Wild Sri Lanka: A Safari Journey
Experience wild Sri Lanka on this off-the-beaten track itinerary. This journey takes you through the length and breadth of this diverse teardrop isle. Through undulating hills, low grasslands and golden coast, enjoy incredible wildlife and culture throughout. With hundreds of species of endemic birds as well as a growing number of leopard sightings in Yala and Wilpattu National Park among others.
Journey highlights
- Get off-the-beaten track with this 15-night itinerary
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This trip takes in three of Sri Lanka's National Parks where you will have the opportunity to see some incredible wildlife
- With expert guiding throughout, this is a perfect trip for nature lovers
- Combining unique camping experiences, paired back lodges and thatched dwellings with charming boutique hotels
- Wild itinerary:Our Wild Journeys focus on wildlife encounters in their natural habitat, with expert guides and premium accommodation
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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- J
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- D
From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half, while the dry season here lasts from December to March. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
Itinerary
Kotugoda: Rest and Recharge
Begin your journey with a night in Kotugoda to relax and recover from your flight. Nestled near Colombo, this charming haven ensures you’re well-rested and ready for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: The Wallawwa ( 1 night )
Wilpattu National Park: Into the Wild
Along with your expert driver/ guide you will make your way north until reach Wilpattu National Park. Although less popular than Yala, this hidden gem makes for an authentic wildlife encounters, as you enjoy a unique camping experience. Head out on early morning and evening safaris and if you're lucky catch some amazing sightings. Later, reflect on the day with sundowners followed by dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Leopard Trails - Wilpattu National Park ( 2 nights )
Sigiriya: Ancient Wonders
After three nights in the wilds of Wilpattu you will journey on to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Visit the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, the mighty rock fortress of Sigiriya, the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa, as well as the ancient cave temples of Dambulla to the south. If there is time we can also include a stop at Minneriya National Park adding yet another wildlife experience to the adventure.
Accommodation: Water Garden Sigiriya ( 3 nights )
Gal Oya National Park: Wilderness Unplugged
From the Cultural Triangle you will continue this wild and unique trip and head to Gal Oya National Park for two nights. One of Sri Lanka's less visited parks, it is not to be forgotten. It is all about the wild and authentic experiences here. Go on a night safari as dusk falls and help set camera traps to shoot footage of the nocturnal animals; this is a nature lover's paradise.
Accommodation: Gal Oya Lodge ( 2 nights )
Nuwara Eliya: Tea Country Charm
The next leg of your journey will then lead you to the Hill Country, home to Ceylon tea which saw the British build their bungalows here over 150 years ago. We have included two nights here, give you plenty of time to explore the surrounding plantations with some beautiful walks as well as a visit to the tea factory to learn about the art of making this widely drunk beverage. We recommend you drink plenty of tea during your stay, its known to be the finest leaf in the world due to the cool clean climate here.
Accommodation: Goatfell ( 2 nights )
Yala National Park: Land of the Leopard
You will then travel south to Yala, Sri Lanka's most famous National Park. Head out on morning and evening safaris with expert naturalists in search of the elusive leopards. Due to its topography, Yala is known to have the highest population of leopards in Sri Lanka, so you have a good chance of a sighting.
Accommodation: Chena Huts ( 2 nights )
Tangalle: Coastal Bliss
Finally, no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without a visit to one of the golden beaches on the south coast. Enjoy three nights of much deserved relaxation on near to deserted beaches. If you are looking to be more active, there is plenty to choose from here, including diving, paddleboarding and whale watching in certain months.
Accommodation: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort ( 3 nights )
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | $5,900 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $5,900 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $11,600 | $2,900 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $11,600 | $2,900 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $8,700 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $8,700 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | $8,700 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| December 2025 | $11,600 | $2,900 | plan your trip |
| January 2026 | $11,600 | $2,900 | plan your trip |
| February 2026 | $11,600 | $2,900 | plan your trip |
| March 2026 | $11,600 | $2,900 | plan your trip |
| April 2026 | $8,700 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$5,900
Deposit from*$1,500
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$5,900
Deposit from*$1,500
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,600
Deposit from*$2,900
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,600
Deposit from*$2,900
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,700
Deposit from*$2,200
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,700
Deposit from*$2,200
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,700
Deposit from*$2,200
-
December 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,600
Deposit from*$2,900
-
January 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,600
Deposit from*$2,900
-
February 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,600
Deposit from*$2,900
-
March 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,600
Deposit from*$2,900
-
April 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,700
Deposit from*$2,200
- plan your trip
More Experiences in This Area
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![Boat Safari]()
View ExperienceGal Oya Lodge - Boat Safari
Gal Oya National Park is home to Sri Lanka's largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samudraya Lake. The jetty for the boat safari is a drive of about an hour from the lodge, but offers a unique experience unlike anything else in Sri Lanka.
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![Safari in Wilpattu National Park]()
View ExperienceSafari in Wilpattu National Park
Head into Wilpattu National Park for a morning or evening safari to marvel at the range of wildlife.
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![Jeep Safari - Gal Oya Lodge]()
View ExperienceGal Oya Lodge - Jeep Safari and Walk through Nilgala
As it is Sri Lanka's most untouched national park, Gal Oya is a fantastic location to see wildlife with very few other visitors. On this experience you will enjoy a jeep safari coupled with a walk through the unspoiled Nilgala section of the park.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely personalized to you. Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your vacation.
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