SRI LANKA
In Search of Sri Lanka’s Wild
Explore the wild side of Sri Lanka, where leopards roam, elephants gather and birdlife fills the forests and wetlands. From Yala to Wilpattu, Kumana to Minneriya, this is a safari focused on wildlife, photography and time in the field.
Sri Lanka is a small island with an extraordinary variety of wildlife and habitats. Across this journey we’ll explore dry forests, wetlands, grasslands, lagoons and coastal landscapes, with opportunities to photograph some of the country’s most iconic species.
Leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears and an incredible diversity of birdlife are all part of the experience, with each national park offering something different.
This safari takes us through four very different wildlife destinations: Yala, Kumana, Minneriya/Kaudulla and Wilpattu National Parks.
Yala gives us our first opportunity to search for leopards, elephants and sloth bears, while Kumana offers a quieter wilderness known for its wetlands and birdlife. We’ll spend three nights camping inside Kumana, giving us more time to experience the park from dawn to dusk.
One of the highlights of the journey will be spending time around Minneriya and Kaudulla, where large gatherings of Asian elephants can be seen around the reservoirs.
We’ll also have time away from the safari vehicles, with a morning at leisure around Sigiriya and the option to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple or climb Pidurangala Rock for sunrise.
We finish our journey in Wilpattu National Park, a very different landscape of forests, grasslands and natural lakes known as willus.
With three nights here and full days in the park, we’ll have plenty of time to explore, photograph and see what we can find. Leopards, elephants, sloth bears and a wide variety of birdlife are all possible, while Wilpattu’s quieter character gives us a chance to slow down and enjoy being in the field.
This is a safari designed around time in the wild. There is no rushing from one attraction to the next. We’ll spend long days exploring, allow time for photography and make the most of the opportunities that come our way.
- G'day legends!I'm sitting on the edge of the Indian Ocean in Kumana National Park, southeast Sri Lanka, with my friend and guide Mevan Piyasena. Mevan's been obsessed with leopards for over 40 years, and after the sightings we've just had (10 leopards in Yala, another six or seven here in Kumana), I can see why.[...]
Safari Overview
A small group, fully hosted safari designed to maximise time in the field.
Dates
- 8th – 21st June 2027
- 14 days
- Maximum six guests
Price
- $7,595 USD per person based on four guests
- A lower price will apply if the safari fills to six guests. Pricing is based on the final group size. The advertised price is based on four guests, with a discount applied to everyone’s final balance if we reach the full group of six.
- Single supplement available, subject to availability
Safari Highlights
- Explore Yala National Park in search of leopards, elephants and sloth bears
- Spend three nights camping inside Kumana National Park
- Experience the incredible elephant gatherings of Minneriya and Kaudulla
- Enjoy time around Sigiriya, with the option to visit Dambulla Cave Temple or climb Pidurangala Rock for sunrise
- Explore Wilpattu National Park and its unique natural lakes, known as willus
- Experience four very different wildlife areas, each with its own landscapes and wildlife
- Enjoy plenty of time in the field without rushing from one destination to the next
Photographic Highlights
- Photograph wild Asian elephants in their natural environment
- Search for Sri Lankan leopards across four different national parks
- Explore Kumana and Wilpattu, both offering excellent bird photography opportunities
- Receive photographic guidance from Bobby-Jo throughout the safari
- Learn to anticipate wildlife behaviour and make the most of photographic opportunities
- Plenty of time in the field to work on your photography and capture the moments as they unfold
“Simply Incredible”
“From the accommodations to the wildlife and the other guests, this Sti Lanka adventure was top notch. The wildlife was better than expected! Leopards, elephants, bears, a slow loris (my bucket list), even a much anticipated fishing cat. Bobby-Jo having contacts in-country led to an unanticipated invitation to Perahera and what a gift that was!!
Going on safari with Bobby-Jo also means photography advice and Lightroom learnings. The other guests are also great about sharing their experience and celebrating each other’s wins.”
Suzanne Gates, USA
Your Private Safari Adventure
All of our photo safaris can be tailor-made to an exclusive safari experience. You can book Bobby-Jo as your private photographic host or create a private safari adventure for your family & friends.
Behind the Scenes
“What an incredible tour! Bobby-Jo is an exceptional guide and photographic mentor, her knowledge of both photography and animal behaviour sets her tours above and beyond other safari groups. She’s wisely partnered with a fantastic local guide, Mevan, to handcraft a trip that hits all the “must-see” wildlife locations in Sri Lanka. With small group numbers and both Bobby-Jo and Mevan along, you’ve always got expert knowledge on hand for every animal sighting”
Mathew Kemp, Australia
Guest Photos
Photos taken by guests on previous Sri Lanka safaris
A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE
“What I love about photographing Sri Lanka is the variety. One day you can be watching a leopard in the forest, the next photographing elephants around a reservoir or spending hours looking for birds in the wetlands. It is a destination that rewards patience, curiosity and simply being out in the field.”
Bobby-Jo
