Leopard Trails (Yala National Park)

A tented safari is the classic, old-fashioned way of experiencing the wilderness. Leopard Trails derives its concept from the grand era of the British Raj, when Ceylon was considered once of the world's most sought after locations for truly exotic expeditions.

The 1800's witnessed the arrival of British adverturers, and with them, hunting and exploration safaris replete with a small army of butlers, cooks and trackers. These explorers did not travel in a rough and rustic manner, but enjoyed well-furnished, spacious tents fully stocked with the finest food and drink; bespoke safaris that expertly anticipated the explorers' every need in wild Ceylon.

Today, Leopard Trails Classic Mobile Camping offers guests the same impeccable standards of service and warm hospitality, as they journey through Sri Lanka's jungles, whilst aiming to create an experience that is educational, explorative, fun and insightful.

The camps specialize in small groups of 2-12 people. As such, guests are assured of personal attention at all times, with personal comfort and safety remaining a priority.

A typical day at a Leopard Trails campsite involves rising at dawn in readiness for a morning game drive. Guests will first be served a hot cup of Sri Lanka's world-renowned tea before embarking on the drive in a customized jeep with the best equipment and foods. The vehicles have comfortable seating and a raised canopy to allow a 360-degree panoramic view of the surroundings. Returning later in the evening, guests can freshen up before enjoying a scrumptious supper and crisp glass of wine (at Leopard Trails all drinks are on the house). After supper, guests can retire for a nightcap by the campfire.

The Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka are well known for their excellent year-round leopard sighting opportunities. The Sri Lankan leopard, colloquially known as "kotiya", is a subspecies of leopard, native to Sri Lanka. While guests are invited to enjoy the company of this majestic animal, the Leopard Trails aims to highlight the leopard's plight as an endangered species. Guests are also taken into the heart of elephant country in search of the native Sri Lankan elephant, a recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant. Colonial big game hunters decimated Ceylon's large elephant herds that were once common across the island, so a sighting of the true king of beasts is something to be treasured.

Important: Please note Yala National Park closes annually for the month of September and re-opens on 1st October.