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Overview

13 Day - Photographer x Private Birding & Wildlife Encounter
Sri lanka
Duration: 13 days
Sri Lanka Escapes image
Sri Lanka Escapes
A$6,985
Deposit: A$499

About your trip

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Sri Lanka has become one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world thanks to its abundance of national parks, diverse wildlife – including elephants and leopards – and sustainable approach to conservation. 

 

Sri Lanka Escapes Photographers Dream Birding and Wildlife Safari Adventure Tours offer incredible sightseeing includes 4  x Full day and 3 x Half day Safaris capturing all the National Parks of Sri Lanka to see leopards, sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, jackals, sambhur, barking deer, mouse deer wild pig, water buffalo, and mugger crocodiles, this is for the amature and or serious photographer travelling with a friend, partner or like minded travellers designed to capture the best of the best shot in the privacy of your tour with private guide/driver and safari jeep.  

 

What's included (land content):

 

Photography Tour Recommendation 

  •       All tours are private, private safari and private chauffeur guide   

  •       Private tour with a like-minded partner/friends/photographers

  •       Private tour suitable for a Solo photographer traveller

  •       Private tour that is suitable for amateur to experienced photographers

  •       Private Tours run daily and year-round. minimum one person and or like-minded friends and travellers

 

Trip Highlights

  •        Private Wildlife Safari Photography Adventure

  •        Private 4 x Full day Safari includes all National Park Entrances

  •        Include a qualified Driver/trekker and a 4 x 4 private jeep

  •        Private 3 x Half-day Safari includes all National Park Entrances

  •        Include a qualified Driver/tracker and a 4 x 4 private jeep

  •        Safaris are located all through Sri Lanka, will encounter birding and wildlife

  •        National Park entrances included        

 

Accommodation

  •         Single room with Private Ensuite for all travellers

  •         * 3-star hotels quality, clean, and comfortable with private en-suites

  •         ** 4-star hotels on request

  •         Double share room, recommended for couples only

  •         Complimentary transit hotel on the last day with dinner before your

  • homeward-bound flight

 

Transport & Guide 

  •         Airport meet and greet

  •         Transfers from/to the Airport

  •         Private Chauffeur/Driver of high-quality local English-speaking

  •         Dedicated quality private air-conditioned transportation throughout

  •         All Safaris in the National Parks are private, travelling in a 4 x 4 Jeep

  • with a private driver/tracker

 

Meals

  •         * Breakfast and Dinner daily 3* star hotels

  •         **Breakfast daily 4*

  •         Bottled water daily 500 ml per person

  •         All current collectible taxes

  •         Flights not includes 

Optional extras: If you wish to hire a qualified Naturalist while on any Safari, this will be paid directly by the client on the day. 

Itinerary is correct and subject to change slightly without notice.

 

Photographic Equipment

If you use a DSLR for wildlife photography, you should bring telephotos (and converters) that will (with a full-frame body) cover the range 200-500mm or 600mm or more.

 

Even a short telephoto of around 100-135mm can be great in certain circumstances in Sri Lanka, particularly for smaller animals like snakes and lizards. You will also find a wide-angle lens good for landscapes and historical monuments.

 

There will be many opportunities to use a macro lens. If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR (and this is a perfectly good option in Sri Lanka due to the wide variety of photography subjects) it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide-angle at the other end of the zoom range. Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power. 

We are an Australian Boutique agency, happy to customise a Dream itinerary for your family and friends.  With our wealth of experience, our local team in Sri Lanka is here to offer a personal and unique unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka. 

​*Itineraries may vary slightly and are subject to availability. Flights are not included.

Day 1

Day 1  image

COLOMBO - NEGOMBO 

Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be welcomed by a representative of Sri Lanka Escapes. You will be Let your adventure and journey begin. 

Acclimatize yourself with Sri Lanka as we drive to the coastal town of Negombo a unique, picturesque fishing village with private transfer to your hotel to relax. 

DAY 2

DAY 2 image

NEGOMBO - WILPATTU   ​

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you will be met by your experienced Chauffeur-Guide, he will be with you for the duration of the trip.  He is a local with exceptional years of experience and knowledge and is very excited to show his beautiful country.   This morning will enjoy a city tour of the coastal town of Negombo is set alongside a picturesque lagoon and canals built by the Dutch colonies.

 

We travel through the countryside and visit the Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary.  The sanctuary is considered unique for its collision of three distinct ecosystems: the forest wetlands (including mangroves and freshwater swamps), the coast’s saltwater ecosystem, and the freshwater lakes. This exceptional melding of environments has resulted in the creation of a unique ecological nesting and breeding ground for hundreds of bird species.


The Wetlands are home to more than 150 species of birds; 20 species of mammals, 70 species of butterflies, and more than 50% of Sri Lanka’s freshwater fish species. It is an ideal attraction for birdwatching, hiking and boat-ride adventures, and the area is quickly becoming one of Sri Lanka’s most important ecotourism sites. 


We continue our way to Wilpattu with viewpoints and photography stops on the way and arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and relax.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary

DAY 3

DAY 3   image

WILPATTU NATIONAL

This morning,  we have an early start for our full-day Wildlife Safari in Wilpattu National Park in a 4 x 4 private jeep with the chance of seeing a Leopard and Sloth bears. 

As one of the leopard hotspots of Sri Lanka, the density of leopards living there is estimated to be around 18 leopards per 100 square kilometres so safaris for leopards will be our main priority during our time in Wilpattu.

Over thirty species of mammals have been recorded in Wilpattu including Sloth Bears, Asian Elephants, Water Buffalo, Tufted Grey Langurs, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, mongoose and shrews.

The abundance of lakes also attracts a broad diversity of birds and reptiles.  On safari we will be keeping a lookout for  Asian Water monitor, rock pythons. Mugger Crocodiles alongside birds like Asian Green and Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, and the spectacular Malabar Pied Hornbill.

We will enjoy lunch and then continue with our safari to see the exotic species of Wilpattu. This is one of the most exciting safari experiences in Sri Lanka and a highlight.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Wilpattu National Park Safari

DAY 4

DAY 4   image

WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK   

This morning,  we will set out for another amazing full day in Wilpattu National Park Wildlife Safari in a 4 x 4 private jeep to capture more candid shots of the exceptional Leopard and Sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, jackals, sambhur, barking deer, mouse deer wild pig, water buffalo, and mugger crocodiles. 

 

We will enjoy lunch and continue to capture some fabulous shots.   Late afternoon. return to your hotel and relax

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Wilpattu National Park Wildlife Safari

DAY 5

DAY 5   image

WILPATTU  MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK - HALF DAY SAFARI

After a leisurely breakfast,  we travel through beautiful scenic roads for our afternoon Safari.  At Minneriya National Park we will experience a half day safari in a 4 x 4 private jeep.  Minneriya is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. 

 

The Minneriya National Park is famed for its Elephant Gathering, a spectacular phenomenon during the long dry seasons, when hundreds of Elephants, both the adults and young along with a few tuskers, sometimes numbering close to 200 (with some sightings claiming close to 700) can be seen feeding on the grasslands. Transfer to your hotel and relax

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Minneriya National Park

DAY 6

DAY 6   image

MINNERIYA   ARUGAM BAY

After a leisurely breakfast, we encounter natural viewpoint stops and capture candid photography as we drive to Arugam Bay with the opportunity to take beautiful pictures of the birds in Arugam Bay lagoon.  accessible through optional boat tours. 

 

Arugam Bay is a coastal town in south eastern Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons and offering a mix of cultural experiences, and wildlife encounters.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Arugam Bay

DAY 7

DAY 7 image

ARUGAM BAY KUMANA  NATIONAL PARK  FULL DAY SAFARI 

Early morning start to a full-day safari in Kumana National Park in a 4 x 4 private jeep.  Kumana is renowned for its avifauna, particularly its large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds.

The park is 391 kilometres southeast of Colombo on Sri Lanka's southeastern coast.  The 18,149-hectare Kumana National Park is a well-known eco-tourism attraction and bird sanctuary.

The park is home to over 255 bird species. Its wild landscape is known for its animal diversity, with over 20 tanks all over the park, Kumana Wildlife Sanctuary is known to be the largest bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka. The park is mostly covered with wide plains, thick forests.

You will be struck by the park's diversity and the changes in landscape, from stretches of grassland, forest patches to wetlands. The call of birds is a prelude to the morning jeep safaris, with the thrill of never knowing exactly what fauna you will encounter, always with the possibility of a secluded leopard or sloth bear sighting.  Return to your hotel and relax.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Kumana National Park

DAY 8

DAY 8 image

ARUGAM BAY  -  YALA

After a leisurely breakfast, we will have the opportunity to take some scenic pictures. Arugam Bay Lagoon, also known as the Pottuvil Lagoon, is a natural attraction near the well-known surfing destination of Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. 

 

Offering a serene mangrove ecosystem and diverse wildlife encounters, including elephants, crocodiles, water monitor lizards, and various bird species.   Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon and relax.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Arugam Bay

DAY 9​

DAY 9​ image

YALA NATIONAL PARK

An early start with a full day safari in Yala National Park in a private 4 x 4 jeep – this is the most visited and second largest national park bordering the Indian Ocean   A fabulous full day Safari as we use the quieter and less crowded entrance from Katagamuwa with minimal jeeps and tourists.

 

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka offers a diverse wildlife experience, with its most famous resident being the Sri Lankan leopard, which has one of the highest densities in the world, alongside elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, water buffalo, and a variety of bird species, including peacocks.   Return to your hotel late afternoon 

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Yala National Park

DAY 10

DAY 10 image

YALA - BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK  - HALF DAY SAFARI

After a leisurely breakfast, we start our journey to Bundala  National Park for our breath taking Parcapture of beautiful birds for our half-day safari in Bundala National Park in a private 4 x 4 jeep.

 

Bundala National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned as a birdwatching paradise, especially famous for its large flocks of migratory birds and greater flamingos, and is also home to other wildlife like elephants, crocodiles, turtles, and various monkeys, though large game sightings are less common than in parks like Yala. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon

Includes Breakfast/Dinner 

Bundala National Park

DAY 11

DAY 11 image

BUNDALA   UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK HALF DAY SAFARI

After a leisurely breakfast, we commence our journey to Udawalawe for a fabulous half-day safari in Udawalawe National Park in a private 4 x 4 jeep. The Udawalawa National Park is situated in the Uva Province. 

 

The majestic Elephant plays a major role in the wildlife of Sri Lanka. They can be easily sighted, unlike the other wild animals. given the high population. If you are an elephant enthusiast and are looking for a place to have a wildlife experience, Udawalawe National Park is the ideal.

Apart from the herd of wild elephants, you can also witness wild boar, buffalo, deer, and many other endangered and unique species of wild animals such as black naped hare, endemic Toque Macaque and Gray langurs.  Arrive at your hotel late afternoon.   

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Udawalawe National Park

DAY 12

DAY 12 image

UDAWALAWE   COLOMBO

After a leisurely breakfast, we visit the Baby Elephant Transit. The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home is a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka. The Elephant Transit was established in 1995 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild.

Supported by the Born Free Foundation this complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants are released back into the  Udawalawe National Park. 

The Elephant Transit Home exists for the primary objective of rehabilitating orphaned elephant calves before releasing them.

 

There are normally between 40 to 60 orphaned elephants and visitors can watch them being fed, from the safety of a viewing platform about 8m away, at one of the four daily feeding sessions.  We continue our journey and reach your hotel in Colombo late afternoon.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home

Colombo

DAY 13

DAY 13 image

COLOMBO - NEGOMBO​

After a leisurely breakfast, Colombo city tour. Historically, Colombo was seen as a simple trading port, while today the city of Colombo is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that serves as the island's commercial capital. An opportunity to take some stills of local life in the heart of Colombo.

 

We continue to Negombo Fishing Village for our Complimentary Transit hotel to freshen up and dinner.  Transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flight.  

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Colombo City Tour

Negombo

PHOTOGRAPHERS TIP

​PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT TIPS​

If you use a DSLR for wildlife photography, you should bring telephotos (and converters) that will (with a full-frame body) cover the range 200-500mm or 600mm or more.

 

Even a short telephoto of around 100-135mm can be great in certain circumstances in Sri Lanka, particularly for smaller animals like snakes and lizards. You will also find a wide-angle lens good for landscapes and historical monuments.

 

There will be many opportunities to use a macro lens. If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR (and this is a perfectly good option in Sri Lanka due to the wide variety of photography subjects) it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide-angle at the other end of the zoom range. Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power.

Location

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About your organizer

Local Expert Guides - Handpicked Adventures - Hidden Gems

Relax, we take care of everything for you. With endless beaches, timeless ruins, tea plantations, and incredible wildlife, explore the real Sri Lanka.

A private, unique tour with our quality English-speaking guides. Offering you an authentic holiday with trips in our air-conditioned, safe, and comfortable vehicles.

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