Latest Update : For the upcoming season 2025/26, safari bookings are open for Gir National Park. Always book your safari in advance.
Travellers frequently underestimate how competitive Gir National Park safari bookings can be, especially between December and May. Entry into Sasan Gir National Park is strictly regulated through a limited permit system. Safari slots are capped, identity-locked, and released on a fixed schedule. Missing the booking window often means missing the safari altogether.
Home to the last surviving population of Asiatic lions, the Gir Lion Sanctuary in Gujarat operates under a controlled entry system to protect wildlife and regulate tourism pressure. The booking of online safari permits is mandatory, and understanding the system in advance dramatically improves your chances of securing a preferred date and zone.
This guide explains the Gir National Park safari booking process, safari types, permit rules, required documents, and expert strategies to secure your slot successfully.
For hassle-free safari booking at Gir National Park, call 9212553107 or fill out the enquiry form for quick assistance.
The Gir National Park online safari booking system is managed digitally through the official site. All core safari permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
During April and May, permits frequently sell out within minutes of release.
Step 1 - Create an Account
Register using your email ID and mobile number. Account verification is required before beginning the booking of online safari permits.
Step 3 - Enter Visitor Details
Provide:
Most entry denials occur due to incorrect ID numbers entered at this stage.
Step 5 - Download Permit
Download the Online Safari Booking Permit for Gir immediately. Carry a printed or high-resolution digital copy with a visible QR code.
Corrections after confirmation are rarely allowed.
Step 2 - Select Date, Zone & Safari Type
Choose:
Real-time availability is displayed. If a slot is unavailable, it cannot be reserved temporarily.
Step 4 - Make Payment
Payment is immediate and mandatory to confirm the booking. The total amount includes:
Selecting the right safari type directly affects your experience inside Sasan Gir National Park. Most first-time visitors assume both options are similar. They are not.
| Feature | Jeep Safari Booking | Canter Safari Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Open 4x4 jeep | Open-top minibus |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 6 passengers | 20-29 passengers |
| Privacy | Exclusive to your group | Shared with other visitors |
| Route Flexibility | Flexible within allotted zone (subject to guide instructions) | Fixed route |
| Wildlife Tracking | Higher adaptability based on animal movement | Limited route deviation |
| Ideal For | Wildlife photographers, couples, small families | Large groups, budget travellers, school trips |
| Noise Level | Quieter, more controlled | Louder due to group size |
| Sightings Probability | Higher adaptability in open forest zones | Consistent in Devalia Interpretation Zone |
| Cost Per Person | Higher (private vehicle) | Lower (shared experience) |
| Availability Pressure | Sells out faster | Usually easier to secure |
Recommendation : Devalia Interpretation Zone
The Devalia Interpretation Zone is a fenced area designed for assured sightings. It is especially recommended for:
While sightings are highly reliable here, it does not offer the same wilderness immersion as open forest jeep safaris.
Each safari zone offers slightly different terrain, wildlife density, and booking pressure. Many travellers assume all zones provide identical experiences. In reality, zone selection can influence the type of safari you experience.
| Zone Name | Terrain Type | Lion Movement | Crowd Level | Best For | Booking Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sasan Zone | Core forest, mixed dry deciduous woodland | High | High | Classic Gir safari experience | Very High |
| Devalia Interpretation Zone | Fenced habitat area | Very High (near-assured sightings) | Moderate | First-time visitors, families | Moderate |
| Kankai Zone | Open forest & water bodies | Consistent | Moderate | Balanced wildlife tracking | High |
| Jamwala Zone | Denser vegetation patches | Moderate to High | Moderate | Predator activity seekers | Moderate |
| Dedakadi Zone | Less crowded stretches | Variable | Lower | Quieter safari experience | Lower |
| Sinh Sadan (Entry Point) | Booking & reporting center | Not a safari zone | High (reporting area) | Offline Safari Booking counter | N/A |
Your online safari booking permit for Gir is legally binding and governed by strict rules.
Insight: Entry denial most commonly occurs due to mismatched ID numbers entered during the booking of an online safari.
Documents Required for Gir Safari
Every visitor must carry valid identification.
The ID document selected during the Gir National Park online safari booking must be presented at the gate without exception.
Offline Safari Booking - Risk & Reality
Offline safari booking is available at the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge counter in Sasan Gir.
However:
Insight : Relying on offline quota during peak season is rarely successful.
Regular visitors and wildlife guides consistently recommend the following:
Insight : Travellers frequently assume availability will remain stable for weeks. It rarely does.
Summer (March to June)
Note: The park closes on 15 June.
Monsoon (July to September)
Winter (October to February)
Note : The park reopens on 16 October.
By Air
By Train
By Road
Insight : Arriving a day before your safari slot reduces the risk of delays.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gir
Get In TouchPermits open 90 days before the Gir safari booking date.
No sighting in open zones is guaranteed in Gir National Park. Devalia Interpretation Zone offers higher certainty.
While sightings are wild and unpredictable, Zones 1, 2, and 6 are historically high-activity areas. If your preferred zone is full, choose the Devalia Interpretation Zone for a 100% guaranteed sighting in a fenced environment.
Jeep safari booking offers flexibility and privacy. Canter safari booking suits larger groups and budget travellers.
Yes. A valid passport is mandatory and must match booking details.
Modifications are rarely permitted after confirmation. Errors may result in entry denial.
Only during low season and for travellers with flexible dates.
Gir National Park safari booking is not complicated, but it is competitive and rule-driven. Understanding the booking of online safari permits, choosing the right safari type, entering accurate ID details, and respecting permit rules ensures a smooth experience inside the only natural home of the Asiatic lion.
Travellers who prepare properly secure their slot. Those who delay often watch the calendar close before they do.
