Big 5 in 7 Days(Private Tour)

7 Days
[wte_itinerary_downloader]

  • Private tour
  • All site entrance fees and park fees are included
  • Year around
  • Included
  • Guides speaking other languages are available for an additional fee
  • Negombo
  • Mirissa | Airport Drop included
  • Yes. Up to 45 Days
  • Through all the day
  • Only 10% to confirm
  • Yes
  • Car/ Van with A/C
  • Available subject to the coverage
  • Pre-tour additional dates in negombo. Pre & post tour 4 day add-on covering wilpattu national park / sigiriya & kandy. Post-tour additional dates in colombo or negombo. Beach extensions from galle.

Overview

Being blessed with mother nature, the sri lankan big five is one of the most sought after experiences by the wildlife enthusiasts. Scattered within 25330 square miles, this 7 days trip would cover sri lankas big five; leopard, sloth bear, asian elephant, blue whale & sperm whale.

Witnessing the splendour of blue whales and sperm whales in their natural habitat off the southern coast: inarguably one of the best locations in the world to spot these beautiful mammals of the ocean - is an experience words can barely describe!

Shared jeep safaris in the yala & udawalawe national parks with some of sri lankas finest naturalists, will enable you to observe sri lankan leopards, sloth bears and asian elephants, besides so many other wondrous animals including nocturnal species in these two national parks.

This wonderful wildlife holiday in sri lanka offers cosy accommodations situated close to nature, setting the stage for a truly wanderlust experience, close to wildlife like you never before would have experienced!

Ideal for - Wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a dash of culture as well. Recommended for Solo Travelers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Groups consisting of friends and family.

Highlights at a glance

  • Visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are nurtured and injured elephants are nursed back to health.
  • Explore the world’s best park for Leopards, Yala National Park, with multiple safaris.
  • Meet the giants of the forests - the Sri Lankan elephants - as you explore Udawalawe National Park.
  • Stay at Tented Safari Camps bordering the National Parks in Sri Lanka and experience guided safaris, candlelight dinners under the stars, night walks and delicious BBQ served by roaring campfires.
  • Explore the eclectic streets of the Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site.
  • Go on a Boat Safari to see the largest mammal on earth, the Blue Whale* or experience the Ceylon Cinnamon Trail.
  • Experience regional culinary specialities and engage in culinary lessons with specialist chefs.

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrive in Colombo & drive to Negombo

    Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your first destination - Negombo. This will take about 25 minutes and depending on your arrival time, you can decide how you want to spend the rest of the day.
    This coastal city is a bustling place, with historical buildings and churches reflecting colonial influences. Negombo has a canal system that weaves an interesting route around the city and a lively fisherfolk community with a daily bustling fish market that attracts people from near and far. And of course its enchanting beach that will always beckon you.

    a boat on the beach with sunset negombo in sri lanka experiential journeyone boat on lagoon negombo sri lanka experiential journeynegombo city view at night sri lanka experiential journeyseafood at negombo restaurant in sri lanka experiential journeynets for fishing at negombo in sri lanka experiential journeydrying fish at negombo beachside in sri lanka experiential journeya group of people are drying fish at the beeach experiential journeya group of people selling fish at outdoor market sri lanka experiential journey
    Hotel Stay

    Morning Star

    <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2482" src="https://www.srilankaecotourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/morning_star-hotels-in-sri-lanka-experiential-journey-300x200.jpg" alt="morning star hotels in sri lanka experiential journey" width="300" height="200" />

  • Day
    2

    Drive to Land's of Elephants; Udawalawe

    An early morning start will see you heading to the fish market to watch the day’s catch coming in, experience the process of wholesale fish trading and also to learn about the process of drying fish.
    Then we will head to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe where over 50 elephants are being cared for, before being released to the wild. Next: an evening Guided Jeep Safari at Udawalawe. After dinner a night walk will also be included with the guidance of an expert naturalist.

    elephant transit home at udawalwe in srilanka expperiential journeyelephant transit home in sri lanka experiential journeyfeeding milk for baby elephants at udawalwe elephant transit home in sri lanka experiential journeythree elephants at udawalwe elephant transit home in sri lanka experiential journeytwo elephants at udawalawe in sri lanka experiential journeynature scenary at udawalwe sri lanka experiential journeybird watching at udawalawe in sri lanka experiential journeya peocock at udwalawe sri lanka experiential journeytourist experience at mahoora safari at udawalwe in sri lanka experiential journeyglamping stay at udawalawe big game experiential journeys
    Breakfast + Dinner
    Glamping Tent Stay

    <a href="https://www.srilankabiggamesafaris.com/big-game-camp-udawalawe-sri-lanka.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Game Camp Site</a>

    <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2465" src="https://www.srilankaecotourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/glamping-stay-at-udawalawe-big-game-experiential-journeys-300x200.jpg" alt="glamping stay at udawalawe big game experiential journeys" width="300" height="200" />

  • Day
    3

    Exploring Udawalawe National Park

    After a solid night’s rest, we’ll take you again for a morning Guided Safari. This gives you more opportunities to see different wildlife in action or in relaxation!

    Besides the elephants, this dry zone park is a haven for bird watchers too. It is a birds’ paradise with over 183 species inhabiting the park, so watch out for the pied cuckoo, booted eagle, Malabar pied hornbill - among other birds.
    Then you’ll be taken to a cookery demonstration of a typical Sri Lankan lunch: prepared in clay pots giving it an authentic taste - followed by tucking into it for lunch!
    After lunch and a break we’ll be heading to a nearby Buddhist monastery. Buddhist monasteries, dating back centuries, are characterized by their ancient architecture, tranquil surroundings, and spiritual practices. These monasteries serve as centres of worship, learning, and meditation, providing a sanctuary for monks and visitors alike. We stop our jeep and walk through the forest for about 20 minutes to reach the monastery.

    Then come back to the camp for evening sundowner tea overlooking the park. After dinner under the stars, you will be taken on a night drive to an Elephant Pass to observe the nocturnal behavior of elephants.

    two elephants at udawalawe in sri lanka experiential journeyan owl at udawalwe in sri lanka xperiential journeymahoora safari experience at udawalwe in sri lanka experiential journeycapturing images during the safari at udawalawe sri lanka experiential journeyan elephant with a safari jeep at udawalwe sri lanka experiential journeyfire camps at mahoora udawalwe in sri lanka experiential journeybig game staff making dinner at udawalwe sri lanka experiential journeyglamping stay at udawalawe big game experiential journeys
    Breakfast + Dinner
    Glamping Tent Stay

    <a href="https://www.srilankabiggamesafaris.com/big-game-camp-udawalawe-sri-lanka.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Game Camp Site</a>

    <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2465" src="https://www.srilankaecotourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/glamping-stay-at-udawalawe-big-game-experiential-journeys-300x200.jpg" alt="glamping stay at udawalawe big game experiential journeys" width="300" height="200" />

  • Day
    4

    Off to mighty Yala

    Bird watching in Sri Lanka is quite a rewarding experience and the camp’s resident naturalist will take you on a morning birding trail, which will culminate just in time for breakfast. The drive to Yala is quite short, so after a brief exploration of the campgrounds, followed by a delicious authentic Sri Lankan lunch, you will be taken on your evening safari of Yala National Park. A delicious dinner by a roaring campfire awaits your return from the safari, and your adventures on this day are capped off with a night walk along the borders of the Park, to meet some of the nocturnal residents of the jungle.

    birding at yala in sri lanka experiential journeya peacock at yala in sri lannka experiential journeya birding at yala in sri lanka experiential journeydelicious breakfast at big game camps at yala sri lanka experiential journeytable arrangement for dinner at mahoora yala campsites in sri lanka experiential journeyexperiencing campfire at big game camps at yala sri lanka experiential journeydinner at big game camps yala sri lanka experiential journey
    Breakfast + Dinner
    Glamping Tent Stay

    <a href="https://www.srilankabiggamesafaris.com/big-game-camp-yala-sri-lanka.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Game Camp Site</a>

    <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2495" src="https://www.srilankaecotourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/big-game-camp-yala-sri-lanka-experiential-journey-300x200.jpg" alt="big game camp yala sri lanka experiential journey" width="300" height="200" />

  • Day
    5

    Into the thick of it!

    An early morning start will see you set off on a full day safari with packed breakfasts, lunches, and refreshments. Full day safaris are the best when it comes to getting the most sightings in, as it allows you to be inside the park for an extended period of time. Yala is also culturally significant and you will come across the ancient temples and monasteries of Situlpawwa, Magul Vihara and Akasa Chaitiya during your time there. A significant part of Yala borders the Indian Ocean and your picnic-style lunch on this day will be served in a safe location by the beach, where Park visitors are permitted to disembark from their vehicles.

    two leopards at yala in sri lanka experiential journeyone safari jeep at yala sri lanka experiential journeyhorn bill bird at udawalwe in sri lanka experiential journeya girl experiencing natre at yala experiential journeymahoora safari photography at yala in sri lanka experintial journeyan elephant at mahoora yala safari experience in sri lanka experiential journeysithulpawwa raja maha wiharya in sri lanka experiential journey
    Breakfast + Dinner
    Glamping Tent Stay

    <a href="https://www.srilankabiggamesafaris.com/big-game-camp-yala-sri-lanka.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Game Camp Site</a>

    <a href="https://www.srilankabiggamesafaris.com/big-game-camp-yala-sri-lanka.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2495" src="https://www.srilankaecotourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/big-game-camp-yala-sri-lanka-experiential-journey-300x200.jpg" alt="big game camp yala sri lanka experiential journey" width="300" height="200" /></a>

  • Day
    6

    Drive to the Ancient Dutch Colonial City; Galle

    After breakfast, we will stop at the famous Kataragama Temple for a morning pooja. Then head to Galle, check in your hotel and get ready for the Galle Fort Tour. On your Galle Fort tour, you’ll get an insight into the colonial history, legends and mysteries of the Fort. You are free to explore and experience the fort thereafter, but we do recommend that you head to the ramparts in the evening to watch the sunset whilst enjoying some street food.

    galle fort sri lanka view experiential journeyroad view to lighthouse galle sri lanka experiential journeysri lanka galle fort lighthouse experiential journeygalle city view in sri lanka experiential journeypeople gathering on street at galle in sri lanka experiential journey
    Breakfast
    Hotel Stay

    Pedlar 62

    <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3049" src="https://www.srilankaecotourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pedler-62-guest-house-view-300x200.jpg" alt="pedler 62 guest house view" width="300" height="200" />

  • Day
    7

    Departure to Bandaranaike International Airport

    If your tour is from November to March, you will leave early by 6-6:30am to go whale watching from the Mirissa harbour. This is an exciting adventure when you may sight Blue whales and Bottle-nosed dolphins. If you are travelling from April to October, you will go on the Galle Cinnamon Experience; an interactive tour which gives you a sense of a cinnamon farmer’s life - visiting a beautiful, working cinnamon estate.

    We’ve reached the end of your 7 day holiday to Sri Lanka and it is time to depart. We will take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.

    Breakfast

Includes

  • 6 nights accommodation.
  • Bed & Breakfast basis at Morning Star & Pedlar 62.
  • Half Board basis at Big Game campsites (Udawalawe & Yala).
  • Transportation in an air conditioned vehicle with an English Speaking Chauffeur throughout the tour.
  • Jeep Safaris in the above mentioned National Park in a Private Jeep including the entry permit costs & government tracker fees. Including 03 half day safaris at Udawalawe & Yala, 01 full day safari at Yala.
  • Jeep cost of night drive at Udawalawe buffer zone.
  • Service charges at the hotels & current applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government.

Excludes

  • Any International or Domestic flights.
  • Any Visa fee or ETA fee. (Electronic Travel Authorization)
  • Christmas & New Year Eve dinner supplement. (24th & 31st December)
  • Entry permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments.
  • Any additional beverage or food.
  • Early Check-in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
  • Any tips to the staff.
  • Any expense of personal requirements telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills etc.)
  • Any additional expenses , other than mentioned in the inclusions list above.

FAQs

What happens after I confirm the tour?

When it comes to the accommodation, all the reservations are subject to availability at the time of confirmation, and as soon as we have received the payment, our Tour Operations Team will take in charge of your tour and proceed with the reservations. In case a hotel mentioned in your itinerary has no availability, we will find you an alternative. No changes will be done without your approval!

Will I receive a schedule with exact timings for my tour?

We will make a rough day-by-day schedule for your tour, but won’t set you exact timings for each and every activity - unless there is a an activity which start at a specific time. Since you will be traveling by private vehicle, with a knowledgeable driver-guide, we want you to have your part in decision making. With the help from him, you may tune the schedule to your rhythm.

Am I allowed to do any extra stops or visits?

Along the destinations included in your itinerary, you are free to take as many stops as you want to. When it comes to additional visits and destinations that are located out of the original route, the extra kilometers will be taken in consideration. For your journey, we will calculate a total mileage that is sufficient for the whole tour and mentioned in your itinerary. If this limit is exceeded, we will charge a supplement according the extra mileage.

Am I allowed to do any changes to my itinerary during the tour?

We’ll do our best to accommodate the programme in your needs and wishes, if something urgent occurs during your tour. In a situation that requires changing the accommodation, the cancellation policies of the hotels concerned are to be taken on account.

Will I need a visa?

Since the 1st of January 2012, all travelers must be in possession of a visa when arriving in Sri Lanka. Citizens from Singapore and The Maldives are the only exempt. Visitors can apply for the official Electronic Travel Authorization (visa) via www.eta.gov.lk, or upon arrival at the airport. There is a small fee to pay, and you must have at least six months left on your passport at the time of travel to obtain one.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

MasterCard and Visa are widely used and accepted by many local shops, restaurants and hotels, but it’s always better to double check. Other major cards such as AmEx and DinersClub are accepted often also.