What & Where
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Coordinates: 26'39'N 086'59'E, Elevation: 75-81 m, Area: 17,500 square km) is situated on the flood plains of the Sapta-Koshi River in Eastern Nepal, on the Nepal - India border. In 1987 it was declared a Ramsar site, being home to over 280 bird species, clearly the most important wetland in Nepal. It is also an important habitat for a large variety of wildlife including the threatened crocodile Gavialis gangeticus and the leopard Panthera pardus. Nepal's last remaining wild population of Bubalus arnee inhabits the area and the Ganges dolphin has been recorded in the Koshi river.

Climate
The climate is subtropical. During the monsoon, the reserve is flooded with depths ranging from 10 to 300 cm. From season to season the Sapta-Koshi River changes its course.

Challenges:
The Reserve is state-owned. Between 1978-1979 some 12,000 people were moved out of the Nature Reserve and re-settled elsewhere. A reserve headquarters and five guard posts were established to prevent squatters from re-establishing themselves in the reserve. Tourism takes place in the reserve and activities include boating, rafting and bird watching. Accommodation within the reserve is available for tourists. The surrounding areas are privately owned, and fishing and agriculture, mainly rice cultivation, but also collection of edible fruits and ferns, takes place. The site is under jurisdiction of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and managed by the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Office. IUCN-Nepal and a Swiss development agency assist the implementation of management actions such as visitor centre strengthening, ecosystem monitoring and a community awareness program. The site is located within a densely populated area, and overgrasing by domestic livestock has degraded parts of the site. A fence has been built in an attempt to keep the population of Bubalus arnee in the reserve and to exclude people and their livestock. Despite that, the population of Bubalus arnee may have hybridised with feral water buffalo.

Koshi Camp
In the Reserve, you can stay at Koshi Camp, our new Ecolodge Member, located at the reserve's eastern edge, a known site good for birds and wildlife. It is easily accessed from the east-west highway which is only 6 km away. The reserve headquarters is also a similar distance from the camp. Close to several waterholes, Koshi Camp is furnished with 11 large natural-colour luxury safari tents with a spacious dining tent and a bar. At one time, the camp can hold a maximum of 22 guests only.

For guests looking for ‘extra adventures’ Koshi Camp organise several exciting and memorable tours. For many who are looking for peace and tranquility this is an ideal place. On a clear day, you may be lucky to see the world’s 5^th highest mountain ‘Makalu’ from your tent !

Why visit

This camp is run by a group of field naturalists who previously worked for other tour operators. t operates on the principle of fair trading and provides benefits to its staff in various ways. This camp is an example and encouragement for all field staff who share the profits from the camp. It supports nature conservation, awareness and social education activities in the nearby villages. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is Nepal's only Ramsar Site and must surely be one of the best wetlands in Asia for birds. Over 460 species have been recorded, including 16 globally threatened species. This is a luxury tented camp for birdwatchers just outside Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The staff are enthusiastic, helpful and friendly, and the naturalists are highly knowledgeable about birds and other wildlife in the area. The camp has an excellent location with an open view so you can watch birds moving up and down the Koshi River from your tent. Habitats for birds are totally protected in the camp and have been improved for birds, for instance some former paddyfields have been restored to rough grassland and this year attracted two Bristled Grassbirds. Koshi Camp has been recommended as the best birding camp among others by Paul Holt (Asia specialist, Sunbird Tour), Mic Wells (the author of the birds of the world checklist), Carol and Tim Inskipp (Himalayan ornithologists) ,Chris Daughty, Director, Peregrine Bird Tours, Australia and Esther Lev, Conservation Director, USA

When to visit

However, for special cases Koshi Camp may be able to run during the wetter months also. Please notify them in advance. To see Koshi at its best, a minimum of 3 nights and 4 days stay at the Camp is recommended. This should also give you time a quick tour of major sites in the area.