For over 150 years, the Desai family of Boan, Gujarat carried forward the timber merchant tradition with offices and workhouses spread across the Dang forests—once home to tigers until their last recorded sighting in 1984. These forests became the backdrop of Raj Desai’s childhood, where accompanying his father during study breaks planted the seed of a lifelong passion for nature and wildlife. At the age of 12, Raj witnessed his first tiger on an elephant‑back safari, a moment that etched itself into his soul, and by 22 he ventured to Kenya with his first film camera, capturing wildlife through the lens and beginning a journey that blended exploration, conservation, and storytelling. Over the decades, Raj has traversed India’s forests from the Dang to the Himalayas, tracking elusive tigers, leopards, hyenas, and rare bird species, with his discoveries published in scientific journals and reputed organizations, cementing his role as both explorer and fine‑art wildlife photographer. For more than 20 years he has returned to Jim Corbett National Park while also exploring Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Satpura, Ranthambore, Jawai, Kabini, Tadoba, and countless other sanctuaries, each expedition deepening his understanding of animal behavior and enriching his artistry.
In 2021, Raj founded Seven Rhinos Photography as a platform to teach and learn wildlife photography across different parts of the globe , emphasizing animal behavior, conservation, and creative expression, with immersive workshops in India, Africa and Europe’s iconic habitats and profits directed toward empowering local communities to protect surrounding wildlife. Building on this success,
Raj envisioned Seven Rhinos Luxury, a brand inviting a global audience to experience India’s wilderness and culture in harmony with luxury, wellness, and spirituality through curated safaris, heritage circuits, yoga retreats, and festival immersions. With comfort and elegance paired with authentic ecological and cultural experiences, Seven Rhinos Luxury carries a mission to protect India’s wildlife, cultural heritage, and spiritual traditions while sharing their message with the world. More than travel, it is a movement—an invitation to conserve, explore, celebrate, and inspire.
