A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity
Sri Lanka
February 22 to March 12, 2026
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Discover the untamed wilderness of Sri Lanka, a true biodiversity hotspot where lush rainforests, golden savannas, and tranquil lagoons provide the perfect backdrop for extraordinary wildlife encounters. This immersive wildlife safari takes you deep into Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking ecosystems—through jeep safaris, guided bush walks, scenic boat excursions, and nocturnal wildlife treks.
Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top big-game safari destinations, boasting high densities of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and rare bird species. This extraordinary ecological richness is a legacy of the island’s ancient geological history—once connected to the Eurasian continent before becoming a secluded sanctuary for unique wildlife.
From tracking elusive leopards in remote national parks to spotting majestic blue whales off the coast, this safari is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in eco-friendly travel. Are you ready for the ultimate Sri Lankan wildlife safari experience?
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Unmatched Wildlife Diversity: Explore one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on the planet, home to endemic species and the highest leopard density in the world.
- Intimate Elephant Experiences: Drift across serene waters on a boat safari, witnessing Asian elephants gracefully navigating their natural habitat.
- Expert Naturalist Guides: Travel with leading wildlife specialists who bring Sri Lanka’s ecosystems to life with their deep knowledge.
- Access to Hidden Wilderness: Venture off the beaten path into lesser-known national parks, away from the crowds, for a more intimate safari experience.
- Ethical & Sustainable Tourism: Support eco-conscious travel that contributes to wildlife conservation and the preservation of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
- Luxury Meets Adventure: Enjoy a seamless blend of rugged exploration and comfort, staying in eco-lodges and wilderness retreats.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I loved the trip! I thought staying in one place for the time we did was perfect. I could have stayed longer! The country is beautiful, the wildlife is remarkable, and the people blew me out of the water with their kindness and hospitality. The local guides varied in knowledge and experience, but all were really very wonderful. There were some that were exceptional, and I will be happy to name them. I did make sure that the camps or lodges we stayed at were aware of their excellence.” – Leslie Valentine |
ENHANCE YOUR TRIP
- Continue your journey on our Ceylon Tea Trails Extension from March 11 to 14, 2026. Complete your Sri Lanka experience with a luxurious excursion to the verdant hills of Hatton.
TRIP MAP
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NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: August 2025
Print Trip Safari Options
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 22-23 | Travel to Sri Lanka. Begin your journey to the enchanted island of Sri Lanka. | ||
| Feb 24 | Arrive in Colombo and transfer to Negombo. Arrive in Colombo and breathe in the warm coastal air as you transfer to Negombo, where lagoon views and a gentle sea breeze welcome you. | Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo | D |
| Feb 25 | Travel from Negombo to Wilpattu. Venture north to Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s oldest national park. In the afternoon, feel the thrill of spotting elusive leopards and hear the calls of exotic birds echoing through the forest | Mahoora, Wilpattu | B, L, D |
| Feb 26 | Wilpattu National Park Safari. Immerse yourself in the wilderness on a full-day safari, witnessing mists lift off the lakes as you search for elephants, sloth bears, and vibrant birdlife. | Mahoora, Wilpattu | B, L, D |
| Feb 27 | Wilpattu National Park Safari. Take another full-day game drive exploring Wilpattu National Park’s dense forest and vast villus (natural lakes). | Mahoora, Wilpattu | B, L, D |
| Feb 28 | Sigiriya Adventure. Travel from Wilpattu to Sigiriya, the “Lion Rock”, and climb the rock fortress and marvel at panoramic views and historic architecture. | Water Garden, Sigiriya | B, L, D |
| Mar 1 | Visit Polonnaruwa and Experience an Enchanting Night safari. Step back in time exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa’s majestic ruins, followed by an enchanting night safari where the forest comes alive with nocturnal creatures. | Water Garden, Sigiriya | B, L, D |
| Mar 2 | Pidurangala Rock and Minneriya National Park. Climb the Pidurangala Rock and spend the evening in Minneriya National Park, witnessing the spectacular gathering of elephants. | Water Garden, Sigiriya | B, L, D |
| Mar 3 | Gal Oya Exploration. Traverse the remote wilderness of Gal Oya, walking with a resident naturalist and learning about local flora and fauna. | Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya | B, L, D |
| Mar 4 | Boat safari in Gal Oya National Park. Glide along Gal Oya’s tranquil waters on a boat safari. Watch elephants swim between islands while birdcalls echo over the glassy surface. | Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya | B, L, D |
| Mar 5 | Jeep Safari in Gal Oya National Park. Embark on a jeep safari, where its trails lead you to extraordinary wildlife encounters. | Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya | B, L, D |
| Mar 6 | Travel from Gal Oya to Yala. Journey south to Yala, home of the elusive leopard. The afternoon brings a game drive through scrub forests and coastal lagoons. | Jetwing, Yala | B, L, D |
| Mar 7 | Yala Game Drive. Spend the day immersed in Yala’s diverse landscapes, where the rustle of foliage might reveal a leopard on the prowl or an elephant herd at a waterhole. | Jetwing, Yala | B, L, D |
| Mar 8 | Yala Game Drive. Continue your exploration of Yala and have another full day of wildlife spotting. | Jetwing, Yala | B, L, D |
| Mar 9 | Bundala National Park and Galle. Travel west to Galle with a stop at Bundala National Park, where flocks of flamingos and migratory birds gather in shimmering wetlands. | The Fortress Resort, Galle | B, L, D |
| Mar 10 | Whale Watching and Galle Exploration. Set sail in hopes of spotting the mighty blue whale gliding through deep blue waters, then return to Galle to wander the cobbled streets of Galle Fort, rich with colonial charm and ocean breezes | The Fortress Resort, Galle | B, L, D |
| Mar 11 | Depart for home or join the Ceylon Tea Trails Extension. Bid farewell to Sri Lanka or continue the journey with the serene beauty of the Ceylon Tea Trails extension.Depart for home or join the Ceylon Tea Trails Extension. Bid farewell to Sri Lanka or continue the journey with the serene beauty of the Ceylon Tea Trails extension. | B | |
| Mar 12 | Arrive home. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Krishan Fernando
Krishan FernandoKrishan Fernando is a Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority–certified National Tourist Guide Lecturer with over 15 years of experience leading birdwatching and wildlife tours. Trained in ornithology at the University of Colombo, he specializes in rare and endemic species while also showcasing the island’s broader biodiversity. A skilled wildlife photographer and long-time member of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Krishan blends scientific expertise, engaging storytelling, and a passion for conservation into unforgettable nature experiences..
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $9,900 |
| Single Supplement | $3,420 |
Share the Experience – Earn Travel Credit
Know someone who would love this trip? Refer a friend and you’ll both benefit—you get credit toward a future adventure, and they receive a discount on their first trip with us. See how our Referral Program works ›
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we will charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | August 15, 2025 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- Silk Route / Fast track service at the airport on arrival with meet and assist service (clients will be paged at the aerobridge and fast-tracked through immigrations/custom formalities. Baggage clearance will be done by lounge staff while clients enjoy a lite snack with tea or coffee in the Silk Route Arrival Lounge).
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations (double occupancy) for 15 nights.
- Meals from dinner on Feb 24 through breakfast on Mar 11, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Transfers on Feb 24 and Mar 11 between lodging and the Colombo airport.
- Gratuities – all tipping is included in your cost.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. Round-trip airfare is approximately $1,200 to $1,500 between the US and Colombo, depending on origin.
- Passport and visa fees.
- COVID tests.
- Lunch and dinner on Mar 11th.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
Temperatures in most of Sri Lanka stay the same year-round. In February, Colombo and Galoya experience highs of around 90°F and lows around 75°F. In Galle and Sigiriya, average highs are around 86°F, and lows of about 66°F.
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness levels are required for long days in nature with a combination of vehicle transportation and walking. If you wish to climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (not required), there are approximately 1,200 steps to navigate to the top. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB) by 4pm on Feb 24
- Depart from Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB) after 2:00pm on Mar 11. If you are continuing on our Ceylon Tea Trails Extension, see the Flights section in its itinerary for departure information.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation Sri Lanka.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.