Of near misses and a Tiger

While some safaris are memorable for amazing sightings, some others remain in our memory for the sheer experience of the chase. One such memorable tracking happened in November 2021.

We were in the Kabini tiger reserve, and had started the morning safari in the beautiful winter mist. After sighting a tusker and a stripe-necked mongoose, we met a jeep which had heard a few animal calls. We chose not to wait for too long, and went ahead to sight a second tusker – but as luck would have it, by the time we came back the tiger had crossed the road.

We immediately followed the trail of the tiger, and this time we were met with very clear animal calls alerting us that the tiger was nearby. We chose a spot on the road we felt the tiger might appear, and waited. Suddenly, there was a call slightly ahead of us – and alas, by the time we reached the new spot the tiger had ‘just’ crossed over!

Not to be deterred, we again moved ahead, searching for a suitable spot – and waited. Again, more animal calls followed by a positive howling of a Langur monkey slightly ahead of us. Rushing ahead, this time we were on time to see the tiger cross over the third time – a fully grown male tiger we all fondly remember as TT Male from Kabini.

The sighting itself was momentary, as the tiger disappeared in a few seconds. But as in life, it was the journey which was exhilarating, rather than the destination.