Wildlife Safari

Sri Lanka punches well above its weight when it comes to wildlife. Yala National Park, occupying the south-east corner of the island, is one of the best places on earth to see leopards in the wild — with a density that rivals even the most celebrated parks in Africa. A game drive here isn't a matter of luck; it's almost a guarantee.

Udawalawe National Park, sitting in the dry zone between the hill country and the southern coast, is the go-to destination for elephant sightings. Herds of up to 50 elephants roam the open grasslands around the Udawalawe Reservoir, often visible from hundreds of metres away. The park is also home to the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are nursed back to health before release.

Our full-day safari combines an early-morning drive (when animals are most active) with a midday break before an evening drive as temperatures cool. Along the way your naturalist guide will point out everything from sloth bears and water buffalo to painted storks and serpent eagles — an experience that stays with you long after you leave.