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Leopard in Yala National Park
Leopards · elephants · whales

Sri Lanka safari & wildlife tours

The highest leopard density in the world, elephant herds of several hundred and blue whales off the south coast – on one island, a few hours apart.

You do not need a separate safari holiday for Sri Lanka. Our tours already include one or two jeep safaris; a private tour can add as many parks as you like.

Where to see what

Five places for wildlife

Each park has its speciality. We plan the route so you are there at the right time.

Leopard in Yala National Park
LeopardsYalaLeopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and elephants in the dry south-east.
Elephants in a Sri Lankan national park
The GatheringMinneriyaHundreds of elephants at the reservoir in the dry months.
Hill-country landscape in Sri Lanka
ElephantsUdawalaweReliable elephant sightings all year, near the south coast.
Waterfall in the Sri Lankan hill country
Remote leopardsWilpattuThe largest park – lakes, forest and very few jeeps.
Turquoise sea off Sri Lanka from the air
Blue whalesMirissaWhale watching off the south coast.
Best months

Best months per park

Rough guide – wildlife does not read calendars.

Park
Best time
Note
Yala
February – July
Block 1 usually closes for part of September and October
Minneriya
July – October
Elephant gathering peaks in August and September
Udawalawe
All year
Easy to combine with the south coast
Wilpattu
February – October
Quieter than Yala
Mirissa (whales)
December – April
Boats leave early in the morning
Ethical wildlife

How we watch animals

Good wildlife travel is quiet, patient and at a distance.

INo elephant ridesWe do not include elephant rides, shows or “orphanage” visits where animals perform.
IISmall jeeps, good trackersExperienced trackers who keep their distance and switch off the engine.
IIIResponsible whale boatsOperators that keep their distance from the whales.
In depth

Planning a wildlife holiday

Sri Lanka’s parks are close together, so a single two-week holiday can include leopards in Yala, elephants in Minneriya or Udawalawe and whales off Mirissa. We plan the order around the season, so that you are in each park at the right time, and include both morning and afternoon safaris where it makes a difference.

For keen photographers and birders we can arrange private jeeps, specialist naturalist guides and longer full-day safaris.

In depth

Sri Lanka’s “Big Five”

Sri Lankans speak of their own big five: leopard, Asian elephant, sloth bear, blue whale and sperm whale. Seeing all five on one holiday is possible with good timing – leopards and bears in Yala or Wilpattu, elephants in Minneriya or Udawalawe, and whales off Mirissa or Trincomalee.

In depth

Beyond the big parks

Birdwatchers head to Sinharaja, a rainforest reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site with many species found only in Sri Lanka. Bundala National Park on the south coast is a wetland paradise for flamingos and waders. Kumana, beyond Yala in the east, is quiet and remote. Tell us your interests and we will build a wildlife route around them.

Tours with safaris

All tours
Sigiriya Lion Rock rising above the jungle
Small group · 10 days

The Classic

from £1,460 pp
Tea estate in the hills around Nuwara Eliya
Small group · 14 days

Sri Lanka at Leisure

from £1,970 pp
Stilt fishermen at Koggala
Private · 14 days

The Grand Tour

from £1,890 pp

Safari questions

In Yala, good – especially with two safaris. There is never a guarantee, but most of our guests see at least one.

Both are good. Mornings are cooler; afternoons often bring animals to the water.

Yes, jeep safaris are fine for children of any age.

Elephants in a Sri Lankan national park
A personal proposal within 48 hours

Plan a wildlife holiday

Prefer to talk? Book a 20-minute call →