Wilpattu National Park Safari Trips & Tours

Beautiful water features and a good leopard population put Wilpattu firmly on the safari-lover’s map.

Wilpattu National Park is located in the dry lowlands of north-west Sri Lanka, which may seem strange when we tell you that the park’s defining characteristic is its natural water features. The land is actually an intricate matrix of villus, or lakes, that are strung across the wild terrain and surrounded by wide plains – a stark change from the jungled forests of other areas. Aside from being incredibly striking, it’s these villus that attract the park’s vast and varied cast of animals, from elephants and crocs, sloths and the rare barking deer to elegant white egrets and even spoonbills. The leopard population is also healthy, and whilst it might not be Yala-worthy just yet, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a cat, especially as there are no strict game drive times or even trails to adhere to.

Trips

Wilpattu National Park Safari Trips & Tours

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Secret Side

13 nights from $7.7K per person

Negombo & surrounds Wilpattu National Park Sigiriya

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Kevin Zimmermann

Africa & South America Travel Specialist

Annie Irankunda

Africa Specialist

Jonty Medcalf

Africa and Antarctica Travel Specialist

Things to do

What to do in Wilpattu National Park

A collection of lakes sprinkled across the plains, Wilpattu National Park is starkly different to the rest of Sri Lanka. Free from strict timings or trails, game drives are bound to be eventful. Along the way, you could spot elephants, sloth bears, purple-faced langurs, rare barking deer, mugger crocodiles and leopards. On nighttime excursions, look (and listen) out for more secretive creatures like the mongoose and miniature loris. If you're feeling really adventurous, head out on a guided bush walk where you'll learn the art of tracking. There is also a marvellous bird variety including peacocks, hornbills, flocks of white egrets and spoonbills. You can't go wrong with a cruise on a traditional 'oruwa' raft, clinking G&Ts as the sun sets.

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Wildlife

Why you'll love it

We’re not lying when we say Willpattu receives less than half the visitors of Yala. You could trundle for hours without seeing another camera-touting tourist which, in our eyes, makes it the stuff of safari dreams.

Off the beaten track

Choose a mobile tented camp for the most back-to-nature experience. Most often, they will be set up on the banks of the villus, meaning early-morning swims and somewhere to dip your toes alongside an evening G&T.

Something to think about

The leopard population is something to write home about, but the other animals can be shy and skittish. Be prepared to work a little harder for sightings than you might expect.

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