A Family Guide to Sasan Gir: Safari, Nature and Things to Do With Kids

Table of Contents

1. Why Sasan Gir Works Well for a Family Trip
2. Planning the Safari Around Kids
3. What to Check When Booking a Resort in Sasan Gir
4. Three Kinds of Travellers, Three Different Priorities
5. Beyond the Safari: Keeping Kids Busy the Rest of the Day
6. FAQs

A family getaway to see wild lions sounds like an exciting adventure, but it's much easier than most parents realize, thanks to this resort in Sasan Gir. It's not easy to plan and execute, but the safari takes the place of a multi-tasking parent, who must ensure that the kids don't get bored, and the poolside relaxation, wide lawns and unhurried pace help fill in the rest of the time.

Gir National Park is one of the few places in the world where one may see lions outside of a zoo enclosure, and that is a big enough draw to make it worth the trip. But the logistics of a family safari, the early mornings, the permits, keeping your younger bros entertained during a three hour jeep ride, etc. are things to consider before booking anything.

Why Sasan Gir Works Well for a Family Trip

Gir is not a chaotic tourist town, making it perfect for a family-friendly getaway. There are no crowds to contend with and no long lines to waste time waiting in, and the ebb and flow of the location better fit the family vacation vibe than a more crowded, urban destination would.

A few things make it genuinely kid-friendly:

• The safari itself runs for about 3 hours, a manageable length even for children around 6 to 7 years and older.
• Gir National Park spans roughly 1,412 square kilometres, so there's enough ground that sightings don't feel forced or repetitive across multiple safaris.
• The forest is dry and deciduous, which means clearer visibility for kids trying to spot animals from a moving jeep.
• Somnath Temple, about 25 kilometres away, gives families a second half-day activity that isn't another safari.

Staying at a resort in Sasan Gir that's close to the safari gate cuts down on the one thing that actually tires kids out on a trip like this, long transfer times before the day even starts.

Planning the Safari Around Kids

A few practical points make a real difference when you're doing this with children rather than solo or as a couple.

1. Book the morning slot if you can. The 6 am to 9 am safari has cooler weather and higher animal activity, both of which matter more with kids in the vehicle.
2. Check the minimum age. Most operators allow children of all ages, but very young kids, under 4 or 5, may find the early start and the bumpy forest roads tiring.
3. Carry snacks and water. There are no stops inside the park once the safari starts, so pack enough for the full 3 hours.
4. Consider Devalia Safari Park as a backup. It's a smaller, enclosed safari zone with more predictable sightings, useful if your main Gir permit didn't turn up a lion.
5. Book permits early. Forest Department permits for Gir safaris should ideally be arranged 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially during the October to February season when demand is higher.

What to Check When Booking a Resort in Sasan Gir

A few details are worth confirming directly with the hotel before you lock in a family booking.

• Breakfast timing. With a 6 am safari, a resort in Sasan Gir that serves breakfast from 7:30 am, or offers an early packed option, saves you from rushing out on an empty stomach.
• Transfer distance from Keshod Airport. It's around 48 kilometres from most properties in the area, roughly an hour's drive, so check whether pickup is arranged directly.
• Room layout for families. Ground floor rooms with lawn views tend to work better for young kids than upper floor rooms, simply for ease of movement.
• Soundproofing near event spaces. Gir hosts a fair number of weddings, so it helps to know if your room is close to a banquet lawn before you book.
• What the rate includes. Compare the full price, including breakfast and any pickup charges, rather than just the base room rate.

Three Kinds of Travellers, Three Different Priorities

Sasan Gir pulls in a mix of travellers, not just families, and each type is looking for something different from where they stay.

Business travellers, who usually visit the area for work related to the agricultural trading belt or gem processing industries nearby, will be needing a reliable base to conduct their work. They are likely to value good front desk assistance, working WiFi and a quiet room more than a view over the safari gate. It is worth considering a stay in this resort for someone looking to conduct business in the local area.

Travellers with a layover, going to Somnath, Diu or Rajkot, looking to spend a night or two, should spend just one comfortable night en route and be on their way the next morning. Nobody goes for a complete safari adventure on a short layover, but everyone looks forward to easy transfer options and an early breakfast the next day.

Families are here for the full experience, the safari, the pool time, the slower pace between activities. What matters most is space, a kids' play area for the hours between safari slots, and food that works across different ages. For a family trip, prioritise room size and activity options over anything close to a nightlife scene, since that's not really what Gir is about.

Beyond the Safari: Keeping Kids Busy the Rest of the Day

The safari usually wraps up by mid-morning, which leaves a good chunk of the day open. A few things fill that time well:

• Pool afternoons. A few hours of swim time after an early morning safari is often exactly what kids need before the next activity.
• Devalia Safari Park. A good half-day option, especially for younger kids who might find the full 3-hour Gir safari a bit long.
• Kamleshwar Dam. Worth a visit for older kids interested in the marsh crocodiles, with a boat ride that's a nice change from the jeep safari.
• Somnath Temple. A calm, easy half-day trip, roughly 25 kilometres from most Gir properties.

A resort in Sasan Gir that's set up for this rhythm, early breakfast, a pool for the afternoons, and enough open space for kids to move around, tends to work best for families doing this trip properly. Aatithya Clarks Inn fits into that rhythm naturally, sitting close to the safari gate with a kids' play zone and pool that carry the day forward once the morning drive is done.

FAQs

1. Is Sasan Gir safe and suitable for young children?
Yes. The safari runs for about 3 hours in an open jeep with a trained guide, and most operators allow children of all ages, though very young kids under 4 to 5 may find the early 6 am start a bit tiring.

2. What is the minimum age for the Gir lion safari?
There's no strict minimum age at most operators, but children under 5 years may struggle with the early morning start and the 3-hour duration. Devalia Safari Park is a shorter, easier alternative for younger kids.

3. How far is Sasan Gir from Keshod Airport?
Keshod Airport is around 48 kilometres from most resorts in Sasan Gir, roughly an hour's drive depending on road conditions near Junagadh.

4. How many days do families need for a Sasan Gir trip?
Two to three nights works well, giving time for two safari slots, a visit to Devalia Safari Park or Kamleshwar Dam, and a half-day trip to Somnath Temple without rushing between activities.

5. Do I need to book Gir safari permits in advance?
Yes, especially between October and February when demand is high. Permits through the Gujarat Forest Department portal should be booked 2 to 3 weeks ahead, and earlier during peak holiday weeks.