Sri Lanka’s Wild Wonders: 8-Day Safari Adventure with Roxy Furman

Transfer to Wilpattu National Park

Your Sri Lankan wildlife odyssey begins with an 8am morning pickup in Colombo, followed by a 5-hour scenic drive to Wilpattu National Park via Anawilundawa National Park, giving you plenty of time to get to know each other and get excited for the wild adventures ahead!

Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary

Located in Sri Lanka’s Puttalam district, this sanctuary lies between the coast and the Chilaw-Puttlam railway line, perfectly nestled between three distinct ecosystems: the coast, mangroves, and freshwater tanks. This rare ecological setting makes Anawilundawa one of Sri Lanka’s six RAMSAR Wetlands, attracting hundreds of bird species and offering a haven for diverse wildlife.

Spanning 1,397 hectares of lush forest land, Anawilundawa is home to nine interconnected tanks, including six giant man-made cascading tanks and three secondary tanks. These tanks not only support irrigation and cultivation but also provide a natural refuge for over 150 species of water birds, such as herons, great cormorants, white ibis, and purple swamp hens. Additionally, the sanctuary supports endangered species of fish, amphibians, mammals, and reptiles, including the fishing cat, Indian otter, and slender loris, as well as 74 species of butterflies.

Anawilundawa is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers who wish to spot rare birds, observe wildlife in their natural habitat, and capture stunning photographs. With most endemic and resident birds visible year-round, and migrant birds at various times of the year, the sanctuary offers a rich and diverse experience for anyone passionate about nature and wildlife.

Following our guided Anawilundawa National Park bird watching tour, we’ll continue on to Wilpattu National Park, where we will have dinner and settle into our accommodation to relax and prepare for the big adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Big Game Camp Wilpattu – Single / Twin Tented Camps

Meals Included: Dinner

Full Day Safari in Wilpattu National Park

Spend 2 entire days exploring the diverse terrain of Wilpattu National Park, which features grassy plains, forests, rocky scrubland, lagoons, and a scenic coastline. This variety of environments allows Wilpattu to support a wide range of animals and birdlife, making your visit a rewarding experience and providing a magnificent exhibition of Sri Lanka’s native wildlife.

Most other jeeps exit the park after the morning safari and only return in the afternoon, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the game reserve in relative solitude for several hours. In this quieter environment, the animals are likely to be more at ease, giving you a greater chance of spotting elusive creatures, like the majestic leopard.

The full day safaris, which run from 06:00 to 18:00, include a picnic breakfast, lunch, and refreshing beverages. After an exhilarating day of wildlife encounters, enjoy a hearty BBQ dinner at the camp under the stars, accompanied by a roaring campfire.

Accommodation: Big Game Camp Wilpattu – Single / Twin Tented Camps

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s Ancient Capital

After your wildlife adventure in Wilpattu, you’ll head to Anuradhapura, the first established kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka, for a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural history.

For over a thousand years, Anuradhapura was the heart of a great civilization, and for another millennium, it lay hidden in the forest, home only to wildlife like leopards and bears. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest archaeological excavation. Known for its beauty and spiritual significance, Anuradhapura is a major center for Buddhist pilgrimage.

The sprawling complex boasts an impressive array of archaeological, religious, and architectural wonders, including mammoth dagobas (Buddhist temples), soaring brick towers, ancient pools, and crumbling temples from Anuradhapura’s reign over Sri Lanka. Many of these sites continue to serve as active places of worship, imbuing the ancient city with a palpable sense of life and spirituality.

Transfer to Gal Oya

After exploring Anuradhapura, you’ll be transferred to Gal Oya, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Once there, you can unwind and relax at your for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Wild Glamping Gal Oya – Single / Twin Tented Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Notes: You will need to wear modest clothing that covers your knees at Anuradhapura, as this is a temple site.

Discover Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s diverse ecosystems. Embark on a jeep ride through the Nilgala section of the park, once a royal sanctuary prized for its rich medicinal plants and rare bird species. While the wildlife can be elusive, the park is home to most of the island’s native animals. Keep an eye out for herds of elephants, four species of deer, and a variety of birds. For those seeking adventure, a guided hike to the Makara River mouth with one of our expert naturalists offers a deeper experience of the jungle and the chance to encounter wildlife on foot.

Afternoon Boat Safari in Gal Oya National Park

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the scenic Senanayake Tank, surrounded by the lush beauty of Gal Oya National Park. This excursion can be especially rewarding when you spot elephants swimming across the water. Gal Oya is unique in Sri Lanka as the only national park offering boat safaris, making it a must-visit for keen bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

After a day of exploration and wildlife encounters, unwind with a delicious dinner at Gal Oya Wild Glamping, surrounded by the serene sounds of the jungle. Enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Accommodation: Wild Glamping Gal Oya – Single / Twin Tented Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning Safari in Bundala National Park

Begin your day with a morning safari in Bundala National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise boasting nearly 200 bird species, including 150 endemic and numerous migratory birds. Among the migratory species, you may spot petite blue-tailed bee-eaters, flocks of flamingos, brown flycatchers, sandpipers, barn swallows, waterfowl, common redshanks, lesser sand plovers, and forest wagtails. As Sri Lanka’s first Ramsar site, recognized as an important international wetland, and a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2005, Bundala’s complex wetland system is a haven for aquatic birds. You’ll witness spectacular sights of migratory greater flamingos, ibises, painted storks, terns, gulls, and ducks, as well as resident water birds like pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, stilts, and storks.

Afternoon Safari in Yala National Park

In the afternoon, experience the thrill of a game drive in Yala National Park, where Sri Lanka’s most impressive wildlife roams. With its diverse ecosystems, including moist and dry monsoon forests, thorn forests, grasslands, wetlands, and beaches, Yala is home to 44 mammal species. Among them are a herd of around 350 Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, wild water buffalo, the endemic toque macaque and golden palm civet, red slender loris, and the endangered fishing cat.

Yala also hosts 47 reptile species, including six endemics such as the Sri Lankan krait and the flying snake. The park’s rich biodiversity includes 18 amphibian species, with two endemics, and 21 freshwater fish species. Butterfly enthusiasts will delight in the variety of species like the common bluebottle, common lime butterfly, crimson rose, common Jezebel, and common mormon. Yala is recognized as one of the 70 most important bird areas in Sri Lanka, with 215 bird species, including six endemics such as the Sri Lanka grey hornbill and jungle fowl. Additionally, you’ll encounter numerous migrant and rare water birds.

Yala National Park is renowned for its leopard population, believed to have one of the highest densities in the world, making it a major attraction for thousands of visitors eager to witness these magnificent predators in their natural habitat.

After our last huge day of wildlife action, we’ll enjoy a delicious group farewell dinner together at the hotel, and relax under the stars together, sharing our amazing photos and favourite moments.

Accommodation: Elephant Reach Hotel – Single / Twin Deluxe Rooms

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer from Yala to Galle

Today is our last day, but we won’t be wasting it! We’ll depart after breakfast, with a 2.5-hour drive from Yala to Galle, a charming city perched on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast.

Explore Galle City

Galle is a tropical paradise with a rich history, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on golden beaches, explore historic fort ruins, or browse boho-chic boutique shops, Galle promises an unforgettable experience. The city is a feast for the senses, with the scent of exotic spices, the fresh sea breeze, and stunning architecture all around.

At the heart of Galle lies the old Dutch quarter, known as the Fort. Here, you’ll be transported back in time as you wander through low-rise streets lined with Dutch-period villas, impressive churches, and colonial buildings. Galle is primarily a city of trade and art, with boutique shops and cafes owned by foreign writers, photographers, designers, and artists. Strolling through the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll encounter architectural marvels and experience the city’s vibrant energy in an exotic yet classic setting.

Transfer from Galle to Colombo & Fond Farewell

After exploring Galle, our journey concludes with a 2.5hr drive and drop-off in Colombo for a fond farewell to this incredible wildlife adventure. Here you can continue your adventures or begin your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast