Experience Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife on this safari across the island
Experience the thrills of the jungles and oceans of Sri Lanka. From visiting major nature reserves to venturing out to the Indian Ocean, feast on the sights and attractions of local flora and fauna. Wilpattu, Yala, and the Kumana sanctuaries are replete with a range of wildlife, sure to have you on the edge of your seat. Witness a range of ocean wildlife from wild turtles to pods of dolphins and whales in Trincomalee and Tangalle in seaside adventures you’ll never forget! Spend some time with the majestic elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, before conquering the heights of Horton Plains and World’s End!
Why this tour is one-of-a-kind
- Wilpattu is one of the oldest wildlife parks in the country – explore its confines for sights of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard!
- Witness leaping dolphins and friendly whales on an exciting tour out in the Indian Ocean – an experience you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.
- Learn more about the mischievous primates of Sri Lanka at the Primate Center Eco Lodge – a renowned camp and research facility dedicated to these exciting creatures.
- The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for one of the country’s most beloved mammals. Head here to witness elephants both young and old, engaging in some fun water activities!
- Visit Yala or the Bundala/Kumana National Parks for an exciting wildlife adventure. Whether you prefer to discover creatures of the winged variety or a more general range of animals, you won’t be disappointed on either of these safaris!
- If you’re fascinated by turtles and their egg-laying process, the Turtle Watch Project in Tangalle is the perfect opportunity to observe these fascinating reptiles.
Is this trip the right one for you?
Sri Lanka is home to top-notch accommodation, with comfort ensured on every stop of your journey. Standard amenities expected therein will be provided. Hearty breakfasts will also be provided on each day of the tour at the various hotels travellers stay in. Luxurious and air-conditioned transport services will whisk guests from city to city, with ample space for luggage. It’s important, however, that each guest packs light and avoids carrying excessive belongings on this trip. Save this space for unique souvenirs to take back home!
Sri Lanka is a tropical country and is hot and humid for many parts of the year. The average temperature is between 27℃- 31℃. It’s important that guests bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and light clothing to prevent sunburn and excessive tanning! The south-western monsoon lasts between May and September and if guests are travelling during these months, intermittent showers and a slightly cooler climate can be anticipated.
If you have any special requirements, make sure that you communicate these with us prior to departure so we can look into how additional arrangements can be made. While wheelchair support is provided, this must be explicitly requested when you’re booking your tour.
Gallery










Itinerary
Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka. Allow yourself to be welcomed by one of our representatives, with all the warmth characteristic of the island and its people. While you kickstart your wildlife adventures the following day, languish in the comforts of the coastal city of Negombo on the day prior to your departure.
In its own right, Negombo is a fascinating site for a little exploration. Scattered in this area are sites of historic significance, with colonial attractions such as the Old Dutch Fort, the Hamilton Canal, and religious sites such as the Angurukaramulla Temple, open for some quick sightseeing. The area is also brought to life with a string of lively restaurants, bars, and cafes, which travellers can visit to enjoy either delectable local or intercontinental dishes!
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Muthurajawela wetland tour
- Private bike tour through a traditional fishing village
- Private night bird-watching tour
- Deep sea fishing tour
Meals
- Meals will not be provided
Today, you make your way to the historic city of Anuradhapura. Containing its very own UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a historian’s dream come true. Once you reach your destination, either rest in your hotel or take an optional tour of the ancient ruins and historical monuments of the city. Anuradhapura was the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom for many centuries, starting from the 4th Century BC and ending in the 11th century AD. It thus has many
enrapturing stories to tell, as is evidenced by the longstanding palatial structures, temples, and works of art that linger to this day.
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Optional tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anuradhapura
Meals
- Breakfast
Rise and shine! Make your way to the stunning Wilpattu National Park for your first Sri Lankan wildlife safari. Travellers have the option of either opting for a morning safari, which lasts a couple of hours, or a full-day safari for more hardcore animal lovers. The park is unique owing to the presence of numerous “Willus” – natural, sand-rimmed basins that fill up with rainwater, which you will encounter on your journey. Another prominent feature is its status as a sanctuary to a large leopard population. Around 31 other species of mammals call this park their home and include threatened species such as the elephant and the sloth bear, which you’re sure to encounter. Apart from these, it also hosts a wide range of birds and reptiles, all of whom will play a prominent role in your thrilling wildlife adventure!
If you opt for the morning tour, there are a number of other activities that can be undertaken in and around Anuradhapura during the rest of the day. Some of these include a trip to Polonnaruwa’s historical sites, other national parks in Minneriya and Kaudulla, or just getting some rest at the hotel!
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Safari to Wilpattu National Park
Meals
- Breakfast
After getting some glorious shut-eye, make your way to the coastal haven that is Trincomalee.
Once there, spend the day at leisure. Visit Marble Beach for some of nature’s finest sunbathing spots, and unwind to the soothing sounds of the sea. If you’re up for more vigorous activity, get your adrenaline pumping with some deep sea exploration of the Indian Ocean. There are numerous companies that offer diving gear and tours, plenty of which you can set-up with ease.
In the evening, explore the historic Trincomalee city, on an optional evening tour. Here, you can expect to see interesting styles of architecture hailing from the country’s colonial past, prominent religious landmarks such as the Koneswaram Temple, and the famous Kanniya Hot Springs, among others.
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Optional city tour of Trincomalee
Meals
- Breakfast
Wake up bright and early, and head to the deep sea for glimpses of magnificent sea creatures. Sri Lanka is a famous whale and dolphin watching site, with travellers treated to views of majestic Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, as well as pods of leaping dolphins. The best time period for this is deemed to be between the months of March and November, so if you’re in the country during this time, this activity is one that should not be missed!
Once you complete your maritime adventures, head to the Primate Center Eco Lodge. While the lodge provides comfortable accommodation, it also serves as a “monkey camp” – a well-recognised research centre focusing on the subject of, as you guessed it, primates.
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Dolphin and whale watching tour
Meals
- Breakfast
Today, spend your morning doing some of the engaging camp activities organised on your behalf. Whether watching its enchanting documentary ‘Monkey Kingdom’, produced by Disney Nature, or a number of other primate-related activities, you can expect to both learn immensely and have a pleasant time at this venue.
Spend the rest of the day in leisure, catching up on rest following your travels thus far. The next phase of your wildlife tour begins the following day.
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Activities at the Primate Centre Eco Lodge
Meals
- Breakfast
If you’re dying for a closer look at the regal elephants of Sri Lanka, your trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one you will never forget.
Following the destruction of the elephant population in Sri Lanka during colonial rule, efforts to revive elephant numbers in Sri Lanka led to establishments such as the orphanage. Following a captive breeding program launched in 1982, over 20 elephants have been bred in the orphanage since then. Here, visitors can witness these peaceful creatures bathing in the river and playing with one another, with the serene countryside surrounding them.
Following your stop in Pinnawala, head down to the scenic town of Nuwara Eliya. Once
there, you can make an optional visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. More than just a quaint enclosure with approximately 10,000 species of flora, the site is also one that plays an important role in traditional folklore.
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Optional visit to Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Meals
- Breakfast
Today, conquer the Horton Plains National Park. Visitors here have the opportunity to trek through the breathtaking wilderness; a changing landscape of broad plains, lush valleys, and a number of stunning precipices and waterfalls. Covering an area of around 12 square miles, discover the rich ecological heritage of the country and breathe new air as you conquer this extremely rewarding trek.
As you make your way across the park, take time at the precipice of the famed World’s End and Baker’s Falls – perfect photo opps for your mandatory vacation selfies! Once you complete your trek, head to Yala for more wildlife adventures!
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to Horton Plains National Park
Meals
- Breakfast
On your agenda for today is either a trip to the Yala National Park or the Bundala/Kumana National Park.
Located in the south-eastern slice of the country, Yala expands its fortress over both the Southern and Uva Provinces. While the park covers a whopping 1260 square kilometres, only one-fifth of it is open to the public. Among the many dazzling species of wildlife in the park, droves of brightly-hued birds, majestic elephants, regal leopards, and sanguine water buffalos, are only a few of the many inhabitants of this sacrosanct reserve.
If you’re more of an ornithology enthusiast, the Bundala/Kumana National Park is a better option. Renowned for its exotic range of avifauna, both parks are a paradise for avid bird lovers. Despite its status as a bird sanctuary, however, the area also attracts golden jackals, wild boars, elephants, otters, and many other creatures.
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trip to Yala National Park or Bundala/Kumana National Park
Meals
- Breakfast
Today, head to coastal paradise, Tangalle, for a more seaside wildlife experience. Once there, visit the Turtle Watch Project headquarters in Rekawa. Here, get to know more about turtle conservation efforts in Sri Lanka and about the lives of these delightful creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even get the opportunity to watch a turtle lay its eggs and complete its journey back to the ocean!
If you’re keen to explore more of Tangalle, head to its famous fishing port or tour the area for stunning examples of Dutch architecture, lingering from the country’s colonial history. If you’re after more sun, sand, and sea, you can even go beach hopping, scoping out the city’s stunning coastal treasures.
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to Turtle Watch Project headquarters
Meals
- Breakfast
Today you depart from Sri Lanka and head back home. We hope the warmth of the country and its people stay with you on the rest of your adventures. As you reminisce on your time in this paradise island, our hope is that you recall nothing but good times and good memories.
Meals
- Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
10 breakfasts
Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation
Hotels (10 nights)
Included activities
- Optional tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anuradhapura
- Safari to Wilpattu National Park
- Optional city tour of Trincomalee
- Dolphin and whale watching tour
- Camp activities at the Primate Center Eco Lodge
- Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens
- Trek to Horton Plains
- Safari to Yala or Bundala/Kumana National Parks
- Visit to Turtle Watch Project headquarters in Tangalle
Essential trip information
Want a more detailed look into this thrilling tour of Sri Lanka? This section provides you with a more detailed itinerary and travel related information, giving you everything you need to plan the adventure of a lifetime!