With so many safaris in Sri Lanka to choose from it is difficult to know which is the best. Read on for why we firmly believe that this Yala Safari has to be the best in Sri Lanka….
Where is Ceylon Wild Safari Camp?
290km from Colombo Airport, around a 4.5hour drive. The closest town is Katagamuwa where you will meet a member of the Ceylon Wild Safari who will bring you in a 4×4 to the park. It is only 95km from Ella, so we would recommend spending time in Ella first and then driving to this Yala safari afterwards.
If you are looking for a driver in Sri Lanka we highly recommend getting in touch with Ehalagal Travels who can arrange transport for you around the island. We personally used them and they were brilliant, they organised a comfortable van for long trips.
Alternatively, you can hire a car easily and drive yourself around Sri Lanka pretty easily. We always use rentalcars.com when booking car rental abroad.
Ceylon Wild Safari is located in the buffer zone of Yala National Park which makes it unique to other Sri Lanka Safaris. The huge plus point of this incredible safari in Yala is that it is only a 25minute drive to the Katagamuwa entrance to Block 1 of Yala National Park. As well as being close, this entrance is not as popular as other entrances to Yala thus avoiding queues of jeeps.
In addition to this, Ceylon Wild Safari camp is 45minutes away from Block III and Block V entrances. Both of which are often completely overlooked by other camps as they are too far away. Meaning you get a much more secluded, private safari experience.
Not only is this ideal for tourists going on a safari experiencing less crowds and therefore more chance to spot animals. It is also, of course, far more beneficial for the animals who are not as frequently disturbed and can live harmoniously in their natural habitat.
What is the camp like?
Luxurious, private yet rustic with all the small touches included. Ceylon Wild Safari camp is situated on an 18 acre plot of wilderness land yet the camp itself is on 2 acres in order to continue the reforestation project on the land. All materials for the camp were sourced locally and it’s the only 100% solar powered luxury camp on the island. Creating one of the most sustainable wildlife camps in the whole of Sri Lanka.
Another thing we love about this camp is that it is all inclusive which includes everything from the luxury tented accomodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner with drinks to the safari in Yala. Snacks and drinks or packed breakfast / lunch when out on the safari jeep as well. Every little detail is considered and remembered.
Six safari tents (with plans to build more) are positioned in this lush, green space with the Weda Siti Kanda mountain in the background and Kochichipathana lake in the distance. A true peaceful escape from the world.
The lounge area is an ideal space to sit with a coffee in the morning or a G&T after a Yala national park safari and relax. Take in the sounds of nature, watch and listen to the array of birds surrounding the camp or look through the wildlife book library.
An evening spent around the campfire whilst stargazing is truly a moment to remember. The amount of stars that are visible in this area as it is so secluded was a true highlight of our stay here. The staff are able to point out various constellations and explain different formations. Something that my kids in particular cherished.
Is the safari in Yala National Park good?
It’s a lot more than good! It’s fantastic! What makes Ceylon Wild Safari special is the genuine passion, energy and knowledge that the guides here bring. This is where the thrill of your stay truly begins. The guides are professional game rangers with a wealth of experience from Africa to Sri Lanka and you know you are in good hands. They will tailor any experience at the camp to whatever safari in Yala you, as guests want.
Our personal safari experience
Indika was our game ranger during our stay and we couldn’t have been in better hands. The knowledge and passion Indika has for the wild is contagious. He was patient with our children, gave us a huge amount of information, answered all my many, many questions. Slowed down and pointed out a range of wildlife not just chasing the Sri Lankan Big 5. He also puts the safety and protection of the animals first. Rather than chasing a troup of jeeps, we held back and went to a quieter route still finding the animals we were seeking. Photography is a huge passion of his and he takes incredible photos with the biggest camera I have ever seen!
We chose to do both a sunset and sunrise safari which was a perfect choice. Both times, Ceylon Wild Safari took care of everything from water, snacks, binoculars to cold drinks and towels on arrival back in camp. We we were lucky enough to see all the animals of the Sri Lankan Big 5 – crocodile, buffalo, elephant, bear and the elusive leopard.
What are the rooms at Ceylon Wild Safari like?
Simple luxury at its finest. Tented rooms with full a/c, huge double beds with beautifully soft, quilted bedding. An outdoor bathroom to shower under the stars with his and her sinks. Indoor couch and table with living space to relax, or ample space to turn into a family room. The piste de resistance is the outdoor terrace complete with a plunge pool. Dearly welcomed after an early morning, dusty safari. Jump in, relax and watch the curious wildlife of birds, squirrels and small animals running about.
What do you eat at camp?
The food at Ceylon Wild Safari is spectacular, Sri Lankan cuisine at its finest. We ate a huge array of different Sri Lankan food like curries, pumpkin, fish, prawns, soup, daal. For breakfast we had a large selection of fruit, omelette and cake. The picnic of sandwiches, fruit and biscuits was plentiful and delicious also. The kids devoured the tasty chicken sandwiches and yoghurt in the jeep.
We eat anything and want to try everything so we are very open to all different types of food. However, if you are more specific or there is something you don’t eat they will accommodate for you.
What else can we do at the safari camp?
The beauty of Ceylon Wild Safari is that is is private, secluded and quiet. Amongst the safari we enjoyed spending time in the luxury tent, cooling down in the plunge pool, reading a book and just watching nature and enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Ceylon Wild Safari can also organise tours like a guided bird watching tour, bush walks, excursions to Situlpawwa Rock Temple or a boat across the lake bird watching. In the evenings enjoy a campfire, stargazing or have a romantic bush dinner next to the campfire.
Is Yala safari worth visiting?
A safari in Sri Lanka is a must for every Sri Lanka itinerary. It is truly an experience that you will remember forever. The excitement of seeing an elephant in the wild, up close for the first time, is a feeling that you will hold onto forever. Discovering Yala in a jeep with a guide who is so passionate about showing you exactly why he is so passionate about the natural world is contagious. The thrill of hearing the deer call out to warn the herd about a leopard approaching is adrenaline in its purest form.
This was our 6th trip to Sri Lanka and our first in Yala. I can’t believe that is has taken us so many years to experience a safari in Sri Lanka. Don’t be like us! Get a trip booked in to this safari in Yala national park as soon as you can. You will not regret it!
For more Sri Lanka information:
- Summer in Sri Lanka – why we think it’s the best time to visit
- Sun Siyam Pasikudah – 10 reasons to stay at this impressive resort on the East Coast Sri Lanka
If you want to see more of our travels around Sri Lanka make sure to check out our Instagram @dubaiandbeyond_ and look through all the highlights for pictures, videos and information of each place we visited during our travels.
Disclaimer: This post This is the best safari in Sri Lanka for the whole family, has affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.
We were kindly invited by Ceylon Wild Safari to stay at their hotel and give a review. All opinions are our own.
