Sri Lanka Safari

12 Days | Wildlife safaris, nature walks, and temples in Sri Lanka

4.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
GBP £1,994
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Unearth a region of wild delights and rich biodiversity through the depths of Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks. With safaris on land, water, and by foot, you’ll have the best chance of spotting some of Sri Lanka's iconic wildlife, including herds of native elephants in their natural habitat, leopards, thousands of birds, slender lorises, monkeys, crocodiles, buffalo, deer and jackals. You’ll also see the epic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, exploring the ruined fortress. Couple these experiences with a cruise on a natural lake, some delicious local food and a night spent in an eco-lodge among the sounds of the forest, and you’ll delight on a wildlife-focused and nature-filled itinerary in one of Asia’s best selections of jungle and forest.

Trip overview

Map of Sri Lanka Safari including Sri Lanka
Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Theme
Wildlife
Destinations
Sri Lanka
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HPKW
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Head out on multiple safaris in 4WDs through Wilpattu, Minneriya, Gal Oya, Kumuna and Yala National Parks, looking out for herds of native elephants, leopards, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, hundreds of species of birds and more.
  • Don infrared night goggles and witness sea turtles coming ashore at Rekawa beach to lay their eggs while hatchlings dash down to the water to start their new life.
  • Visit Singharaja Forest Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and spend the night in a nearby lodge in the misty rainforest. Head out on nature walks here, looking out for butterflies, jackals, big cats, wild boars and toque monkeys.
  • Explore the biodiverse Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, unique due to its three vastly different ecosystems – the coast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks.
  • See the incredible site of Sigiriya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most famous spots. Discover the ruins among thousands of birds, who thrive in the surrounding forests.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Zero Plastic. Donations help them educate Sri Lankan communities about the impact of plastic on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the southwest of the country. Please consider your suitability to the time of year you wish to travel and be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
  • The views from the top of Lion Rock in Sigiriya are spectacular, but getting there involves walking up uneven, narrow steps and navigating tight walkways. If you’ve got a fear of heights or conditions that affect mobility you may wish to sit this activity out.
  • Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. Any temple visit in Sri Lanka requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and trousers/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Sri Lanka Safari including Sri Lanka

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Permanent Tented Camp (with facilities) (1 night), Eco Lodge (1 night), Hotel (9 nights)

Activities
  • Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
  • Anawilundawa - Bird Sanctuary
  • Anuradhapura - Vessagiriya Complex Guided Tour
  • Minneriya National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
  • Popem’s Arboretum - Evening Nature Walk
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit
  • Habarana - Cooking Demo & Home Cooked Meal
  • Gal Oya National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
  • Kumana National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
  • Kumana National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
  • Yala National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
  • Yala National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
  • Sinharaja Rainforest - Evening Nature Walk
  • Rekawa - Turtle Nesting Observation
  • Sinharaja Rainforest - Bird & Butterfly Trail Walk
  • Galle - Galle Fort Walk
Add on activities
  • Yala National Park - Evening 4WD Safari (OPTIONAL) - USD84
  • Kataragama - Kataragam Temple (OPTIONAL) - Free
  • Mirissa - Whale Watching - USD70

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Aine · Traveled September 2024
Fantastic trip! Great mix included from hotels to camping, rainforest to coast. Amazing country, well worth a visit!
Review submitted 21 Sep 2024

Louise · Traveled August 2024
If you love nature, wildlife and safari drives then this tour is for you. Hasantha our tour guide was the such a highlight with his knowledge and passion and enthusiasm for wildlife and photography.
Review submitted 03 Sep 2024

Bronwyn · Traveled July 2024
Great trip for wildlife lovers ! Our leader Indika was great very knowledgeable and helpful and our support staff were also amazing ! It is a fast paced the only recommendation would be maybe adding in an extra day at either around Yala or Sinharaja so 2 night in 3 locations. We saw a lot of wildlife including leopards, sloth bear, elephants and amazing birdlife ! Would recommend this tour.
Review submitted 30 Jul 2024

Cayla · Traveled July 2024
This tour was fantastic! Our guide (Indika), assistant and driver (Priyantha and Tharaka) were all fantastic. The itinerary was great and the opportunity to see wildlife was awesome having gone to so many national parks. Only downfall was minimal/nil English from safari drivers/guides which is very different compared to an African safari, however Indika aided us there but I didn't learn as much as I would've liked, but overall would recommend!
Review submitted 06 Aug 2024

Ryan · Traveled July 2024
This trip was truly amazing. The sites were stunning, the local culture was amazing to experience, and the Intrepid team were simply second to none. I'd highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to visit this beautiful country and see the amazing wildlife.
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024
Sri Lanka Safari
From
GBP £1,994