Leopard Trails Wilpattu

Introduction

Leopard Trails is an experienced mobile camping company that operates campsites within the buffer zones of Wilpattu and Yala National Park. Leopard Trails prides itself on providing an adventurous camping holiday amidst the wilderness without having to give up modern day comforts and a personalised service. Sleep in spacious canvas tents with ensuite bathrooms; dine on Sri Lankan or western cuisine under a starlit sky; and explore the jungles of Wilpattu by jeep with a picnic basket in hand. The campsite consists of three tents and a lounge tent set within a natural clearing surrounded by scrub jungle. Up to 9 guests can be comfortably accommodated.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a cool drink, followed by a briefing by the in-house naturalist-cum-host. After lunch and a short rest, set off on an afternoon game drive. Once back at the camp around 6.30pm, relax with a chilled fruit juice or a beer in the veranda of your own tent, and at nightfall meet around a bonfire and share your adventures before dinner. Families are welcome at Leopard Trails: there is even a Junior Ranger programme for children. Leopard Trails does much to conserve the natural environment and educate their guests on environmental conservation in order to minimize the impact on the surrounding wilderness.

The Leopard Trails 'all inclusive' package covers: tented accommodation; two game drives per day in a customised safari game-viewing 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, spirits; all park entry fees, and transfer to and from park entrance to Leopard Trails campsite. If guests are interested in going on a private game drive accompanied with a naturalist an additional supplement is applicable.

Accommodation

The campsite is equipped with four spacious, waterproof tents - 3 classic tents and a luxury tent, all air-conditioned. The interiors include a sleeping area that can accommodate up to three guests, a private veranda, ensuite bathroom with sink and w/c (flushable commode and bidet spray),mirror and bath products and an outdoor shower. Interiors are tastefully decorated in natural colours and furnished with comfortable twin or double beds fitted with 8-inch spring mattresses, bedside tables, luggage racks and outdoor camping chairs. Baby cots and high-chairs are available with prior notice. Coir carpeting is used for the floors. Other facilities include a small safe, umbrella, torch, and bottled water. Electricity, for lights and pedestal fans, is supplied to the tents using solar panels, and there is also a silent generator on standby in case of bad weather. There are several plug bases inside the tent which can be used to charge your laptop, digital camera, phone and other small electrical items. Any valuables that need to be securely stored away can be handed over to the Camp Manager for safe keeping upon arrival.

Facilities

A separate lounge tent houses the dining area, lounge, bar and a small library. The lounge tent is furnished with sofas and lounge chairs and has coir carpeting. Weather permitting, drinks are served at nightfall around a campfire and Sri Lankan and western cuisine, prepared with fresh vegetables and local meats and fish, is served outdoors under a starlit sky. BBQs are arranged for larger groups and special dietary requirements are catered to with prior notice.

There is a well-equipped first-aid kit, a first-aid certified team member and doctor-on-call. The campsite is staffed with a camp manager, naturalist, chef, house-keeping staff and a night watchman who ensures guest security. For game drives, Leopard Trails uses customized safari vehicles that can accommodate a maximum of six guests. For serious wildlife photographers, a maximum of four guests are recommended per vehicle. An experienced guide accompanies the guests on game drives.

Children over five years of age are encouraged to participate in the in-house Junior Ranger programme, tailormade for the particular age group and which includes activities hosted by the naturalist, including animal tracking, bird spotting, wilderness survival, how to build a fire and basic navigation techniques. At the end of their stay, the children are tested on how much they remember and regardless of their individual scores, every child receives a certificate and a stuffed toy leopard.

Why we like it

We love the beauty of Wilpattu, especially the large sand-rimmed natural lakes that dot the game park.

Sustainability

Leopard Trails, Wilpattu 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 mobile camping experience within the buffer zone of Wilpattu National Park in the north west. The campsite is immersed in the wilderness around 20 minutes from Wilpattu’s main entrance gates.