Tiger Tops:Safari Lodges in Nepal
Nepal may be famous for the Himalayas, but the southern lowlands, with their lush green jungles, winding rivers, and hazy, pale pink sunsets, are equally enchanting. When I arrived at Tiger Tops in November 2018, I planned on reporting primarily on the outfitter’s role as the first ethical elephant safari in the nation. A pioneer of responsible tourism in the region, I soon discovered this accolade extended to the company’s treatment of the local people as well as the South Asian wildlife. The old-school charm of a Tiger Tops safari, with its mosquito-netted lodging and sundowners along the riverbank, is rivaled only by the hospitality and dedication of its staff. And Tiger Tops is a tireless supporter of its community—providing extensive education programs for local schoolchildren, including Tiger Tops Swiss Air School near Tharu Lodge, operating a 24/7 health clinic for villagers, and sponsoring youth clubs and women’s groups in the region.