Practical Information

Plan Your
Safari

Embarking on a safari adventure with Camp Leopard promises to be an extraordinary experience. To ensure your journey is seamless and unforgettable, thoughtful planning is key.

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A note on how to book

When you book through an OTA like Booking.com, your reservation is ONLY for accommodation and breakfast. Camp Leopard sells curated itineraries — safaris, full-board meals, multi-block access, campfire dinners, and everything that makes this experience what it is. Contact us directly for the full experience and better value.

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Getting Here

Getting to Camp

If you are arriving with a private transfer or self driving or by public transport, it is mandatory that you contact us ahead of time.

We have a recommended vendor — Ceylon Hunt — for transfers at reasonable rates. Private parking can be arranged.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT follow Google Maps directions. Private vehicles cannot access the camp. You will be shuttled in our safari jeeps from the meeting point.

Check-in times: STRICTLY 12:30-2pm and 6:30-7pm only. No check-ins after 7pm for safety reasons.

From Colombo/Airport: ~3.5 hours ($160-170 private transfer)
From Ella: ~2.5 hours ($55-65)
From Tangalle: $55-65
From Arugambay: $85

View Meeting Point →

When to Come

Best Time
to Visit

Our recommended period for the best experience (weather, crowds, and Big 5 sightings) is mid-April to end of August, with May and June being the best months, and the month of November.

Contrary to popular belief, May and June are NOT the rainy months — the Greater Yala Complex gets its rains from the northeast monsoon during October-December.

Block 1 may close for 30-60 days during September/October for annual maintenance. We operate across multiple blocks so your experience is never compromised.

Essentials

What to Pack

✓Neutral colours — khaki, olive, beige. No bright colours in the park.

✓Binoculars (we supply on safari too)

✓Camera with a long lens — 200mm minimum

✓Insect repellent (DEET-based)

✓Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat

✓Closed shoes for bush walks

✓Light layers for pre-dawn departures

✓Power bank

Park Entrance Fees

Charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation — separate from our package prices. Can be prepaid at booking.

Calculate Park Fees →

Beyond the Safari

•Mountain biking around Kotchipathana Lake

•Lake kayaking & catamaran birdwatching

•River swim in a jungle-lined waterway

•Sri Lankan cooking lesson

•Five-course BBQ dinner by the lake

•Sithulpawwa ancient rock temple

•Kataragama Temple visit

•Junior ranger programme for children

•Tree planting at end of stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Do you sell rooms or itineraries?

Itineraries. Camp Leopard does not sell accommodation with a safari as an optional add-on. We sell curated wildlife experiences where accommodation, food, safari drives, guides, timing, and block routing are designed as a single coherent thing. Contact us directly and we will build the right itinerary.

Why book directly rather than through Booking.com?

When you book through an OTA, you get a room. When you book directly, you get an itinerary. We have very limited availability — typically three units at any time by design. Last-minute additions of guided safaris, full-board meals, and multi-block routing are not always possible after arrival.

What is the leopard sighting success rate?

99.9% on multi-day tours across our different park blocks. We cannot guarantee sightings — these are wild animals. But our rangers have maintained this record since 2016 through expert tracking across Blocks 1, 3, 4, and 5.

Is Camp Leopard family friendly?

Fully. We have a dedicated Family Tent for up to four guests. Our rangers shape every safari to the group's pace. Kids get junior ranger activities throughout their stay.

Is Camp Leopard pet friendly?

Yes — one of very few safari camps in Sri Lanka that genuinely welcomes dogs. We also run an ongoing stray dog rescue programme.

Which Yala park blocks do you access?

Block 1 (Katagamuwa Gate), Block 3 (Galge Gate), Block 4 (Dambakote Gate), and Block 5 (Weheragala Gate). We also operate in Kumana and Bundala. Most operators only access Block 1.

What is included in a package?

Full board (arrival lunch to departure breakfast), guided safari drives, air-conditioned glamping with ensuite bathrooms, unlimited tea and coffee, refreshments on safari, free WiFi, service charge and taxes. Park entrance fees are separate.

Can you arrange transfers from Colombo / Ella / Galle?

Yes. We arrange transfers from Colombo, Katunayake Airport, Ella, Galle, Mirissa, Kandy, Negombo, and most Sri Lankan destinations.

Ready to plan your itinerary?

Talk to Marc directly. Tell us your dates, group size, and what matters most to you — we will design the rest.