Seeing a tiger in a children’s play like The Tiger Who Came to Tea is as easy as booking tickets at your local theatre and arriving on time for the show, but spotting one in the wild is much more challenging. These solitary creatures live in the forests and mangrove swamps of the Indian subcontinent and Asia, and encounters are only usually possible on a specialised tiger safari. If you’re lucky enough to go on one, here are some top tips for spotting this elusive creature. 

1. Choose the right time of year

Before booking onto your safari, be sure you’re heading out at the right time of year. The best months for tiger spotting in India are during the dry season, from October to June. Vegetation is less dense at this time of year, meaning you’ll have more chance of success. March to June are particularly hot months, when tigers like to be near water and can be more easily spotted. 

2. Choose the right time of day

Tigers are most active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, when they patrol their territories and hunt. An early morning or late afternoon safari will therefore offer the best opportunity to spot them. Luckily, most guided safaris are scheduled at times when seeing a tiger is most likely. 
 

3. Stay quiet

Wild animals are highly sensitive to unusual noises and sudden movements, so it’s important to be quiet when you’re on the safari. However exciting it gets, remember to whisper and make small movements that won’t disturb the creature you’re watching. 

4. Be patient

It’s unlikely you’ll spot a tiger as soon as you set off. Spotting wildlife means observing signs of their presence and then carefully looking for the creature itself - almost like a treasure hunt. You might see claw marks on trees or some poop, for example, before you find the tiger. What’s more, tigers are masters of camouflage, able to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. That’s why patience is super important when you’re trying to find them. 
 

5. Take the right equipment

A tiger isn’t simply going to show up and saunter right past your vehicle, so having equipment that will help you see one is essential. Take a set of good binoculars to help you search the surroundings for a flash of orange or a stealthy movement. 

6. Maximise your jungle time

All tiger safaris come with a gentle warning that you may not see a tiger at all. After all, these are wild animals with no idea that you’re there looking for them. With that in mind, you may need to maximise your time in their habitat in order to see one. If you don’t get lucky on the first tour, you can always book onto another. 

Join a tiger for tea

One sure way to interact with a friendly, fun tiger is by booking tickets to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which is currently touring the UK. This delightful children’s show is perfect for kids aged three and up, retelling Judith Kerr’s story with singing, dancing and clumsy chaos. It’s one of the best theatre shows for families, being just 55 minutes long with no interval - ideal for short attention spans. Book your tickets today and join the tea party!