SRI LANKA - WILDLIFE PHOTO TOUR
Leopards, Sloth Bears, Asian Elephants, Bee-eaters, Hornbills & Much More
Dates: 21st January to 7th February 2028
Group Size: Minimum of 4, maximum of 6.
Cost: £4,295 per person (Single Supplement: £850)
Deposit: A non-refundable £1,000 deposit required at the time of booking.
Meals: Full Board (All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners included)
Embark on an extraordinary, comprehensive expedition through Sri Lanka’s most diverse and untamed wildlife corridors. From the misty, prehistoric canopies of the lowland rainforest to the wild wetlands and white-sand tracks of the dry-zone reserves, this tour is carefully designed to offer the ultimate variety.
By stepping off the rushed tourist paths and prioritising multi-day stays in key regions - including the secluded plains of Panama, the remote waterways of Gal Oya, and the pristine wilderness of Wilpattu - we give ourselves the crucial time and space needed to move beyond basic snapshots. We will wait for natural behaviours to align with dramatic light, tracking the island's premier species: the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard, the unique Sloth Bear, and magnificent herds of Asian Elephants.
The Photographic Advantage: To ensure the absolute highest quality experience, we will always be utilising two private safari jeeps on every game drive. With our group capped at a maximum of 6 guests, this guarantees an uncrowded environment of just 2 to 3 photographers per vehicle - giving everyone a dedicated outside seat, unrestricted 360-degree shooting angles, and ample space to manoeuver heavy telephoto lenses without compromise.
What’s included?
Accommodation: 16 nights in hand-picked hotels & eco-lodges specifically chosen for their exceptional proximity to nature or photographic potential.
Meals: Full Board throughout the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) plus unlimited bottled water during activities and transfers.
Transport: All local travel in a comfortable, private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Uncompromised Jeep Space: Exclusive use of two private, 4x4 safari jeeps on every single national park drive, ensuring a maximum of 2-3 guests per vehicle for unrestricted camera angles and beanbag placement.
Local Expertise: Accompanied by top-tier local naturalist guides with intimate knowledge of regional flora and fauna.
In-Field Tuition & Support: Full photographic guidance from Marc throughout the trip.
Photo Reviews: Group evening image reviews and post-processing tips to help refine your craft as the journey progresses.
Pre-Trip Planning: A private group video call 1 month before departure.
What you will need:
Your favourite camera (preferably mirrorless or DSLR, although a bridge camera will also work).
A lens with focal length of 500mm or above - for birds & mammals.
Spare batteries, SD cards and anything else you would find useful for multi-day photography.
Optional: Laptop to review images and external hard drives to back up images.
Outdoor clothing with layers.
What’s not included:
Flights to and from Colombo (CMB) international airport.
Sri Lankan Visa fees.
Soft drinks (excluding bottled water) and alcoholic beverages.
Travel insurance (mandatory).
Gratuities/Tips for local drivers, safari trackers, and lodge staff.
Personal camera equipment.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 3: Sinharaja - A full day and 1 morning exploring the pristine primary rainforest with private local guides for endemic birds.
Day 3 to 6: Tissamaharama - Tissa lakes for fruit bats/flying foxes, a morning safari in Yala National Park (Block 5) for leopards, sloth bears, and birdlife, an evening bird photography session at Debarawewa sanctuary, a full day safari drive in Yala National Park (Block 1) tracking leopards, and a morning safari to Bundala National Park for monkeys and bird-in-flight photography.
Day 6 to 9: Panama - 2 private full days and 1 morning 4x4 safaris into Kumana National Park (Yala East) for low-crowd photography of leopards, sloth bears, and birdlife.
Day 9 to 11: Gal Oya - photography on the beautiful lodge grounds, dawn and dusk private safaris (one via boat and one via jeep) tracking white-bellied sea eagles, grey-headed fish eagles, and elephants along the water's edge.
Day 11 to 13: Wasgamuwa - photography on the hotel grounds, and a full day 4×4 safari in Wasgamuwa National Park focusing on birdlife and environmental portraits of elephants moving through the tall grasslands.
Day 13 to 16: Wilpattu - 2 full days utilising private 4x4 jeeps to capture leopards, sloth bears, deer, and rich birdlife.
Day 16 to 17: Negombo - afternoon transfer to the coast, a group farewell dinner, and a short 20-minute transfer to the international airport for your return flights home to the UK.
Further Information
Dates: 21st January to 7th February 2028.
Group Size: minimum of 4, maximum of 6.
Fitness Level Required: There is not a huge amount of walking during this trip, but you will need to be steady on your feet for the various excursions into Sinharaja. You will also have to be prepared for long days in jeeps.
Cost: £4,295 per person (Single Supplement: £850).
Deposit: A non-refundable £1000 deposit required at time of booking.
