fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Sri Lanka Safari

Sale!

Sri Lanka Safari

Was From $ 3,825 AUD
Now From $ 3,251 AUDSale!

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, ,

Description

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 Name
Sri Lanka Safari
Last Updated
2024-08-21
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • 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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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. Look out for deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards.
Day 3 - Habarana
Set off after breakfast this morning for Dambulla. On the way, visit the Vessagiriya Complex – where 500 monks lived during the reign of the Anuradhapura kingdom. Explore the caves and then carry on to Minneriya National Park for an afternoon 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, you’ll drive to Dambulla for a free evening to rest and recharge.
Day 4 - Habarana (Sigiriya)
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. After recharging (nap, anyone?), 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. Tonight, visit Popham’s Arboretum for a night-time nature walk, looking out for the slender loris and pangolin.
Day 5 - Ampara - Gal Oya National Park
Make the drive to Ampara and enter the unspoiled splendour of Gal Oya National Park. When you arrive, spend some time exploring the lush landscape on foot before heading out on a 4WD safari. This park is home to elephants, axis deer, muntjacs, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles and more than 150 species of birds. Set against the massive Senanayake Samudraya Lake, the park is framed by high mountain peaks.
Day 6 - Arugam Bay
Today, you'll head to Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka's southeast coast, renowned for its world-class surfing, stunning crescent-shaped beach, and laid-back vibes. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and maybe chill out by the beach before embarking on a 4WD evening safari at nearby Kumana National Park. The park hosts a variety of other 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.
Day 7 - Kataragama - Kumana National Park
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.
Day 8 - Kataragama - Yala National Park
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.
Day 9 - Sinharaja
Drive to Singharaja Forest Reserve today – a biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you arrive, settle into the Rainforest Eco Lodge, your accommodation for the night. Set among the misty rainforest, these eco-lodges sit on stilts for optimum harmony with the natural environment. In the evening, head out on a nature walk through the forest with your leader, immersing yourself in the tropical surroundings and looking out for local beasts like jackals, big cats, wild boars and toque monkeys. Tonight, fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
Day 10 - Tangalle
Wake up with the morning birds and head out on a forest walk with your trip leader. Follow the leafy pathway, keeping an eye out for butterflies, multi-coloured blue magpies, squirrels, mongoose and birdlife. After, you’ll make the drive to Rekawa, where you’ll spend the night. As the sun goes down, you’ll head out to the beach with your group to look for nesting turtles.
Day 11 - Colombo
Prepare for a big day as you head for your last stop in Colombo. From October to April, you have the option to join an early morning whale-watching excursion. Although it can make for a long day, Sri Lanka offers exceptional whale-watching sightings. Here, you have the chance to spot a variety of whales, such as sperm whales, orcas, fin whales, and the biggest attraction of all - blue whales. On the way to Colombo, you’ll 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. Grab some lunch from one of the many cafes here, serving traditional Sri Lankan meals with a contemporary twist. When you arrive in Colombo, 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.
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-02-202525-02-2025AUD $ 3,617-
28-02-202511-03-2025AUD $ 3,510-
18-04-202529-04-2025AUD $ 3,791-
16-05-202527-05-2025AUD $ 3,383-
13-06-202524-06-2025AUD $ 3,251-
11-07-202522-07-2025AUD $ 3,251-
25-07-202505-08-2025AUD $ 3,383-
08-08-202519-08-2025AUD $ 3,383-
22-08-202502-09-2025AUD $ 3,251-
19-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 3,251-
17-10-202528-10-2025AUD $ 3,383-
26-12-202506-01-2026AUD $ 4,130-
13-02-202624-02-2026AUD $ 4,335-
17-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 4,335-
15-05-202626-05-2026AUD $ 4,180-
12-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 4,015-
10-07-202621-07-2026AUD $ 4,015-
24-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 4,180-
07-08-202618-08-2026AUD $ 4,180-
21-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 4,015-
18-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 4,015-
16-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 4,180-
25-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 4,335-

Accommodation

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

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Intrepid On Sale Sri Lanka
More of activity:
Wildlife