Grand Wildlife Safari — 15 Days
Tour Overview
A 1,400 km island loop built for wildlife lovers. Track leopards and sloth bears across Wilpattu, Kumana, and Yala, witness the elephant gathering at Minneriya, then cool off in the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya and Ella before a mangrove-and-turtle finish on the Madu River. Five national parks, misty highlands, and golden southern beaches in one unhurried journey.
Trip Highlights
- Wilpattu two-night wilderness safari
- Minneriya elephant gathering
- Kumana & Yala leopard safaris
- Moon Plains & Nuwara Eliya tea country
- Little Adam's Peak hike in Ella
- Madu River mangrove & sea-turtle safari
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1
Arrival (BIA) → Negombo
Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport and a short transfer to Negombo. Settle in by the coast and unwind after your flight with an optional lagoon sunset stroll.
Day 2
Negombo → Wilpattu Safari (1/2)
Drive north to Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest and wildest national park. Afternoon jeep safari among the villus (natural lakes) with chances of leopard, sloth bear, and elephant.
Day 3
Wilpattu — Full-Day Safari (2/2)
A full day in Wilpattu with morning and afternoon game drives. Quiet trails, dense forest, and superb birdlife make this the island's most immersive safari.
Day 4
Wilpattu → Habarana (Minneriya Safari)
Transfer to Habarana and head into Minneriya National Park for an afternoon safari — home to 'The Gathering', one of Asia's largest seasonal congregations of wild elephants.
Day 5
Habarana → Nuwara Eliya
Climb into the cool central highlands. Tour a working tea factory for a plucking-to-cup experience, then take in the panoramic 360-degree views from Moon Plains.
Day 6
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Scenic drive to Ella. Hike Little Adam's Peak for sweeping valley views and ease into Ella's laid-back hill-town rhythm.
Day 7
Ella → Arugam Bay (Elephant Rock)
Descend to the east coast and mellow Arugam Bay. Spend the evening relaxing around Elephant Rock as the surf breaks at golden hour.
Day 8
Arugam Bay — Kumana Safari
Private jeep safari in Kumana National Park — coastal lagoons, elephants, leopards, and one of the island's richest birdlife wetlands where jungle meets the sea.
Day 9
Arugam Bay → Yala Safari (1/2)
Travel to Yala, famous for the world's highest leopard density. Afternoon game drive in search of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and sloth bears.
Day 10
Yala — Safari Day (2/2)
A second Yala safari to maximise big-cat sightings, plus time for the park's abundant elephants, buffalo, and waterbirds.
Day 11
Yala → Sinharaja Rainforest
Transfer to the edge of Sinharaja, Sri Lanka's only primary rainforest and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Evening at leisure amid the forest canopy.
Day 12
Sinharaja — Rainforest & Rest
A relaxed day to explore Sinharaja's endemic birds, butterflies, and towering trees on a guided walk, or simply unwind surrounded by rainforest.
Day 13
Sinharaja → Bentota
Head to the southwest coast and Bentota's golden beaches. Afternoon at leisure by the sea to recharge after the safaris and hills.
Day 14
Bentota — Madu River Safari
Boat safari on the Madu River through mangrove tunnels and islets, with a sea-turtle hatchery visit and calm lagoon scenery before your final coastal evening.
Day 15
Departure (BIA)
Relaxed morning by the coast, then transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
- 14 nights accommodation (mid-range default; upgrades on request)
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private AC vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Jeep safaris in Wilpattu, Minneriya, Kumana, and Yala (x2)
- Madu River boat safari with turtle hatchery visit
- Airport meet & greet and all transfers
- Fuel, parking, and driver overnight allowances
- WhatsApp support from our Sri Lanka office during your trip
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches & dinners unless stated
- National park entrance & jeep tracker fees
- Tea factory, Moon Plains, and other entrance tickets
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from
$1280
per person · 15 Days / 14 Nights
