Sri Lanka's Secret Wilderness

You might hear the rustle of a bumbling bear before it emerges onto the earthen track that weaves through the sal and teak forest. Twitching nose trained to the ground and preoccupied with the scent of termites. Without the threat of tiger, the Sri Lankan sloth bear is a confident sub-species, much like the large languorous leopards here, which assume apex predator position. Sri Lanka is notorious for its dense populations of leopard, and we hope to see them in areas unfilled by other tourists.

Across four quiet parks we can expect magnificent and varied birdlife, unusual and iconic mammals, and private safari-style camps. The destinations we visit range from the south-east to the northern central zone and the north-east, each offering a unique habitat and insight into this captivating country.

Our tour begins in an exclusive luxury camp at Ahaspokuna. With no roads into camp, we enter on foot, experiencing wonderful tranquillity and privacy as we navigate the hidden 900 hectare area of pristine wilderness in search of elephant, porcupine and even pangolin, whilst expert local guides teach us about the forests, rivers, and grasslands of this unique ecosystem.

From here we move south-east, to the coastal mangroves of Kumana. This is an outstanding reserve, awash with waterfowl and wading birds which thrive in splendid variety. Contiguous with Yala – the island’s most visited national park – leopard, elephant, buffalo, and crocodile populations extend into the mangrove, kumbuk trees, karan fern, open marsh and inland palu forests that shape the habitat of Kumana.

Continuing north to Maduru Oya which, in addition to its forest and vibrant biodiversity, is prized as the source of five nationally important reservoirs and consequently spectacular birdlife and even fishing cat. Elephants pass through the lush forest and towering guinea grass to the reservoir in front of the camp, bringing the safari to you.

Journeying to the north-west coast, Sri Lanka’s largest national park, Wilpattu, is our final destination. Remarkably, this excellent park, which is home to leopard, elephant, a myriad of birds, and Sri Lanka’s finest site for seeing sloth bear, is little visited. Over three peaceful days we take a series of morning and afternoon safari drives in quest of spectacular mammals, birds and reptiles. As the daytime search for leopard and sloth bear ends, we turn our focus to the nocturnal creatures such as the endemic grey slender loris.

This unique tour offers everything you could wish for in Sri Lanka. Evenings spent by the campfire, enclosed in a private wilderness, listening to the calls of jackal or the nervous bark of a sambar or chital deer in the darkness and then wakening to the dawn orchestra of birds and call of old-world monkeys.

Based in African-style safari camps, each superbly located and immaculately furnished, we enjoy delicious local food and daily excursions into the country’s little known protected areas in search of their wonderful wildlife. If you are hungering for a Sri Lankan experience which takes you off the beaten track, into the heartland of this magical country, and introduces you to its charming people and wildlife, this is emphatically the tour for you.

Journey off the typical tourist trail on our small group wildlife holiday to Sri Lanka. To find out more or to book your place contact our friendly team.