Safari in Sri Lanka - 9 days

Safari in Sri Lanka - 9 days

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9 Days From

$2705

Safari in Sri Lanka - 9 days

9 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Dambulla, Gal Oya, Gal Oya National Park, Udawalawe, Yala National Park, Galle

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

1910/SSL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

From: $2705 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a thrilling 9-day wildlife adventure through Sri Lanka's most captivating landscapes and national parks. This small group tour offers an immersive experience, starting in Colombo and journeying through the lush terrains of Wilpattu, Yala, and Udawalawe National Parks, renowned for their diverse wildlife including leopards and elephants. Explore the ancient Dambulla Rock Temples and meet the indigenous Veddhas tribe in Mahiyanganaya. Enjoy a unique boat safari in the pristine Gal Oya National Park and discover the historic Galle Dutch Fortress. Stay in a mix of luxurious hotels, eco-lodges, and a tented safari camp, with guided tours and game drives included. With all national park entrance fees covered and an English-speaking guide, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka's natural and cultural treasures.

Highlights

  • Wilpattu National Park - Experience a tented safari in Sri Lanka's largest national park, renowned for its leopards.

  • Dambulla Rock Temples - Visit the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka.

  • Mahiyanganaya - Visit the Veddhas, one of Sri Lanka's indigenous tribes.

  • Yala National Park - Game drive in Yala, home to Sri Lanka's highest population density of leopards.

  • Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of the nation's largest herds of Asian Elephants.

  • Colombo - Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Old Fort area and impressive Gangaramaya Temple.

  • Gal Oya National Park - Spot wildlife on a boat safari and game drive in one of the island's best preserved and least visited national parks.

  • Galle - Explore the impressive Galle Dutch Fortress.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: Goldi Sands Hotel

Colombo - Negombo. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo Airport you will be met and transferred to our start hotel in Negombo. After you have checked in the remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening meet your guide and the rest of the group at the tour briefing.

Day 2: Wilpattu National Park

Location: Wilpattu National Park

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Wilpattu (tented camp)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Negombo - Wilpattu. After breakfast, we drive along Sri Lanka's picturesque coast to Wilpattu National Park. Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka's largest national park, covering 1085 sq kms and extending inland towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The lakes and dense woodland of Wilpattu are home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna including sloth bears, spotted deer, wild pigs, crocodiles and leopards - Sri Lanka’s top feline predator. This afternoon we go in search of wildlife on our first game drive, by jeep. This evening, we enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner at the camp which is located close to the Southern boundary of Wilpattu National Park, on the edge of a lake surrounded by bush forest.

Day 3: Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation Name: Wasgamuwa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Wilpattu - Wasgamuwa. After breakfast, we depart for Wasgamuwa, stopping en route to visit Sri Lanka’s most impressive cave temples, the Dambulla Rock Temple. This stunning complex of 5 caves contains over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre statue carved out of the cave rock. We continue to Wasgamuwa to check into our hotel, before enjoying an afternoon game drive in Wasgamuwa National Park.





The evergreen forest of Wasgamuwa, with its towering trees is home to large herds of elephants. On our game drive we may also spot wild boar, buffalo, purple faced langur monkeys, spotted deer and crocodiles basking in the sun. Not to mention up to 143 species of birds.

Day 4: Visit The Veddhas

Location: Gal Oya

Accommodation Name: Gal Oya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Wasgamuwa - Gal Oya. Today we travel to Gal Oya, stopping en route in Mahiyanganaya to visit the forest dwelling Veddhas - indigenous people of Sri Lanka. We continue to our lodge in Gal Oya National Park where the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.

Day 5: Gal Oya National Park

Location: Gal Oya National Park

Accommodation Name: Gal Oya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Gal Oya is one of the best preserved and least visited national parks in Sri Lanka. It was established in 1954, primarily to protect the catchment area of the vast Senanayake Samudra Reservoir, which is the largest inland body of water in Sri Lanka. Rich in bio diversity and aquatic life, Gal Oya spans 25,000 hectares of dense evergreen forest, mountains, savannah and lake.





This morning, we rise early for breakfast before embarking on a boat safari, the best way to spot Gal Oya's diverse wildlife, and if we're really lucky we might see the Asian elephant swimming in its natural habitat. We return to the hotel for lunch and to freshen up before our afternoon jeep safari.

Day 6: Udawalawe National Park

Location: Udawalawe

Accommodation Name: Udawalawe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Gal Oya - Udawalawe. This morning we travel to Udawalawe and check into our hotel before our afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. The park is known for its large population of elephants, there are over 400 and herds of up to 50 are commonly sighted. As well as elephants we'll be on the lookout for leopards, togue monkeys, grey langur, wild pig and sambar. Numerous bird species can also be sighted including the white bellied sea eagle and crested serpent eagle.

Day 7: Yala National Park

Location: Yala National Park

Accommodation Name: Yala

Meals Included: Breakfast

Udawalawe - Yala. Bidding farewell to Gal Oya, we make our way to Yala National Park today. Checking into our hotel late morning, we then enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in the park. Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and it has the highest concentration of leopards on the island. The park is also home to a large population of Asian elephants, sloth bears, golden palm civets, Sri Lankan krait and crocodiles, while the coastline around the park is visited by leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles.

Day 8: Galle

Location: Galle

Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Yala - Colombo. We travel back to Colombo today, stopping in Galle en route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Galle Fortress. The fortress was first constructed by the Portuguese in 1588, then expanded and extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Arriving into Colombo late this afternoon, we partake in a short tour of the city and this evening we'll enjoy our final dinner together as a group.

Day 9: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today, with a transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-5 star hotels & lodges

  • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 5 dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and five dinners during the tour.

  • 4 nights 4-5 star hotels, 3 nights lodges and 1 night safari camp

    Stay in 4-5 star hotels for 4 nights, lodges for 3 nights, and a safari camp for 1 night.

  • Guided sightseeing - Dambulla Rock Temple, Galle and Colombo

    Participate in guided sightseeing tours of Dambulla Rock Temple, Galle, and Colombo.

  • All national park entrance fees (included, valued at USD$350)

    All entrance fees to national parks are included, valued at USD$350.

  • Boat safari in Gal Oya

    Experience a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park.

  • Game drives in Wilpattu, Wasgamuwa, Gal Oya, Udawalawe and Yala National Parks

    Enjoy game drives in Wilpattu, Wasgamuwa, Gal Oya, Udawalawe, and Yala National Parks.

  • Escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)

    Be escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more, or a professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 9

    Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 9.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

    All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide

    Tips for your tour guide are not included.

    It is recommended to allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller.

Age Policy

Over 15 if accompanied by an adult

Accommodation

Experience a blend of luxury and nature with stays at the Goldi Sands Hotel, Big Game Camp, Lavendish Wild Safari, Gal Oya Lodge, Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Jetwing Yala, and Radisson Hotel Colombo. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and unique experiences like tented camps and eco-lodges amidst Sri Lanka's breathtaking landscapes.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned tourism vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation. Enjoy airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 9, ensuring a seamless journey throughout your Sri Lankan adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari in Wilpattu National Park?

    In Wilpattu National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sloth bears, spotted deer, wild pigs, crocodiles, and leopards, which are Sri Lanka's top feline predator.

  • What is unique about the Dambulla Rock Temples?

    The Dambulla Rock Temples are unique because they are a stunning complex of 5 caves containing over 150 images of Buddha, including an impressive 14-meter statue carved out of the cave rock.

  • Who are the Veddhas and will I have the opportunity to meet them?

    The Veddhas are one of Sri Lanka's indigenous tribes, and during the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit them in Mahiyanganaya.

  • What activities are included in Gal Oya National Park?

    In Gal Oya National Park, you will embark on a boat safari to spot diverse wildlife and may see Asian elephants swimming. There is also an afternoon jeep safari to explore the park further.

  • What is special about Yala National Park?

    Yala National Park is special because it has the highest concentration of leopards in Sri Lanka. It is also home to a large population of Asian elephants, sloth bears, golden palm civets, Sri Lankan krait, and crocodiles.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Galle?

    During the visit to Galle, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Galle Fortress, which was first constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 4 nights in 4-5 star hotels, 3 nights in lodges, and 1 night in a safari camp.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more, and a professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Prices last published on 18-Jan-2025

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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