Combining exceptional guiding and seamless service with luxurious comfort under canvas, Leopard Trails really does offer the ultimate safari experience in Sri Lanka. With camps on the fringe of Yala (in the south east) and Wilpattu (in the north west), these upscale safari camps take you into the heart of two of the most wildlife-dense national parks in Sri Lanka. At either, you could pass mugger crocodiles basking in the dawn light, see leopards, sloth bears and herds of spotted deer before breakfast and spy majestic tusker elephants drinking at pink-hued waterholes as the day nears its end.
But this isn’t just any safari experience. Established in 2012, Leopard Trails’ camps go above and beyond, offering extremely comfortable African-style safari tents and the very best naturalist guides. Their intense in-house guide training takes a year to complete and results in a team of individuals well-versed in the intricacies of Sri Lanka’s wildlife (their knowledge and recording of individual leopards is impressive), hospitality, service, and the many little details that elevate a stay.
The campsites, set on the buffer zones of the national parks, are both comfortable and practical. Although you sleep under canvas, the tents feel like plush rooms with up to 700 square metres of space, air conditioning, proper beds, sitting areas, charging facilities, ensuite bathrooms with flushable toilets, double washbasins and hot showers, and in some of the suites, even a terrace with swimming pool. The three types of tents offer variety at different price points, and everything is included – all of your meals, snacks and drinks (including alcohol), your expert-led safaris and a host of other experiences such as guided bush walks, Sri Lankan cookery classes and lake cruises.
Key Facts
- Each camp offers Deluxe Tents, Pool Suites & Lake Suites (all air-conditioned)
- Lake Suites are connected via a tunnel and work very well for families or small groups
- Families are welcome & children’s activities are available
- Rates include meals, snacks, drinks, game drives & park entrance fees
- Game drives are shared (like-minded guests are grouped together) & the customised Toyota game viewers fit a maximum of 5-6 guests
- Stays are tailored to couples/honeymooners, families and those with special interests (birding, photography etc.)
- The camps are private, peaceful & away from main roads so all you hear is the nature surrounding you
- The Yala camp is located near the park’s quieter northern entrance
Experiences
- Embark on game drives into Yala or Wilpattu national parks with expert naturalists.
- Take a guided bush walk in/around camp to look out for resident wildlife, particularly reptiles, birds and other small creatures
- Visit cultural sites such as Sithulpawa, a second century Buddhist rock temple located in the wildlife-rich heart of Yala, home to troupes of langur monkeys
- Dine in a different place every mealtime as you experience a variety of scenic alfresco dining spots in and around camp
- Wilpattu’s jungles are home to the rare nocturnal Grey Slender Loris, and you can try and observe these elusive primates on guided walks at dusk.
- Those who enjoy birding (or simply love a tranquil spot for sundowners) can embark on a peaceful oruwa lake cruise.
- Take part in a Sri Lankan cookery demonstration hosted by the camp chefs or let them prepare you an 8-10 course Sri Lankan degustation “bush dinner”.
- Activities in the Junior Ranger Programme include tree, bird and animal identification, tracking, bush walks and even walkie talkie etiquette!
Photo Gallery
More Information - Yala
- The hotel is 6km from Kataragama
- The closest air taxi location is at Weerawila, an hour’s drive away
- Distance to Colombo is 264km (or a four-and-a-half hours’ drive)
- Distance to the Bandaranaike International Airport is 288km
More Information - Wilpattu
- The hotel is just outside Wilpattu National Park
- The closest air taxi location is at Sigiriya Airport, about a 1 hour 45 minute drive away
- Distance to Colombo is 250–300 km (around a five‑hour drive)
- Distance to Bandaranaike International Airport is 120–130 km (about a three‑hour drive)
