Endless beaches, timeless relics, welcoming locals, countless herds of elephants, invigorating landscapes, famous tea, spectacular train rides and divine food make a Sri Lanka safari holiday irresistible. An almost over-looked safari destination, the country is quickly moving forward as more people begin to discover its myriad charms.
Laying in between the more trodden parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is the ideal tropical escape. Dazzling waters, laden with white beaches, are a sanctuary for some of the ocean's giants, whilst a retreat into the flourishing tea plantations and rainforested peaks uncovers a plethora of life, including leopards, water buffalo, primates and birds. Wander beside ancient temples, enjoy a bounty of delicious cuisine, follow in Buddha’s footsteps on a pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak, and take an iconic train journey through rolling hills. With a combination of some of the world's most incredible wildlife encounters and legendary temples set in outstanding national parks, Sri Lanka is undeniably alluring. Spectacular, affordable and still often uncrowded, now is the best time for you to discover it.
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for a family safari holiday. There is so much to do too which means both you and your children will have plenty to keep you occupied. One thing to note is the drive times can be long and it is worth being prepared for this so you have things to keep younger children occupied.
This safari combines wildlife, culture and beaches to provide you with a fantastic overview of Sri Lanka. From the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to the leopards of Wilpattu, the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the palm-fringed beaches of Galle, there is something for everyone on this beautiful isle.
An adventurous safari exploring Sri Lanka's best wildlife havens. Seek out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, diverse bird species and more with visits to Wilpattu, Yala, Gal Oya and Udawalawe National Parks and the Sinharaja Rainforest, while also experiencing some of the islands cultural sights.
As specialists in safari holidays to Sri Lanka, we have been able to craft some of the most incredible itineraries and sought-after trips to this often-overlooked wildlife destination. Our safaris are led by hand-picked passionate local wildlife guides with years of experience across Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes. Our carefully crafted itineraries combine unique access to some of the best wildlife lodges supporting local communities.
To ensure a truly exclusive experience, we use locations rarely used by other tour agents, working closely with Marine and National Park Specialists on non-intrusive encounters with full permits. Working beside conservationists, we can offer the chance to join habituation safaris and more. Our exclusive network on the ground allows us to add that little NWS twist to your trip, transforming it into something really special.
Typically, expect to budget around $5,500 per person for a 15-day safari in Sri Lanka. This will generally include airport transfers, food and accommodation in eleven camps in different locations. For a shorter 10-day experience staying at five camps, expect to budget $7,000 per person. Journeying through the heart of leopard country, you will be staying in a range of rustic guest houses, treetop hideaways and even .
Wildlife enthusiasts may wish to consider some of the tented safari camps that can be found in the national parks and which put you in the heart of the action or try out some mobile camping for the ultimate authentic adventure. Many converted colonial houses and tea estates are bursting with character, whilst more boutique guest houses and beach retreats provide the ultimate in relaxation.
Generally, the best time to visit Sri Lanka the west and south coasts as well as the Cultural Triangle is between December and April, while on the east coast, the climate is at its finest from May through to October. Here, separate distinct weather systems affect the climate dramatically from coast to coast.
Herds come from as far as Kantale to sip the sweet waters of the Minneriya tank and you can be there to witness this magnificent event, up close and personal.
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for a family safari holiday. There is so much to do too which means both you and your children will have plenty to keep you occupied. One thing to note is the drive times can be long and it is worth being prepared for this so you have things to keep younger children occupied.
Absolutely wonderful trip. Great balance between the safaris and the temples/culture. Amazing accommodations and a very good guide/driver. The safaris were very special and the guides on them were knowledgeable and fantastic as well. Overall just an incredibly rewarding experience.
The service NWS provided was great! We ended up spotting various dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales. Our guide, Josh Barton, was great, enthusiastic, and very passionate too which contributed to a great trip.
The four of us thought NWS did a terrific job organising our trip. Not long into our journey, we realized that organisation is imperative in India and Sri Lanka, and everything ran like clockwork. The guides were very good in each location, and we can never say enough good things about the drivers and guides in the parks. NWS did what they said they would do and got us close to the animals we wanted to see: tigers and leopards. NWS got us to the animals and we would definitely book with them again!
Excellent trip - great recommendations, great guide and (mostly!) superb places to stay. Fulfilled expectations and successfully saw everything I set out to. All suggestions very good, especially considering I did a last-minute trip so getting availability was always going to be a bit tricky. But all well organised and very straight-forward/efficient.
Sri Lanka is known for Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys and diverse birdlife across its national parks.
Yala National Park has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.
Wildlife viewing is best between December and April for the southern parks.
Yes. Large herds of elephants can be seen in Udawalawe and Minneriya National Parks.
The Minneriya elephant gathering is one of Asia’s largest wildlife spectacles, where hundreds of elephants gather around seasonal lakes.
Sri Lanka hosts more than 400 bird species including many endemics.
Key parks include Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu and Minneriya.
Yes. Many itineraries combine safaris with temples, tea plantations and historic cities.
Sri Lanka is widely visited for nature travel with established safari infrastructure.
Visitors stay in safari lodges, boutique hotels and nature reserves near national parks.
Wildlife Specialists
Wildlife remains our core focus. In Sri Lanka, that means immersive safaris with expert trackers, timed to give you the best chance of spotting elusive leopards, sloth bears, and elephants. We work closely with naturalists who know the land intimately, helping you experience the country’s biodiversity in its most authentic form.
Wealth of Experience
Our long-standing connections and deep knowledge of Sri Lanka allow us to craft immersive journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you're tracking leopards in Yala, spotting elephants in Gal Oya, or exploring ancient temples and tea plantations, we ensure you're in the right place at the right time — with the best naturalist guides and hand-picked accommodation to match.
Tailor-Made Travel
Each journey to Sri Lanka is built around your individual interests — whether that’s wildlife, history, food, or all three. Our Destination Specialists design seamless itineraries with privately guided safaris, boutique accommodation, and behind-the-scenes cultural encounters that take you far from the tourist trail.
