I don't know where to start. Can Happy Hathi help me plan the perfect trip?
We believe the best trips begin with real conversations. Tell us how you want to feel, and we’ll help you move beyond the wishlist to something more thoughtful, personal, and refreshingly unique: often with special access or insider perks.
I’m not sure where to go, can you help me narrow down options?
We certainly can. In fact, that’s exactly what we are here for. Our experts know a lot about a lot of places – and they’ll help you narrow things down according to the type of trip you’d like to take, the time of the year you’d like to go, how you want to feel – before sharing the perfect experience for your needs!
FAQs
It’s simple — just fill out the enquiry form on our website or drop us a WhatsApp message. We usually respond within 24–48 hours.
Even for our most regular offerings, we like to speak with you before we start planning. There’s always that one detail that makes all the difference, and a good brief at the start saves time later.
We prefer WhatsApp — it’s quick, efficient, and makes the whole process smoother for everyone.
We work with a carefully chosen network of local experts, naturalists, historians, chefs, artists, conservationists, and boutique hospitality partners across regions. These are people we trust — many of whom we’ve known for years — and who bring deep knowledge, cultural context, and personal warmth to every journey.
Our collaborators are not just service providers; they’re storytellers, custodians of place, and often the highlight of the trip. Whether it’s a safari guide who’s tracked leopards for two decades or a chef reviving forgotten regional recipes; we partner with those who help us bring destinations alive — meaningfully and responsibly.
It’s this circle of trusted partners that allows us to deliver the kind of nuanced, high-quality experiences our travellers return for.
Just as no two travellers are the same, no two trips we plan are either. The journeys on our website are simply starting points — designed to spark ideas and show you what’s possible. Once we speak with you, we build your trip from scratch, based entirely on your interests, comfort, pace, and purpose.
So yes, everything can be customised!
When you’re after something truly memorable — not just another holiday — you need more than a booking engine. You need insight, access, and someone who understands what makes a journey exceptional. That’s where we come in.
We invest time you may not have, drawing from years of deep travel experience, on-ground relationships, and trusted partners to craft something that feels just right for you. Every recommendation is tried, tested, and vetted by our team — so you don’t have to worry about the unknown.
From the first conversation to your return flight, we’re right there with you — quietly managing every detail, smoothing out surprises, and making sure everything goes to plan (and often, better).
We don’t sell packages. We don’t follow templates. And we’re certainly not in the business of cookie-cutter tourism.
At Happy Hathi Expeditions, every trip is built from scratch — deeply personal, thoughtfully paced, and crafted with insight. We work with boutique properties, expert naturalists, historians, artists, and local communities to create experiences that are immersive, meaningful, and often impossible to find online.
We also take pride in telling you what not to do — based on season, crowd, or relevance — because your time matters, and so does the destination. Our strength lies in our ability to blend deep research, strong on-ground relationships, and years of travel wisdom into journeys that feel effortless for you — but are layered with thought.
That’s the Happy Hathi difference!
Absolutely — but for us, sustainability isn’t a separate pillar. It’s woven into how we plan, where we stay, and who we work with.
We prioritise locally-owned lodges, community-based initiatives, and partners who share our commitment to protecting landscapes, cultures, and livelihoods. Whether it’s supporting artisan collectives, choosing slow travel over speed, or reducing footprint through conscious choices, we aim to ensure your journey benefits the people and places you visit.
It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing it right — with care, empathy, and respect for the Earth and all who call it home.
Our strength lies in crafting journeys that bring nature, culture, and storytelling together. We specialise in:
Wildlife & Wilderness: Expert-led safaris, birding trails, and walking expeditions that bring you closer to rare species and wild spaces — always responsibly and with deep insight.
Culture & Community: Immersive experiences with artists, craftspeople, chefs, and indigenous communities that go beyond sightseeing and foster genuine connection.
History & Heritage: From ancient ruins to colonial legacies, we design routes that uncover the layered stories of a place — guided by historians, archaeologists, and local custodians of knowledge.
Our itineraries are never off-the-shelf. They’re designed to feel personal, purposeful, and often surprising — blending adventure, reflection, and discovery in equal measure.
In most cases — yes. And not just once. We revisit destinations regularly to stay updated on seasonal changes, new experiences, and shifts on the ground.
Whether it’s a safari zone, a remote village, or a newly opened boutique property, we believe in firsthand knowledge — not second-hand assumptions. When we recommend something, it’s because we’ve walked the trail, met the people, and felt the place ourselves.
And if there’s a destination we haven’t explored yet, we’ll be upfront — but you can be sure we’ll speak to the right people, ask the right questions, and build a journey that’s just as thoughtful.
We’re available 24/7 while you’re travelling. Whether it’s an emergency or just a quick check-in, you’ll always be able to reach someone from our team.
Before your departure, we’ll share a detailed contact sheet with local support numbers — including your guide, driver, and on-ground coordinator — along with direct access to a Happy Hathi team member.
But more importantly, we’re not just on standby — we’re in constant touch throughout your journey, quietly monitoring things behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. From delayed flights to surprise upgrades, we stay one step ahead so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Absolutely! A significant part of our work involves designing journeys for travellers from all over the world — across geographies, cultures, and nationalities.
Yes — just because it’s not listed doesn’t mean it’s off the table. If you have a destination in mind, tell us. We’ll explore whether it’s a place we know well or one we’re excited to research for you.
And if we feel it’s not the right fit for you or for us, we’ll say so. Because great trips start with the right intent, not just a pin on the map.
We’re not travel agents — we’re travel advisors. Our role is to simplify the complex, curate thoughtfully, and bring in the kind of access, insight, and quality that’s hard to find online.
Sometimes, guests who’ve always planned their own trips come to us for help with destinations that are remote, nuanced, or tricky to navigate. They often tell us afterward that we’ve changed the way they think about working with a service like ours — and if you browse through our reviews, you’ll find them saying exactly that.
For Travellers: We design custom journeys for individuals, couples, families, and groups of friends — whether it’s a safari, cultural immersion, celebration, or just time away together.
Group Departures: We also curate small, meaningful group departures led by experts, for those who prefer depth over ticking boxes.
For Corporates & Institutions: We craft immersive offsites, leadership retreats, CSR programs, and learning journeys for companies, NGOs, and educational institutions — blending strategy, insight, and experience.
Destination Management: As a trusted DMC, we support global partners with end-to-end ground operations, and through Curious Hathi, we deliver impactful student travel programs.
Our planning process includes a non-refundable fee of ₹5,000, which will be credited toward the total cost of your trip once it’s confirmed. For longer or more complex itineraries, or for larger groups, this fee may be higher.
We offer an initial discovery call at no charge to ensure we’re a good fit for one another. If we decide to move forward, the planning fee allows us to dedicate the time, resources, and insider expertise required to craft something exceptional. We specialise in creating thoughtfully curated, high-value journeys and may not be the right fit for travellers seeking budget-oriented options.
We’re happy to share a clear overview of what’s included in your trip and will provide as much cost-related information as possible. However, given the many moving parts involved — from accommodations and experiences to permits, transfers, taxes, and local logistics — we don’t typically provide a line-by-line cost breakdown of each component.
Our focus is on delivering a seamless, well-curated experience — and ensuring that every element is thoughtfully selected and managed within the overall budget we’ve discussed.
Yes, we do — in line with our cancellation policy. That said, since we offer trips of varying nature and complexity, cancellation terms can differ. Some elements may be non-refundable or subject to third-party policies.
We encourage you to review the terms shared at the time of booking, as these outline what you’ve signed up for. Our team will guide you through the process and ensure you’re informed of any applicable charges. We handle cancellations with transparency and fairness at every step.
A deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation — typically 50% of the total quoted cost. The remaining balance is usually due four weeks before your departure.
Exact payment timelines may vary based on the nature of your trip and will be clearly outlined in your booking confirmation.
Absolutely. We curate trips for solo travellers, couples, families, groups of friends, professional photographers, fixed departure groups, and corporate or institutional retreats. No matter who you are or how you like to travel, we tailor the experience to suit your needs.
Yes, we offer thoughtfully curated group departures to select destinations. These are led by expert hosts and designed for small, like-minded travellers. You can refer to our annual Trip Calendar, follow us on social media, or join our mailing list to stay updated.
Only if you choose to. If you approach us individually, your itinerary will be fully private and personalised — designed just for you. We do run a few fixed group departures each year, but those are clearly marked and entirely optional.
We’re happy to book your flights for you — both international and domestic, including regional hops and light aircraft transfers. Private charters can also be arranged. That said, if you prefer to book your own flights, that’s completely fine — we’ll still advise on the best routing and timings as part of the planning process.
While we don’t offer travel insurance directly, we strongly recommend it. Travel insurance can protect you against unforeseen events like cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and delays. We’ll be happy to connect you with our trusted insurance partners who specialise in comprehensive coverage for travellers.
We don’t handle visa applications in-house, but we can connect you with reliable visa specialists who assist many of our clients. We’ll also guide you on the documents or timelines you should keep in mind for your destination.
Yes, we can. Your comfort and well-being are important to us. Whether it’s dietary preferences, allergies, or medical needs, we’ll do our best to accommodate them — provided we’re informed in advance. The more we know, the better we can prepare.
Yes, absolutely. What you see on our website is just a glimpse of what we offer. Many of our trips are seasonal, specialist in nature, or designed for a very specific kind of traveller — which makes them hard to list in a fixed format.
We also customise extensively. No two journeys are ever the same, and we often build experiences around rare species, local festivals, or conservation-led access that isn’t openly advertised.
If you have something in mind — or even just a feeling — it’s always best to write to us. There’s often more possible than meets the eye.
Safaris are all about the details — the right gate, the right zone, the right guide. At HHE, we’re known for getting those details right. Our ground teams know every park intimately, and we handpick naturalists and drivers who elevate the experience.
The truth is: your guide can make or break your safari. With us, you’ll never be in uncertain hands — and our reviews reflect that. It’s one of the things our guests remember us for, and one of the things that sets us apart.
An HHE safari is immersive, thoughtful, and carefully designed. From the moment you enter the park, our focus is on helping you connect with the forest — its sounds, stories, and subtle details.
Yes, we plan intelligently to maximise meaningful wildlife sightings. But beyond big cats, we help you notice the small wonders — the changing light, a rustle in the grass, the call of a bird. It’s not just a drive; it’s a journey into the soul of the wild.
We feel a deep moral responsibility to conduct safaris with integrity, empathy, and respect — for the forest, its inhabitants, and our guests. This isn’t just policy. It’s personal.
Our safaris are led by knowledgeable guides who interpret, not just track. We avoid disruptive practices and work only with people who share our values. We believe responsible tourism is non-negotiable — and we feel very strongly about doing this the right way.
While we operate across all major tiger parks and manage large volumes, we’re not a tiger-chasing company. In fact, we’re known — and often recommended — for our work in lesser-known parks, places with little infrastructure, untamed beauty, and far fewer visitors.
We understand that seeing a tiger can be the highlight of a trip, and we do make every effort to facilitate that. But we also care how it happens — ethically, respectfully, and without losing sight of the bigger picture.
If you’re curious, we encourage you to browse our reviews. You’ll find many guests reflecting on this very difference — and how it shaped their safari experience.
After years in the field, we’ve learned that magic often lies off the beaten track. Lesser-known parks offer rare solitude, untamed beauty, and deeply personal encounters with nature — sometimes with just one or two vehicles in the entire zone.
These parks hold incredible secrets: rich biodiversity, remarkable species, and raw wilderness that rivals (and often surpasses) more popular reserves. They also need visibility, support, and tourism revenues to survive and thrive — and we’re proud to contribute to that.
With the right naturalists and a curious mindset, these places can offer some of the most enriching and unforgettable experiences in the wild.
Let’s take gorilla trekking. Most travellers head to Uganda or Rwanda, and a few to Virunga in the DRC. But very few know of Kahuzi-Biega National Park — home to Eastern Lowland Gorillas, larger than their mountain cousins. You can trek through swamps and dense forests with expert rangers and spend an entire day observing these gorillas — all at a fraction of the cost. The experience is quieter, more immersive, and your visit directly supports a park that needs visibility and funding to survive.
Or take Zimbabwe — one of our favourite examples. While it may not be the first name that comes to mind for a safari, it offers what we believe is the most humbling wildlife experience of all: a walking safari. Imagine standing on foot — not in a vehicle — quietly observing an elephant. You’re no longer a spectator. You’re part of the environment. You listen more. You feel more. The forest responds differently. It’s raw, powerful, and unlike anything else.
There are places like this all over the world — from the Kalahari Desert, where you might be the only vehicle for your duration of stay, to rainforest parks in Northeast India and Borneo still untouched by mass tourism.
These places aren’t about crowds or checklists. They’re about perspective, connection, and conservation.
Don’t follow the herd. Trust us — try something different.
The short answer: anytime. The longer answer: it depends on what you’re looking for.
Each season offers something unique. Some species are easier to spot in summer, while others are more active during cooler months. Birdlife changes, foliage shifts, and animal behaviour adapts with the seasons — especially in tiger reserves, where visibility, movement patterns, and zone access can vary greatly.
It’s also worth noting that seasonal dynamics are no longer as predictable as they once were. Climate shifts, tourism pressure, and forest management practices can all affect how a park feels in a given month.
The best thing to do? Talk to us. Once we understand what you’re hoping to see and how you like to travel, we’ll recommend the best time and place — tailored to your expectations, not just the calendar.
We’ll always share a clear overview of what’s included and help you understand where your investment is going. However, safari planning involves many moving parts — from park permits and guide fees to accommodation, transfers, meals, special access, and taxes.
Because of this complexity (and the fluid nature of park operations, refund structures, and on-ground logistics), it’s not always possible to break down every component line by line. Our focus is on transparency, value, and delivering a well-curated experience without compromising on quality or clarity.
No — unless you’re a regular patron and it’s a very special circumstance. We specialise in designing complete, end-to-end journeys, not isolated safari bookings.
This approach ensures consistency, quality, and better value — and allows us to offer you preferential rates through our long-standing relationships with lodges and partners. We’ve found that the best experiences happen when we can plan the trip as a whole, not in parts.
Some parks offer the option of full-day safaris, where you’re allowed to stay inside the forest from dawn to dusk — unlike regular safaris that are limited to morning or afternoon slots.
These experiences can be incredibly rewarding: fewer vehicles, flexible zone access (with certain caveats), and the ability to witness wildlife at different times of day, without the pressure of the clock. Many of our guests love them for the deeper immersion they offer.
That said, rules, prices, and availability vary across parks and change frequently. If you’re interested, the best thing to do is reach out to us directly — and we’ll guide you based on the destination, season, and what kind of experience you’re after.
