Signature expedition
The Yala–Kumana Traverse
Leopard country to the wild lagoons of the east
- Duration
- 5 days · 4 nights
- When
- Best February – August
- Parks
- Yala · Kumana
- Look out for
- Leopard, Sloth bear, Asian elephant
The expedition
Yala is famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards anywhere. Its quieter eastern neighbour, Kumana, is a world of mangrove swamps, rock outcrops and nesting waterbirds, with a fraction of the jeeps. Together they show both sides of Sri Lanka’s dry zone.
Day by day
- Day 1
Into leopard country
Settle into a lodge on the edge of Yala, then head out for a first afternoon drive as the park comes alive.
- Day 2
A full day in Yala
Out at the gate before dawn with meals in the jeep, and a whole day to follow leopards, sloth bears and elephants without rushing back.
- Day 3
East to the wild side
A last morning in Yala, then the drive east towards the coast, with evening birding at a quiet lagoon.
- Day 4
Kumana
A full day in Kumana, with the nesting colonies of Kumana Villu, the rocks of Okanda and the chance of a leopard with no one else around.
- Day 5
Last light
One final early drive, then onward to the coast, the hills or the airport.
Wildlife you may see
- Leopard
- Sloth bear
- Asian elephant
- Painted stork
- Spoonbill
Included
- Private 4x4 safari jeeps and naturalist guide
- Park entrance fees
- Four nights' accommodation near the parks
- Road transfers within the itinerary
Not included
- International flights, visa and travel insurance
- Tips, gratuities and personal expenses
From this journey
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