10 Days / 9 Nights
Wildlife
East Coast Explorer: 10-Day Sri Lanka Marine Safaris, Unspoiled Beaches & Leopard Tracking Expedition
- Chilaw
- Anuradhapura
- Trincomalee
- Pigeon Island
- +4 more
From
US$1,590
per person
Wildlife
Rare Wildlife & Safari Wonders: 9-Day Sri Lanka Jungle Camping, Swimming Elephants & Leopard Tracking Expedition
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Kalpitiya → Yala National Park · 6 stops
- Private & tailor-made
From
US$1,430 per person
US$1,430 pp
Tour overview
Your journey
Looking to escape the crowds and dive deep into untamed wilderness? The 9-Day Rare Wildlife & Safari Wonders expedition is crafted exclusively for serious wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers seeking Sri Lanka’s most authentic safari experiences. This journey takes you far off the beaten path, beginning with an unforgettable overnight camping experience under the stars inside the leopard-rich forests of Wilpattu National Park. From there, you will track massive elephant gatherings in Minneriya and explore the hidden, rugged terrains of Maduru Oya. The true highlight awaits in the untouched eastern wilderness of Gal Oya National Park, where you will embark on Sri Lanka’s only water-based boat safari for the incredibly rare chance to watch wild elephants swimming from island to island. The adventure peaks in the deep south with a full-day, intensive tracking safari in Yala National Park—home to the world's highest density of elusive leopards. Authentic, remote, and breathtakingly wild, this is the ultimate Indian Ocean safari.
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route
- Kalpitiya → Yala National Park
- Ideal for
- Wildlife
- Meals
- Bed & breakfast
- Style
- Private, tailor-made
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 01
Bed & breakfastArrival & Coastal Winds
Colombo Airport (CMB) → KalpitiyaArrive at Bandaranaike International Airport where your private wildlife guide awaits. Bypass the busy cities and transfer straight to the peaceful, breezy northern peninsula of Kalpitiya. Settle into your hotel, relax by the coast, and prepare for tomorrow's deep dive into the jungle.
- Overnight:
- Kalpitiya
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 02
Bed & breakfastWilpattu Big Game Safari & Wilderness Camping
Kalpitiya → Wilpattu National ParkTravel into the dense, ancient forests of Wilpattu National Park. Enjoy a full-day adventure utilizing both jeep and boat to explore the park's unique natural lakes ("Villus")—prime hunting grounds for leopards and sloth bears. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, followed by an unforgettable night of wilderness camping right inside the park boundaries under a canopy of stars.
- Overnight:
- Wilpattu National Park
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 03
Bed & breakfastDawn Patrol to the Cultural Triangle
Wilpattu National Park → HabaranaWake up to the sounds of the jungle and embark on a crisp, early morning safari in Wilpattu to catch predators on the move. Afterward, leave the northern wilderness and transfer to your comfortable nature lodge in Habarana to relax by the pool for the afternoon.
- Overnight:
- Habarana
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 04
Bed & breakfastThe Great Elephant Gathering & Mahiyanganaya
Habarana → MahiyanganayaGear up for an exciting morning jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, globally renowned for its massive, free-roaming herds of Asian elephants. Following the safari, journey southeast into the remote, culturally rich landscapes of Mahiyanganaya for an evening of peaceful relaxation.
- Overnight:
- Mahiyanganaya
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 05
Bed & breakfastHidden Parks & Untouched Wilderness
Mahiyanganaya → Gal Oya National ParkStart the day exploring the rugged, off-the-beaten-path terrains of Maduru Oya National Park on a morning jeep safari. In the afternoon, travel even further off the grid into Gal Oya National Park, one of Sri Lanka's most pristine and undisturbed wildlife sanctuaries.
- Overnight:
- Gal Oya National Park
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 06
Bed & breakfastSwimming Elephants on the Senanayake Samudra
Gal Oya National ParkExperience the absolute highlight of Gal Oya—Sri Lanka's only water-based boat safari. Drifting quietly across the glassy waters of the colossal Senanayake Samudra reservoir, you will search for the magical sight of wild elephants swimming gracefully between tiny islands to graze. Follow this up with an immersive evening jeep safari through the park's dense forests.
- Overnight:
- Gal Oya National Park
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 07
Bed & breakfastJourney to Leopard Country
Gal Oya National Park → Yala National ParkLeave the eastern wilderness behind as you travel south to the arid, African-style plains of Yala National Park. Check into your lodge and head straight out for an exhilarating afternoon game drive in one of the world’s most famous leopard habitats.
- Overnight:
- Yala National Park
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 08
Bed & breakfastUltimate Big Game Tracking in Yala
Yala National ParkDedicate a full day to tracking Sri Lanka’s apex predators. With a packed picnic lunch keeping you in the bush all day, you will explore Yala’s diverse ecosystems—from scrub jungle to coastal lagoons—maximizing your chances of encountering leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife.
- Overnight:
- Yala National Park
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 09
Bed & breakfastDeparture with Cherished Memories
Yala National Park → Colombo Airport (CMB)Enjoy a final tropical breakfast before embarking on a seamless, comfortable transfer to Katunayake Airport for your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's most incredible wildlife.
- Overnight:
- —
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
- Kalpitiya
North Western Province1.Kalpitiya
Day 1 · 1 night
A remote peninsula for dolphin watching, kite surfing and quiet lagoon life.
North Western Province
1.Kalpitiya
Day 1 · 1 night
A remote peninsula for dolphin watching, kite surfing and quiet lagoon life.
RouteColombo Airport (CMB) → Kalpitiya → Wilpattu National Park → Habarana → Mahiyanganaya → Gal Oya National Park → Yala National Park → Colombo Airport (CMB)
Photo gallery
Moments ahead
Your price
What's included
Included
- Meet & assistance at the airport on arrival and departure
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (car, van or coach) for all transfers
- English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout
- Accommodation as listed, with meals as shown for each day
- Sightseeing visits and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day
- Map of Sri Lanka
- Free upgrades on availability
Not included
- International airfare and visa charges
- Lunches and meals outside the stated meal plan
- Video and camera permits at sights
- Early check-in and late check-out (standard check-in 14:00, check-out 12:00)
- Expenses of a personal nature and tips
- Compulsory room supplements during festive periods
- Use of the vehicle outside the itinerary
- Sights marked as optional
- Travel insurance
- Any other services not specified above
Before you travel
Good to know
Climate
Warm and tropical all year — around 25–30 °C by day, cooler in the hill country; brief afternoon showers are common.
Clothing
Light summer clothing, plus a light jacket for the hills and air-conditioned spaces.
Footwear
Comfortable shoes for sightseeing; sandals are handy for temple visits.
Essentials
Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Temple dress code
Shoulders and knees covered; shoes are removed at temples, so socks are useful on hot ground.
Travel comfort
Some drives are long — loose, breathable clothing makes the journey easier.
Evenings
Casual but neat attire is recommended at hotels.
Wellness
Hotel spas offer massages and treatments (extra charge); yoga and water sports are widely available.
Health
No antimalarial medication is needed; protect against daytime mosquitoes because of dengue risk.
Visa (eTA)
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization before arrival.
eta.gov.lk(opens in a new tab)
Booking with confidence
Payment & cancellation
Payment schedule
- 50% deposit at the time of booking to secure your reservation
- The remaining 50% is due at least 60 days before arrival
- For bookings made within 60 days of arrival, full payment is required at booking
Cancellation terms
| When you cancel | Charge |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more before arrival | Full refund (minus processing fees) |
| 30 – 60 days before arrival | 50% cancellation fee |
| 29 days or less / no-show | No refund |
Terms & conditions
- 1. Booking & confirmation
- All bookings are subject to availability. A booking is confirmed only once the deposit is received. We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion.
- 2. Passport & visas
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka. A tourist visa (eTA) must be obtained before arrival.
- 3. Insurance
- We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical emergencies and baggage loss.
- 4. Changes to the itinerary
- We make every effort to follow the planned itinerary, but may adjust routes, hotels or activities due to unforeseen circumstances, always with an alternative of a similar standard.
Tailor-made for you
Request your private quote
Tell us your dates and wishes. A Sri Lanka travel specialist will send you this itinerary with hotels and a personal price — adjusted exactly the way you like.
- No payment needed to enquire
- A specialist replies within 24 hours on office days
- Every day, hotel and activity can be changed
- Private chauffeur-guide and 24/7 support
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