Sri Lanka Safari
Sri Lanka Safari
Sri Lanka Safari
12 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo
Visiting: Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Habarana, Habarana (Sigiriya), Ampara - Gal Oya National Park, Arugam Bay, Kataragama - Kumana National Park, Kataragama - Yala National Park, Sinharaja, Tangalle, Colombo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HPKW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel
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
Location: Wilpattu National Park
Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp (with facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 3: Habarana
Location: Habarana
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 4: Habarana (Sigiriya)
Location: Habarana (Sigiriya)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 5: Ampara - Gal Oya National Park
Location: Ampara - Gal Oya National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
Day 6: Arugam Bay
Location: Arugam Bay
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
Day 7: Kataragama - Kumana National Park
Location: Kataragama - Kumana National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 8: Kataragama - Yala National Park
Location: Kataragama - Yala National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 9: Sinharaja
Location: Sinharaja
Accommodation: Eco Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
-
Day 10: Tangalle
Location: Tangalle
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 11: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 12: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Colombo, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
No
-
Fully Guided
-
Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4x4 Safari
-
Anawilundawa - Bird Sanctuary
-
Anuradhapura - Vessagiriya Complex Guided Tour
-
Minneriya National Park - Afternoon 4x4 Safari
-
Popem’s Arboretum - Evening Nature Walk
-
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit
What's Not Included
-
Insurance
-
International Travel
Transport
- MOTORCYCLES:
- Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka.
- TAXIS:
- Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities.
Accommodation
- AIR CONDITIONING
- All hotels on this trip have fans, but not all will have air conditioning.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 15 years old or above
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Is this trip right for you
The summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the southwest of the country. Please consider your suitability to the time of year you wish to travel and be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
The views from the top of Lion Rock in Sigiriya are spectacular, but getting there involves walking up uneven, narrow steps and navigating tight walkways. If you’ve got a fear of heights or conditions that affect mobility you may wish to sit this activity out.
Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. Any temple visit in Sri Lanka requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and trousers/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. -
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
LOW - Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Dec
2025 Feb
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Dec
2026
Friday - Tuesday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 16, 2025 - May 27, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Apr 17, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Friday - Tuesday
May 15, 2026 - May 26, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jul 24, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2026 - Sep 01, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Dec 25, 2026 - Jan 05, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions