Gir Forest Safari: Asiatic Lions, Wildlife Sightings, Tribal Life, and Breathtaking Sunset Views in Sasan Gir

After an unforgettable first safari in Gir Forest two days ago, where I saw a majestic lioness calling out to her adorable cubs, I didn’t think my experience could get any better. Watching her with her two cubs, resembling little Simbas, had been magical—they were playful yet regal, and that first glimpse of a lioness in her natural habitat felt like a dream come true. But little did I know, my second safari would bring me even closer to the wilderness of Gir.

Yesterday evening, we set off for our final safari. Once again, the hotel arranged everything, and I was thrilled to find Yusuf, our driver from the first safari, waiting for us. By now, he knew I wanted to take in the entire forest experience and didn’t mind stopping for bird sightings or taking in the stunning landscapes. With Yusuf’s patience and our forest guide’s deep knowledge, this safari was set to be another unique journey.

Our guide shared fascinating stories of the tribes in Gir Forest, including the Maaldharis and Siddis. The Maaldharis, pastoralists who raise cattle, coexist peacefully with the lions, maintaining an unspoken understanding with the wildlife around them. The Siddis, originally from East Africa, have lived here for centuries, adding vibrancy to the area with their unique culture and traditional Dhamal dance. These stories of coexistence with nature added depth to my appreciation of Gir—it’s a place where not only wildlife but also ancient human communities thrive in harmony.

Our safari route, Route 8, is known for its excellent wildlife sightings and passes by the Kamleshwar Dam, one of Gir’s primary water sources. As we drove along the forested road, we spotted a host of wildlife. We saw male spotted deer, their antlers gleaming in the evening light, and female sambar deer grazing quietly. Birds were abundant too—a common kingfisher darted by, its colors vivid against the green backdrop, and flocks of bee-eaters and the elusive Asian paradise flycatcher flitted gracefully from branch to branch. Each sighting added to the richness of the experience, reminding me that Gir is a haven not just for lions but for a stunning array of wildlife.

Driving along the dam, with the forest stretching out on one side and the wide, calm waters on the other, was a sight to behold. As we reached the dam, Yusuf suggested we wait. He had a tip that a lion was resting nearby after a hunt, and he believed patience would reward us with a sighting.

And so, we waited, letting the other jeeps move ahead, enjoying the peace of the forest and the gentle lapping of the water at the dam’s edge. After a while, we crossed the dam and headed toward the area where the hunt had occurred. The unmistakable call of crows filled the air—nature’s signal that a predator was close. And then, in a burst of excitement, we spotted a group of tourists pointing animatedly, one shouting “Tiger! Tiger!” His enthusiasm was contagious, even if he’d mistaken a lion for a tiger. It reminded me how a new experience can ignite that childlike wonder within us.

Then, we saw her—a lioness, though she was far off, moving gracefully away from us, half-hidden by the trees and bushes. The other jeeps started to leave, but Yusuf didn’t budge. He was certain the lion would return. Reversing the jeep about 500 meters, he parked and told us to be ready. It was as if he knew that the moment we’d been waiting for was just around the corner.

And then, from the depths of the forest, he emerged—the king of Gir. A massive, battle-scarred lion, he stepped out onto the path, each step exuding power and authority. His left eye was clouded white, and his face bore deep scars, giving him an almost mythical appearance. His dark mane framed his face, and he looked every bit the ruler of this wild kingdom. My hands trembled as I reached for my camera, feeling a rush of awe and respect.

The lion crossed the road in front of us, and then, to our astonishment, he sat down near our jeep, just a few meters away. It was as if he was granting us permission to witness his majesty up close. I could hear his breaths, see the slightest movement in his muscles as he sat regally, his gaze steady and commanding. I raised my camera, feeling the weight of each click as I tried to capture this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. He looked like a creature from another world, a legendary figure who belonged solely to the wild.

On our way back, the warmth of the sunset filled the jeep, and I reflected on how grateful I was for this experience. This trip to Gir Forest gave me more than I ever expected: breathtaking wildlife encounters, stories of a rich tribal culture, and the rare privilege of seeing the king of the forest up close. We returned to the hotel, where our final dinner featured Kadaknath chicken with rotla. It was a meal that felt like a celebration of everything I had experienced, a satisfying end to an unforgettable day.

Gir Forest has left me with memories I’ll carry forever: the thrill of seeing a full lion family, the beauty of the sunset as we left, and the sense of harmony that pervades this land. I’m immensely thankful to my friend and her family for bringing me here, to Zaid and the hotel staff for their hospitality, and most especially to Yusuf, whose patience and skill made this journey truly extraordinary.