Chitwan: The jeep safari services operated inside the Chitwan National Park (CNP) are set to be suspended from June 29 due to the monsoon season. The suspension is a routine measure as it becomes challenging for vehicles to navigate the park during the rainy season.
According to National News Agency Nepal, CNP closes the jungle safari annually during the monsoon period. The safari services typically resume around mid-September with the onset of festivals, but this can be delayed if the monsoon extends longer than usual. Avinash Thapamagar, the CNP Information Officer, stated that the safari will reopen once the roads, which are often damaged by the rain, are repaired.
Despite the suspension inside the main park, jeep safaris will continue in the community forest areas within the park’s buffer zone. Additionally, other tourist activities such as trekking and visits to the crocodile breeding center will proceed without interruption.
Dr. Ganesh Pant, the CNP Chief Conservation Officer, noted that it is common practice to close jungle safaris in parks worldwide for a few months each year. This measure is intended to minimize disturbances to wildlife and ease their living conditions during the challenging monsoon period.
During the monsoon, the park faces challenges such as flooding, swollen rivers, fallen trees, and muddy roads, which make it difficult for both vehicles and animals to traverse. The dense growth of grass and shrubs also reduces visibility of the wildlife. Currently, 32 jeeps operate from the Sauraha area, with additional services from Kasara, Meghauli, and Amaltari, providing jungle safaris to tourists.