SAFARIS

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[ OVERVIEW ]

Whether by jeep, camel, horse, or country boat, the safari unfolds as a journey for the curious traveler—revealing hidden landscapes, subtle beauty, and unexpected encounters.

Along the way, untold stories emerge in passing moments: a fleeting glimpse of wildlife, a conversation with a local guide, or a quiet stretch of untouched terrain. Each experience builds toward something reflective rather than defined.

The day ends simply—with a shared drink, the fading light over the landscape, and the quiet satisfaction of discovery settling in.

BIRD WATCHING

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The Indian subcontinent is remarkably rich in birdlife, with over 1,200 recorded species across its diverse habitats and climatic zones. Birdwatching here becomes more than observation—it is a way to understand the wider natural world.

The region’s extraordinary variety of species, many of them large and vividly plumaged, makes every encounter a discovery. Requiring little more than binoculars and a keen eye, birdwatching offers an enriching journey into nature, blending learning with the quiet thrill of exploration.

  • It moved silently but surely, through quiet, banks, trees and bushes, hoping to be inconspicuous. At the edge of the forest clearing, or near a fruiting tree, sat the most delightful Hornbill. Dressed in subdued colors, walking slowly, the bird watchers captured some amazing sights.

    The Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary near Agra boasts of being one of the finest heronries in the world with rich aquatic plant and animal life in the freshwater shallow marsh along with its resident and migratory birds. It is nominated by the United Nations as a World Heritage site.

    IBEX uses trained ornithologists to guide you in spotting brilliant and unusual species in North India in the Himalayas, Rajasthan, and in the lakes and reservoirs in Karnataka in South India or even Orissa on the East coast of India.

    Birding tours are tailor-made upon request and both geographical locations and time can be fitted to individual requirements. Naturally, nearby cities and cultural sights are woven in.

    Salim Ali’s books have a wealth of knowledge of areas and species and work as a wonderful guide. ‘Indian Hill Birds’, by Salim Ali, `Birds of India’ by Martin Woodcock and `Birds of India’ by Bikram Grewal are worth consulting and using as pocket guides.

    We are Members of the most respected ornithology club of India – Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

CAMEL SAFARIS

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A camel safari across the tawny sands of the Great Indian Thar Desert is a rare and rewarding experience, carrying travellers along ancient caravan routes that once connected distant lands. Along the way, the journey reveals the splendour of Rajputana — from exquisite frescoes and intricate paintings to the remarkable Hindu architecture of its forts and palaces, each echoing a rich and enduring heritage.

  • You meet cameleers dressed in traditional desert garb, their camels mounted with tasseled saddles and hand-woven blankets. The gently undulating landscape is starkly beautiful, broken only by the simple villages of nomadic and pastoral tribes. You cover about 10 miles per day (you may ride, walk or even sit on a camel cart), camping each night under clear desert
    skies.

    The atmosphere recreated is of the ancient caravan journeys with music, dance and food. The itineraries for riding the Thar on a camel can be woven around the colorful desert festivals.

    Ibex Expeditions provides camels and all transport by bus/jeep accompanied by guides, cooks and kitchen and camp equipment. The cameleers also accompany you, occasionally strumming their locally made musical instruments.

    Camel safaris can be done from the desert towns of Mandawa, Jodhpur, or the yellow sandstone town of Jaisalmer. The best time of the year for this adventure is in winter from November to March. During the safari, you stay in camps or in old Maharaja forts and havelis.skies. The atmosphere recreated is of the ancient caravan journeys with music, dance and food. The itineraries for riding the Thar on a camel can be woven around the colorful desert festivals.

    Ibex Expeditions provides camels and all transport by bus/jeep accompanied by guides, cooks and kitchen and camp equipment. The cameleers also accompany you, occasionally strumming their locally made musical instruments.

    Camel safaris can be done from the desert towns of Mandawa, Jodhpur, or the yellow sandstone town of Jaisalmer. The best time of the year for this adventure is in winter from November to March. During the safari, you stay in camps or in old Maharaja forts and havelis.

WILDLIFE SAFARIS

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Ibex offers the ultimate wildlife experience across India’s rich and diverse forests, national parks, and sanctuaries. Drawing on deep knowledge of parks and lodges—from heritage hunting lodges and deluxe eco-resorts to luxury safari camps—the journeys are designed to bring travellers closer to the rhythms of the wild.

The Ibex wildlife itineraries span Central India, from Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park, and Satpura National Park, to Ranthambhore National Park, and Jim Corbett National Park in the Himalayan foothills.

  • Days unfold alongside experienced naturalists, with early morning and late afternoon game drives in open jeeps, elephant-back excursions, forest walks, bamboo raft journeys, and occasionally boat safaris. Along the way, shared observations and expert interpretation reveal the extraordinary biodiversity of India’s forest ecosystems.

    In several protected areas, Ibex collaborates with NGOs such as the Ranthambhore Foundation, supporting initiatives that promote alternative livelihoods for local communities. By encouraging handicrafts, supporting local art, and contributing through conservation-driven partnerships, these efforts help reduce reliance on poaching and strengthen long-term wildlife protection—embodying the principles of responsible ecotourism.

    Ibex carefully selects the accommodation, the itinerary, the game park visits, to give you a memorable sighting from within India’s 1200 species of birds and 350 mammals within 59 National Parks and 372 sanctuaries. Lodges have their own significant character and one can choose from an array – The Hideaway in Corbett, Spice Village in Periyar, Sher Bagh, Khem Vilas, Dev Vilas at Ranthambhore, Chattrasagar in Nimaj, Singinawa in Kanha or the luxury camps of Aman I Khas or Vanya Vilas at Ranthambhore, and the & Beyond (Taj Safari) lodges such as Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh, Banjaar Tola in Kanha, Baghvan in Pench and Pashan Garh in Panna.

    In Search of the elusive & endangered Snow Leopard

    In the cold winter months of Ladakh, we provide you the unique and rare experience of finding the elusive and endangered Snow Leopard. Ladakh is a land like no other. With its team of Snow Leopard naturalist we will take you into one of the best Snow Leopard habitats in the hustling valley of the Hemis high altitude National Park. The park that extends 600 sq. km. Is named after the famous monastery, Hemis Gompa. It includes catchments of Markha, Sumdah and Rumbak and parts of the Zanskar Range. Hemis has in fact been identified as a snow leopard reserve under a project launched by the Central Government aimed at conserving the species, its pray base and its fragile mountainous home.

    To The Heart of India

    This unusual trip takes you to the heart of India – The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. You visit one of India’s finest national parks – Satpura.  Here game drives in jeeps or boats enthrall you as you view India’s rich natural legacy up-close. The park is the only one of its kind in Central India where you can traverse pristine tiger country on foot which we call “Satpura under the canvas”. Here you spend two days hiking through the forest while staying in an exclusive trekking campsite. You also visit Bhimbetka rock caves – a UNESCO world heritage site.

    You swap the wilderness for the countryside via a night in the capital city of the state – Bhopal.

    Next You visit Maheshwar which is steeped in and home to one of India’s finest handloom fabric traditions. Your base is the charming Ahilya fort, on the banks of the river Narmada.  Here you glimpse untouched rural India where time has stopped still.

JEEP SAFARIS

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An overland journey captures the very essence of high adventure, traversing spectacular routes through remote and once-restricted regions of the Himalaya. Many follow ancient caravan paths that wind through dramatic valleys shaped by time and tradition.

Across the Indian subcontinent, a range of remarkable journeys by jeep, car, or bus can be undertaken. Among the most popular is the route from Delhi to Manali and onward to Leh, experienced in true jeep-safari style. Other equally compelling routes pass through the lesser-known and rugged landscapes of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.

Throughout these journeys, the Ibex support team — including skilled cooks and dedicated staff — travels with complete camp and kitchen equipment, ensuring comfort, safety, and seamless expedition support in even the most remote regions.

  • Biking in the Indian Himalaya can be an activity-based holiday combined with the opportunity of absorbing the natural spectacular views at a leisurely pace.

    Your journey through interesting mountain villages and as you cycle through landscapes, you can witness mountain folk and their lifestyles, and feel the music of the mountains waft through.

    With over 5000 kms of metaled and unmetalled mountain road ranging in altitude from 400 to 5000 meters, a vast number of biking opportunities exist. From short day trips in the foothills to extended tours over the highest road passes in the world there are tours to suit any biker.

    For the mountain biker, the ultimate journey in India is on the Manali-Leh Highway.

    Ibex can provide Indian mountain bikes or if you are serious amateurs or professionals, you can bring your own from overseas. The tour has an Ibex vehicle following with staff, camp, safety and repair equipment. Cycling nights are spent in camps punctuated with hotel nights.

    Mountain Biking possibilities

    14 days – Manali to Leh over 3 passes: Delhi – Manali – over Rohtang Pas – Keylong – Baralachala – Lachungla, Pang, Rumtse – Thiksey – Leh – New Delhi

    21 days – Delhi to Kathmandu: Delhi – Kosi – Agra – Allahabad – Varanasi – Gorakhpur – Pokhara – Kathmandu

    21 days – Kulu Spiti Kinnaur traverse – Delhi – Manali – Rohtang – Batal – Kaza – Tabo – Pooh – Kalpa – Sarahan – Simla – Nalagarh – Delhi.

HORSE RIDING SAFARIS

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Ride through tiny villages, open stretches of sand, and the vibrant, rustic landscapes of Rajasthan, where every mile adds a deeper sense of history and place. Along the way, distant strains of folk music drift through the air, while encounters with tribal dances and oral folklore reveal the rich cultural legacy that continues to shape the spirit of the land.

This is a journey through living heritage—where desert horizons, village life, and centuries-old traditions come together to create an atmosphere that is both immersive and timeless.

  • The rich fertile belt at the foot of the Aravalli hills in the state of Rajasthan comprises several villages that were once ruled by the Rathore chieftains. The area is flanked at one end by the green hills and on the other has the higher peaks of Kumbhalgarh atop which is one of the great bastions, the Fort Kumbhalgarh.

    On horseback, we travel through these wonderful foothills, now a wildlife sanctuary dotted with lakes, temples, and monuments, including the famous marble Jain temples of Ranakpur.

    The horses are thoroughbreds from the stables of Mewar and are dresses in rich saddlery. Travelers on a horse safari would stay at heritage forts, castles and palaces and all meals are provided for. The journeys range from 4 to 7 days.

HOT AIR BALLOONING SAFARIS

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Hot air ballooning offers a uniquely serene way to experience landscapes from above, where silence, height, and slow movement transform familiar terrain into something almost dreamlike. As the balloon drifts with the wind, rivers, forests, deserts, and mountains unfold gently below in shifting light and shadow.

Unlike more conventional forms of flight, ballooning is unhurried and immersive—driven entirely by natural currents, creating a sense of calm suspension in the sky. Sunrise flights are especially evocative, as the first light reveals the contours of the land in soft, golden hues.

It is both peaceful and exhilarating: a quiet ascent into perspective, where distance and scale come together in a single, uninterrupted view.