11 independent reviews for Tailor made wildlife tour of Sri Lanka
Reviews for Tailor made wildlife tour of Sri Lanka
Nigel Marshall review 29 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our stay in the relaxed surroundings of Ibis Lodge was undoubtedly the most welcoming introduction to Sri Lanka coupled with a fascinating and exciting safari at Wilpattu.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it you won't regret a minute3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly local people benefitted , tree/crop planting helped in some small way and we were aware of attempts to reduce environmental impact4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Sri Lanka was without doubt one of our most enjoyable trips in no small part this was due to the efforts of our guide/driver, Ushanka, who went to endless lengths to give us a full experience of a meticulously planned itinerary from the tour operator.Richard Mcdermott review 4 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Great tour which we were able to customise to fit our needs and interests.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Sri lanka is a great and welcoming country, We felt completly safe all the time we were there. Some of the better known sites involve a lot of climbing stairs or hills. We avoided these for health reasons. Lipton's seat is a good view point for those who have limited mobility: you can take a Tuk Tuk right to the top. Yala and Udawale were great. The chance of seeing whales from Marissa is now only about 50%. Tipping (relatively small amounts, e. g. 300 rupees for a porter- less than a pound) helps support staff who are are on low wages and is expected. for guides etc (although they are too polite to ask). The tour operator sent us a guideline or ask your driver what is appropriate. You will need a lot of small denomination bills (100 and 500 rupees), so ask for these when changing money, or ask you hotel to change large denomination bills. Also budget £13-15 per day for tipping your driver at the end of the trip (this could be in sterling, dollars, rupees or a mixture).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes,4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great!Patty Taylor review 15 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Ushanka our guide was amazing - there and engaged when we needed him and disappearing when we wanted our own time. Yala safari was by far the best part but, that being said, the overall experience was amazing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Maybe skip the whale watching...and a bit longer in Galle.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it was clear that the Sri Lankan tourist industry is struggling so we were happy to be part of getting that moving again. Wonderful friendly country with fantastic nature and superb food.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Paul Jennings review 9 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too many to mention! Wilpattu and Yala national parks, boat trips at Gal Oya and Kaudulla, staying at the Ibis Hotel, Mulkirigala Temple, cycling round Polonnarua, exploring the Jaffna peninsula, Galle fort, the list goes on.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Ask if any special clothing is required - for temples you need to wear respectable clothes and be ready to remove footwear. If you're going to Sinharaja or anywhere where there's a chance of walking off paths, ask about protection against leeches. They're tiny, pesky and no more harmful than a mosquito, but a bit unnerving until you're used to them, and if they attach, the pinprick they leave can bleed for quite a long time. Boutique hotels are definitely the way to go but be ready for the odd creepy-crawly or frog in the bathroom - particularly if they open to the outdoors. And don't sweat the small stuff! Take everything with good humour and you'll have a fantastic time. Talk to the local people - their experiences are really interesting.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. I'd have liked to see more push towards reducing plastic, but in general guides were very aware and hotels tried to do their bit. Although a bit surprised a couple of ecolodges were happily handing out plastic bottles of water when we just wanted to refill our aluminium ones.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Best holding we've ever had! Going for a month and traveling round was absolutely the best way to experience this incredible country.Hilary Downing review 26 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our most exciting part of the vacation was the two Safari trips - Kadulla National Park and in particular, Udawalawe National Park. Our most memorable part of our vacation was the wide variety of different hotels. We especially loved the Sigiriya Kings hotel and Mount Lavinia , with its amazing colonial architecture.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Watch out for the crazy drivers ! Ensure you have a large quantity of 100 rupee nots for tipping. Take lots of bug spray !yea3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The use of local guides, using our money to pay the entrance fees to a variety of sites and safaris.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An absolutely fantastic experience. Sri Lanka is an amazing place with wonderful views, incredible wildlife, interesting temples and friendly people.Richard Houghton review 22 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Ibis hotel. The wildlife and culture.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Familiarise yourself with the tipping expectations. Don’t get ill - make sure that you observe scrupulous personal hygiene and water discipline.Toilet facilities are few and far between and often of poor standard compared to western standards.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - in the main. Certain hotels eg The Ibis, clearly benefitted the local community. Tips were a significant contribution to the income of hotel staff, guides, porters etc. We were surprised at the use of plastic drinking straws everywhere we went.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Organised and arranged by the this operator, the vacation itinerary was fantastic and went without a hitch. The driver/guide was enthusiastic and informative and made sure that we were looked after at all times.Helen Dennis review 21 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had a lovely honeymoon in Mauritius and it's hard to pick one part of it! The operator put together a really varied itinerary for us and so we were able to have some wonderful relaxation time with gorgeous sunsets (staying at the top of Chamarel was a highlight for the view!), incredible food at SALT, a lovely kayaking afternoon whilst glamping at Otentic, and a fabulous time swimming with sea turtles off of Grand Baie. We also had a fantastic local driver Zaid who showed us around a lot of key sites on the island and shared a lot of local and national history with us.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our vacation was organised quite quickly as we had originally been planning to travel to Sri Lanka - as a result we didn't really do much of our own research and there may have been a few things we would have liked to include on the trip with hindsight. Always worth doing your own research so that you don't miss out on any locations or activities.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There were certainly some aspects of the vacation where the commitment to environment and conservation really shone through - this was really integral to the ethos at SALT, Otentic and Chamarel, and to lots of the other places we stayed where there seemed to be a strong ethos around local food and produce, and supporting the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A really fantastic vacation - only given 4 instead of 5 as there are probably some things that we would have prioritised with hindsight over what was set out and planned in the itinerary, and weather was a bit mixed (this was predictable given the season!) in the first week. But in essence, a great trip, some wonderful places to stay, really friendly and helpful staff - a really memorable honeymoon!Nicholas Ward review 26 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing large herds of Asian Elephants2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There is a long gap (over 24 hrs) between arriving at Wasgamuwa on the morning of day 7 and the game drive in the park the following afternoon. If you think over 24 hrs of doing nothing is too much then get your guide to arrange an extra game drive or two. I specifically say 'get your guide' to do it as I attempted to book one myself online. Waiting in the dark at 6am, nobody turned up and I found out later that the company I'd chosen had a distinctly dodgy reputation. I had to cancel a credit card to be on the safe side.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local operators used. Mostly small locally owned hotels used. Good. As so often on foreign tours absolutely no thought given to plastic use. Guide seemed genuinely surprised when we bought a 5Litre bottle of water rather than a pack of half litre bottles. Bad.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good but not great. Full day safari in Wilpattu Park much too long. General rule for safaris is early and pm. not staying out all day. In fact we gave up after lunch and went back to the hotel! Staff hovering at mealtimes was a pain at times. Everybody wanting a tip became a real pain. Our guide also mentioned on a number of occasions how little he was paid, obviously hoping we'd give a bigger than recommended tip. Hygiene an issue in some places, eg cutlery presented on bamboo place mats on top of old food stuck between the bamboo strips. Organisation good, though, and quite complicated itinerary went without a hitch.Lis Turner review 14 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a leopard on our safari in Wilpattu National Park, the beauty of the Knuckles, Gal Oya and the elephants in Udawalawe National Park.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be patient when on safari. The wildlife is amazing but doesn't always appear on cue. Binoculars and a good camera are essential to see and record the many wonderful animals, birds, insects, reptiles and jaw dropping beauty of the country.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we did particularly in the remote places that we visited. Local people had the chance to be employed either within the lodge /hotel or by being given the opportunity to train to be guides/ rangers. Many grew their produce used in the cooking or used locally sourced produce.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was amazing with every day providing new and exciting experiences. The guides and in particular our driver were excellent and definitely contributed a great deal to the overall enjoyment of the trip. Sri Lanka is a beautiful and diverse country with much to offer.Rebecca Sandys review 23 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The amazing scenery, friendly relaxed people and gorgeous wildlife2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Not to book with the local company. We booked with our tour operator and it appears that the local company is their local office. We were given someone with no training and almost no english as a "guide", and when I complained he was replaced by someone from the office who clearly didn't want to be there. There were many ways the vacation could have been so much better, I'll put a full review on Tripadvisor.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The jobs and money provided by tourism is a benefit. Traveling long haul is always going to have an environmental impacts so it can never be a benefit to the environment to go that far, but it's an amazing country so it's a conflict. When we were there there was only one place we stayed, an eco lodge, that actively supported a sustainable approach, having solar panels, planting trees, using locally sourced produce. I didn't feel that the other hotels were selected for any environmental reasons, in fact one had an enormous display of incredible food for New Years Eve, most of which was uneaten and the staff told us it was thrown away afterwards, they weren't allowed to take any home!! There were throwaway plastic bottles everywhere and no attempt to recycle/provide refills. I assume the entrance fees to the wildlife parks support conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great country to visit, I wish we'd arranged it ourselves and not gone on the tour.Read the operator's response here:
We are very glad that you overall enjoyed your vacation.
Thank you for your valuable feedback about the driver. I am very sorry that you did have a communication problem with the driver. But I was assured that all guides in places that you have visited spoke good English. We took very fast action to replace the driver who told me he was happy to be there.
All hotels that we chose we inspect our self and they all do something (normally few different actions) to support local economy and environment. Maybe not all have the solar panels, as the small properties you have stayed they cannot afford to have it. Instead they do other things, like growing their own vegetables, or training only local staff to help local people.
The hotel that you have stayed for New Year Eve assured me that there is never food wasted, they do not throw away good food. If there was some food that was spoiled then it cannot be taken as it may cause food poisoning. That included some of the foods that was served during New Year Eve. Some of the food was on the display for 10 hours. It health and safety must be a priority.
In terms of recycling plastic bottles in that particular hotel – sadly Sri Lanka, and many developing countries there are not many recycling practices provided by government.. Anyhow, some hotels in Sri Lanka have ‘no plastic bottles ‘polices in Sri Lanka, but they are more luxury eco lodges.
We did as much as possible with your budget for Christmas period and you were aware of all aspects of your tour. As it was tailor-made vacation we gave you a choice of all aspect of your trip and you have chosen the way it was design including all accommodation and attractions. I understand that your first drivers English was not very fluent but as soon as you raised the problem he was replaced the next day. The tour was delivered as planned with you.
You have commented that you could have arranged it on your own, but then you would not be protected by ATOL and TTA. I understand that you have used to arranged it always on your own before. I assume that not everyone wants to prearrange their travel. Most people chose to prearrange for their safety and comfort and to safe the time. I am sorry if this kind of tours are not what you enjoy most.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for taking your time and writing this feedback.
Laura Ruykys review 20 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Gal Oya National Park, where just the two of us and our guides were able to watch 5-6 different herds of elephants quietly feeding approximately 300 m away. We were the only people present and we did not disturb the animals; furthermore, we did not feel rushed but were able to simply enjoy the experience. Wasgamuwa National Park was also worth visiting; this park is not well-frequented by tourists and so the guides and drivers seemed to genuinely value our presence there. The park provided viewing opportunities for a range of mammal and bird species, without the aggressive and intrusive behaviour that we witnessed at sites such as Yala National Park. Our driver was also informative, courteous, incredibly friendly and unfailingly considerate of our needs/desires. The interaction that we had with him, as well as with a range of other guides, drivers and locals was a stand-out highlight of the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware that most of the safaris are very sedentary - you're unable to leave the vehicle except at particular 'rest stop' areas. That's completely understandable given concerns about interactions with large mammals such as leopards and elephants; however, if you're a physically active person, then ensure that your itinerary specifically itemises some walks, not just safaris. We thought that Udawalawe National Park's Elephant Transit Home could be missed if you're interested in ecotourism - it was overflowing with visitors and seemed to be predominantly a tourist attraction. Seeing wild elephants was far preferable. Also, the Mirissa whale watching needs to be very carefully considered or, at least, the tour operator carefully selected. Most of the boat operators do not abide by the international whale-watching standards and jostle with each other to be disturbingly close to the whales. There is also much chasing of the animals, which is distressing to view. Once an animal is seen, a multitude of boats (up to 12 on our day) encircle the animal so that its only means of escape is by deep-diving. The staff were well-aware of the animal's behaviour (distress), since they were able to impeccably predict when it would deep-dive (they would shout "tail up, tail up"). On our boat, there was also absolutely no interpretation provided; most people would not have even known which species of whale/dolphin they were viewing. Immediately after the last whale was seen, the tipping box was brought out, with the staff literally standing over the patrons whilst they scavenged around in their wallets for the requisite money. Unfortunately, the means by which the whale/dolphin sightings were obtained marred our experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Generally, yes. We felt that there was greatest benefit felt in the less-frequented locations, such as Wasgamuwa, Gal Oya, Sinharaja National Parks and Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary. Here, people were genuinely benefiting from our visitation and there was a more authentic interaction with rangers/guides/drivers etc. Broadly, it seems that the ongoing presence of national parks in Sri Lanka is deeply reliant upon their value as a tourist attraction; their inherent value is not yet well-understood. For example, there have been instances of less-visited, lesser-known parks having sections excised (revoked) and developed. There was, however, wide variability in the environmental credentials of the accommodation in which we stayed. For example, Gal Oya Lodge is exemplary in its approach to minimising environmental impacts and we really enjoyed our stay there. However, W15 in Weligama had a nightclub, party-centric feel and did not have any environmental credentials whatsoever; we were confused as to why we were staying there given our strong preference for small, family-run and environmentally-conscious accommodation. On a final (and unrelated) note, we felt that the arrangement for providing money to our driver could have been better. Our driver was given funds for payment of entry fees, some accommodation etc. However, this was provided in a piecemeal manner; i.e. every couple of days, money would be transferred to our driver's account. We would then need to find a bank so that he could access it; this was occasionally difficult given bank opening hours, our remote location and/or the unavailability of some ATMs and/overflowing queues at some town banks. It would seem preferable for the driver to be provided with all of the money as a single lump sum at the commencement of the tour.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We would highly recommend that people visit Sri Lanka so as to experience a country and people filled with genuine warmth.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Laura,
Thank you for taking the time to post a review of your vacation. We're delighted to hear you had such a good trip in beautiful Sri Lanka. I'm particularly pleased to hear how much you enjoyed the abundant wildlife in the less 'obvious' places you travelled to with us.
I do agree that Yala gets too crowded as it had been long advertised. On the other hand I am glad that you have had great time in Gal Oya and Wasgamuwa National Parks. I really love them too - so peaceful and relaxing safaris that you do not disturb animals. I also do prefer most off the beaten tracks places as is more personalised and you do not feel like a number. I am hoping that Sri Lanka will bring more regulations for safaris and whale watching as these are so important to preserve and protect their natural environment. I can see already many improvements over many years I visit these places but the changes come slowly. It is a developing country that it had so many problems in the past but the ‘good’ changes are being implemented slowly.
We are happy that you have noticed that the tour was overall beneficial to local people and to the environmental. It is our goal and we do appreciate your comments about whales and Yala so we could implement this as an advice for future tours.
I have to explain to you and whoever take this tour in the future about the drivers founds for the entrances and other spending. We do provide him all necessary founds from the beginning but he has to be precautions with carrying large amount of money. Yes, some places are remote and do not have many ATMs, unfortunately it is not same as in the Western world.
I am very happy that you did appreciate Sri Lanka and you had a great time.
There's plenty more to see, so we look forward to helping you discover even more of this wonderful country. Thanks again for taking the time to write.
All the best
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