Kulu Safari

Adventurous but comfortable camping safaris in Sri Lanka’s major national parks: get set to spot leopards, elephants, wild buffalo and giant porcupines

Forget your bad memories of camping – this luxury experience is as good as any hotel, with the added benefit of a unique window onto Sri Lanka’s natural world. Rotating between 3 national parks according to the time of the year, you’ll see elephant herds under open skies, sunsets with the promise of prowling leopards, daybreak with monkeys, storks, ibis and crocodiles, as well as deer, sloth bears, jackals and wild buffalo. Uda Walawe is the best place in Asia to see elephants in the wild, while Yala and Wilpattu have the densest population of leopards in the world. What's more, birdwatchers will be in heaven: Sri Lanka has 426 species including the delightful bee eater.

Safaris are 3-4 days in length, but can be tailor-made for a maximum of 8 people. You’ll be picked up in a Toyota Landcruiser and taken to the camp by a watering hole for a wonderful lunch. Game drives take place in the early morning and at dusk; lunch is served by or in the river, and at night the camp is lit by flaming torches. Take a walk on the wild side: it’s an unforgettable experience.

Why we chose this partner

• Kulu Safaris are the pioneer operators of tented safaris in Sri Lanka, and have a fantastic reputation
• Their trackers are astonishingly good so these safaries offer some of the best wildlife-spotting in the world; you can also ask for a specialist guide
• The team's cooking was the best we tasted in Sri Lanka
• The drivers are fully trained and experienced in all possible terrains, with client safety their ultimate concern. Drivers are responsible, friendly, helpful and they all speak excellent English
• Kulu don't cut corners; we slept very soundly in our luxury tents with proper beds; food is kept cold in fridges and freezers
• Staff are very mindful of their impact on the environment