Sri Lanka has the highest leopard density of any national park in the world. Yala Block I is the jewel — but it's Wilpattu in the northwest, quieter and less visited, where our naturalist Suresh will take you first. This seven-day loop covers three distinct ecosystems: the ancient tank country of Minneriya, the scrub forest of Wilpattu, and the coastal dry zone of Yala.
Dawn drives, bush picnics, and an unhurried pace. We cap our jeep at four passengers and avoid the convoy routes.
Yala National Park leopard drives
Wilpattu — Sri Lanka's largest park
Minneriya elephant gathering
Resident naturalist throughout
Dawn & dusk safaris
Sloth bears, crocodiles, peacocks
Private jeep — no convoy
Day by day
Your 7-day safari itinerary
Tap any day to expand. Sample accommodation shown — we match your stay to your budget.
🚐 JourneyPickup from Bandaranaike International Airport. Drive northeast into the Cultural Triangle toward Minneriya.
⏱ DurationApproximately 3.5 hours
🐾 Safari
- Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park 🐘
- Famous for the "Gathering" — hundreds of elephants around the ancient tank (Jul–Oct)
- Painted storks, grey herons, cormorants in vast numbers
🌙 OvernightMinneriya / Habarana
Sample accommodation
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
🚐 JourneyDrive northwest to Wilpattu — Sri Lanka's largest and least-crowded national park.
🐾 Safari
- Afternoon entry into Wilpattu — famous for its "villus" (natural lakes)
- Leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar, Sri Lankan jackal
- Far fewer jeeps than Yala — genuine wilderness feel
🌙 OvernightWilpattu / Puttalam
Sample accommodation
Wilpattu Safari Camp
🌅 Dawn safari5:30am departure — the best light and most active hours for leopards around the villus.
🌿 AfternoonRest at camp during midday heat. Optional birdwatching walk with Suresh along the park boundary.
🌇 Dusk safari
- Second drive into the park at golden hour
- Sloth bear sightings most common at dusk
- Star gazing from camp after dinner — zero light pollution
🌙 OvernightWilpattu
Sample accommodation
Wilpattu Safari Camp
🚐 JourneyLong but scenic drive south — through coconut country, paddy fields and the south coast road to Yala.
⏱ DurationApproximately 5 hours with lunch stop
🐾 Afternoon safari
- Enter Yala Block I late afternoon for golden-hour drive
- Highest leopard density of any park in the world
- Elephants, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles at the lagoons
🌙 OvernightYala / Tissamaharama
Sample accommodation
Kithala Resort
🌄 Dawn drive5:30am departure — dawn light on the Yala lagoons is extraordinary. Leopards most visible in the early morning on rocky outcrops.
👁 What to expect
- Sri Lankan leopard — Yala has ~35 in Block I alone
- Asian elephant herds at the waterholes
- Mugger crocodile, water monitor, land monitor
- Over 215 bird species including painted storks and sea eagles
🌇 AfternoonSecond drive 3:30pm–6:30pm. Sundowners at camp. Bush dinner under the stars optional.
🌙 OvernightYala
Sample accommodation
Kithala Resort
🌅 Final dawn driveOne last early drive before departure. Transfer begins late morning.
🚐 JourneyDrive west along the southern expressway to Colombo. Optional stop at Bundala National Park (flamingos, waders) en route.
🌙 OvernightColombo
Sample accommodation
Cinnamon Grand Colombo
🌅 MorningLeisurely breakfast. Final morning at leisure — a walk along Galle Face Green or last-minute shopping.
🚐 TransferPrivate transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, timed to your flight.
What's included
- All accommodation (6 nights)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- Resident naturalist Suresh (Days 1–6)
- All park entrance fees & jeep hire
- Dawn and dusk safari drives daily
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- Daily breakfast
- 24/7 studio support
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners (unless noted)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Sri Lanka visa fee (USD 20)