Forget your bad memories of camping - this luxury experience is as good as any hotel, with the added benefit of a unique window onto Sri Lanka’s natural world. You’ll see elephant herds under open skies, sunsets with the promise of prowling cats, daybreak with monkeys, storks, ibis and crocodiles, as well as deer, sloth bears, jackals and wild buffalo. And did we mention that Yala has the densest population of leopards in the world? Birdwatchers will be in heaven, too: Sri Lanka has 426 species including the delightful bee eater.
Safaris are 2-4 days in length, but can be tailor-made for a maximum of 8 people. You’ll be picked up in a Toyota Landcruiser and taken to the camp, which is set beside a watering hole that's swarmed by wildlife. From the moment you arrive, you'll be extremely well looked after by the brilliant staff - their knowledge is invaluable and really enhances the experience. Game drives take place in the early morning and at dusk; lunch is served by a tree-shaded lake, and at night the camp is lit by flaming torches. Take a walk on the wild side: it’s an unforgettable adventure.
Why we chose this partner
- Kulu Safaris are the pioneer operators of tented safaris in Sri Lanka, and have a fantastic reputation
- Their trackers are astonishingly good, so these safaris offer some of the best wildlife-spotting in the world; you can also ask for a specialist guide
- The drivers are fully trained and experienced in all possible terrains, with client safety their ultimate concern. Drivers are responsible, friendly, helpful and they all speak excellent English
- Kulu don't cut corners; we slept very soundly in our luxury tents with proper beds
- Staff are very mindful of their impact on the environment
Please be aware
- Yala is a popular safari destination and does attract lots of jeeps, but the extremely knowledgeable guides go out of their way to ensure you avoid the crowds and have the best viewing opportunities
- There are 2 game drives per day, so if you're staying for 3 days or more you might find you've already spotted all there is to see (especially if you're lucky enough to see a leopard on the first safari)!
Best time to go
Yala is wonderful year round - though it closes for a month each year when the water levels are very low. This is usually in September/October, but varies depending on weather patterns.
Our top tips
We'd recommend staying for 2 nights to give you a good chance of seeing all the wildlife. Clothes will get dusty so pack accordingly. Bird books, binoculars, towels and torches are provided.
Location
Your safari will take place in Yala National Park, on Sri Lanka's southeast coast.
By Air
Fly into Colombo International Airport. Here, you could transfer onto a SriLankan Airlines Air Taxi, which flies to various destinations in Sri Lanka daily, and will cut down on your journey time. However, it's such a fascinating country that we'd definitely recommend travelling overland if you have time (Yala is approx 7 hrs drive from Colombo). The best way to do this is by hiring a driver; see below. Kulu Safari can arrange airport transfers on request, for an additional charge.
By Train
Travelling by rail is wonderfully scenic but the trains are slow and unreliable, so if you're in a hurry we wouldn't recommend it. If you have a few days though, consider making your way from Colombo by train - see Seat 61 for details. You can then get a taxi for the final leg of your journey.
By Car
If you want to hire a car, bear in mind that Sri Lanka’s roads are in bad condition and speed limits are low, so even short distances take a long time. It can take up to 3 hours to cross Colombo at rush hour! We highly recommend hiring a driver and car if you’re planning to travel around Sri Lanka. Mal-key Rent-a-car, the country’s largest firm (58 Pamankada Rd, Off Havelock Rd, Colombo 6), are excellent. They can drop you at the gate of the national park you're visiting and collect you 3 days later.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Sri Lanka and getting around
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
A great stay in Safari tents with airconditioning! The guide was so good and from the highest level. We saw a bear, many birds, a leopard and a beautiful nature!
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