Wildlife Safaris
For an island roughly the size of Ireland, Sri Lanka carries an improbable amount of wildlife. It has the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world at Yala, the largest gathering of Asian elephants on the planet at Minneriya, and blue whales feeding within a short boat ride of the south coast. You can be photographing a leopard at dawn and watching a blue whale surface the same week — a combination almost nowhere else offers.
Our wildlife tours are built around the parks that actually reward the drive. Yala Block One gives the best leopard odds on the island, and we time entries for the first and last hours of the day when the cats move. Wilpattu is quieter, older and more atmospheric, its natural lakes drawing sloth bears as well as leopards. Udawalawe is the reliable one for elephants at close range in open country, and between July and October the Minneriya and Kaudulla tanks host The Gathering, when hundreds of elephants converge on the receding water.
Every safari runs in a private jeep with a tracker and a naturalist rather than a shared vehicle, because the difference between seeing a leopard and hearing about one usually comes down to how long your driver is willing to wait. Park entrance fees are included in the itineraries below, and we book accommodation close enough to the gates that you are not losing the best light to a two-hour transfer.
Wildlife pairs naturally with the rest of the island. Most of our safari itineraries add a stretch of the Cultural Triangle, the hill country, or a few nights on the coast, so you come home with more than a memory card full of animals.
Every itinerary below runs privately with your own vehicle and chauffeur-guide, and every one of them can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget.
4 Days / 3 NightsColombo, Hambantota, Mirissa
A vibrant journey along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Explore Colombo, experience Hambantota’s dry-zone wilderness, botanical gardens, hot springs, and luxury coastal landscapes, enjoy Yala wildlife safaris, and unwind on the tropical beaches of Mirissa with optional whale watching.
from $ 216* per person
View Itinerary
6 Days / 5 NightsSri Lanka Highlights & Arugam Bay
Experience the ultimate 6-day adventure blending culture, wildlife, and beachside bliss. Start in Negombo, explore elephants in Pinnawala, soak in Kandy’s cultural charm, ride the waves in Arugam Bay, embark on a thrilling Yala safari, and unwind in the tropical paradise of Mirissa before returning to Colombo. Perfect for surfers, beach lovers, and adventure seekers seeking both relaxation and excitement.
from $ 380* per person
View Itinerary
7 Days / 6 NightsSigiriya, Kandy & Bentota – Sri Lanka
A fun-filled family holiday across Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, wildlife-rich jungles, and sun-kissed beaches. This 7-day adventure blends exciting safaris, iconic landmarks, gentle nature experiences, and relaxing coastal downtime — perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. Discover ancient kingdoms, watch wild elephants roam freely, ride through lush landscapes, and unwind along the beaches of Bentota for an unforgettable family getaway.
from $ 455* per person
View Itinerary
5 Days / 4 NightsNegombo, Wilpattu, Sigiriya & Colombo – Sri Lanka
A compact yet experience-rich journey through Sri Lanka’s wild jungles, cultural landmarks, ancient kingdoms, and vibrant city life. Encounter elephants and leopards in the wild, explore the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, witness historic temples, and enjoy the charm of Sri Lanka’s coastline — all in a perfectly curated short escape.
from $ 520* per person
View Itinerary
13 Days / 12 NightsIslandwide – West, North Central, Central, South
A signature journey across Sri Lanka’s most treasured landscapes — from ancient kingdoms and wildlife-filled jungles to misty highlands, golden beaches, and vibrant cultural cities. This 13-day tour blends heritage, nature, scenic wonders, and relaxation while offering comfortable travel and carefully curated experiences in every destination.
from $ 900* per person
View Itinerary* Prices shown are the starting rate per person in USD, based on the hotels listed in each programme. Final cost varies with travel dates, group size and room availability, and is confirmed in your quote.
Every itinerary here is a starting point. Send us your dates and what you want out of the trip and we will build a costed tailor-made plan, usually within 24 hours.
Get a Free QuoteYala Block One has the highest recorded leopard density in the world and gives the best odds of a sighting, though it is also the busiest. Wilpattu is larger, much quieter and increasingly good for leopards as well as sloth bears. We often combine both across a longer itinerary.
February to July is the driest period at Yala and Udawalawe, when animals concentrate around remaining waterholes and sightings improve. Yala Block One usually closes for around six weeks from early September. Wilpattu is best from February to October. The Minneriya elephant gathering peaks between July and October.
Yes, and it is one of the strongest reasons to come to Sri Lanka. A week is enough to combine a leopard safari at Yala or Wilpattu, elephants at Udawalawe or Minneriya, and blue whale watching from Mirissa on the south coast between November and April.
