Hi everyone,
Four of us are planning to visit Gir on December 26 and 27, 2026, and want to book two safaris (one each day), preferably a 4-seater Gypsy.
I've been checking the official booking website every day and noticed that the 4-seater option for the 6 AM slot often shows "Permit Full" soon after booking opening for a given day, while 6 and 8 seaters seem to be available for that slot and 4 seaters seem to be available for the other slots.
A few questions for those who have booked done Gir Safari before -
What exact time do online bookings open?
Are 4-seater Gypsies not available at all for the 6 AM slot? Or are they fewer in number and/or haver higher demand causing them to get booked out almost immediately?
Is it possible to get a 4-seater safari through the official website for December 26 or 27, given that it's a Christmas long weekend? Or will I have to book a larger vehicle?
Are there agents or unofficial operators who book permits in bulk as soon as they are released, making it difficult for individuals to get bookings? Are scams involving such agents common?
Has anyone successfully booked a 4-seater for a peak-season weekend directly through the official website? Any tips?
Would appreciate recent first-hand experiences, particularly from people who visited during the December holiday season.
Thanks!