8 Days • 7 Nights
Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari: Yala & Udawalawe
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll join elephant-filled safaris at Minneriya and Udawalawe, track the elusive leopard in Yala National Park, and combine it all with the Sigiriya Lion Rock and the ancient Cultural Triangle. Safari lodges, waterholes and star-filled skies fill the nights.
With comfortable safari lodges, expert naturalists and the game drives arranged, it is Sri Lanka's wild side at its most rewarding.
Trip Highlights
- Leopard safaris in Yala National Park
- Great elephant gatherings at Minneriya
- The elephant herds of Udawalawe
- The Elephant Transit Home for orphaned calves
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla caves
- Sloth bears, crocodiles and abundant birdlife
- Nights in atmospheric safari lodges
- Culture and wildlife combined
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Sigiriya, settling in with a welcome dinner.
Climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock and the Dambulla caves, then an afternoon jeep safari at Minneriya, famous for its great gathering of wild elephants.
Travel south to Udawalawe National Park, settling into a safari lodge with an afternoon game drive among its large elephant herds.
A morning game drive in Udawalawe and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are rehabilitated for release into the wild.
Travel to Yala National Park, settling into a safari lodge on the edge of the wilderness with an afternoon leopard safari.
A full day of game drives in Yala, home to one of the world's highest leopard densities, plus elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
A final morning safari option, then travel to Colombo for your last evening.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Colombo airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 2N Sigiriya, 2N Udawalawe, 2N Yala safari lodge, 1N Colombo
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board at the safari lodges
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla caves and a Minneriya elephant safari
- Game drives in Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home
- Two game drives in Yala National Park in search of leopards
- Expert naturalist guides and all park fees
- A Colombo orientation on departure
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
When is the best time for a Sri Lanka safari?
The southeast parks of Yala and Udawalawe are best in the drier months from February to July, when animals gather at waterholes. Minneriya's famous elephant gathering peaks from July to September. We plan around the seasons.
What is the Elephant Transit Home?
It is a facility at Udawalawe that rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves and releases them back into the wild — an ethical, uplifting alternative to elephant rides, where you watch the calves being fed.
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