Wilpattu National Park Private Safari

If you are considering this safari, think carefully before booking. Unless you are comfortable spending hundreds of dollars with the possibility of seeing very little wildlife, I would skip this safari and spend your time and money elsewhere. For our family of four, this was one of the poorest value tourism experiences we have had in Sri Lanka. As a Sri Lankan expatriate visiting from Canada, I had heard a lot about this park, one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of expectations. We spent approximately five hours on safari, much of it travelling over rough and bumpy roads that left some passengers with headaches and discomfort. During the entire trip, we saw only two buffalo, a mongoose, a few deer, and many spotted storks around a pond. There were no elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles, or any of the iconic wildlife that most visitors travel to Sri Lanka hoping to see. For a family of four, the cost was approximately CAD $300 including entrance fees and safari costs. I understand that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but at these prices visitors should receive far better value or, at the very least, clear information about the realistic chances of seeing major wildlife. The Government of Sri Lanka and park administration need to seriously review the pricing structure and overall visitor experience. International tourists are paying premium prices and expecting a world-class wildlife experience. When visitors spend hundreds of dollars and five hours of their day only to see wildlife commonly found in many other places, it creates disappointment and damages Sri Lanka's tourism reputation. If wildlife populations are low, visitors should be told before they buy tickets. If conservation efforts need strengthening, more investment is required. Charging high prices while delivering an experience like this leaves many visitors feeling that they did not receive fair value for their money. Sri Lanka has many outstanding attractions that I would gladly recommend. Unfortunately, based on our experience, this safari is not one of them.

My first safari. Very nice. Not many people (season due to the conflict in the Middle East).

Park mainly composed of birds (peacock cp) and doe. We've seen leopard tracks. A break is made with the monkeys. My first safari.

A few birds, deer, mongoose, lizards and buffalo, no bears, no leopards, no elephants.... NOT worth the US$80 we spent. Way to overpriced

We arrived late but they accommodated. We saw elephants, eagles, peacocks, buffalo, langurs and even a glimpse of a leopard! Overall a good value half day safari.

The trip was good, our guide friendly. Unfortunetly he didn't speak english very well. I would recommend only a half day safari, because the driveable area isn't to big enaugh for a full day.

Very good support from the beginning by Mewan. The driver then sets us up quickly and the formalities are brief before starting the adventure. The latter does not just do are ride in the park, he really goes to the trouble of finding the animals that make up this wonderful park... and it works! We have almost every species. In the end, moving in backpacks, we have difficulty finding a way to get to the Pension. Our driver coordinates directly with his colleagues to find a solution!! Beautiful adventure we recommend!