Sarah McLennan
Sales Manager
This is a brilliant option for those looking for an authentic tented experience in the wilds of Wilpattu National Park. Staff are fantastic and always happy to help. When I visited, I met Malmi who is an amazing and intuitive guide and very involved in the running of the camp.
Leopard Hills camp is about four hours north of capital Colombo and just a 15 minute drive to the main gate of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest but yet lesser-visited park. Wilpattu was temporarily closed to the public following the conclusion of Sri Lanka’s civil war, and since reopening has remained off the tourist trail, despite it being widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s best places for seeing leopard and sloth bears.
Sloth bears, leopards and adventure
Accommodation in the Wilpattu area is typically very simple, but Leopard Trails’ tents deliver a high level of comfort – set as a colonial-style safari lodge. Its lounge area has bucket seats, sofas and books to read. Even the entry-level Classic Mobile Tents have air-conditioning and private bathrooms with outdoor showers. Their Luxury Tents provide additional space and indoor showers.
Twice-daily jeep safaris are the main thing: you may also see elephant and water buffalo amid the scrub jungle and open grasslands. Consider also delving into Wilpattu’s history – about 500 years before the birth of Christ, it is believed that Prince Vijaya from India came here, as attested by many ruins. Seeing them requires a full day.
Anyone keen on adventure, wildlife and nature – this is your perfect combination. The guides and naturalists are the true heroes of Leopard Trails; they are incredibly passionate, knowledgeable and skilled at tracking.
Best For
Adventurous family holidays and wildlife lovers.
Combine With
Take a road trip from Wilpattu across Sri Lanka’s cultural north, visiting rock fortress Sigiriya and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, finishing on the white sand beaches of the east coast.
When To Go
May to September is the dry season and an ideal time to visit Wilpattu.
