Dry Zone
Wilpattu Safari Camp
Wilpattu Safari Camp offers a unique and immersive experience for all wildlife enthusiasts but particularly wildlife photographers. Located on the border of Wilpattu National Park, the camp provides fully guided safari game drives led by expert naturalists. The camp’s all-inclusive packages cover meals, park entry fees, and even beverages, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. The park itself is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a superb variety of bird species.
Wilpattu Safari Camp was founded by a group of passionate wildlife photographers and enthusiasts, including Namal, Gehan, Palitha, and Sarinda. Together, they have been exploring and photographing Sri Lanka’s national parks and nature reserves for over 20 years. Their deep knowledge and experience in wildlife photography have significantly influenced the camp’s operations, ensuring that guests receive an authentic and enriching safari experience. The founders have also published several acclaimed books on Sri Lankan wildlife, showcasing their dedication to conservation. Additionally, the camp’s philosophy emphasises responsible tourism, involving local communities in their efforts.
Facilities
Five tents that collectively can accommodate 10-12 guests, ensuring a peaceful and intimate environment is maintained. The tents comprise of a private veranda, the main bedroom area, and an en suite toilet and wash area. Each unit features king size beds, 'plumbed in' toilets running water, a pedestal fan.
Lighting is solar powered, while a small wind turbine helps to supplement the camp's electricity supply, which includes charging points for phones and photography gear. Free guest Wi-Fi is provided at the camp, but we are unsure of how reliable the connection is as yet.
Meals are prepared by the camp's own chef, along with their assistant cook. Produce is sourced locally.
Safari vehicles can be hired for private use if desired, along with a guide and driver.
Local Wildlife
Leopard, elephant, monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, sloth bear, water buffalo, sambar deer, spotted deer, tufted grey langur, mongoose, mouse deer, cobra, python.
Birds include crested serpent eagle, malabar pied hornbill, grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler, crimson-front barbet, Sri Lanka junglefowl, lesser adjutant, painted stork, wooly-necked stork and malabar trogon.
Optional Activities
Local village walk, local lakeside walk, game drives.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our Sri Lanka tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We’ve had an excellent, enjoyable holiday with lots of wildlife, lovely accommodation and excellent service… We would be delighted to recommend your services to anyone. Sri Lanka is excellent value for money.