While I was very interested in seeing a variety of animals; I didn’t really have any interest in spending multiple days searching out the most elusive, nor did I have any interest in seeing flowers, trees, water, and flying bugs (unfortunately most of which accompany even the most animal-heavy safari).
Enter Sri Lanka Safaris. If it’s your first time doing such an activity, and you have the option, it’s definitely a wonderful opportunity.
1. It’s a Small Country
Sri Lanka is the tiny, tear-drop shaped island south of India. It’s roughly 65,600km2, just smaller than Ireland, or the size of the state of West Virginia.
Despite its small size, Sri Lanka seems to recognize the value of nature, and it appears to be attempting to protect its wildlife with a variety of natural parks and nature reserves. There are a total of 26 natural parks covering almost 6000km2.
Because of the relatively small size of its parks, its means the safari activities are much less of a time committment, and you are far more likely to see more animals, quickly and much more often.
The two largest parks of Udawalawe and Yala can be seen quite thoroughly in half a day each. While morning is usually the best animal-viewing time, the parks offer morning and evening, as well as full day packages. Udawalawe is best known for elephant and water-buffalo viewing, and Yala is known for the occasional leopard sighting. Fortunately, the drivers in Yala are in communication with each other and whenever one spots the elusive animal, all the jeeps hurry to the location. This allows for as many people as possible to see the animal, but does create a rather frustrating traffic jam, and because these animals often prefer to be alone, there is no guarantee as to how long it will stay in the open.
You may find yourself in a safari traffic jam…
2. Elephants!
Udawalawe has the highest concentration of elephants in the world, outside of Africa. This means, you are pretty much guaranteed to see some of these amazing creatures.
For a Canadian, who’s only encounter with elephants was in a circus, this is exciting!
And you can get this close to them!
3. It’s Cheap(ish)
When you compare the cost of a safari in Tanzania or South Africa, to the cost of one in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka is incredibly reasonable. If you don’t feel like spending 3+ days in the Africa brush, and aren’t sure if searching for elusive animals is your thing, then spend 50$ on a half day tour in Udawalawe or Yala and make sure you’re up for the Big One in Africa (where prices can start at 300$ a day, but quickly get more expensive).
4. Variety
While I saw more than enough water buffalo, there were also elephants, tons of birds, crocodiles, lizards, a (small) snake, leopards (supposedly 😝), and beautiful flowers and scenery through each of the parks.
5. Amazing Guides
Guides in each park are mandatory. They are local experts who have mostly grown up in and around the area. They are incredibly passionate about their work, and mostly, they are incredibly good at their work. They see animals and movements that only trained eyes could see and they do everything they can to help their guests see every they can.
One of our guides noticed a tiny snake peaking out from a tree by the side of the road. It took the jeep load of people several minutes to finally realize it was the twig-like shape that was actually an animal.
They speak excellent English and are dedicated to providing you with excellent experiences.
Our driver and safari vehicle.
6. And Finally: not *everyone* goes to Sri Lanka
Or goes to the tiny island and does a safari excursion.
If someone goes to Tanzania or South Africa, chances they took a few days to do a safari. Animal viewing is likely even one of the best reasons to visit the countries.
But if you even manage to find yourself someone else who has traveled to zero Lanka, they may have traveled there for the tea plantations, the beaches, a simple layover in Colombo, or even visiting the inner-country temples.
A Sri Lankan safari is just one of dozens of things to see and do on the country.
This also ensures that your safari experience will be a quiet time with few other tourists around (except when leopards are present…), and you will be able to easily have a guide and drive only to your own party, or yourself, should you be travelling solo (for often no extra expense).
Is Sri Lanka on your travel list? Have you been to the country?
Sunset in Udawalawe National Park
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