Leopard Trails Yala

Introduction

The Leopard Trails camp site, bordering the Yala National Park, provides an authentic game park experience in a remote area surrounded by water and wilderness without conceding modern day comforts. Sleep in spacious canvas tents with ensuite bathrooms; dine on Sri Lankan or western cuisine under a starlit sky; and explore Yala’s untouched wilderness in a safari jeep with a picnic basket in hand.

Arrive at the campsite around 12 noon and, after lunch and a briefing on the Leopard Trails experience by the in-house naturalist, go on an afternoon game drive Back at the camp around 6.30 pm, relax with a chilled fruit juice or a beer in the verandah of your own tent. At nightfall, guests meet around a bonfire and share their adventures, followed by dinner and the knowledge that more adventure awaits at dawn the next morning.

Families are welcome at Leopard Trails; enquire about the Junior Ranger Programme which enables children to identify the different bird calls, animal foot prints, and learn of wildlife conservation. The in-house naturalist is ever willing to share his knowledge of the Yala’s wild elephants, leopards, sloth bear, mugger crocodiles and numerous birds. Much is done to conserve the natural environment and benefit the local village community. Plastics are discouraged and all garbage is disposed of. Guests are also educated on environmental conservation.

The Leopard Trails all-inclusive package covers tented accommodation; two game drives per day in a customized vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide; snacks and drinks on game drives; breakfast, lunch and dinner at camp; water, fruit juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee; wine, beer, imported spirits; and all park entry fees. A minimum stay of two nights is recommended. If guests are interested in going on a private game drive accompanied with a naturalist an additional supplement is applicable.

Leopard Trails also provides a mobile camping experience within the buffer zone of Wilpattu National Park in the North West.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in eight spacious, waterproof tents out of which six are standard and two luxurious tents. The interiors include a sleeping area that can accommodate up to three guests, a private verandah, ensuite bathroom with sink and flushable w/c with bidet. Tents have comfortable twin or double beds fitted with Egyptian cotton bed linen; bedside tables, luggage racks, coir carpeting and outdoor camping chairs in the verandah. Other facilities include a small safe, umbrella, torch, and bottled water. A silent generator is turned on at nightfall (and during peak daytime temperatures in the hottest months) Valuables can be handed over to the Camp Manager for safe keeping upon arrival. The two luxurious tents are larger with wooden double-door entry, a/c, ensuite bathrooms with tempered glass shower cubicle with solar powered hot water.

Facilities

A separate Lounge Tent houses the dining area, lounge, bar and a small library and has sofas, lounge chairs and coir carpeting. Drinks are served around a campfire by the lakeside and meals are arranged under a starlit sky. Sri Lankan or western cuisine is served prepared with fresh village vegetables and locally available meats and fish. BBQ’s are arranged for larger groups. Special dietary requirements are catered to with prior notice. Well-equipped first-aid kit, a first-aid certified team member, and doctor-on-call. Camp manager, naturalist, chef, housekeeping staff, and a nightwatchman. Vehicles can house six guests, but maximum four are recommended for serious wildlife photographers.

Why We Like It

This two-bedroom villa with immaculate interior design provides instant luxury after a hot day's safari

Sustainability

Leopard Trails, Yala is keen to work closely with the community around them, while educating and helping them to understand and appreciate the wonders of nature. This property also has a Green Purchasing Policy and always advises guests on environment-friendly practices to follow both whiles at the camp as well as while on safari.

Location

Leopard Trails provides a classic mobile camping experience in the remote village of Kochchipathana which is in the buffer zone bordering Yala National Park. Guests are met by the Leopard Trails team at a nearby location, transferred into their four-wheel vehicle and driven on a rustic track to the site, which is about 7 kms from the Katagamuwa entrance to Yala. Can be accessed via Uda Walawe, the southern highlands, or the south coast.