Summer Wildlife Holiday — An Unforgettable Adventure in Sri Lanka’s Wilderness

Conservationists, wildlife lovers, and eco-tourists alike will be delighted by our Summer Wildlife Holiday — a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature at its finest in Sri Lanka. From the famous Elephant Gathering at Minneriya to the Dambana Veddah Village and exhilarating jeep safaris across seven national parks, this tour offers a wildlife experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Sri Lanka stands out as a wildlife haven — home to over 4,000 plant species, 245 butterfly species, 492 bird species, 95 mammals, and 207 reptiles, many of them endemic or endangered. From majestic herds of wild elephants to elusive leopards, we will take you in your own air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven vehicle to discover the finest wildlife encounters alongside some of the country’s best guides and ranger-spotters.

Every tour is a unique experience — we can’t guarantee what you’ll see, but we do maximize your chances with expertly timed game drives and insider knowledge of the best locations.

Through our strong relationships with local wildlife authorities and communities, we enable you to venture into little-known wildlife sanctuaries, traditional villages, and remote habitats — places most tourists will never reach. A particular highlight of your holiday is the opportunity to witness the annual Elephant Gathering at Minneriya Tank, from July to September — a truly awe-inspiring event.

Additionally, you can customize your tour by adding optional excursions or choosing accommodations that match your budget and preferred level of luxury. We include a two-night stay in an eco-lodge surrounded by pristine rainforest, offering you a fully immersive jungle experience. From mist-covered mountains to lakes, forests, and grasslands, we’ll unveil the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife — a rich and vulnerable natural heritage that future generations may not get to appreciate.

Itinerary

Day 01:

• Your personal driver and guide will be waiting for you at the airport. From there, you’ll travel to Tissamaharama or Yala, with a stop along the way at a Turtle Hatchery — a wonderful opportunity to learn about turtle conservation.

Day 02:

• Rise before dawn for a full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park — one of the best places in the world to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Day 03:

• Visit the Elephant Transit Camp and learn about their valuable wildlife rehabilitation work. Later, enjoy game drives in Uda Walawe National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants.

Day 04:

• Sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking views as your driver brings you to your eco-lodge in the jungle — a restful base for your wildlife adventure.

Day 05:

• Immerse yourself in nature with a ranger-guided hike in Sinharaja National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve rich in endemic species of birds, reptiles, and trees. Spend another restful night at your jungle eco-lodge.

Day 06:

• Your driver will take you through the beautiful tea plantations and highland forests to Nuwara Eliya — a charming town often called “Little England.”

Day 07:

• Start your day at 5 am with a guided excursion to Horton Plains National Park. Here, you’ll see the famous Baker’s Falls and World’s End — a dramatic cliff drop — alongside unique flora and wildlife.

Day 08:

• Meet members of the Dambana Veddah community, the indigenous people of Sri Lanka, as you travel toward Wasgamuwa National Park.

Day 09:

• A full day’s wildlife spotting awaits you in Wasgamuwa National Park — home to elephants, bears, leopards, and a rich array of bird species.

Day 10:

• Your driver will transfer you to Dambulla or Habarana. If the timing is right, you may witness the famous Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park — a dramatic congregation of wild elephants by the water’s edge.

Day 11:

• After a leisurely drive to Anuradhapura, you can enjoy an optional afternoon jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park — a park renowned for its lakes, wildlife, and leopards.

Day 12:

• Immerse yourself in a full day’s wildlife spotting in Wilpattu National Park — a true wildlife paradise.

Day 13:

• Traverse the beautiful countryside from mountains back toward the Sri Lankan coastline, with time for a refreshing swim in the warm waters.

Day 14:

• It’s time to say goodbye. Your driver will transfer you to the airport in plenty of time for your departure flight, taking back wonderful memories of your wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka.