Feb 21: Jeeps, camels and tigers

Another safari at 6.30 am - a very cold ride.  Yesterday we were in Zone 6, this morning it's Zone 7.  And this afternoons safari is Zone 6 again.  Assignment of zones is by lottery so we have no choice in the matter.  Ludicrous and impractical because our hotel is close to zones 3 and 4 and we passed loads of jeeps coming from the other side of town to get to those.  It's a good half hours drive between the two.  Hellishly bumpy roads and passing through the old town with its market place, narrow roads, dust and local congested traffic - not to mention cows, pigs, horse or camel  drawn carts.  Very very interesting but wearing on the bones and nerves!

We later learned that everyone in India that has been to Rathembore will know the Zones.  They will ask did you see a tiger?  Which Zone did you see it in?  

We always see plenty of deer, and a few antelope.

The scenery is stunning at times: vistas usually to be found at the end of a hair raising steep rocky incline.

But it's the sighting of the elusive tiger that is the point of the whole exercise.  Often we would park near a tigers rotting kill waiting for him/her to return for a snack.  The smell is revolting!

Then all of a sudden the tiger will slowly emerge from the scrubby bush for the meal.  One moment we are sitting quietly then suddenly it's bedlam as jeeps and trucks fire up their engines to jostle and dash and bash through the bushes for the best view. 

We need to hang on for dear life, struggle to breath through the dust, duck and weave to avoid being scratched by thorny bushes.

 The drivers and guides are well aware that if their passengers get a good photo, then the'll receive a good tip at the end of the day!  You like? I am good driver!  We are clever, you like?

It's exhilarating!