Big 5 Safari Circuit — Private 12-Day Tour
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Overview
Itinerary
Details
Reviews
About
The ultimate Sri Lanka wildlife safari targeting the Big 5 — leopard, elephant, sloth bear, blue whale, and crocodile. Five different parks and reserves, guided by Sri Lanka's most experienced wildlife naturalist.
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Ages: 3–99
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle
Guide language: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Ticket type: Mobile ticket accepted
Highlights
- Wilpattu National Park — leopards & sloth bears
- Minneriya Gathering — 200+ wild elephants
- Knuckles Range — endemic birdwatching & trekking
- Sinharaja Rainforest — UNESCO biosphere
- Yala National Park — full-day leopard tracking
- Mirissa — blue whale & sperm whale watching
What's included ▾
- Private A/C 4x4 with expert naturalist
- 11 nights eco-lodge accommodation
- All meals
- 5 full-day safari experiences with park fees
- Whale watching boat
- Binoculars & wildlife field guides
- Airport transfers
What's not included ▾
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional bird hide sessions
Meeting & pickup ▾
- Driver meets you at Bandaranaike International Airport arrivals with name board
- Hotel pickups available from Colombo or Negombo
- Drop-off at Colombo airport on departure day
- Driver's WhatsApp shared 48 hours before arrival
Cancellation policy ▾
- Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before start
- Free reschedule up to 48 hours before
- No refund for cancellation within 24 hours
Additional information ▾
- Confirmation sent within 24 hours of booking
- This is a private tour — no other travellers join your vehicle
- Itinerary can be customised around your interests
- Dress modestly when visiting temples (sarongs provided)
- Sri Lanka e-visa required — apply at eta.gov.lk (Get a Free Quote)
📋 Private tour — itinerary fully flexible. Below is our recommended plan. Contact us to customise.
1–2
Colombo → Wilpattu
Airport pickup · Wilpattu National Park safari
- Airport pickup
- Wilpattu National Park safari
- Leopard & sloth bear tracking
- Eco lodge
All meals
3–4
Minneriya Elephant Gathering
Minneriya National Park · Elephant gathering (200+ elephants)
- Minneriya National Park
- Elephant gathering (200+ elephants)
- Kaudulla National Park
- Photography session
All meals
5–6
Knuckles Mountain Trekking
Knuckles UNESCO Biosphere trek · Endemic bird watching (186 species)
- Knuckles UNESCO Biosphere trek
- Endemic bird watching (186 species)
- Village homestay
- Night safari walk
All meals
7–8
Sinharaja Rainforest
Sinharaja UNESCO Rainforest · Purple-faced langurs & endemic birds
- Sinharaja UNESCO Rainforest
- Purple-faced langurs & endemic birds
- Butterfly walks
- Night insects walk
All meals
9–10
Yala — Full Leopard Safari
Yala full-day dawn safari · Afternoon leopard tracking session
- Yala full-day dawn safari
- Afternoon leopard tracking session
- Udawalawe elephant herds
- Beachside eco camp
All meals
11
Mirissa Whale Watching
Pre-dawn whale watching boat · Blue whales & sperm whales
- Pre-dawn whale watching boat
- Blue whales & sperm whales
- Dolphin pod encounter
- Beach afternoon
Breakfast & dinner
12
Galle → Airport
Galle Fort farewell walk · Airport transfer
- Galle Fort farewell walk
- Airport transfer
- Farewell gifts
Breakfast included
Tour details & pricing
Vehicle options
- 1–3 passengers: Toyota Prius / Premio (A/C sedan)
- 4–6 passengers: Toyota KDH van (A/C minivan)
- 7–12 passengers: Rosa Coaster (A/C minibus)
- Luxury upgrade: Mercedes / BMW (+Get a Free Quote/day)
Hotel upgrade options
- 3-star standard: Included in base price
- 4-star upgrade: +Get a Free Quote–300 depending on duration
- 5-star luxury: +Get a Free Quote–700 depending on duration
Group size pricing
| Group size | Vehicle | Price/person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Sedan | Get a Free Quote + 20% |
| 2 people | Sedan | Get a Free Quote |
| 3–4 people | Minivan | Get a Free Quote - 15% |
| 5+ people | Minivan/bus | Get a Free Quote - 25% |
4.9
★★★★★
89 reviews
5 ★90%
4 ★8%
3 ★2%
James & Sarah M.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
March 2025
★★★★★
"Absolutely unforgettable"
Our driver-guide was exceptional from start to finish. Sri Lanka exceeded every expectation — the landscapes, the people, the food. Velona Travels handled every detail perfectly. Cannot recommend enough!
Klaus & Marie H.
🇩🇪 Germany
February 2025
★★★★★
"Perfekte Organisation"
Alles war perfekt organisiert. Unser Fahrer sprach hervorragendes Englisch und war unglaublich hilfreich. Sri Lanka ist ein wunderschönes Land — wir kommen definitiv wieder!
Raj & Priya P.
🇦🇺 Australia
January 2025
★★★★★
"Sri Lanka will change your life"
We've travelled to 35 countries and Sri Lanka is genuinely in our top 3. Everything Velona Travels arranged was perfect. Our guide's knowledge and warmth made it truly special. Already planning to return!
