The Grand Prize
Win an exclusive, luxurious, all-inclusive safari to India for 2 people with professional photo leader and CEO of ORYX Photo Tours Marius Coetzee, as well as SUJÁN’s Vice President and Director of Experiences, Yusuf Ansari, valued at an incredible US$90,900! (Minimum donation required US$10,000)
Itinerary
Day |
Itinerary |
Accommodation |
Room |
Meals |
| 1 | Arrival in New Delhi, road transfer to hotel and overnight | Imperial New Delhi | Grande Deluxe Room | D |
| 2 | Delhi day tour | Imperial New Delhi | Grande Deluxe Room | BLD |
| 3 | Transfer hotel airport, flight New Delhi – Udaipur (13h20 – 14h35), road transfer to JAWAI (approximately 3.5hrs) | SUJÁN JAWAI | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 4 | JAWAI – Morning and Afternoon game drives | SUJÁN JAWAI | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 5 | JAWAI – Morning and Afternoon game drives | SUJÁN JAWAI | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 6 | Road transfer JAWAI to Jaisalmer | SUJÁN The Serai | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 7 | Jaisalmer day tour | SUJÁN The Serai | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 8 | Transfer to airport, flight Jaisalmer – New Delhi; road transfer to Ranthambhore | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 9 | Full day game drive | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 10 | Full day game drive | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 11 | Full day game drive | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Royal Tented Suite | BLD |
| 12 | Depart Ranthambhore, drive to Jaipur, flight to New Delhi, transfer to hotel and overnight | Imperial New Delhi | Grande Deluxe Room | BLD |
| 13 | Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport | B |
Terms & Conditions
The prize winner will be chosen by way of lucky draw, and will announced after the draw is conducted by ORYX / SUJÁN on 1st August 2022 at 12h00 (GMT +2).
Only participants who meet the minimum donation requirement of US$10,000 will qualify for the lucky draw.
ORYX Photo Tours and SUJÁN reserve the right to post images of the prize winner on social media.
The prize is defined as a 13 days / 12 nights stay as per the itinerary outline (see point 13) for 2 people in double / twin accommodation, guided by professional ORYX Tour Leader Marius Coetzee and valued at a total of US$65,500. It is valid for travel from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022 with the exception of any blackout dates as indicated by SUJÁN.
If the prize winner wishes to bring along other participant/s, additional fees will be applicable.
The prize cannot be exchanged for cash or other equivalent value, and furthermore, no refunds will be considered for any unutilized services (this includes accommodation, meals, flights, permits etc).
The prize is non-transferrable to any individual and can only be claimed by the awardee.
If the awardee cannot participate in the tour, the prize will be considered forfeited.
The prize winner cannot be an employee of SUJÁN, ORYX Photo Tours, ORYX’s sister companies or any photo partner affiliated with ORYX or SUJÁN.
The prize winner agrees to all of ORYX’s and SUJÁN’s Terms & Conditions as laid out here and in the booking form, which needs to be completed, signed and returned to ORYX Photo Tours in order to register.
The prize winner is required to buy travel / cancellation / medical / curtailment insurance.
Includes
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 13;
Drinking water and soft drinks throughout;
2 nights’ accommodation (double room) at The Imperial New Delhi;
3 nights’ accommodation (double room) at SUJÁN JAWAI in Royal Tented Suite;
3 nights’ accommodation (double room) at SUJÁN The Serai in Royal Tented Suite;
4 nights’ accommodation (double room) at SUJÁN Sher Bagh in Royal Tented Suite with butler service;
New Delhi airport – hotel transfers in a BMW 5 Series or similar;
All other transfers in a Toyota Innova SUV;
2 game drives a day at SUJÁN JAWAI (total 4 game drives) in 1 private vehicle;
3 full day permits for game drive in Ranthambhore National Park in a private vehicle;
New Delhi daytour;
Jaisalmer daytour;
Wifi at accommodations throughout;
Laundry at JAWAI, The Serai and Sher Bagh;
Conservation levies for JAWAI, The Serai and Ranthambhore;
Business class flight New Delhi – Udaipur;
Economy class flight Jaisalmer – Jaipur;
Business class flight Jaipur – New Delhi; and
All services, and hand-on tuition by professional ORYX Tour Leader Marius Coetzee
Excludes
Alcoholic beverages;
Any flights not mentioned in inclusives above;
Any extra luggage allowance on flights mentioned in inclusives;
Visa fees;
Any gratuities;
Travel (compulsory) / medical / cancellation / curtailment insurance;
Any costs whatsoever associated with an additional accompanying guest;
Items of a personal nature (e.g. curios, beauty treatments and telephone calls); and
Any extras not mentioned above
Your Professional Private Photo Tour Leader
Marius Coetzee
A professional safari guide, expedition leader, award-winning wildlife & culture photographer and entrepreneur, Marius Coetzee is the co-founder and CEO or ORYX Photo Tours.
Marius’ expertise as a safari guide, host and photographer was shaped by a decade working as a safari guide in some of South Africa’s most esteemed private game reserves. His professional development continued as he co-founded ORYX with Adam Riley in 2010, guiding and travelling widely through sub-Saharan Africa before branching out into Asia. He is widely travelled, and over his 20 year career has led photographic safaris to 21 countries on 5 continents. Marius guided his first Indian safari in 2012, and immediately fell in love with this remarkable, diverse country. He has returned repeatedly in the intervening years and has now travelled extensively in India, keen to share with his guests a country he regards as a second home. From lively Varanasi, bustling with cultures and colours, to tropical Kerala and its antithesis the icy-cold ridges of the Himalaya, home to the ghostly Snow Leopard – Marius is equally at home photographing culture or wildlife, in heady, hot climes or pervasive cold ones. Tigers and Leopards are for him a firm favourite, and he has visited Ranthambhore, Kanha, Bandharvagh, Jawai and the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans on the Bangladeshi border in search of these charismatic big cats. Marius’ easy-going manner, sense of humour and deep connections with his photographic subjects’ relay instantaneously to his clients, making him a decidedly sought-after photographic leader.
The Accommodation
SUJÁN JAWAI
Amongst spellbinding, billion-year-old granite rock formations, where leopards roam wild and free, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic communities, is the pioneering SUJÁN JAWAI. Spend unforgettable days in the wilderness tracking leopards and other wildlife whilst discovering one of India’s most enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
The Royal Tented Suite
JAWAI’s Royal Tented Suite redefines luxury in the wilderness. With unrivalled privacy, a private heated swimming pool, your own private butler, a private jeep for wilderness game drives and spectacular views of JAWAI’s dramatic, granite hills, it doesn’t get more spoiling than this.
SUJÁN The Serai
SUJÁN The Serai, an oasis of calm set on a 100-acre private estate of indigenous desert scrub, draws inspiration from the designs of the royal caravan sites of Rajputana. There is no better place from which to venture into the mystical environs of Jaisalmer to discover its fabled golden fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Royal Tented Suite
Privacy, peace and comfort define this spacious and luxurious section of the camp. The Royal Tented Suite set in a private encampment comes with its own heated outdoor plunge pool, a massage area and tents to dine and lounge in. A private butler will ensure you have everything you need during your stay.
SUJÁN Sher Bagh
Sher Bagh, evokes nostalgic sensibilities of life on safari during the heydays of an era celebrated for its art de vivre, living elegantly under canvas, whilst on safari. With crackling campfires under starlit skies, sumptuous Anglo-Indian repasts using homegrown organic produce, coupled with old-world service, the camp epitomises life on safari as it ought to be lived.
The Royal ‘Burra Sahib’ Suite
Set in a generous, walled-in space within a private clearing protected by grassed walls. The interiors lay spoiling emphasis on comfort and the suite is furnished with impeccably designed pieces of colonial style campaign furniture. Relax under the shade of sleepy neem trees or enjoy the sweeping views of grasslands from your veranda. The heated, private swimming pool offers a perfect place to cool off, or warm up, on either side of your game drives, in peaceful and pristine privacy with unobstructed views of the reserve. Your private butler will attend to your every want, ensuring every need is taken care of. Quite simply, there is no better place than this to indulge yourself.
Silver Prize
Win a luxurious prize for 2 people guided by Mr Yusuf Ansari for 9 days / 8 nights! Valued at a total of US$38,720! (Minimum donation required US$5,000)
Itinerary
Day |
Itinerary |
Accommodation |
Room |
Meals |
| 1 | Arrival in New Delhi, road transfer to hotel & overnight | Imperial New Delhi | Royal Club Room | D |
| 2 | Transfer hotel airport, flight New Delhi – Jaipur (08h10 – 09h00); road transfer to Ranthambhore (3.5hrs); Afternoon Game drive | SUJAN Sher Bagh | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 3 | Ranthambhore National Park – Full day game drive | SUJAN Sher Bagh | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 4 | Ranthambhore National Park – Full day game drive | SUJAN Sher Bagh | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 5 | Drive to Jaipur, flight to Udaipur (10h00 – 11h00); drive to JAWAI (3.5hrs); Afternoon game drive | SUJAN JAWAI | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 6 | JAWAI – Full day game drive | SUJAN JAWAI | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 7 | JAWAI – Full day game drive | SUJAN JAWAI | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 8 | Morning game drive, drive to Udaipur, flight to New Delhi (19h35 – 20h40); drive to The Imperial New Delhi & overnight | Imperial New Delhi | Royal Club Room | BLD |
| 9 | Transfer to airport and depart New Delhi | B |
Terms & Conditions
The prize winner will be chosen by way of lucky draw, and will announced after the draw is conducted by ORYX / SUJÁN on 1st August 2022 at 12h00 (GMT +2).
Only participants who meet the minimum donation requirement of $5,000 will qualify for the lucky draw.
ORYX Photo Tours and SUJÁN reserve the right to post images of the prize winner on social media.
The prize is defined as a 9 days / 8 nights stay as per the itinerary outline for 2 people in double / twin accommodation, guided by Mr Yusuf Ansari and valued at a total of US$38,720. It is valid for travel from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022 with the exception of any blackout dates as indicated by SUJÁN and cannot be rescheduled for other times.
If the prize winner wishes to bring along other participant/s, additional fees will be applicable.
The prize cannot be exchanged for cash or other equivalent value, and furthermore, no refunds will be considered for any unutilized services (this includes accommodation, meals, flights, permits etc).
The prize is non-transferrable to any individual and can only be claimed by the awardee.
If the awardee cannot participate in the tour, the prize will be considered forfeited.
The prize winner cannot be an employee of SUJÁN, ORYX Photo Tours, ORYX’s sister companies or any photo partner affiliated with ORYX or SUJÁN.
The prize winner agrees to all of ORYX’s and SUJÁN’s Terms & Conditions as laid out here and in the booking form, which needs to be completed, signed and returned to ORYX Photo Tours in order to register.
The prize winner is required to buy travel / cancellation / medical / curtailment insurance.
Includes
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9;
Drinking water and soft drinks throughout;
2 nights’ accommodation (double room) at The Imperial New Delhi in a Royal Club Room;
3 nights’ accommodation (double room) at SUJÁN Sher Bagh in a Luxury Tent;
3 nights’ accommodation (double room) at SUJÁN JAWAI in a Luxury Tent;
New Delhi airport – hotel transfers in a BMW 5 Series or similar;
All other transfers in a Toyota Innova SUV;
1 PM game drive, and 2 full day permits for game drive in Ranthambhore National Park in a private vehicle;
1 PM and 1 AM game drive, and 2 full day game drives a day at SUJÁN JAWAI in a private vehicle;
Wifi at accommodations throughout;
Laundry at Sher Bagh and JAWAI,
Conservation levies for Ranthambhore and JAWAI;
Economy class flight New Delhi – Jaipur, Jaipur – Udaipur, and Udaipur – Delhi;
All guiding services of Mr Yusuf Ansari.
Excludes
Alcoholic beverages;
Any flights not mentioned in inclusives above;
Any extra luggage allowance on flights mentioned in inclusives;
Visa fees;
Any gratuities;
Travel (compulsory) / medical / cancellation / curtailment insurance;
Any costs whatsoever associated with an additional accompanying guest;
Items of a personal nature (e.g. curios, beauty treatments and telephone calls); and
Any extras not mentioned above.
Your Professional Private Photo Tour Leader
Yusuf Ansari
Yusuf began his journey with SUJÁN as General Manager of Sher Bagh, Ranthambhore, in 2007. While a passion for wildlife and a love of the outdoors was an enduring trait since childhood, it was during his six years at Sher Bagh that he learnt principles of conservation, perfected guiding techniques and working professionally around wildlife. In 2013, Yusuf was one of the members of the SUJÁN team which spearheaded the creation of JAWAI, a camp he has been involved in from the very beginning.
Since 2013, Yusuf Ansari has been Vice President and Director of Experiences at SUJÁN and is closely involved with the conservation and community development work being carried out by the company throughout Rajasthan. He also privately guides SUJÁN guests and is head of the SUJÁN Field Team.
The Accommodation
SUJÁN Sher Bagh
Sher Bagh, evokes nostalgic sensibilities of life on safari during the heydays of an era celebrated for its art de vivre, living elegantly under canvas, whilst on safari. With crackling campfires under starlit skies, sumptuous Anglo-Indian repasts using homegrown organic produce, coupled with old-world service, the camp epitomises life on safari as it ought to be lived.
The Luxury Tent
Underneath the shade of gooseberry and wild guava trees all planted by the SUJÁN family, you find the Luxury Tents. Classic comfort where lovingly crafted bespoke furniture is paired with beautiful four-poster beds, an en suite stone bathroom with hot water showers and natural vetiver products and a private veranda, to enjoy. The deliciously comfortable beds are embellished with fine hand-embroidered cushions capturing scenes from the jungle.
SUJÁN JAWAI
Amongst spellbinding, billion-year-old granite rock formations, where leopards roam wild and free, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic communities, is the pioneering SUJÁN JAWAI. Spend unforgettable days in the wilderness tracking leopards and other wildlife whilst discovering one of India’s most enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
The Luxury Tent
The spacious, creamy-white tents are hand- stitched, dotted with red throws and pillows, a nod to the signature turban of the local Rabari, nomadic herders. Enjoy the views and peace from the stillness of your own veranda, complete with a writing desk and lounge area.
Bronze Prize
Win a luxurious prize for 2 people for 5 days / 4 nights! Valued at a total of US$14,795! (Minimum donation required US$500)
Itinerary
Day |
Itinerary |
Accommodation |
Room |
Meals |
| 1 | Arrive Jaipur, drive to Ranthambhore; Afternoon game drive | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Luxury Tent | D |
| 2 | Ranthambhore National Park – Morning & Afternoon game drives | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 3 | Ranthambhore National Park – Morning & Afternoon game drives | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 4 | Ranthambhore National Park – Morning & Afternoon game drives | SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Luxury Tent | BLD |
| 5 | Morning game drive, drive to Jaipur Airport (3.5 hrs) and depart | B |
Terms & Conditions
The prize winner will be chosen by way of lucky draw, and will announced after the draw is conducted by ORYX / SUJÁN on 1st August 2022 at 12h00 (GMT +2).
Only participants who meet the minimum donation requirement of $500 will qualify for the lucky draw.
ORYX Photo Tours and SUJÁN reserve the right to post images of the prize winner on social media.
The prize is defined as a 5 days / 4 nights stay as per the itinerary outline for 2 people in double / twin accommodation, guided by Mr Yusuf Ansari and valued at a total of US$14,795. It is valid for travel from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022 with the exception of any blackout dates as indicated by SUJÁN and cannot be rescheduled for other times.
If the prize winner wishes to bring along other participant/s, additional fees will be applicable.
The prize cannot be exchanged for cash or other equivalent value, and furthermore, no refunds will be considered for any unutilized services (this includes accommodation, meals, flights, permits etc).
The prize is non-transferrable to any individual and can only be claimed by the awardee.
If the awardee cannot participate in the tour, the prize will be considered forfeited.
The prize winner cannot be an employee of SUJÁN, ORYX Photo Tours, ORYX’s sister companies or any photo partner affiliated with ORYX or SUJÁN.
The prize winner agrees to all of ORYX’s and SUJÁN’s Terms & Conditions as laid out here and in the booking form, which needs to be completed, signed and returned to ORYX Photo Tours in order to register.
The prize winner is required to buy travel / cancellation / medical / curtailment insurance.
Includes
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5;
Drinking water and soft drinks throughout;
4 nights’ accommodation (double room) at SUJÁN Sher Bagh in a Luxury Tent;
All transfers in a Toyota Innova SUV;
7 game drives in Ranthambhore National Park in a private vehicle;
Wifi at accommodations throughout;
Laundry at Sher Bagh;
Conservation levies for Ranthambhore;
Excludes
Alcoholic beverages;
Any flights;
Visa fees;
Any gratuities;
Travel (compulsory) / medical / cancellation / curtailment insurance;
Any costs whatsoever associated with an additional accompanying guest;
Items of a personal nature (e.g. curios, beauty treatments and telephone calls); and
Any extras not mentioned above.
The Accommodation
SUJÁN Sher Bagh
Sher Bagh, evokes nostalgic sensibilities of life on safari during the heydays of an era celebrated for its art de vivre, living elegantly under canvas, whilst on safari. With crackling campfires under starlit skies, sumptuous Anglo-Indian repasts using homegrown organic produce, coupled with old-world service, the camp epitomises life on safari as it ought to be lived.
The Luxury Tent
Underneath the shade of gooseberry and wild guava trees all planted by the SUJÁN family, you find the Luxury Tents. Enjoy the upmost comfort where lovingly crafted bespoke furniture is paired with beautiful four-poster beds, an en suite stone bathroom with hot water showers and natural vetiver products and a private veranda, to enjoy. The deliciously comfortable beds are embellished with fine hand-embroidered cushions capturing scenes from the jungle.
The Experience
Bewilderingly beautiful, India’s overflow of colour and variety of wildlife, people and topography are truly diverse, and it is this juxtaposition of widely varied themes that makes India so compelling. It’s a country that is as unique as the stripes on a tiger! India is most famous for its rich wildlife & exotic cultural attractions, all which form focus on our various Indian photography tours.
Ranthambhore is the world’s finest place to observe tigers in the wild, and SUJÁN Sher Bagh is the ideal base from which to explore this billion-year-old forest. Home to arguably the world’s richest cultural landscape, you will have unbeatable opportunities to capture a diverse portfolio of Tiger images (all the while not forgetting the other resident wildlife) and the beautiful architecture in the jungle. Other than the King of the Jungle, Ranthambore plays host to a variety of wildlife, including the Sloth Bear, Chital, Indian Gazelle, Peacock and if you’re lucky, the elusive Leopard
SUJÁN Jawai is the new frontier, opening up a truly unique way to safari and an even more rewarding arrival into a land of adventure and antiquity. A varied menu of photographic experiences awaits in this lap of the former kingdoms of Mewar and Marwar. The region is home to the charismatic Rabari herdsmen, a people at peace with the indigenous wildlife, including the resident spotted cat, the ultimate showstopper that captivates guests both at camp and on safari.
Blending sophistication and ecology, there is no better place to discover one of India’s most enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. The vibrant Rabari herdsmen who have shared this land with wildlife for centuries endorse the organic and continuing link between local culture and wildlife. This is a relationship that SUJÁN is deeply committed to nurturing in the face of rapid change, as a means of fulfilling their commitment to conservation, to cultures and wildlife. It is these experiences that we are proud and delighted to share with guests at in this region.
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, a simply unmatched, dynamic place known as the “Golden City” due to the yellow sandstone used to build the fortress and all its intricate havelis and temples. Historically speaking, it was a thriving trade centre on the famous Silk Road (the ancient camel-train route that ran through India and Central Asia) and had a business relationship with Persian countries. Photographing Jaisalmer is a real treat, with many architectural & cultural marvels, and heading out into the dunes to explore the deserts & camels makes for a truly unique experience.
Read Client Testimonials About India
“”
In any event we had the BEST trip ever! I had questioned prior to the trip if it made sense to be going back to India a second time w Marius, given all the places we want to visit, and I can unequivocally say it was …and then some! Every stop of the trip offered unique and interesting experiences and photographic opportunities and with Marius as our “fearless leader” we were able to capitalize on the environment in a way we would never be able to do without him. We walked the back slum alleys of Jodhpur capturing the daily street life…sat in the sand dunes while camels ran up the dunes…photographed mating leopards in the magical rocky setting of Jawai.. visited with the local tribal chiefs as they prepared for a family wedding …and found a path to a front row seat to photograph drinking tigers with full reflections (a personal bucket list item for me!)
All along the way we laughed and learned and shared in the enthusiasm exuded by Marius and just had so much fun!
Photographically we continue to learn and grow from our time with Marius “in the field” as he inspires us to see things from a new perspective with the use or our camera. He helps create magical moments for us to capture, teaching us more about light and shadows and composition. We return home after each trip more excited about our photography, as we practice our editing skills in search of creating better and more interesting images. Yes was a magical two weeks and I am only sorry it had to end!
- LC, USA
“”
I have recently returned from my second ORYX private tour to India with Marius, and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it and to recommend ORYX to anyone considering taking a wildlife photographic trip.
Everything had been taken care of, from accommodation in the best locations and travel between national parks, down to tips for our drivers and guides, so that we only had to think about the wildlife and the photography – a real luxury.
Marius is an inspirational photographer, and a superb travelling companion. He has seemingly endless patience, and his knowledge and advice have helped even this novice photographer capture some exceptional images! Nothing is too much trouble for him, and his experience has proved invaluable in enabling us to take shots that I know we would not have if he had not been with us. We had the most amazing tiger sighting in Ranthambhore -as well as many other wonderful wildlife moments on the trip, which were entirely due to him – so a very big thank you to Marius.
I have been on numerous safaris in Africa, and have been lucky enough to have had many amazing wildlife experiences, but the ORYX tours to India have been in a league of their own. We are already planning our next tour to India with Marius, and hope that there will be many more to come!
- AW, United Kingdom
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Limited Edition Gin
Created for a Cause
We are delighted to have partnered with Hepple Gin on this very special limited-edition design by SUJÁN’s Creative Director Anjali Singh. The Hepple estate sits at the heart of the Northumberland National Park, one of the cleanest, wildest and most remote areas in England. A rugged land that’s been left to dance to its own tune, still pulsing with self-willed nature, a place where hospitality is ingrained. Through a shared concern of the wild, we came together to dedicate 100% of the profits from each bottle directly to SUJÁN’s critical conservation and rewilding projects in Rajasthan. Thank you for support!
ABOUT THE ARTIST, ANJALI SINGH
With a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, London, Anjali Singh, Creative Director of SUJÁN. Her work is based on the natural world, from botanical, wildlife, animals and human expression. Drawn by freehand, using Japanese ink, the design depicts a playful young female tigress in Ranthambhore National Park, India. Anjali is a big advocate for using photography and art as a powerful tool to raise awareness for critically endangered species & habitats.
THE TRUE TASTE OF WILD JUNIPER
Hepple Spirits was founded to reveal the true, invigorating taste of wild juniper. To do this they combine the wonders of nature with cutting edge science. The Hepple team hand pick the green juniper berries that grow wild in their wild sanctuary as the centrepiece to the gin. Nature then meets science in the form of their pioneering distilling system; The Triple Technique, where a meticulous copper pot distillation smooths the spirit, low temperature vacuum distillation captures fresher, more delicate flavours and supercritical extracted juniper oil adds an exceptional depth and texture. We hope you enjoy the recipe whether at home, or round a campfire and that the natural flavour carry the spirit of Hepple to you, wherever you are.
“We are very grateful to have partnered with the Hepple Estate to raise awareness and funds for our vital conservation work here in India. Hepple’s dedication to the natural regeneration of wild plants, in particular the wild juniper, in one of the last truly wild sanctuaries in Britain, is hugely inspiring and we look forward to working closely together in the years to come.”
– Jaisal Singh, Founder SUJÁN
“Conservation and rewilding is something very close to the founders of Hepple and it is with great pleasure that we can help SUJAN’s amazing projects in Rajasthan, a truly spectacular area of the world.”
– Chris Garden, Hepple Gin
SUJÁN’s Vision
To preserve and protect parts of the Indian wilderness as well as the diverse cultural heritage for future generations.
A Family Dedicated to Conservation
Our family has a legacy of working with wildlife through filming, monitoring, researching and creating awareness about tigers in Ranthambhore for generations. In 1974, when Tejbir and Malvika followed a narrow, winding road it led them to the base of the ancient fort of Ranthambhore. In 1988, they co-established The Ranthambhore Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working closely with the development of villages around the park boundaries. As a child, Jaisal learnt the lay of the land by walking through every inch of the park; forbidden under today’s regulations. He was taught animal tracking and bush craft skills as a toddler under the tutelage of his father Tejbir, the late Fateh Singh Rathore and his uncle Valmik Thapar – regarded as India’s leading wildlife experts and conservationists.
“An early experience that shaped my thinking about conservation was the efforts made by the Ranthambhore Foundation. Spearheaded by my uncle Valmik in 1988, along with my parents, and a few friends, its mission was to create a harmonious understanding between man and nature, aiming to preserve Ranthambhore through the idea of ‘community conservation’. The Ranthambhore Foundation launched a primary health care initiative encompassing ninety-six villages around the park, an afforestation project, a dairy development scheme to encourage stall-feeding of cattle to reduce the pressure of grazing in the park, the promotion of alternative energy, informal education and other such activities. This really inspired me as a child, and most certainly shaped the development of my model of responsible, conservation tourism in the future.” – Jaisal Singh
Jaisal and his wife Anjali have since continued the family’s legacy of conservation through the creation of SUJÁN by introducing proven sustainable tourism models by opening ethically sound, authentic experiences in unique areas of pristine wilderness, which benefit local communities as well as play a role in preserving indigenous wildlife and their habitats.
About The SNS Foundation
The Philanthropic Wing of SUJÁN’s Family Enterprise
SUJÁN’s family philanthropic wing, the SNS Foundation, was established in 1976. The Foundation addresses four development verticals – Education, Health and Hygiene, Skill Development and Conservation. The mission of the Foundation is to create social impact among rural communities, with an aim of achieving economic self-reliance and coexisting harmoniously with the environment.
ORYX Conservation Fund
Since its formation, ORYX Photo Tours has been supporting the environment that bring us many delightful hours of photography. In order to co-ordinate and effectively implement our conservation efforts, we launched the ORYX Conservation Fund (OCF). A percentage of each photo tour we lead goes directly into the OCF.
In partnership with SUJÁN and Hepple, we will now be contributing all funds generated to the SNS Foundation. Our ultimate goal is to support conservation in multi-faceted ways, contributing where we can to the preservation of the natural world we so love, and inviting our guests to be part of this ethos as we travel and photograph the world together.
Making a Positive Impact
SUJÁN’s primary objective has always been to preserve and protect wild spaces in India, along with India’s heritage & culture. Everything they do supports this. By staying at SUJÁN as a guest you are making a direct contribution that will allow them to continue on a truly sustainable journey, committing profits to securing conservation integrity for future generations. A conservation levy is added to each stay, per person, per night, as a contribution to their foundation. Through this levy, every guest who stays at SUJÁN is not only helping to conserve and expand natural habitats, but also contributes to their conservation and community development projects in the area.
13 schools adopted by SUJÁN across the 3 districts in Rajasthan where our camps are located.
20,000 beneficiaries of free primary health care, in 6 villages, since the launch of our Mobile Medical Unit in 2018.
19,500 individuals across 3,215 households in 6 villages around SUJÁN JAWAI directly benefit from our sanitation programme.
51.7% of all students benefiting from SUJÁN’s school adoption schemes are girls.
Over 100km2 of wilderness protected around SUJÁN JAWAI for leopards including the preserve & restore of approximately 150 acres of farmland.
77% of our employees are from the state of Rajasthan; the vast majority of them from rural communities.
55 individual leopards identified between 2013-2019 in the JAWAI area.
US$1,780,718 invested on our wildlife conservation, community development & sustainability initiatives in the past 6 years.
98,000 cattle and livestock immunised & vaccinated via our free veterinary services.
400 Manganiar musicians & bards directly benefit from the patronage of SUJÁN The Serai.
50 poachers apprehended in the last five years in Ranthambhore by our conservation partners The Village Wildlife Volunteers.
100km2 of wilderness preserved & restored around SUJÁN JAWAI as a stable habitat for wildlife.
SUJÁN’s Tenets of Conservation
SUJÁN’s conservation initiatives run across several districts of Rajasthan with a focus on, but not limited to, the following four tenets: Biodiversity, Holistic Community Development, Sustainability and preservation of India’s Culture & Heritage.
Biodiversity
The restoration, preservation and protection of our landscapes is central to SUJÁN’s conservation vision. In partnership with their local communities SUJÁN helps to manage wilderness land, so that it can support and maintain ecological processes and wildlife in harmony with the human population.
Holistic Community Development
Ensuring that their local communities understand and benefit from the existence of each SUJÁN is a crucial element of their responsible tourism model. SUJÁN’s long-term community development goal is designed to improve the quality of living, health & sanitation, education & future for their communities.
Sustainability
Operating in an environmentally conscious way at every level of the business – is at the heart of the SUJÁN ethos. SUJÁN believes sustainability is an ongoing journey of continuous awareness, improvement, and adaptation, and they do their best to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Culture
Preservation of India’s rich heritage and culture is incredibly important to SUJÁN as a family. SUJÁN aims to always respect, protect and promote the local culture wherever they operate, supporting the arts, music, textiles, artisans & traditional customs that are found in their local communities.
Ongoing Projects
SUJÁN is dedicated to preserving, protecting and restoring the Indian wilderness, as well as their diverse cultural heritage. These commitments of the SUJÁN family go back almost five decades and have been at the core of their operations since inception. Find out more about some of their latest projects below:
Working with SUJÁN’s local communities to ensure that they not only benefit from the existence of SUJÁN but thrive because of it is vital to their operations. SUJÁN has successfully launched a completely free Mobile Medical Primary Health Care service that operates 6 days a week, in 5 villages neighbouring SUJÁN JAWAI. They have donated a fully equipped medical van and with it provide, a driver, a doctor & nurse and a supply of medicines, to give free primary health care to local communities. SUJÁN has treated over 5982 patients since October 2018, of which 51% of these are women. Villagers no longer have to travel long distances to seek basic medical help and, as has traditionally been custom in India, medicines are being delivered to their door. Consisting of just 10 seasonal tents, SUJÁN’s guest conservation levy enables this van to operate throughout the year. That’s impact!
SUJÁN recognises that access to quality early education provides a foundation for success in later life, and also goes hand in hand with learning more about conservation and the need to protect our delicate ecosystems. SUJÁN believes education is the most powerful tool which can be used to change the world. They have adopted 13 schools, across Rajasthan, impacting over 5670 students. The communities close to their camps play a key role in helping to achieve their conservation goals. So improving the quality of primary education is key.
SUJÁN is a proud partner and primary donor to the Village Wildlife Volunteer Programme. It is run by Tiger Watch, with assistance from the Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan. It is focused on providing surveillance, monitoring, anti-poaching, and scientific data collection. The volunteers are local villagers, cattle herders and farmers, who, with the help of latest technology such as smartphone and camera traps, are monitoring wildlife and thus playing a crucial role in the conservation mission.
Currently, the rewilding programme at SUJÁN JAWAI focuses on returning farmland back to wilderness. Every year, just before the arrival of the monsoon rains to Rajasthan, the team at SUJÁN JAWAI get planting! Land that SUJÁN has put under conservation, that has been previously been used by local farmers for agriculture, is rehabilitated and reforested by their team, with appropriate local vegetation either grown at their seed bank or purchased from neighbouring villages. Over the years SUJÁN has established an on-site nursery at camp that holds a number of different indigenous plants, wild grasses and trees. By working with local communities to restore and maintain the biological integrity of the JAWAI landscape in a sustainable manner, they are fulfilling their purpose to preserve and protect the precious wilderness and all that inhabits it for future generations.
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