Experience the thrill of the wild as you witness elephants swimming across the inland seas of Gal Oya, track apex predators through the golden light of Yala, and watch thousands of migratory birds fill the wetlands of Kumana and Bundala. Your trail continues through the vast grasslands of Udawalawe and the quiet wilderness of Lunugamvehera, offering a complete portrait of the island’s incredible biodiversity.
Between exhilarating 4×4 safaris, find your own rhythm in the heart of the bush. Whether it’s sharing stories by a crackling campfire over a 3-course BBQ dinner, embarking on a guided night walk to find nocturnal wonders, or simply sipping tea as the sun dips below the jungle canopy, this is a journey of both adrenaline and reflection. Your odyssey concludes in Colombo, providing a gentle return to modern life after a week lived entirely by the pulse of the wild.
Morning/Afternoon: Upon arrival, transfer northward into the remote heart of Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest and most enigmatic national park. As you reach your intimate safari campsite nestled amidst the quiet forests, the sounds of civilization fade, replaced by the tranquil pulse of the bush.
Afternoon: After refreshing, embark on a half-day private Jeep safari deep into the park. Wilpattu is famous for its “Villus” (natural lakes), which create a stunning backdrop for spotting leopards, sloth bears, and elephants. As the sun begins to set, return to camp for sundown tea and biscuits, followed by an optional guided night walk to listen for the subtle movements of nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Luxury Safari Camp / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: Rise with the sun for a deep immersion into Wilpattu’s vast, mysterious expanse. Equipped with a packed breakfast, you’ll set out on a full-day private safari with your expert tracker, venturing into the park’s lesser-traveled paths. The early hours offer the best chance to follow fresh leopard tracks and witness the forest awakening in a chorus of birdsong.
Afternoon: Continue your exploration into the midday heat, perhaps spotting a herd of elephants bathing in a secluded waterhole. After enjoying a picnic lunch in a quiet forest clearing, spend the afternoon navigating the edges of the Villus to find rare endemic birds and basking crocodiles. As the light softens, return to the camp for sundown tea and biscuits, with the option to join a guided night walk to discover the forest’s nocturnal secrets.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Luxury Safari Camp / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: Savor a final hearty breakfast in the silence of Wilpattu before beginning your journey toward the island’s rugged interior. The drive is a scenic transition through rural village landscapes and dry-zone forests, passing ancient ruins that whisper tales of Sri Lanka’s forgotten kingdoms.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation before heading out for a private half-day Jeep safari. Wasgamuwa is a sanctuary of raw, untamed beauty, often described as the most “natural” of the island’s parks. With fewer visitors, you’ll enjoy an intimate connection with the environment as you track large elephant herds and observe the vibrant birdlife within the riverine forests. As the sun sets over the distant hills, return to your lodge for a warm meal and a restful night.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Safari Lodge or Boutique Villa / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: After breakfast, embark on a leisurely drive toward Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most secluded and tranquil wilderness areas. Far removed from the typical tourist trail, this region is a sanctuary of profound silence. Upon arrival, check into your nature-immersed campsite, where the forest canopy and the whispers of the wild create an immediate sense of peace.
Afternoon: Set out on a private Jeep safari through the rugged grasslands and riverine forests of Gal Oya National Park. This park is home to a truly unique spectacle: the “swimming elephants” of the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir. As you navigate lesser-known trails with your guide, keep an eye out for these majestic giants crossing the water between islands. Return to camp as dusk falls for a peaceful dinner by lantern light, falling asleep to the rhythmic soundtrack of the undisturbed jungle.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Luxury Safari Camp / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: Today, your path leads eastward to the windswept village of Panama, the gateway to the extraordinary Kumana National Park. On arrival, check into a rustic eco-lodge where the warm hospitality of the east meets a landscape of swaying palms and emerald paddy fields. Enjoy a local lunch and take a moment to breathe in the salt-tinged air before the afternoon adventure begins.
Afternoon: Venture into Kumana for a private afternoon Jeep safari. Famed for its vast mangrove swamps and lagoons, this coastal park is a spectacular theatre for birdlife, especially during migration seasons when thousands of waterbirds descend upon the wetlands. Beyond the feathers, Kumana’s rugged scrubland hides elephants, crocodiles, and elusive predators like jackals and leopards. As twilight falls, return to your lodge for a hearty dinner, lulled by the rhythmic pulse of the eastern wilderness.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Eco-Lodge / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: Following breakfast, journey southward toward the legendary Yala National Park, globally renowned as a premier stronghold for the elusive leopard. Upon arrival at your safari campsite, situated just outside the park boundaries, settle into the rugged beauty of your surroundings and prepare for an afternoon of high-stakes wildlife tracking.
Afternoon: Embark on a thrilling private Jeep safari through Yala’s dramatic landscape of arid plains, towering rocky outcrops, and hidden lagoons. With one of the highest leopard densities in the world, every turn of the trail offers the chance to spot these apex predators, along with majestic tuskers and shaggy-coated sloth bears. As the sun sets, return to camp for sundown tea followed by a gourmet 3-course BBQ dinner by candlelight. If conditions permit, conclude your day with a guided night walk to seek out the glowing eyes of civets and other nocturnal wonders.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Luxury Safari Camp / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: Rise before the sun to catch the wild at its most active. Embark on an early morning Jeep safari through Yala, utilizing the golden hour to track leopards on the prowl or observe elephant herds beginning their day. The cool morning air and soft light provide the ultimate conditions for photography and high-stakes sightings before the heat of the day sets in.
Afternoon: After a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at camp, experience a dramatic shift in scenery as you head to Bundala National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a surreal mosaic of lagoons and salt pans. Spend your afternoon spotting greater flamingos, painted storks, and basking crocodiles in this world-class wetland sanctuary. Return to camp for sundown tea and a final starlit BBQ feast, perhaps venturing out for one last nocturnal walk to hear the forest’s evening chorus.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Luxury Safari Camp / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: Begin your final day of deep wilderness immersion at Lunugamvehera National Park, a hidden gem that serves as a vital migratory corridor for elephants. This morning’s private safari offers a rare sense of solitude; the park is quiet and largely undisturbed, allowing you to track wildlife in a raw, authentic setting away from the usual crowds. After the safari, continue your journey toward the vast open plains of Udawalawe.
Afternoon: After settling in, set out for an afternoon expedition through Udawalawe National Park—a landscape that rivals the African savannah with its expansive grasslands and massive resident elephant herds. In the golden evening light, witness these gentle giants roaming freely near the glistening reservoir, alongside water buffalo, jackals, and vibrant raptors. Return to your final campsite for sundown tea and a farewell BBQ dinner under the stars, perhaps concluding your wild journey with one last nocturnal forest walk.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Luxury Safari Camp / Full-Board (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Morning: After a final wilderness breakfast, visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. This heartwarming conservation center rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants for eventual re-release into the wild. Watching these spirited calves feed and bond is a powerful testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to wildlife preservation. Following this emotional encounter, begin your journey toward the vibrant energy of the capital city.
Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Colombo and check into your hotel. After days spent in the deep bush, the city’s rhythm offers a refreshing contrast. Spend your final evening at your own pace: enjoy sunset cocktails at a stylish rooftop bar, wander through the historic streets of Fort and Pettah, or savor a seaside dinner. Tonight, you sleep among the city lights, though the echoes of the wild remain with you.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: Boutique Hotel / Bed & Breakfast
Morning: Enjoy a final leisurely Sri Lankan breakfast at your hotel before your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport. Reflect on the past ten days as you journey through the city one last time, heading toward your departure flight.
Afternoon: As you board your flight, you carry with you more than just memories; you leave with a renewed connection to the natural world. From the humbling silence of the Wilpattu forests to the starlit campfires of the southern plains, this journey into the soul of Sri Lanka’s wildest places remains etched in your story. Your wilderness chronicle concludes here, but the call of the wild will always remain.
Accommodation & Meal Plan: N/A / Breakfast
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomodation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
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