Sri Lanka Safari

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.3

3 Reviews

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Unearth a region of wild delights and rich biodiversity through the depths of Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks.

Highlights

Head out on multiple safaris in 4WDs through Wilpattu, Minneriya, Kumana 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.
Chill out beachside on Arugam Bay and soak up some free time to chill out, explore at your own pace and maybe go swimming.
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.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Negombo, Sri Lanka

Finishes

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe relax on the golden sand beaches and soak up some sun or feast on fresh seafood. The surrounding countryside is also perfect to explore on a bicycle (which you can rent with help from hotel reception). Tonight, ask your trip leader for the best local restaurants for dinner.

Day 2: Wilpattu National Park

Drive to Wilpattu this morning, visiting Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary on the way. Anawilundawa is unique because it borders three vastly different ecosystems – the coast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks. This makes it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka and a favourable nesting and breeding ground for hundreds of species of birds. Some of the species found here include herons, open-bills, great cormorants, white ibis, egrets, stalks, pheasant-tailed jacnas and the purple swamp hen. A total of 20 species of mammals have been recorded here, too, including the rusty-spotted cat, the fishing cat, the Indian otter, the slender loris, the toque monkey and 74 species of butterflies. Continue to Wilpattu and when you arrive, set out for an evening safari in the national park. This thick, dry jungle features floodplain lakes and boasts an impressive variety of flora in the huge expanses of forest.

Included Activities:

Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
Anawilundawa - Bird Sanctuary

Day 3: Habarana

Head out for a morning safari in Wilpattu this morning, looking out for deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards. Cruise around in your 4WD, soak up the landscapes of the national park, then leave for Dambulla. This afternoon, you have the option to take an excursion to Minneriya National Park for another safari. Home to Sri Lankan elephants, Minneriya is said to be the best national park in the world for spotting large herds in their natural habitat (between July and August is your best bet). Tonight, visit Popham's Arboretum – Sri Lanka's only dry zone arboretum – for a night walk with your group among the trees, looking out for the slender loris and pangolin.

Included Activities:

Popem’s Arboretum - Evening Nature Walk
Wilpattu National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

Minneriya National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari (65 USD)

Day 4: Habarana

Enjoy a leisurely morning today, then head to a local’s home for a cooking demonstration of traditional dishes like pol Sambol and dhal curry, which you’ll enjoy for lunch. Ge tot know the locals, swap stories, then soak up a relaxing afternoon. Later on, you’ll head into Minneriya National Park for a nighttime safari, watching the changing landscape from your 4WD as the sun goes down. Try to spot some more elephants, then spend another night in leafy Habarana.

Included Activities:

Habarana - Cooking Demo & Home Cooked Meal
Minneriya National Park - Evening 4x4 Safari

Day 5: Arugam Bay

Beat the heat with an early wake-up this morning and head to Sigiriya – this ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most famous sights and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those who make it to the top will be rewarded with epic views. This is also a popular spot for birdlife, due to the surrounding forests. Here, you’ll also learn about the Intrepid Foundation partner Zero Plastic – which works in this area to eliminate single-use plastic, educating local communities on sustainability practices and limiting the impact of plastic in and around Sigiriya. After exploring, you’ll head back to your hotel for a late breakfast. Then, you'll head to Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka's southeast coast – renowned for its world-class surfing, crescent-shaped beach and laid-back vibes. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and maybe chill out by the beach, finding a good sunset spot.

Included Activities:

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit

Day 6: Arugam Bay

Soak up a chill morning to relax by the beach (maybe a morning swim is calling?). If you like, you can opt for a surfing lesson or an extra safari before embarking on a 4WD evening safari at nearby Kumana National Park. The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards and crocodiles. Kumana is also celebrated for its diverse birdlife and serves as a vital bird sanctuary with hundreds of species migrating to its lush wetlands.

Included Activities:

Kumana National Park - Evening 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

Kumana National Park - Morning 4WD Safari (87 USD)

Day 7: Kataragama

This morning, head out on another safari through Kumuna National Park. Because of the many waterways that thread through the landscape, you’ll have a pretty good shot of spotting some local wildlife. You'll also have the chance to stop by Arugam Bay Lagoon or Panama Lake to see some crocodiles before leaving the area for Kataragama. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. Maybe visit Kataragama Temple – dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the Hindu War God Murugan. For those who just can’t get enough of wildlife spotting, you can arrange an optional safari in Yala National Park - Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at your resort with your group.

Included Activities:

Kumana National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Panama Lake - Nature Walk

Day 8: Kataragama

Double up on wildlife spotting with two included safaris in the morning and evening in Yala National Park. There's a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive beauties. Keep an eye out for the 215 species of birds that call this place home, including the Sri Lankan wood pigeon, painted stork, crimson-fronted barbet and prideful peacocks strutting their way through the park.

Included Activities:

Yala National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Yala National Park - Evening 4WD Safari

Day 9: Tangalle

Today, you’ll set your sights on Bundala National Park. When you arrive this morning, head out for a safari to spot some of the amazing birdlife that calls this park home. Bundala harbours 197 species of birds, including the greater flamingo, which migrate here in large flocks. You may also spot leopards, spotted deer, sambars, crocodiles, wild boar, mongoose, monitor lizards and monkeys. Enjoy a relaxing evening on Tangalle's beaches and maybe watch the sunset this evening to cap off a great day.

Included Activities:

Bundala NP - Morning Safari

Day 10: Tangalle

Wake up with the morning birds – today is a free day to explore the area at your own pace. Maybe head out on a forest walk, keeping an eye out for butterflies, multi-coloured blue magpies, squirrels, mongoose and birdlife. Later this evening, you’ll drive to Rekawa. As the sun goes down, you’ll head out to the beach with your group to look for nesting turtles.

Included Activities:

Rekawa - Turtle Nesting Observation

Day 11: Colombo

Visit Galle Fort – the fortified city with a mixture of Portuguese and Dutch charm, narrow laneways and popular promenades. Explore the area on foot, taking in the local architecture that dates from between the 16th and 19th centuries! Then, you’ll head to your last stop in Colombo. When you arrive, you have a free evening to choose your own adventure. Maybe head out to sample some of the city's renowned street food like crispy vegetable samosas, hoppers and kotthu (sliced roti, vegetables and eggs or meat) or find a bar and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

Galle - Dutch Fort
Galle - Walking tour

Day 12: Colombo

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Colombo, just speak to your booking agent.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,805

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Unearth a region of wild delights and rich biodiversity through the depths of Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 Jul 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Joan

Traveled, December 2024

01/01/2024

A great trip, lots of varied and interesting activities, fantastic scenery, a suberb leader, Matish, a small friendly group from 5 different countries, good weather most of the way. All the hotels were comfortable and very clean, some were excellent. I felt safe everywhere, even on my own after the trip. The local people were friendly and welcoming everywhere. I would love to come back to Sri Lanka some day.

4.5

Harry

Traveled, August 2023

09/10/2023

This excellent tour is much more than a bike ride as it encompasses many of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical elements, enthusiastically interpreted by your tour guide,. Dodan and his team provided top level support and made the whole tour a memorable and worthwhile life experience.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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