January in a light jacket and spend the first hour too cold to enjoy anything. Or they turn up without original ID and cannot pass the gate.
This is the list we give our own guests in Ramnagar.
On this page
Quick answer
Winter (November to February): layers. A fleece or jacket you can remove, because the first hour is cold and the last hour is warm.
Summer (March to June): light cotton, a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Carry more water than you think you need.
All year: original photo ID for every passenger. Without it you will not board.
Clothing by season
| Season | Conditions | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Nov – Feb | Cold, misty mornings; mild by mid-morning | Thermal or fleece layer, jacket, full trousers, closed shoes, gloves and a cap for early starts |
| Spring Mar – Apr | Pleasant mornings, warm afternoons | Light long sleeves, trousers, a thin layer for the first hour |
| Summer May – Jun | Hot, dusty, strong sun | Loose cotton, full sleeves against sun and dust, cap, sunglasses |
Full sleeves and trousers are worth wearing even in summer. They protect against sun, dust and insects, and the tracks throw up a lot of dust behind a moving jeep.
Colours to wear
Stick to olive, khaki, brown, grey and muted green. These blend into the forest and do not draw attention.
Avoid bright colours, white and black. Bright shades are visible from a distance and can make wildlife wary; white shows every bit of dust within minutes. Camouflage-print clothing is also best avoided, as it is restricted in some protected areas in India.
Documents you must carry
This is the one that stops people at the gate. Every passenger needs original photo ID — Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID or driving licence. The details are printed onto the Forest Department permit and checked on entry. Photocopies and photos on a phone are not accepted.
Permits open 45 days before the safari date for Indian nationals and 90 days for foreign nationals. Foreign visitors should carry their passport. Full details are on our safari booking page.
Useful gear
- Binoculars. The single most useful item after warm clothing. Much of what you see is at distance.
- Camera with a zoom lens. Phone cameras struggle with distant wildlife.
- Water bottle. No stops inside the zone.
- Dust protection for camera gear in summer.
- Power bank. Cold drains phone batteries quickly on winter mornings.
- Small torch if you are staying inside the park at Dhikala.
What to leave behind
- Drones. Prohibited in the national park.
- Speakers or loud music. Disturbs wildlife and is not permitted.
- Single-use plastic. Littering inside the park is prohibited and heavily discouraged.
- Strong perfume. Unnecessary and counterproductive on a wildlife drive.
- Bright or reflective clothing. See above.
Not sure which season suits your trip? Our guide to the best time to visit Jim Corbett covers weather and sighting odds month by month.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear on a Jim Corbett safari?
Muted natural colours such as olive, khaki, brown or grey. Avoid bright colours and white, which stand out against the forest. In winter wear layers, because open jeeps are cold before sunrise and warm quickly afterwards.
What documents do I need for a Jim Corbett safari?
Original photo ID for every passenger: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID or driving licence. ID details are printed on the Forest Department permit and checked at the gate, so photocopies are not accepted.
Can I carry food inside the safari zone?
Carry water and keep it in your bag. Eating inside the park is discouraged and littering is prohibited. There are no stops during a three to four hour drive, so eat before you leave.
Are drones or loud speakers allowed in Jim Corbett?
No. Drones are prohibited in the national park, and playing music or making loud noise disturbs wildlife and is not permitted on safari.
More Jim Corbett Safari Guides
- Jeep vs Canter Safari: Which to Book
- Wildlife of Jim Corbett
- Birdwatching in Jim Corbett
- Wildlife Photography in Jim Corbett
Browse all our Jim Corbett travel guides and safari tips.
Plan your safari
Our team has run safaris out of Ramnagar for over 25 years. Tell us your dates and we will recommend the right zone, arrange Forest Department permits and handle the jeep and guide.
Check prices and book online, browse Corbett tour packages, or message our team for a free recommendation.
