Discover Our Story: Saccharum Safari Lodge

About Us at Saccharum Safari Lodge

The lodge is run by a team of hospitality professionals who have trained at some of India's & Africa's top Wilderness lodges. The business places a strong emphasis on guest experiences while conserving wildlife habitats.

Our team has spent several years rewilding the private forest, managing the grasslands and the perennial small lake, to create an exclusive wild haven. Numerous small mammals, scores of birds and butterflies can now be spotted, especially when relaxing by the pool. The Head Chef crafts menus celebrating local flavours, experimenting with dishes appealing to domestic and international palates alike.

Saccharum Safari experience is built for the discerning nature lover, for those seeking to rejuvenate & immerse their senses in the sights, sounds and fragrances of a Sal Forest.

Entrance to the Reception at Saccharum Safari Lodge, Kanha Tiger Reserve 3

Our Journey & Philosophy

The Saccharum Safari Lodge is a labour of love as much as it is a business. Exceptional guest experiences, warm hospitality, conservation & sustainable practices are some of the key dictums that guide all decisions.

An Immense amount of work has been put into the rolling acres of forest that make the property. To begin with, mounds of trash were cleared. The land was overgrazed and denuded, lantana and other weeds had the run of the place, stymieing the growth of indigenous grasses and shrubs. Large swathes of existing concrete pathways and other unnecessary concrete structures were removed to allow the ground to rejuvenate.

Invasive species of plants and bushes were cleared to create a habitat with a good balance of grasslands and tree thickets. The small seasonal stream needed reviving. Along with cleaning the stream bed, the banks were bolstered with stones, rocks and logs to stop soil erosion. Small natural check dams were built and now ensure moisture and pools of water even in the drier months. The lodge has undergone constant upgrades in the last few years, to transform it into an idyllic jungle dwelling. Harsh & bright outdoor lighting was replaced with low lighting closer to the ground, so as not to disrupt the circadian rhythm of roosting birds, monkeys and other tree-dwelling creatures like civets and squirrels.

Staff at entry

Our Staff at Saccharum Safari Lodge

Lodge staff comprise over 96% of locals who have been trained to provide a world-class experience. The team driving the business are wilderness hospitality experts, who value and curate authentic and immersive experiences with a low impact on the environment.

About Kanha Tiger Reserve

Located on the Maikal Hills of the Satpura Range, Kanha boasts hills and valleys adding to the mystique of the region. 850 species of trees, plants and grasses dominated by the stately towering Sal trees are recorded in the park. The vast grassy meadows support a healthy herbivore population. The most eye-catching among these grasses is the Saccharum spontaenum locally called Kans. This tall grass with white flowers is among the favourites of the Barasingha, feeding on grasses only. It is a mixed deciduous forest, however, on account of the heavy rainfall each monsoon and the Sal trees, it appears green year round.

The state of Madhya Pradesh is both a Tiger & a leopard state of the country and both these predators are found in healthy numbers here. The mascot of Kanha however, is the Barasingha – the hard-ground swamp deer with males sporting 12 or more tines on their antlers.

Langurs, Sambar, spotted deer, Gaur- the largest cattle in the world, barking deer, jackals and wild pigs are some of the commonly seen animals here. The park also has Sloth bears, Ruddy mongoose, Indian pangolins, Giant squirrels, foxes, porcupines, hyenas, jungle cats, hare, monkeys, mongoose, python and many more. The thick foliage, grasslands, bamboo thickets and various water bodies support birds of varied habitat. Over 300 bird species can be seen here, with winter months hosting the migratory birds all the way from Central Asia.

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Sustainability at Saccharum

Tourism in Tiger reserves is dependent on wildlife sightings. Wildlife can only thrive if habitats are preserved. Both, the wildlife, and the wilderness cannot be protected in isolation from the communities that have lived in and around them for centuries. Therefore, for real and lasting conservation to happen, all three must be looked after simultaneously. An understanding of this aspect has led the lodge team to place the sanctity of the wilderness and wildlife at the heart of all operations.

The ethics of sustainable Tourism are echoed in the composition of our team. Over 95% of our staff are locals, skilled to provide a world-class service.

Outside mudhouse 3

Some of our sustainable tourism initiatives are:
1. Responsible Waste Management.
2. Rain water harvesting and ground water recharging
3. Employing over 95% local staff.
4. No Single Use plastic. Substitute for plastic bottled water.
5. Maintaining of grasslands and removal of invasive plant species.
6. No noise/light pollution. No loud music or harsh lights outside the rooms or guest areas.
7. Using local produce and local resources to reduce cut carbon footprint

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