Three weeks full of unforgettable moments – by Norman Schone
I first visited Nepal in April 2022. During that trip, I came across the Nepal Tiger Trust (NTT), and I was immediately impressed—by what they do, why they do it, and how passionately they work to protect Bengal tigers and their habitat. Knowing that this species is critically endangered, I felt a strong desire to return, learn more, and contribute in any way I could.
In October 2023, I finally made it back. What followed were three weeks filled with incredible experiences and moments I will never forget.
NTT is based in Meghauli, a village next to Chitwan National Park. My host family was wonderful—warm, welcoming, and always ready to help. Baburam, a member of the host family, was also one of my guides, along with Raju. These two are truly exceptional: friendly, dedicated, and deeply passionate about their work. They supported me every step of the way.
What does NTT do—and what do volunteers experience?
Most days involve walking through the buffer zone, the area between the village and the national park where local communities collect firewood and fodder. We also spent time inside Chitwan National Park itself. These walks serve several purposes:
Searching for tigers or their signs, especially pugmarks. Each tiger has unique pugmarks—like fingerprints—and whenever we found them, we recorded them. One day, we even discovered a new male tiger’s pugmark inside the park.
Monitoring wildlife with camera traps, which capture not only tigers but also rhinos, elephants, deer, and many other species.
Most mornings began with a peaceful walk through the community forest and down to the river. We often sat quietly by the water, hoping to spot a tiger. I didn’t see one—but I loved the silence, the atmosphere, and the feeling of being so close to nature.
During our daily walks, I encountered an incredible variety of wildlife: rhinos, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, and countless bird species. Not seeing a tiger didn’t disappoint me. Knowing they are there—knowing they have space, a healthy population, and a protected home—gave me hope for the future.
Why this work matters
We are living in a time when many species are on the brink of extinction. This makes the work of organizations like the Nepal Tiger Trust more important than ever. Learning about nature, supporting conservation, and helping local communities understand the value of wildlife is essential if we want to protect these ecosystems for generations to come.
A heartfelt recommendation
If you are interested in wildlife and want to contribute to its protection, I highly recommend volunteering with NTT. Every volunteer supports not only the Nepal Tiger Trust, but also the local community and the natural world that depends on our care.
Thank you to the entire NEPAL TIGER TRUST team!