Grand Wildlife Safari, 15 Days
15 Days / 14 Nights
Tour overview
A 1,400 km island loop for wildlife lovers. Track leopards and sloth bears across Wilpattu, Kumana, and Yala. See the elephant gathering at Minneriya. Cool off in the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, then finish with mangroves and turtles on the Madu River. Five national parks, misty highlands, and southern beaches.
Highlights
- Wilpattu two night wilderness safari
- Minneriya elephant gathering
- Kumana and Yala leopard safaris
- Moon Plains and Nuwara Eliya tea country
- Little Adam's Peak hike in Ella
- Madu River mangrove and sea turtle safari
Places on this tour
Destinations included on this route.
Experiences on this tour
Things to do that often feature on this trip.
Day by day plan
Day 1
Arrival (BIA) to 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 to Wilpattu Safari (1 of 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 of 2)
A full day in Wilpattu with morning and afternoon game drives. Quiet trails, dense forest, and superb birdlife make this a deep safari day.
Day 4
Wilpattu to 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 to Nuwara Eliya
Climb into the cool central highlands. Tour a working tea factory for a plucking to cup experience, then take in the panoramic views from Moon Plains.
Day 6
Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Scenic drive to Ella. Hike Little Adam's Peak for sweeping valley views and ease into Ella's hill town rhythm.
Day 7
Ella to 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 rich birdlife wetlands where jungle meets the sea.
Day 9
Arugam Bay to Yala Safari (1 of 2)
Travel to Yala, famous for high leopard density. Afternoon game drive in search of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and sloth bears.
Day 10
Yala Safari Day (2 of 2)
A second Yala safari to maximise big cat sightings, plus time for the park's elephants, buffalo, and waterbirds.
Day 11
Yala to 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 and 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 to 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 and 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 and dinners unless stated
- National park entrance and jeep tracker fees
- Tea factory, Moon Plains, and other entrance tickets
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from
$1280
per person. 15 Days / 14 Nights
