A Guide on Planning a Wildlife Safari in Sri Lanka

One of the highlights of visiting Sri Lanka is the many opportunities to partake in an exquisite safari in its many national parks. While there are so many nature reserves that enable you to engage in the activity, it is important that this activity is properly planned out if you really want to make the most out of your trip in the lush wilderness. Here is a guide that will make things much easier for you when you are planning a safari in Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is one of the first things you need to take care of when planning your wildlife safari. An accommodation provider that’s located close to the national park you are interested in visiting, allows you to organise the vehicle and tour guide with ease. Those looking for a special safari with a guided tour, should look for hotels and resorts that provide their own inhouse naturalist to accompany you on the tour. Proximity to the park is essential, so you can avoid long drives early in the morning!

The Right Time of the Year

Another important element to consider when you are planning a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka, is the time you are planning on visiting. There are many national parks that are scattered across the island, which vary in seasons, thus making it important to research thoroughly on the particular national park well before you arrive in the country. The season for many national parks to the west often begins in May and ends in September. On the other hand, the season in the eastern national parks usually begins in February and ends in June. Of course, these seasons do change depending on weather and other external factors

National Parks to Visit

There are several national parks that have unique features to one another, making it quite difficult to pick one. It is impossible to experience all of Sri Lanka’s national parks in one trip, however, you can come close to it by selecting one of the larger more popular parks, such as Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Udawalawe National Park, or Wilpattu National Park to name but a few. To find the right national park, it is highly recommended to do further research and understand the unique features that the park holds.

Attire

Once all the logistical elements are taken care of, it is important that you are dressed appropriately to go on a safari. Depending on the situation, you are sometimes given the opportunity to walk near your vehicle to explore the surroundings. Light coloured, cotton clothing is always advisable as it can get quite hot during the afternoon.

Accessories

A safari in the national parks of Sri Lanka is always a unique experience to anyone, and it would be a shame if you do not have any memento of it when you do head back to your home country. Bringing along a good camera, and some other accessories such as binoculars will not only make the experience all the more wholesome, but it will make it a much more memorable one that will allow you to witness all the unique flora and fauna of the national park in all its entirety. If you are a nature enthusiast, it would be advisable to even bring your journal to document the rare species you may find during the safari.

While there are many other things to consider when you are planning a safari, these elements must be one of the first things sorted if you are to make the most of your nature excursion in one of Sri Lanka’s many national parks.