Dry Zone
Kumana Under Canvas by Leopard Trails
Kumana National Park is emerging as the premier destination for leopard, mammal and bird (both resident and migratory) viewing in Sri Lanka. The park is ideal for the serious nature enthusiast in search of an exclusive and immersive safari experience without the crowds of adjacent Yala National Park.
Safari camps are the ideal way to enjoy all that Kumana has to offer. Excellent species sighting is facilitated by your location within the heart of Sri Lanka’s least known major national park, where the sensory experience of camping in the wilderness is electrifying. In the evening, watch amber flames dance on the charred logs of the campfire as the gentle sounds of nightjars and crickets fill the night air. If you listen closely, you might hear an elephant crack a branch behind camp or the call of a leopard nearby. Accommodation is in luxurious mobile walk-in tents with hot bucket showers, well-appointed large tents with solar power and two fans per tent, electric lights and sockets for charging batteries and devices.
Game drives are given in the morning and evenings in a customised, Africa-style Toyota 4×4 safari vehicle. Most importantly, the game drives are hosted by expert guides, trained by Leopard Trails who are reputed to have the best guides training course in Sri Lanka. Guided safaris are not just about bird identification, tracking, interpreting animal behaviour and providing sightings: the guide will also unravel the mysteries of Kumana and act as your host, looking after your individual needs from beverages and snacks, dietary preferences and game viewing priorities. Kumana also has several bush walking trails that take you to mysterious ancient ruins set among stunning rocky outcrops.
Facilities
Each double tent consists of 3 sections - the bedroom with double bed, bedside tables and bean bags; 2nd section is a changing room with luggage racks and a hanging wardrobe equipped with bathrobes, towels and facilities to hang your clothes; The third section has a toilet and sink with running water. The rear of the tent exits into an enclosed shower cubicle with hot/cold bucket shower on request. The main bedroom has 2 powerful fans and portable power station to charge fans and other devices. The tents are engineered for use in Sri Lanka's hot and humid climate: Clear windows on the roof gives large airy feel and external view. Mesh windows on all sides for ventilation. The tent can also be fully closed for privacy. Waterproof external rainfly protects during rain. Large double beds. A dining marquee tent allows for dining and bar options in bad weather.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
This camp truly does offer you a wilderness experience. There is no Wi-Fi, phone signal or air-conditioning, but there are fans in the tents and charging points to keep your camera gear ready for any wildlife action.
If you have any questions regarding our Sri Lanka tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
[Our guide] was brilliant. Always on time and very helpful. All transfers were great. The bird watching trip was excellent and our guide was great at spotting birds. The elephant orphanage was also great.
