Safari camping is a calm and serene scenic expedition, that allows you to hear the melodious chirping of birds all around when you are waking up at the camping site. Certainly, this is one of the highly famous adventures in Sri Lanka among both local and foreign travelers. It includes both classical clamping and more luxurious glamping with great facilities. Since you can stay overnight in the jungle, it gives you a chance to immerse in the beauty of lovely nature. Moreover, the feeling of being surrounded by jungle, and living in a tent yet with all modern facilities will be a marvelous experience. Undoubtedly, safari camps in Sri Lanka give the best opportunity to enjoy the magical sights and sounds of the wilderness.
Wild safari in Yala
Among the best safari camps in Sri Lanka, the most scenic ones are located at Yala. Udawalawe and Wilpattu National Parks. Above all, camping in Yala is highly famous because of its dense leopard population. Udawalawe is ideal for elephant and bird watching, while Wilpattu is popular for its scenic beauty with a wide spectrum of animals. Besides, you can learn a lot about Sri Lankan wildlife during these safari tours. For instance, there are professional naturalists and rangers in these safari camps to accompany you for game drives and bush walks.
Here we have created a list of the best safari camps near Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe National Parks in Sri Lanka. Since we have included both classical and luxury tented camps, you can select the best one for you. To clarify, all camping spots mentioned here have a review score of 8+ on booking.com. You can view lots of beautiful pictures and book your accommodations directly through the given links.
1. Mahoora Yala
Mahoora is a Level 1 safe & secure camping spot that provides tented accommodation in the wilderness setting at the border of Yala National Park. Since this all-inclusive safari camp comes with an experienced naturalist and well-maintained jeeps, the safari drives will be quite informative. You’ll find all the facilities are great, and the service is top-notch. Furthermore, barbecue dinners are available around a campfire in a magical setting.
2. Back of Beyond Dune Camp Yala
Secluded Back of Beyond Dune Camp is located in a wonderful place in Yala National Park bordering the sea. Since the tents are located by the beach with sea views, it will be a very special experience. This campsite is surrounded by thriving wildlife with animals and offers a glimpse of the picturesque surroundings. Certainly, this campsite is a highly scenic area, where gorgeous sand dunes spread on the beach as far as you can see. Undoubtedly, if you like to go off the beaten track and enjoy the view of pristine beaches, this eco-conscious camp is ideal for you.
3. Yala Lake View Cabanas
Yala Lake View Cabanas is located near Yoda Lake in Tissamaharama. It takes only a 15-minute drive to Yala National Park. You can enjoy many activities like safari trips, boat tours, and fishing in Yoda Lake. In addition, you’ll find the scenery around the lake is quite beautiful and the sunset boat tour with a guide will be a wonderful experience.
4. Leopard Safaris Yala
Secluded, remote, and wild Leopard Safaris Yala by KK Collection is a luxury campsite in Yala. You can experience the thrill of sleeping under canvas in stylish and luxurious lodge tents amidst the wilderness. Since the tents are located in a scenic area, this is an exceptional venue for an unforgettable private safari. Certainly, this eco-friendly camping escapade will be a great experience for you.
5. Big Game Yala
Big Game Yala is one of the best safari camps in Sri Lanka. It is located on the edge of Yala National Park, there is only a 20-minute drive to the Katagamuwa Park entrance. Since it is located in a beautiful natural landscape within a mini nature reserve, this camp is ideal for relaxing. Big Game Camp provides spacious tents with a comfortable setup. Likewise, you’ll find that all the facilities are great, and the tents have warm running water for a hot bath. In addition, the evening campfire and barbecue under the starry sky is a superb experience.
6. Yala Wild House
Located in Tissamaharama, Yala Wild House is only 4 km from the Yala National Park. It offers simple beauty and an authentic feel in the jungle. There are BBQ facilities, seating, and a dining area in all units, where Yala safari jeeps and taxis are available to get into the park. Certainly, Yala Wild House will be a unique experience to witness the Sri Lankan wildlife.
7. Leopard Trails Yala
Located on the border of Yala National Park at a 7 km distance, Leopard Trails offers comfort while camping. Immersed in the wilderness, it offers all-inclusive luxury tents with a dining area serving Sri Lankan and continental dishes. Besides safari drives, guests can enjoy games and activities arranged in the camping spot.
8. Yala Eco Tree House
Surrounded by tropical greenery, Yala Eco Tree House is located a 5-minute walk from the shores of Yoda Lake. Besides, this marvelous camping spot offers accommodation in tree houses. Although it seems sleeping in a tree is funny, this is a completely worthy experience to try in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the location of the camp is great, not far away from the city and very close to the national park for a safari.
9. Eco Island Yala
Located in Yala, Eco Island tented safari camp offers a tempting experience with enchanting views. Since the campsite is just 2.5 km from the main entrance of the Yala National Park, it is quite convenient for the safari trip. The campsite provides all meals, a bar, and barbecue facilities. Safari trips are arranged at the camp directly, where guests can also go cycling, fishing, and hiking in the area. In addition, there is a treehouse to stay and the view over the surrounding area is quite pretty.
10. Wild Trails Yala
Located in the buffer zone of Yala National Park, Wild Trails tented safari camp offers luxury tents inclusive of all meals. Besides, an experienced ranger and naturalist are available to accompany you on the safari trips. Since there are secure, large tents and comfortable bedding available, it can easily make you forget that you are in the wilderness. Likewise, the tents are isolated and separated by forest cover giving you the privacy and thrill of camping.
11. Yala Leopard Mobile Camp
This is one of the best safari camps in Yala National Park. Since it is located in a secluded and relaxing environment, it is ideal for taking a breather. The camp looks picture-perfect. Besides, if you’re into wildlife or nature photography, it is an excellent place. This safari camp goes beyond expectations, where you can enjoy incredible safari trips and spend time on the gorgeous beach close to the camp.
12. Yala Dream Park
Yala Dream Park is a top one of the best safari camps in Sri Lanka. Located just a 15-minute drive away, Yala Dream Park offers a unique safari camping experience. For instance, there is a gorgeous treehouse and luxury tent which are extremely comfortable. This is a nice place for relaxing and watching the wildlife from your own porch, in the middle of the wilderness. That is to say, the view from the treehouse is great, while the sunset from the terrace is amazing.
13. Yakaduru Yala
Yakaduru Yala offers eco-friendly accommodation in Kirinda. It is an extraordinary safari camp with treehouses. Although these beautiful tents are basic and made with natural materials, they include maximum facilities. Besides, you can climb a rock behind the tents, where you can get a glimpse of the wonderful view of the sunset in the evening. Finally, you can close the day with a hearty barbecue under the stars.
14. Yala Hotel Lion
Yala Hotel Lion is a luxury-tented safari camp located in Tissamaharama, closer to Yala National Park. Safari Camp tents are surrounded by luscious jungle, yet with all modern facilities. To clarify, the tents are all air-conditioned and crafted with beautiful wood flooring. Furthermore, the Yala safari jeep tours guided by expert camp rangers and a naturalist. They will ensure that you have the best chance of spotting the whole range of wildlife in the park. Finally, you can have dinner under the stars with a campfire that keeps you warm at the end of the day.
15. Mahoora Udawalawe
Located at the eastern border of Udawalawe National Park, Mahoora is a level 1 safe & secure tent with modern facilities. The all-inclusive safari in the camp comes with an experienced naturalist and well-maintained jeeps. Since there are afternoon and early morning safari drives, you can explore all corners of the jungle. Moreover, guests can enjoy a private jungle dining experience and barbecue around the campfire.
16. Big Game Udawalawe
In a mini nature reserve overlooking a beautiful lake, Big Game Udawalawe features tented accommodations with modern comforts. Certainly, the area is completely quiet and peaceful giving the chance to be in the jungle surrounded by the wilderness. The spacious interiors of the tents are fitted with carpeted flooring and all other amenities. Furthermore, intimate jungle dining and night walks also be arranged based on the requirement.
17. Makulu Safari Udawalawe
Without a doubt, Makulu Safari Udawalawe is one of the best safari camps in Sri Lanka. Located just 6 km from Udawalawe National Park, Makulu Safari Camping provides accommodation in Udawalawe. In short, this camp is the ideal place for elephant watching in Udawalawe National Pak. This tented camp is located in a scenic area closer to the river, where the sunset is exceptionally beautiful. Moreover, guests can engage in activities such as cycling and fishing.
18. Leopard Trails Wilpattu
You can get up close with wildlife in Wilpattu National Park at Leopard Trails, where luxurious tents offer great facilities with modern-day amenities. Besides, safari drives and bush walks are conducted in the wilderness areas surrounding the camps. Since each drive is expertly guided by a naturalist, the journey will be quite informative. You’ll find bushwalks are at a leisurely pace, hence giving you the opportunity to experience the jungle in exciting detail.
19. Wild Wadi Wilpattu
Wild Wadi Wilpattu is situated on the southern border of Wilpattu National Park, just 2.5 km away from the entrance. Without a doubt. this is a unique experience to enjoy the rustic charm of a traditional village hut combined with modern comforts. Likewise, this tented camp locates in a secluded and quiet area in the middle of the wilderness with luxury. Hence, it has become a growing hot spot for people who venture off the beaten track.
20. Makini Bush Camp
This is a luxury bush camp located in the jungles of Kataragama, featuring a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a garden, and barbecue facilities. Truly a wildlife haven, there are varied habitats within the boundaries of the campsite. Beautiful chalets are in complete balance with the natural environment. You’ll feel the natural beauty of the wild habitat and have a blissful time with the luxurious service offered at the glamping site.
To sum up, here we have bought you the details of the best safari camps in Sri Lanka. We hope you’ll find your accommodation through the given links and enjoy the Sri Lankan wildlife. Happy wild safari tour in Sri Lanka for you all!
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