wildlife experiences

Private Jeep Safaris

Sri Lanka boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife and the island’s national parks serve as scenic sanctuaries for a number of species. From the grasslands and lagoons of Udawalawe to the dry and dusty forests of Yala, a wildlife safari is not to be missed during your time in Sri Lanka.

Our private jeep safaris are the best way to discover the amazing wildlife that the island has to offer - all possible as a day trip from the villa. The experience includes all of your transport, as well as private jeep rental, personal driver, Safari Guide, food & drinks.

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Up Close With Elephants.

Udawalawe National Park.

Our favourite safari option and the best opportunity to see Asian Elephants in the wild. The variety of wildlife in Udawalawe is truly amazing and the National Park is full of beautiful landscapes.

Udawalawe is a biodiversity hotspot, home to crocodiles, deer, exotic birds and more. Highlights include amazing encounters with Sri Lankan Elephants - often in herds and coming close to the vehicles. This park is generally less busy than Yala National Park and you may prefer it for that reason - it is our favourite pick! Either breakfast or dinner is included in the trip, depending on your chosen safari time.

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udawalawe national park

Park Highlights

Located approximately 2 hours from the villa, Udawalawe National Park spans over 30,000 hectares and is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. A major highlight is its thriving population of Asian Elephants, often seen in herds near the Udawalawe Reservoir.

Our private safaris in Udawalawe uniquely include a meal inside the park, organised at one of the Ranger Stations and complete with dramatic views of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.

  • Udawalawe National Park spans both the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka, covering 30,820 hectares and features a mix of grasslands, wetland and dry monsoon forests. The park lies at the foothills of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, providing dramatic mountains as a backdrop to your safari!

  • The park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, particularly its large population of Asian Elephants, often seen up very close! Udawalawe is also home to water buffalo, sambar deer, crocodiles and over 180 bird species.

  • Udawalawe is approximately 2 hours (130km) away from the villa and easily reached for a day trip. We usually recommend either a sunrise or sunset safari for your best chance of seeing elephants up close!

  • Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its conservation efforts, particularly in protecting Asian Elephants. The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a key initiative, rehabilitates orphaned elephants for eventual release into the wild.

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a dry & dusty wilderness

Yala National Park.

Situated on the island's South East Coast and bordering the Indian Ocean, Yala is Sri Lanka's most visited National Park and is home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species.

Yala National Park offers your best chance to see the beautiful Sri Lankan Leopard in the wild. The park boasts the world's highest density of leopards & we usually recommend leaving the villa as early as 3am to enjoy a spectacular sunrise in the park. Please note that Yala can get busy at times and leopard sightings are never guaranteed. Either breakfast or dinner is included in the trip, depending on your chosen safari time.

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yala national park

Park Highlights

In addition to the park’s fame for its high leopard density, Yala’s diverse ecosystems including forests, grasslands, lagoons and beaches host a wide variety of wildlife such as elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and spotted deer. A haven for birdwatchers, there are also over 200 species of birds including vibrant peacocks, bee-eaters and migratory water fowl.

The park’s coastal boundary features stunning beaches, adding scenic beauty to the wilderness experience. Guests touring Yala National Park will enjoy a meal at either a Rangers Station inside the park or on a section of beach recommended by park guides.

  • Located in southeastern Sri Lanka, Yala National Park spans over 97,000 hectares and features a mix of ecosystems, including dry monsoon forests, grasslands, wetlands and sandy coastal areas. The terrain is relatively flat, with occasional rocky outcrops providing panoramic views of the landscape. The park’s varied topography supports its rich biodiversity, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most important ecological regions.

  • Yala is home to one of the world’s highest leopard densities, making it a prime location for spotting these elusive big cats - but please take note, a sighting can be rare! The park is home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and over 200 bird species. Its dense forests and grasslands also support herbivores such as spotted deer and wild boar - making it a critical sanctuary for Sri Lanka’s endangered and endemic species.

  • Yala National Park is located 3 hours (150km) from the villa and can be enjoyed as a day trip. As with Udawalawe National Park, we would recommend either a sunrise or sunset safari for the best experience.

  • The park implements strict anti-poaching measures to safeguard species like leopards, elephants and sloth bears. Scientific research and monitoring programmes track wildlife populations and ecological changes, aiding in the effective management of the area.

Get in touch.

We’re Here to Help!

Looking for some more information about our safari experiences, the villa or exploring Sri Lanka in general? With in-depth knowledge of the island, we’re here to help!

If you would like to have a chat about planning a trip tailored to your group’s interests, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the form below.