While Panna Tiger Reserve doesn't have a zone system as elaborate as some other parks, the tourism is primarily managed through entry gates that access different areas, both core and buffer. Here's a breakdown of the key areas for safaris in Panna:

Core Zones (accessed through):

• Madla Gate: This is often considered the most prominent and popular entry point. It provides access to core areas known for good wildlife sightings, including tigers, sloth bears, chinkara, and various other animals along the Ken River. The landscape features plateau tops, grasslands, riverbanks, and rocky gorges. Many accommodations are located near this gate.
• Hinouta Gate: Situated further inside the reserve, Hinouta also accesses core areas. The terrain here includes plains, plateau tops, hilly areas, grasslands, and seasonal waterfalls. It can be a good option for spotting tigers, leopards, sambar, and nilgai. However, accommodation options might be limited in its immediate vicinity.
• Akola Gate (Core): Located on the Katni-Panna route, this gate accesses a core zone with slightly hillier, rockier, and drier forests. While tigers, sambar, spotted deer, and leopards can be seen here, it's generally less preferred by tourists due to fewer lodging options and infrastructure.

Buffer Zones (accessed through):

• Jhinna Gate: This gate provides access to the buffer zone. Buffer zones often have a mix of forest and human habitation. You might spot leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, jungle cats, and rusty-spotted cats here. Night safaris are also typically offered in the buffer areas accessible from this gate.
• Akola Gate (Buffer): Note that "Akola" is also listed as a buffer gate, accessing a more plain and less dense forested area with villages. Tiger, nilgai, spotted deer, and hyenas can be found here.
• Harsha Gate: This is another buffer zone known particularly for offering night safaris, providing a chance to see nocturnal animals.
• Khajurikudar Gate: This is another access point to the buffer region.

Key things to remember about Panna's safari areas:

• Interconnectivity: The safari areas accessed by different gates can sometimes be interconnected within the forest. It's not uncommon for vehicles entering from one gate to venture into areas primarily associated with another.
• Sighting Luck: As with any wildlife safari, sightings in Panna depend heavily on various factors, including the time of year, time of day, and the animals' movements.
• Permit Booking: It's crucial to book your safari permits in advance, specifying your preferred entry gate.
• Night Safaris: Night safaris are generally conducted in the buffer zones.

In summary, while Panna doesn't have numbered "zones" like some other reserves, the entry gates (Madla, Hinouta, Akola for core; Jhinna, Akola, Harsha, Khajurikudar for buffer) are the primary way tourism is organized, each offering access to different habitats and wildlife viewing opportunities. Madla and Hinouta are generally considered the main core zone access points for better tiger sighting possibilities.