Elephant herds at Udawalawe and leopards in Yala — four days of jeep safaris in Sri Lanka's wild south.
Sri Lanka packs remarkable wildlife into a small area. This private tour heads to the dry southeast, starting at Udawalawe — one of the most reliable places in Asia to watch wild elephants — before moving on to Yala, known for having one of the highest densities of leopards anywhere.
Safaris run in open-top 4×4 jeeps with park trackers, timed for the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. Between drives there's time to rest, visit the Elephant Transit Home, and see the evening ceremony at Kataragama.
Herds grazing in open grassland around the reservoir.
Orphaned calves raised for release back into the wild.
The Sri Lankan leopard, the park's top predator.
Shy and rarely seen — a real prize on any Yala drive.
Mugger crocodiles, painted storks, peacocks and bee-eaters at the waterholes.
A sacred town honoured by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.
A suggested route — every day can be reshuffled, extended or slowed down to match your pace. Drive times are approximate.
Day 1 · Airport → Udawalawe
A morning pickup and a drive south on the expressway to Udawalawe, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon jeep safari.
Open grassland around the reservoir makes elephants easy to watch at close range.
Painted storks, eagles and kingfishers along the water's edge.
Day 2 · Udawalawe → Tissamaharama
A morning visit to the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time, then the drive to Tissamaharama, the base for Yala. The evening is spent at Kataragama.
Watch orphaned calves at a feeding session from the viewing platform.
An ancient reservoir and stupa at the edge of town.
Drums, fire and offerings at one of the island's most important pilgrim sites.
Day 3 · Yala National Park
Two safaris in Yala: one from first light, when leopards are most active, and a second in the late afternoon. The hottest hours are for resting at your hotel.
The park gates open at dawn — the best time for leopards and sloth bears.
Elephants, crocodiles and wading birds at the waterholes, with the park's coastal dunes as a backdrop.
Prefer to stay in the park? A full-day safari with a packed breakfast and lunch can be arranged.
Day 4 · Yala → Onward
A free morning — or an optional final safari — before your onward journey. The tour ends with a transfer to the south coast, Ella or Colombo (approx. 4.5–5 h), arranged to suit your plans.
One more chance at a leopard sighting.
Continue to Mirissa, Ella or Colombo with your driver.
Two of Sri Lanka's best national parks in one short trip
Safaris timed for dawn and late afternoon, when wildlife is most active
A private, air-conditioned vehicle and driver, plus open-top safari jeeps with park trackers
Easily extended to the south coast beaches or the hill country
Dry weather and lower vegetation make animals easier to spot, especially around the waterholes.
Yala's main block usually closes for several weeks during the dry spell. Udawalawe stays open all year.
Northeast monsoon rain turns the parks green; birdlife is excellent with migrant species.
Elephant sightings at Udawalawe are reliable in every season.
Private, air-conditioned vehicle for all 4 days
Dedicated English-speaking driver-guide throughout
Pickup from the airport or your Colombo hotel
A flexible itinerary — pacing and stops can be adjusted as you travel
Hotel suggestions to suit your style, from boutique stays to luxury resorts
Support by phone and WhatsApp throughout your trip
Safari jeeps booked on your behalf (jeep hire and park fees not included)
Accommodation — booked to your preferences, ask us for a full quote
Meals and beverages
Safari jeep hire and national park entrance fees
Elephant Transit Home entrance
International flights and visa fees
Travel insurance, personal expenses and tips
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens — leopards are often seen at a distance
Wear neutral colours, a hat and sunscreen; open jeeps get hot and dusty
Keep noise down and stay in the jeep — it gives you the best chance of a sighting
Morning safaris start before 6 am; your hotel can pack breakfast to take along
5 Days / 4 Nights
East Coast
Dambulla's cave temples, snorkelling at Pigeon Island, Koneswaram temple above Trincomalee Bay, and surf and lagoons at Arugam Bay.
10 Days / 9 Nights
Island-Wide
Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, Kandy, the tea hills and train to Ella, a Yala safari, Mirissa and Galle Fort — the whole island in one private journey.
4 Days / 3 Nights
Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura's sacred city, an early-morning climb of Sigiriya, the ruins of Polonnaruwa and Dambulla's cave temples, ending in Kandy.
No reviews for this tour yet — be the first traveller to share your experience.
Lanka