Leopard Trails

Home
Sri Lanka
Colombo
Leopard Trails

Bespoke tented safaris bordering Yala and Wilpattu national park in Sri Lanka.
(50)

Leopard Trails Bespoke Tented Safaris offers a guided tented camping experience bordering Sri Lanka's national parks

03/05/2024

23rd April 2024 - 7.10am

Ritta at Kumana Villuwa

📸 by LT Ranger :

01/05/2024

Leopard Trails and Londolozi facilitated an extraordinary, inaugural journey for two gentelemen from the Shangaan community from Southern Africa to the parks of Sri Lanka. Alfie and Jerry, seasoned guides at Londolozi with expert guiding and tracking background. A noteworthy mention is their skill in the ancient art of trailing—silently following animal tracks on foot to locate them without their awareness. The Tracker Academy at Londolozi, along with other institutions, has been instrumental in reviving this traditional skill, enriching the conservation tourism sector. Words fall short of capturing the essence of their talent; one must experience firsthand the thrill of tracking a wild leopard or lion for hours to truly appreciate the mastery involved. This is best experienced on private reserves where you can drive off road and walk. Nevertheless, we did get some insights at a permitted get of point in Kumana. The Leopard Trails - Londolozi guide exchange will continue in the interest of cross cultural awareness. Special thanks to James Souchon (Head Ranger Londolozi) and Duncan Mc Larty (GM Londolozi) - Radheesh Sellamuttu.

01/05/2024

22/04/2024

Leopard Trails' (LT) comprehensive leopard database will be merged with the Yala Leopard Diary database (YLD), to facilitate an in-depth understanding of the leopards that inhabit block 01 of Yala National Park.
This non-commercial integration of the LT and YLD leopard databases creates a centralized repository of leopard data, making it easier for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers to access comprehensive information about the leopard population in block 01 of Yala National Park.

Having two separate identification databases for the same leopard population is unnecessary and confusing. Instead, by joining forces, we can capitalize on our combined strengths to uncover new and intriguing findings about leopards, benefiting from the diverse perspectives of two teams.

The two databases in question have been painstakingly maintained by its dedicated moderators as the most up to date, comprehensive, and reliable collection of data of leopards in a given area.

LT utilizes the whisker spot pattern ratio and other noteworthy features as the main identification reference, while the YLD employs a codification system by giving a code and a nickname to each and every leopard. By merging these databases, users gain access to a broader range of identification methods, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of leopard tracking and monitoring.

The combined expertise and resources of the two teams can lead to more informed conservation strategies and may inspire collaborative research endeavors between LT and YLD team members.

Beyond its utility for researchers and conservationists, the merged database serves as an educational resource for the general public. Access to detailed information about leopards in Yala National Park fosters greater awareness and appreciation for these magnificent animals. It can also support outreach programs aimed at promoting wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that future generations continue to cherish and protect Sri Lanka's apex predator.

30/03/2024

Remembering the legendary leopards - part 2
Warahana 2:3 female(2005)

Warahana 2:3 female was an elusive but confident female. She is a legendary female who was living in the North of Yāla block 1. Believed to be born in 2005, she made frequent appearances around the North of Yāla block 1 for a very long time. She was last seen, in February 2018.

Her territory was around the areas of Warahana Bungalow Road, Warahana, Y – Junction, Thalgasmankada, Darshana Wewa, and New Road.

In 2013, she had a litter of three female cubs, which brought her the fame.This family gave us so many memorable sightings and they were constantly monitored around further North. Following her mother's lineage, one of the 2013 litter's female cubs (Warahana 2:2 female 2) has succeeded and now lives in the same territory

Image 1: Warahana lineage
Image 2: Warahana 2:3 female portrait
Image 3: 2013 litter at Warahana junction (by Sugathe Yala safari)
Image 4: Her territory
Image 5: Warahana female in her prime
Image 6: 2013 litter at Warahana junction (by )

🇱🇰

16/03/2024

Safaris are one of the last refuges of standalone cameras. You might be thinking that great safari photography can only be achieved with bulky and heavy professional cameras, long lenses, f-stop this and aperture that. We are here to say that the best camera for your safari is the one that is with you. Our guiding team see an increasing number of our guests using only their smartphones. The good news is that they are capable of creating some great memories. Do not miss out on one of the most incredible experiences because you don't have what some might consider a safari worthy camera. To make the most of your mobile phone on a Leopard Trails safari, ask your game ranger for a few tips and tricks of the trade

07/03/2024

Among the many things that are synonymous with Sri Lanka, one everyday thing stands out like a beacon,that is our RICE & CURRY. You can keep your distance from the outside world at our camp, but you can't keep your distance from this. Sri Lankan cuisine is best experienced with rice and curries. It is vibrant and flavorful.

You serve the rice first and then set your sights on the curries. Hence, rice and curry. We have always been a very prosperous agricultural nation with rich customs and naturally so, rice has become our mainstay. When it comes to curries, there's generally some sort of animal protein (fish, chicken, goat, beef), some sort of lentil, fresh vegetables right off the patch, a sort of a cooked salad what we call "maellum" and more often than not, crispy poppadoms or something deep fried to add that crunchiness. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or all-purpose "foodie", our curries can and will supplement you with what you are after so worry not. We love our spices as they are what transform raw ingredients into a fragrant, saliva-inducing curry that we absolutely love. To your palette, the composition of curry might taste too hot. Do not worry, spiciness can be tamed. Communicate your spice tolerance well in advance to your chef.

🇱🇰

03/03/2024

Leopard Trails was proud to offer a complimentary 3 night stay as a part of the kickstarter campaign used to raise funds for the important initiative of 'REMEMBERING LEOPARDS'

What better way to raise awareness and funding on a subject that focuses on the reasons of why it should be conserved for the future generations, than a book which highlights all the reasons?
The Remembering Wildlife book series has so far raised more than £1.1 million for conservation projects since its origins in 2016. 'REMEMBERING LEOPARDS' is the eighth book of this celebrated series.
The world’s top wildlife photographers contributed with their images (93 contributing just this year). This beautiful book features images of all eight sub-species of leopard across Africa and Asia, plus snow and clouded leopard images too. Even though they are of different genus and species, the creators intendes to raise awareness of their plight and also to raise funds to protect them. A successful Kickstarter campaign early in 2023 secured financing for the book, which was published on 9th October 2023.
To do their due diligence, Leopard Trails was proud to offer a complimentary 3 night stay as a part of the kickstarter campaign used to raise funds for this important initiative.

🇱🇰

28/02/2024

It would be breathtaking to end your evening safari with this spectacular vista of Katagamuwen Lake during the monsoon season.

❤ 🇱🇰

04/02/2024

25/01/2024

Breakfasting and taking in the scenery by the beach together at Bundala National Park's picturesque resting area.

⛰️ ♥️ 🇱🇰

24/01/2024

Great friends and great times - Leopard trails Wilpattu camp grounds ☀️

Music : Sunshine - WIRA

21/01/2024

Try to picture yourself sipping a glass of your favorite beverage while enjoying the view of the charming lake and listening to the most beautiful lullaby that nature offers.

🔥 🇱🇰

18/01/2024

Remembering the legendary leopardess 'Siyambalagas Wala Female' ♥️

Siyambalagas Wala 3:3 female was a literal kingmaker for the Yala block 1. She proved herself as a successful mother summa cm laude by raising several cubs up to adulthood and those cubs became exceptionally successful, some even becoming legends in the process. She was one of the most sighted leopards in Yala Block 1 during the decade of 2010 to 2020. (Her territory included the areas of Kotigala, Ūraniya Junction, Debaragas Wala, Lōlugas Wala, Siyambalagas Wala, Rathmal Wala, Karawgas Wala, Ūraniya Lagoon, Buthawa Plains, Maliththankotu Wala, and Welmalkema).

Even though she has been missing since the beginning of 2021, the powerful bloodline she left behind is still active and alive in Block 1 of Yala National Park. She would be remembered as a legendary leopardess who raised several dominant males and successful resident females.

To read more about her;
https://leopardtrails.com/leopardsofyala/siyabalagas-wala-33-female/

27/12/2023

The best gift 🎁 you can give your children is time spent in the wilderness with them as a family.🎄♥️ They would enjoy the time of their lives, as seen by the enthusiasm on their faces, the gleam in their eyes, and the smiles on their lips.

26/12/2023

Christmas at Leopard Trails Yala and Wilpattu camps

04/12/2023

The 2023 edition of the Londolozi - Leopard Trails guide exchange program has commenced. Leopard Trails Ranger Malmi, is spending two weeks exchanging ideas, sharing stories and learning about the high end South African wildlife economy. We have so much to learn from their success story

🤝

25/11/2023

31st August 2023 - 5.40pm

Meeting the gaze of a predator at eye level 👁️👁️!

Sudhuwelimulla 3:3 Female, sitting relaxed on an Indian Ironwood tree, after quenching its thirst in "Medha Paara"

📸 by LT Ranger :

For more information on leopards of Yala National park and leopard identification, please access the leopard ID database through the following link -

https://www.leopardtrails.com/leopardsofyala/individual-identification-methods/

18/11/2023

Monsoon has brought back this enchanting view, What better way to immerse in the wild and get lost in your thoughts with the beverage of your choice, other than this setting right here?

🇱🇰

11/11/2023

08/11/2023

to 17th February 2023 - 11.25am

Pan Wala Male getting comfortable on a Indian Ironwood tree in "Sudhuwelimulla" to escape the mid-day's heat

📸 by LT Ranger :

For more information on leopards of Yala National park and leopard identification, please access the leopard ID database through the following link -

https://www.leopardtrails.com/leopardsofyala/individual-identification-methods/

22/10/2023

Perfect start to the morning drive...

On this occasion we were not the first vehicle to drive down this road early in the morning and when we were approaching the area there was a vehicle parked there already.

We sincerely thought they might be looking at birds, since there were at least 5 vehicles in the park ahead of this vehicle and if it was a leopard sighting, by logic, all those vehicles should have been stopped here.

But, amazingly it was indeed a leopard resting on a tree, looking at peacocks walking underneath it. So, all those vehicles missed this sighting.

In their defense this tree is not frequently used by leopards and no the leopard could not have just climbed the tree, because body language of the leopard when it finally descended the tree showed that it has been there for a considerable amount of time.
For more content please follow

16/10/2023

Unexpected

There was a brief leopard sighting near this water hole a while earlier, but the leopard didn't have the opportunity to drink water.
We were waiting there with the hopes of the leopard returning for a drink.

Then two wild water buffalos turned up making us doubt the possibility of a leopard sighting.

All of a sudden the leopard did turn up and we thought it might turn around and wonder into the jungle again upon witnessing the water buffalos.
(water buffalos display a hostile behavior towards leopards, since the leopards hunt their calfs)

Afterwards a leopard turned up exactly through the game path and then
the unexpected happened, when the leopard charged at the water buffalos.

That is the first time we have witnessed this type of behavior. Since, no leopard with a sane mind would never even think to charge a wild water buffalo, let along two at the same time.

Maybe he was feeling like he needed to show the buffalos who was running this joint. It really felt that way when the leopard just casually sat in the same spot with what we could describe as a look of contempt of his achievements.
For more content please follow

11/10/2023

05/10/2023

02/10/2023

Leopard Trails Yala camp 😍

26/09/2023

Leopard Trails Wilpattu camp

Address

Kataragama
Colombo

Website

http://www.leopardtrails.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Leopard Trails posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Leopard Trails:

Videos

In this video Leopard Trails safari guide Malmi gives you an indepth look into his trip to Londolozi, South Africa. This trip was another step forward in the long standing guide exchange program with Leopard Trails and Londolozi. . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safari #safariguide #nature #wildasia #srilankanwildlife #leopardconservation #panthera #leopardtrailsyala #Londolozi #rangerlife #lowveld #bigcats #biggame #visitAfrica #southafricantourism #sosrilanka #srilankatrip #srilankaholiday #naturelovers #jungle #forest #wildplanet

Great friends and great times - Leopard trails Wilpattu camp grounds ☀️ Music : Sunshine - WIRA

Excited to relaunch the Leopard Trails guide exchange with Londolozi private game reserve in South Africa. Leopard Trails guide Malmi is currently at Londolozi with the Nkoveni 2:2 female! In Malmi's words, " Looking spectacular for a 11 year old leopard who has had 5 litters and 9 cubs. She was lying on a dry river bed and was very comfortable with the vehicle. We had a lengthy sighting of her and I was so happy to see such a gorgeous leopard as my first leopard in South Africa. Thanks to Megan and our tracker Tunz for this wonderful sighting at Londolozi game reserve morning drive" #southafrica #londolozi #leopardtrails #guideexchange #experientialtravel #safari #camping #wilderness #glamping #traveller #globetrotter #naturelovers #adventure #experience #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #holiday #travel #explore #discover #planetearth #wildplanet #TheAudleyWay #ScottDunn #instanature #travelandBeyond #sabisandsi #leopardtrailsinafrica

A roaring camp fire🔥 next to an entrancing lake view 🏞️ Try to picture yourself sipping a glass of your favorite beverage while enjoying the view of the charming lake and listening to the most beautiful lullaby that nature offers. #leopardtrails #campfire #lakeview #travelsrilanka🇱🇰 #yalanationalpark #safari #luxurysafarilodge #localguides #storytelling #lanternlitevening #sunset #wildlife_perfection

Perfect start to the morning drive... On this occasion we were not the first vehicle to drive down this road early in the morning and when we were approaching the area there was a vehicle parked there already. We sincerely thought they might be looking at birds, since there were at least 5 vehicles in the park ahead of this vehicle and if it was a leopard sighting, by logic, all those vehicles should have been stopped here. But, amazingly it was indeed a leopard resting on a tree, looking at peacocks walking underneath it. So, all those vehicles missed this sighting. In their defense this tree is not frequently used by leopards and no the leopard could not have just climbed the tree, because body language of the leopard when it finally descended the tree showed that it has been there for a considerable amount of time. . . . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safariguide #nature #wildasia #protecttheleopard #leopardconservation #panthera #pardus #kotiya #srilanka #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram #wildlife_seekers #wildlife_enthusiasts #wildlife_perfection #biggame #travelSrilanka #tourism #jungle #forest #wildplanet

Unexpected There was a brief leopard sighting near this water hole a while earlier, but the leopard didn't have the opportunity to drink water. We were waiting there with the hopes of the leopard returning for a drink. Then two wild water buffalos turned up making us doubt the possibility of a leopard sighting. All of a sudden the leopard did turn up and we thought it might turn around and wonder into the jungle again upon witnessing the water buffalos. (water buffalos display a hostile behavior towards leopards, since the leopards hunt their calfs) Afterwards a leopard turned up exactly through the game path and then the unexpected happened, when the leopard charged at the water buffalos. That is the first time we have witnessed this type of behavior. Since, no leopard with a sane mind would never even think to charge a wild water buffalo, let along two at the same time. Maybe he was feeling like he needed to show the buffalos who was running this joint. It really felt that way when the leopard just casually sat in the same spot with what we could describe as a look of contempt of his achievements. . . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safariguide #wilpattu #wildlifevideo #wildlife #naturevid #leopard #leopards #leopardsighting #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram #wildlifevideos #wildlife_perfection #panthera #leopardconservation #protecttheleopard #pardus #kotiya #srilanka #sosrilanka #srilankatrip #wildplanet

Patients paying off... This leopard was asleep for a long time inside the thicket and many other safari vehicles left the area after losing hope. We want to thank our guests for trusting the process and choosing to stay put. We managed to move the vehicle upto a perfect position when the previous vehicle which was there chose to move on. The wait was well worth it, since the leopard came out exactly where were expecting it to and drank water for a considerable time. . . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safariguide #wilpattu #wildlife #naturevid #leopard #srilanka #sosrilanka #srilankatrip #srilankaholiday #naturelovers #jungle #forest #wildplanet #leopard #bigcatsightings #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #animalbehavior #protecttheleopard #savethewildlife #leopardconservation #panthera #pardus #animalkingdom #animalsinthewild #biggame

Power The dominant male leopard in the area trying to move his Sambar deer kill. It takes significant effort to hunt a sambar deer, since they are quite large and wouldn't go without a fight. This carcass was around three days old,but still had a decent amount of meat left on it. As one can observe much of the carcass have been fed upon by the leopard. So now the leopard is trying to move the carcas near his resting area near the shade. . . . For more content please follow @malmijayaweera . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safari #wilpattunationalpark #safariguide #wilpattu #wildlifevideo #wildlife #naturevideos #nature #wildasia #srilankanwildlife #leopardconservation #protecttheleopard #savethewildlife #wildlife_seekers #wildlife_perfection #panthera

Leopard Trails Yala camp 😍

Leopard Trails Wilpattu camp

The beautiful scenery from the view point in Kumbukwila in Wilpattu National Park. Kumbukwila area serves as the rest room area of the park and a place one can relax, stretch their legs a little bit. The view point is great to observe the wildlife in the area including birds in the sky, fish in the water and maybe a leopard on the other side of the lake 😉 . . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safariguide #wilpattu #wildlife #naturevid #safari #scenary #sosrilanka #srilankatrip #srilankaholiday #naturelovers #jungle #forest #wildplanet

A beautiful female leopard during an evening game drive in an area we fondly refer to as "the pub". A hip and happening location where all animals congregate to have a drink when the sun begins to set. If one waits long enough there, he or she would witness the usual suspects in the form of wild water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar deer and various birds. Also, one might see a few celebrities such as this leopard, who was in this moment trying to decide a place to have a drink. She took her time with it, but finally settled and had a long drink to quench her thirst. 🎥 @malmijayaweera

She shoots, she scores! The Borupanwila 1:2 female (a.k.a Cleopatra) successfully hunting a young gray langur monkey while running in muddy water. At first my friend Jeevan who was driving the vehicle saw the leopard resting near the water body and even before we can show it to the guest that was in the vehicle, it disappeared. It vanished in such a quick fashion, that we looked at each other and went "well, that was fast" She then appeared running on the far side of the water and we tried to figure out what she was chasing. Apparently she was chasing a baby monkey. She was smart and started near the border of the thicket, driving the monkey towards the water. Making it trapped at the waters edge. The monkey, without any option, jumped into the water and for a moment it seemed like she gave up the hunt. Within seconds she realized, the monkey was actually stuck in the mud and sprang into action. That is where the video begins. She then ran (and jumped) across the mud towards the young monkey, but the monkey was not successful at all with the escape. Everything was over within seconds. We have slowed down the section of the hunt in the video. (that section is muted, since our voices sound weird in slow motion) . . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safariguide #wilpattu #wildlife #naturevid #leopard #leopards #leopardsighting #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram #wildlife_seekers #wildlifevideos #wildlife_perfection #panthera #leopardconservation #protecttheleopard #pardus #kotiya #srilanka #sosrilanka #srilankatrip #wildplanet #hunters #monkey #greylangurmonkey

Oh snap! A sloth bear being attacked by a mugger crocodile. We had no idea that there was a crocodile inside this little man made water pond. As we believe what prompted the attack was the bear putting it's foot in the water, because we saw another bear drinking from this same water pond just minutes before these events took place. Lucky for the bear it was a small crocodile. Otherwise the outcome may have been much different than this. . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safari #wilpattunationalpark #safariguide #wilpattu #wildlifevideo #wildlife #naturevideos #nature #wildasia #srilankanwildlife #srilanka #sosrilanka #srilankatrip #srilankaholiday #naturelovers #jungle #forest #crocodile #reptilelover #marshcrocodile #slothbear #bears #bearsighting #animalbehavior

Sloth bear hits the jackpot. Honey is highly caloric meaning by eating it, a bear can obtain a large amount of energy in one sitting as opposed to wandering about sniffing out other kinds of foods to fill its daily requirements. For a bear, finding a bee hive full of honey is like hitting the jackpot energetically speaking. Of course, bears do not stop to think about all of this 😅. For them, honey is good because it tastes nice😋. They have taste receptors much like ours, and enjoy the sweetness of honey. Amazing and rare video by guide Hasantha Lokugamage at Wilpattu National park #leopardtrails #rangerlife #wilpattunationalpark #capturethewild #safari #safariphotography #naturephotography #nature_perfection #wildasia #wildlife_perfection #wildplanet #wildlifephotography #wilderness #naturelovers #splendid_animals #planetearth #natgeo #natgeowild #bbcearth #wanderlust #slothbear #safariguide #nature_of_our_world #igscglobal

Tusker Ravana happens to be one of the most beloved tuskers among our guests, because of his benevolent nature. He's calm as a sleepy kitten around the safari vehicles. It was really an unforgettable moment to our guests to meet him in a magical setting, where a slight drizzle decided to fall, increasing the overall zen of this moment. 📽️ by Leopard Trails friend and guest @toriacane #leopardtrails #rangerlife #yalanationalpark #capturethewild #safari #safariphotography #naturephotography #nature_perfection #wildasia #wildlife_perfection #wildplanet #wildlifephotography #wilderness #naturelovers #splendid_animals #planetearth #natgeo #natgeowild #bbcearth #wanderlust #elephantsofinstagram #elephants #safariguide #nature_of_our_world #igscglobal #igscwildlife #gamedrives #photooftheday #travelandBeyond #nikonphotographers

Have you seen a sloth bear climbing down a tree? During this time of the year they climb up trees to eat the sweet berries. This is the express version. Even we were nervous the way it came down with little control. . . . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safari #wilpattunationalpark #safariguide #wildlifevideo #wildlife #naturevideos #wildasia #slothbear #bears #bearsighting #biggame #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #animalsofinstagram #animalbehavior

Wild boars have no chill... Apparently they don't care about the food chain. This two mating pair of leopards were resting on the road when the wild boars happen to walk through the area. The female was quick to retreat, but the male looked like he was stalking for a hunt. In the end he too had to seek refuge in the trees nearby and both of them only came down after the boars passed on. . . . For more content please follow @leopardtrails . . . #leopardtrails #leopardtrailswilpattu #safari #wilpattunationalpark #safariguide #wilpattu #wildlifevideo #wildlife #naturevideos #nature #wildlifevideo #leopard #boars #panthera #pardus #protecttheleopard #savethewildlife #wildlife_seekers #wildlife_enthusiasts #wildlife_perfection #leopardlover #bigcatsightings

Shortcuts

How it all began....

In February 2012, a group of close friends were huddled around a freshly lit crackling campfire, inside Yala National Park. The last rays of the setting sun were awakening the nocturnal wildlife around them. The familiar ‘tuk-tuk-tuk-trr’ call of the Indian nightjar signaled that nightfall was descending on the dry zone jungle. They had made this journey countless times before, having been introduced to the jungle at a very young age. Back in the 1980’s, their young minds were influenced to gain an appreciation for the wild outdoors by their adventurous parents.

Having returned from a successful safari observing and photographing ‘Hamu’, a dominant male leopard in the park at that time, they had congregated around the fire to share stories and reminisce the day’s adventures. Yet that night was destined to be different; Radheesh Sellamuttu, Managing Director of Leopard Trails today, had a plan to draw his closest jungle comrades together to launch a safari business in Sri Lanka. He had spent his 20’s planning camping expeditions into the wilderness for friends and would now use this knowledge and the jungle lore of Sri Lanka that he had learnt from his father and uncle in his formative years. A few drinks later, they all agreed around the campfire to enter the safari business. Harnessing their collective skills and experience, the camp would be founded on some of the same principles they had learnt from safari operators across the world, that they had built strong relationships with.

They were armed with enthusiasm, energy, and an extreme passion for wildlife. The first camp was established on the banks of the gem river that meanders through Yala, with 3 canvas guest tents, a simple lounging area and a small canvas gazebo as a kitchen. Tents, equipment, supplies and guests had to be driven across the gem river to reach camp. A young Sri Lankan game ranger, qualified in South Africa, was hired to guide guests on Safari in the sole vehicle owned by the company. When it broke down, which it seemed to enjoy doing often, guests were taken bird watching along the periphery of the camp.

These humble beginnings, with countless trials and tribulations along the way, are the foundations of a dream that would grow into Sri Lanka’s premier tented safari operation. Today, Leopard Trails is thriving on an innovation based ethos, constantly improving their offering in line with global safari trends, albeit with a unique Sri Lankan touch. The team has expanded to include internationally qualified game rangers and camp managers, with a passion for hosting, tracking and guiding their guests across multiple national parks in Sri Lanka. The guides and owners travel regularly to Africa on exchange programs, improving their knowledge and evolving their techniques.

While the safari guiding industry in Sri Lanka is still at its infancy, guides with experience working at Leopard Trails are today the most sought after in the industry. In order to uplift and improve local standards, Leopard Trails invested in, conceptualized and implemented the first official safari guide training program in Sri Lanka during the 2018 off-season. 6 recruits were selected from a large pool of interested individuals. Existing members of the guiding team were used to conduct different aspects of the course, taking into account their individual strengths. The curriculum was based on FGASA; a standard outcomes-based training syllabus developed by The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa. 4 candidates passed the assessments and graduated as Leopard Trails guides.

In 2019, despite the hardships faced by the entire tourism industry in Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks, Leopard Trails once again invested in guide training. South African trainer Don Heyneke from Escape Safari Co (former head ranger at Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa), along with in-house senior guide Varun Taneja worked incredibly hard to improve and build on the Leopard Trails guide training course of 2018. The presence of a qualified international trainer was also used to upskill the existing team through a series of workshops. The company intends to continue investing in improving the local wildlife guiding industry; a pioneering local initiative we are proud to champion.

The founders of Leopard Trails still remember that night around the campfire in 2012 that led to where they are today. The leopard they observed on that fateful day (“Hamu”) now adorns their logo. It is their wish that each and every guest that passes through their camps, leaves with a newfound or rekindled appreciation to conserve the remaining wilderness regions on our planet, for future generations to come.

2019 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA)

Winner: Leading Wildlife Tented Camp - Sri Lanka

Winner: Leading Wildlife Tented Camp - Asia

2019 World Boutique Hotel Awards

Winner: Asia's best honeymoon hideaway