Wildlife travel is expensive — but what exactly are we paying for? And why does the experience feel so different in India compared to places like Kruger or Yellowstone? In this episode of F-stopping by the woods, Sumit and I break down the real costs of wildlife photography and travel, comparing Indian tiger reserves with national parks in Africa and the US. We talk about the structure of wildlife tourism in India, how rules shape the experience, why gatekeeping mindsets exist, and what all this means for travellers and photographers. This is not a rant. It’s an honest conversation between two wildlife photographers who grew up travelling in India and now explore destinations abroad. If you’ve ever wondered whether a safari in India gives you the same value as a trip to Africa, or why rules here feel different, this episode will give you a lot to think about.

🟤 TL;DR — What we discuss • The true cost breakdown of wildlife travel — permits, stays, gear fees, and more. • Why Indian safaris cost almost as much as African safaris, and what they offer for the costs. • How rules and gatekeeping shape the travel experience in Indian parks vs the service mindset abroad. • Historical roots of how tourism evolved in India — from colonial forestry to modern-day wildlife tourism. • Examples from Kruger, Yellowstone, Botswana, and Indian tiger reserves to show how structure affects experience. • How photographers can rethink their approach — including looking beyond just tiger safaris. • Why non-safari wildlife experiences in India can sometimes offer richer opportunities for photographers. • How rules around access, phones, camera fees, and zoning impact wildlife photography and travel planning.