Tour Details
Join me for an unforgettable 12-day wildlife photography expedition through the wild heart of Sri Lanka. This guided tour will take you across some of the country’s most iconic and biodiverse landscapes: from the leopard-rich forests of Wilpattu, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, the birding paradise of Kumana, to the legendary big cat territory of Yala National Park.
Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers of all levels, this immersive experience offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph an incredible range of species including Sri Lankan leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, endemic birds, and much more. From misty jungle mornings to golden-hour game drives, each day will be packed with moments you'll want to capture and remember forever. During our game drives, we will be in two jeeps to give each person plenty of space for photography.
I’ll be with you throughout the journey, helping you refine your photography and editing skills to get the most out of your camera and the breathtaking scenes around you. We'll also be joined by expert local guides who know these landscapes intimately and will help us get closer to the wildlife in an ethical and respectful way.
Tour Gallery
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
We’ll begin our journey together in Colombo, with an early morning meet-up around 7:00 AM (please share your hotel details in advance so we can coordinate your pickup). From Colombo, we’ll travel to Wilpattu National Park via a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours with a stop en route at Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary. This Ramsar Wetland is a haven for birdlife and offers some photographic opportunities, so be sure to have your cameras ready. We'll arrive at Thimbiriwewa Resort in Wilpattu by the afternoon, where we’ll settle in and prepare for the days of wildlife exploration ahead.
Days 2 & 3
For the next two days, we’ll be spending full days on safari in Wilpattu National Park, immersing ourselves in one of Sri Lanka’s most diverse and scenic landscapes. Each morning, we’ll set out early (around 5:30 AM) to take advantage of the morning light, and we’ll remain in the park until sunset, returning around 6:00 PM. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the field, maximizing our time in nature and increasing our chances of wildlife encounters.
Wilpattu is a spectacular mix of grassy plains, dense forests, rocky scrubland, and coastal lagoons. This variety of habitats supports an incredible range of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, deer, reptiles, and an abundance of bird species.
Day 4
Today, we’ll depart from Wilpattu and make our way to Sigiriya, an approximately two-hour drive. Our accommodation for the next stop will be Amara Forest in Habarana, set in a peaceful forested area near the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.
We’ll arrive in Sigiriya in the afternoon and have time to settle in before heading out after dark for a night safari. This unique experience offers the chance to encounter elusive nocturnal mammals and other rare species that are active only after sunset.
Day 5
On Day 5, we’ll start the morning with a visit to the iconic Sigiriya Lion’s Rock Fortress. This ancient citadel, perched atop a dramatic rock column, offers not only fascinating history and impressive frescoes but also breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. The hike to the top is well worth the effort, especially in the cooler morning hours when the light is perfect for photography.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out on safari to either Minneriya or Kaudulla: the location will be chosen based on where the seasonal elephant gathering is most active at the time. These parks are part of the same ecosystem, and large herds of wild elephants migrate between them in search of food and water. By staying flexible, we’ll maximize our chances of witnessing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Day 6
This will be a travel day as we make our way from Sigiriya to Kumana National Park, located on the island’s remote eastern edge. It’s a long journey, but also a scenic one, offering a changing landscape as we move from the central cultural region toward the coastal wilderness. The drive will take most of the day, but we’ll be stopping every couple of hours for breaks, meals, and to stretch our legs. While it's a quieter day in terms of photography, it’s a great opportunity to rest, take in the scenery, and prepare for the exciting days ahead in Kumana, one of Sri Lanka’s most underrated and biodiverse wildlife regions. During our time in Kumana, we will be staying at Wild Edge Panama.
Days 7, 8 & 9
For the next three days, we’ll be exploring the remote and lesser-visited Kumana National Park on full-day safaris. Each morning we’ll depart around 5:30 AM and stay out until 6:00 PM, with picnic lunches in the field to maximize our time in this beautifully wild landscape.
While Kumana is well known for its exceptional birdlife, we’ll also be focusing on mammal sightings, particularly leopards and sloth bears. The park shares a border with the famous Yala National Park, known globally for its high density of leopards, but unlike Yala, Kumana sees far fewer visitors, allowing us to enjoy wildlife encounters without the pressure of large crowds or vehicle traffic. The combination of low visitor numbers, diverse habitats, and excellent photographic conditions makes Kumana an ideal setting for intimate wildlife experiences and thoughtful, undisturbed photography.
Day 10
We’ll leave Kumana and travel to Tissamaharama, a charming town that serves as a gateway to some of Sri Lanka’s richest wildlife areas. We’ll check in at EKHO Tissamaharama, a comfortable base for the next part of our journey. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a relaxing birding session nearby, taking advantage of the vibrant wetland habitats around Tissamaharama. This is a great opportunity to spot a variety of resident and migratory bird species as the day winds down, adding another rewarding dimension to our wildlife adventure.
Day 11
On Day 11, we’ll head into Yala National Park for a day safari, focusing on the Block 5 area. This section of the park is far less crowded and more tranquil than the popular main zones, offering a peaceful wildlife experience. Here, we’ll have excellent opportunities to photograph a variety of mammals and birds in a setting that feels truly wild and intimate, away from the typical tourist crowds.
Day 12
It’s time to say goodbye - we journey back to Colombo. The drive will take approximately five hours, giving you a chance to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and photographic memories we’ve shared over the past 12 days. Upon arrival in Colombo, the tour will conclude.
Accommodation
Tour Pricing
The price of this trip is £3815 GBP per person. If you wish to have your own room, the single supplement is an additional £800 GBP per person.
50% - ON RESERVATION CONFIRMATION
50% - 45 DAYS BEFORE THE TOUR STARTS
Inclusions
✔ Professional local guides
✔ All accommodation
✔ Full board meals
✔ Soft drinks
✔ Comfortable A/C van for all road transfers
✔ Jeeps for safaris
✔ Park fees
Exclusions
X International flights
X Visa
X Alcoholic beverages
X Tips
X Travel insurances
FAQS
'I am a beginner photographer, is it ok for me to join?'
Absolutely, yes! This tour is for people of all levels. On previous tours, I have had a complete mix from people with a couple of year’s experience, to someone who has only just got a camera for the trip, to someone that hasn't brought a camera at all and has just come to enjoy. All are welcome. The tour is designed for photographers in mind, meaning we will have extended hours in the field, with a focus on shooting at golden hour each day, for optimal photographic opportunities. I will also be giving camera advice and guidance throughout, but this is total optional if you would like to learn from me in this area or not during your time on the tour. It is for you to enjoy in the way you would like to.
'Do I require any vaccinations or anti-malarials to join?'
For any health advice, please consult with your medical professional prior to travel. However, Sri Lanka is considered to be totally safe from Zika, yellow fever, and malaria, so I don't take any vaccinations or medication for travel here personally. Dengue season runs during the monsoon (November to Feb and May to July), so we will be out of it by the time of our trip, but please bring mosquito repellent if you wish to have an extra precaution.
Terms & Conditions
A deposit of 50% is required to confirm your reservation. In case of a guest requesting to cancel the trip, the amount related to the reservation is non-refundable.
The balance payment must be received 45 days prior to the start of the trip. If the reservation is made less than 60 days before departure, full payment will be required at the time of booking.
Please note that the price is based on GBP and the full amount will need to be received in order to confirm your space (any fees or charges your bank may apply will need to be covered by you).
In case of cancellation any time before 46 days prior to departure, if the full balance has already been paid, 50% of the total amount will be returned. If only the deposit has been paid, there will be no refund. All cancellations made after 45 days before the start of the excursion are non-refundable and you will be liable to pay the full remaining balance for your space. If you are concerned about the possibility of you needing to cancel, please purchase travel insurance.
Please note, I will not be held liable for any disruptions or inability to fulfil my services due to circumstances beyond my control or my service providers' reasonable control. These unforeseeable events may include, but are not limited to, extreme weather conditions, park closures, transportation issues, terrorist incidents, fires, floods, disease outbreak, or any similar occurrences. I appreciate your understanding in such situations and assure you that I will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience caused.
Please be advised travel insurance is not included in my tours. It is important for all travellers to secure their own travel insurance coverage prior to the trip.
I will assume that terms and conditions have been read and accepted when a booking is made.