Tribe Yala

Introduction

Tribe Yala is committed to providing a refined and upmarket glamping experience on the fringes of Yala game park which benefits from one of the largest leopard populations in the world. Sri Lanka specialises in glamping especially around Yala game park and the immersive experience and strikingly luxurious tents far outweigh any imagined privations that you might suffer as a consequence. Indeed, in many of the best glamping options – and Tribe Yala is one – it is easy to forget yourself and imagine yourself in a high-standard hotel room. There is even the possibility of in-room dining in all tents. Tents are well concealed by light jungle, giving an authentic experience of living in the bush. It is important to stress that authenticity can also bring the occasional insect or even frog in the bathroom. But inside the tents you find a world of sofas, stately beds, chandeliers and – for those who can never entirely relax – even a work desk. Staff at tribe Yala can help you arrange your Yala safaris – the main entrance is only 15 minutes away. Tribe Yala delights in stories about the animals that roam Yala. The most luxurious tent – Tusker – honours Yala's most renowned and notorious tusker, Gemunu, who was born in Yala National Park in 1991 and was named after King Dutugemunu. In 2013, Gemunu was wounded by an unknown person or persons. Five years later, after a clash with a notorious tusker called Sando, Gemunu lost a tusk. Later, Gemunu lost his last tusk in a fight with another tusker, Nandimthra, a frequent visitor from the Sithulpawwa region. Now he roams the Yala grasslands: tusk-free and famous.

Accommodation

Tents are on a secure hardboard base, a couple of feet above the ground, for additional comfort and security. They have higher ceilings than the average hotel room and also benefit from large windows – fully curtained – to let in plenty of light and bring full benefit from the natural world outside. The outside sitting area is romantically lit by candle lanterns and a large awning keeps the rain off – although rain is uncommon anyway for much of the year in one of Sri Lanka’s dryest regions. Facilities in all tents include a/c, private bathroom, separate dining area and sitting area, coffee/tea maker.

Two Deluxe Tents (Leopard and Sloth Bear, 46 sqm): Both sleep up to four. Sloth Bear has one queen-sized bed and potential for two extra single beds. Leopard has two queen-sized beds. Both have wood-panelled bathroom and outdoor shower.

Two Luxury Tents with Bathtub (Eagle and Owl, 60 sqm): This is a bigger tent with higher ceiling. Eagle sleeps a maximum of three with one king-sized bed backed up by an extra single bed but owl sleeps four and can accommodate two extra single beds. Both have a wood-panelled bathroom and their own private plunge pool.

One Super Luxury Tent (Tusker, 116 sqm): There is a feeling of royalty to Tusker. This breathtakingly opulent “tent” pays due tribute to the famous tusk-free elephant, Gemenu, after which it is named. Tusker extends to 116 sqm and has three king-sized beds, its own bathtub as well as outdoor shower, mini fridge, ample easy chairs and sofa, plunge pool and even its own attractive tree house.

Facilities

You will be met by a 4 x 4 drive and taken from the main road to the campsite. There is a restaurant lost in the trees, beautifully lit by an array of lanterns and surrounded by nature. Dining is a memorable outback experience. Food has won lots of praise considering the setting: there are even vegan options. There is also a plunge pool, wi-fi, and a simple spa. As well as the wildlife safari, take a nature walk, go fishing or take a trip to Bundala bird sanctuary. For religious excursions, visit Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery, Kirinda Temple, or Kataragama. Learn about Chena cultivation practiced on the island from its earliest days by the island's indigenous tribes. Have a guided cave trek or take a trek on Kirinda beach.

Why we like it

Tribe Yala’s quality of accommodation is as good as any, but we also like the greenery around the tents which give a real sense of immersion in the natural world.

Location

Tribe Yala lies west of Yala, on the fringes of the park, and is less than half an hour to the main entrance.