Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is now officially open for cheetah safari experiences starting from 1st October 2025, making it India’s premier destination for viewing reintroduced wild cheetahs. This marks a significant achievement in the Project Cheetah initiative and offers a unique opportunity to witness these animals in their new habitat.

About Kuno national park

Kuno National Park is a wildlife haven in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, India, known for its strategic importance as a wildlife corridor. It was designated a national park in 2018 and has become famous for the reintroduction of cheetahs to India. 
 
Cheetah reintroduction and population

• Project Cheetah: This project began in September 2022, with the release of eight cheetahs from Namibia, marking the world's first inter-continental large carnivore translocation. Another 12 cheetahs from South Africa were released in February 2023.
• Population success: The program is considered a success, with a cub survival rate exceeding the global average. As of late September 2025, India has gained seven cheetahs compared to the initial number, with 27 total cheetahs (24 at Kuno and 3 at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary).
• Future plans: India is in negotiations with African countries like Botswana and Namibia to import another 8–10 cheetahs by December 2025 to strengthen the gene pool. 

Biodiversity

• Mammals: Besides cheetahs, the park is home to a variety of animals, including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, sambar deer, and Indian wolves.
• Birds: Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot numerous species, such as the Indian eagle owl, painted stork, and Indian roller.
• Flora: The vegetation consists of dry deciduous forests, mixed forests, and grasslands, featuring species like teak, salai, and bamboo. 

Safari Booking and Timings

• Cheetah safaris can be booked online either through the official Kuno National Park portal, specialized safari booking services, or associated accommodation providers.
• Required documents include ID proof for Indian nationals and passport details for international visitors.
• Booking is available up to 120 days in advance.
• Safaris are conducted twice daily: morning (approx. 6:00 AM–10:30 AM) and afternoon/evening (approx. 3:00 PM–7:00 PM), with minor variations by season.
• The park remains closed for visitors during the monsoon period (1st July to 30th September).

 Cheetah Viewing and Guidelines

• Guided jeep safaris increase the chance of cheetah sightings and also allow visitors to spot other wildlife and over 200 bird species.
• Visitors must closely follow park regulations for safety and conservation – including not attempting to approach, disturb, or photograph cheetahs at close quarters, and always reporting any cheetah encounters, especially outside designated zones, to park authorities.
• Cheetahs are generally not considered a threat to humans, but guidelines include keeping a safe distance, not provoking the animals, and reporting any straying cheetahs to the forest department.

Recent Milestones

• Kuno is home to India’s only population of wild cheetahs, currently numbering over 24, including several India-born individuals after the successful breeding of reintroduced cheetahs.
• Cheetah safaris in Kuno are expected to boost eco-tourism and provide educational opportunities regarding wildlife conservation in India.

Important Notes

• Advance booking is highly recommended during the peak season (post-monsoon to early summer).
• Main entry to the park is through the Tiktoli gate.

Kuno National Park’s cheetah safaris are a rare experience, providing a glimpse of a species once extinct in India and now thriving via a globally unique reintroduction project.

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