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Sri Lanka Safari

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Sri Lanka Safari

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Description

Unearth a region of wild delights and rich biodiversity through the depths of Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks. With safaris on land and on foot, you’ll have the best chance of spotting some of Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife, including herds of native elephants in their natural habitat, leopards, thousands of birds, slender lorises, monkeys, crocodiles, buffalo, deer and jackals. You’ll also see the epic UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, exploring the ruined fortress. Couple these experiences with some delicious local food and beautiful beaches and you’ll love this wildlife-focused, nature-filled itinerary in some of Asia’s best jungles and forests.

Trip Name
Sri Lanka Safari
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Head out on multiple safaris in 4WDs through Wilpattu, Minneriya, Kumana and Yala National Parks, looking out for herds of native elephants, leopards, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, hundreds of species of birds and more.
  • Don infrared night goggles and witness sea turtles coming ashore at Rekawa beach to lay their eggs while hatchlings dash down to the water to start their new life.
  • Chill out beachside on Arugam Bay and soak up some free time to chill out, explore at your own pace and maybe go swimming, snorkelling or surfing.
  • Explore the biodiverse Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, unique due to its three vastly different ecosystems – the coast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks.
  • See the incredible site of Sigiriya – a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most famous spots. Discover the ruins among thousands of birds, who thrive in the surrounding forests.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe relax on the golden sand beaches and soak up some sun or feast on fresh seafood. The surrounding countryside is also perfect to explore on a bicycle (which you can rent with help from hotel reception). Tonight, ask your trip leader for the best local restaurants for dinner.
Day 2 - Wilpattu National Park
Drive to Wilpattu this morning, visiting Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary on the way. Anawilundawa is unique because it borders three vastly different ecosystems – the coast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks. This makes it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka and a favourable nesting and breeding ground for hundreds of species of birds. Some of the species found here include herons, open-bills, great cormorants, white ibis, egrets, stalks, pheasant-tailed jacnas and the purple swamp hen. A total of 20 species of mammals have been recorded here, too, including the rusty-spotted cat, the fishing cat, the Indian otter, the slender loris, the toque monkey and 74 species of butterflies. Continue to Wilpattu and when you arrive, set out for an evening safari in the national park. This thick, dry jungle features floodplain lakes and boasts an impressive variety of flora in the huge expanses of forest.
Day 3 - Habarana
Head out for a morning safari in Wilpattu this morning, looking out for deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards. Cruise around in your 4WD, soak up the landscapes of the national park, then leave for Dambulla. This afternoon, you have the option to take an excursion to Minneriya National Park for another safari. Home to Sri Lankan elephants, Minneriya is said to be the best national park in the world for spotting large herds in their natural habitat (between July and August is your best bet). Tonight, visit Popham's Arboretum – Sri Lanka's only dry zone arboretum – for a night walk with your group among the trees, looking out for the slender loris and pangolin.
Day 4 - Habarana
Enjoy a leisurely morning today, then head to a local’s home for a cooking demonstration of traditional dishes like pol Sambol and dhal curry, which you’ll enjoy for lunch. Ge tot know the locals, swap stories, then soak up a relaxing afternoon. Later on, you’ll head into Minneriya National Park for a nighttime safari, watching the changing landscape from your 4WD as the sun goes down. Try to spot some more elephants, then spend another night in leafy Habarana.
Day 5 - Arugam Bay
Beat the heat with an early wake-up this morning and head to Sigiriya – this ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most famous sights and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those who make it to the top will be rewarded with epic views. This is also a popular spot for birdlife, due to the surrounding forests. Here, you’ll also learn about the Intrepid Foundation partner Zero Plastic – which works in this area to eliminate single-use plastic, educating local communities on sustainability practices and limiting the impact of plastic in and around Sigiriya. After exploring, you’ll head back to your hotel for a late breakfast. Then, you'll head to Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka's southeast coast – renowned for its world-class surfing, crescent-shaped beach and laid-back vibes. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and maybe chill out by the beach, finding a good sunset spot.
Day 6 - Arugam Bay
Soak up a chill morning to relax by the beach (maybe a morning swim is calling?). If you like, you can opt for a surfing lesson or an extra safari before embarking on a 4WD evening safari at nearby Kumana National Park. The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards and crocodiles. Kumana is also celebrated for its diverse birdlife and serves as a vital bird sanctuary with hundreds of species migrating to its lush wetlands.
Day 7 - Kataragama
This morning, head out on another safari through Kumuna National Park. Because of the many waterways that thread through the landscape, you’ll have a pretty good shot of spotting some local wildlife. You'll also have the chance to stop by Arugam Bay Lagoon or Panama Lake to see some crocodiles before leaving the area for Kataragama. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. Maybe visit Kataragama Temple – dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the Hindu War God Murugan. For those who just can’t get enough of wildlife spotting, you can arrange an optional safari in Yala National Park - Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at your resort with your group.
Day 8 - Kataragama
Double up on wildlife spotting with two included safaris in the morning and evening in Yala National Park. There's a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive beauties. Keep an eye out for the 215 species of birds that call this place home, including the Sri Lankan wood pigeon, painted stork, crimson-fronted barbet and prideful peacocks strutting their way through the park.
Day 9 - Tangalle
Today, you’ll set your sights on Bundala National Park. When you arrive this morning, head out for a safari to spot some of the amazing birdlife that calls this park home. Bundala harbours 197 species of birds, including the greater flamingo, which migrate here in large flocks. You may also spot leopards, spotted deer, sambars, crocodiles, wild boar, mongoose, monitor lizards and monkeys. Enjoy a relaxing evening on Tangalle's beaches and maybe watch the sunset this evening to cap off a great day.
Day 10 - Tangalle
Wake up with the morning birds – today is a free day to explore the area at your own pace. Maybe head out on a forest walk, keeping an eye out for butterflies, multi-coloured blue magpies, squirrels, mongoose and birdlife. Later this evening, you’ll drive to Rekawa. As the sun goes down, you’ll head out to the beach with your group to look for nesting turtles.
Day 11 - Colombo
Visit Galle Fort – the fortified city with a mixture of Portuguese and Dutch charm, narrow laneways and popular promenades. Explore the area on foot, taking in the local architecture that dates from between the 16th and 19th centuries! Then, you’ll head to your last stop in Colombo. When you arrive, you have a free evening to choose your own adventure. Maybe head out to sample some of the city's renowned street food like crispy vegetable samosas, hoppers and kotthu (sliced roti, vegetables and eggs or meat) or find a bar and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Day 12 - Colombo
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Colombo, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-02-202525-02-2025AUD $ 4,541-
28-02-202511-03-2025AUD $ 4,541-
18-04-202529-04-2025AUD $ 4,541-
16-05-202527-05-2025AUD $ 3,962-
13-06-202524-06-2025AUD $ 3,876-
27-06-202508-07-2025AUD $ 3,634-
11-07-202522-07-2025AUD $ 3,700-
25-07-202505-08-2025AUD $ 3,781-
08-08-202519-08-2025AUD $ 3,781-
22-08-202502-09-2025AUD $ 3,962-
19-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 3,819-
17-10-202528-10-2025AUD $ 3,876-
31-10-202511-11-2025AUD $ 3,781-
14-11-202525-11-2025AUD $ 3,781-
26-12-202506-01-2026AUD $ 4,130-
13-02-202624-02-2026AUD $ 4,545-
17-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 4,545-
15-05-202626-05-2026AUD $ 4,380-
12-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 4,205-
10-07-202621-07-2026AUD $ 4,205-
24-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 4,380-
07-08-202618-08-2026AUD $ 4,380-
21-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 4,205-
18-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 4,205-
16-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 4,380-
25-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 4,545-

Accommodation

Permanent Tented Camp (with facilities) (1 night),Hotel (10 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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