8 day safari

Prices from

£3250

Excluding international flights

Tour Highlights

  • 8 private Leopard safaris at Yala
  • Urban Wetland walk
  • Expert naturalist to accompany you
  • Chance to see Blue Whales
  • English-speaking Chauffeur

Sri Lanka Leopard Safari at Yala National Park

The design of all our wildlife safaris focus on longer stays in the national parks and with this one week Leopard safari at Yala national park, our approach is no different. We prefer to break up the long drive from Colombo to Yala with interesting stops en route. Not only will these stops give you a break from the car, they will also allow you to immerse yourself more fully in both the culture and scenic beauty of this amazing island. If you are travelling during the whale watching season from December to April, we definitely recommend you visit Mirissa to enjoy an ethical whale watching tour which does not chase or get to close to the animals. Otherwise, we also often choose to include a night at Galle, as there are some wonderful markets, restuarants and an early walk around town before the heat builds up is always interesting. We can also look at stops at wildlife sanctuaries like Udawalawe and Bundala.

When to Go:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Best time to visit -

APR

Safari Style -

Bespoke Wildlife

DAY 1

ARRIVE IN COLOMBO AND TRANSFER TO MANIUMPATHY HERITAGE HOTEL

On arrival at Colombo international airport you will be met and privately transferred 1 hour south. Relax at Maniumpathy, a grand old heritage home located in Colombo’s central Cinnamon Gardens district choice.

Overnight at Maniumpathy on B&B basis

 

Sri Lanka wildlife holiday with stay in a heritage hotel south of Colombo

DAY 2

DRIVE FROM SOUTH COLOMBO TO YALA

Early this morning, you will commence an urban wetland walk at the Baddegana Wetland Park. Learn about conservation efforts for Urban fishing cats. Then transfer 4 hours to Yala to enjoy a beautifully prepared lunch before heading out for your first private jeep safari in Yala national park.

Accommodation : Makini bush camp on all inclusive basis

Yala leopard safari Sri Lanka. Photo of your luxury lodge

DAYS 3-5

THREE FULL DAYS OF PRIVATE JEEP SAFARIS IN YALA.

There are three essential ingredients to a world class Leopard safari in Yala national park. The location of your lodge or tented camp, the quality of your naturalist/guide and the decision to take a packed lunch into the park. The amount of visitors who spend wasted hours driving in and out of the park for lunch is incredible and although Leopards are the big draw, there is so much more to see in this world famous wildlife sanctuary. You are here on a wildlife safari after all, so let’s at least maximize your time in the park and avoid the crowds where possible.

DAY 6

FINAL MORNING SAFARI THEN PRIVATE TRANSFER TO WELIGAMA

You will enjoy a final morning leopard safari in Yala before driving 2 hours west to Weligama, where you will overnight at a beautiful seaside resort with great restaurants nearby.

Accommodation : Parangi Weligama Bay on B&B basis

DAY 7

HALF DAY WHALE WATCHING LOOKING FOR BLUE AND SPERM WHALES

Early morning drive to Mirissa Harbour for your whale watching excursion, travelling towards the deeper waters off Dondra Point – held to be one of the best locations Worldwide for the chance of seeing Blue and Sperm whales, also smaller whales and 3 dolphin species may be encountered. Rest of the day free for your own activities

DAY 8

DRIVE FROM WELIGAMA TO COLOMBO AIRPORT

Sadly it’s time to leave this beautiful jewel of an island and your friend and driver will take you back to Colombo airport to connect with your onward flight.

Pricing Info & Dates

Costs £3250 based on two people sharing and not including flights. Valid for departures in March/April and Nov to mid-Dec 2024

Includes:

  • £100 donation to the Tiger Trails Foundation
  • Services of an expert naturalist while at Yala
  • Modern AC vehicle with your own private driver
  • All meals at wildlife camp, half-board in Tangalle and breakfast at Mount Lavinia
  • Private jeep safaris throughout

Excludes:

  • Cost of your international flights
  • Cost of applicable Visas and travel insurance
  • Gratuities to your drivers and naturalists

Tour Route Map

What

Our Clients Say About Us

★★★★★
More stunning wildlife encounters

Recently returned from a trip to Sri Lanka & India. As always, our jointly planned adventures with Wildlife Trails produced another raft of good memories to enjoy. Whilst we have been to both ntries several times, all wildlife trips are uniquely unpredictable & different. It was our first time visiting Wilpatu NP in NW Sri Lanka and would recommend it. It is beautiful forest with plenty of lakes, so very picturesque. Great sightings of leopard, sloth bear, many prey animals & fabulous birds. We were also able to enjoy the company of our regular driver (who has become a good friend), thanks to the efforts of Wildlife Trails. In India we revisited Kanha NP & were rewarded with fantastic tiger sightings; the stuff of dreams. We never tire of these two amazing countries. It is always a pleasure to plan & fulfil our travel arrangements with Wildlife Trails. Satisfaction guaranteed for us through our shared wildlife interests, understanding of our preferences, incredible attention to detail & feeling like we are discussing it with friends rather that a travel company, making hopes become reality.

ByAvril and Brian
★★★★★
Great Wildlife holiday in a beautiful country

We did a wildlife and cultural tour of Sri Lanka. We visited Uda Walawe, Yala, Mirissa, buduruwagala, dickwella, Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary, Galle, Kottawa Rainforest and Negombo. The wildlife htings were awesome, we saw everything we were looking for (leopards, whales, elephants, turtles) and one big plus - a Sloth Bear! The Buddhist sites were also really interesting as was the Fort at Galle. The weather was great, the people were really friendly and the accomodation was very nice. We had a really good holiday and we were sorry to have to leave Sri Lanka! I have used Wildlife Trails many times, every holiday has been great and we have always been priveleged to find the Wildlife we have been looking for. I will continue to use Wildlife Trails as they work hard to make the itinerary the customer wants happen, at a good price and in the time you have available for the holiday.

ByTony