Lunugamvehera National Park (Yala Block VI) By WILDTrails Safari

We did half day safari and we couldn't be more happy. It was a real wild experience, no crowded at all. I would repeat every time, definitely this was one of the highlights of my trip in Sri Lanka. On top of everything we got professional photos, so what can I say, 10/10.
If you are hesitating where to do your safari, this is the wild option, the real safari where you have to look for the animals, and not the way around as in crowded safaris, where is more like a zoo.
It was outstanding that the drivers and guides were so passionate about.

It was an amazing experience. Everything was perfect. The guide has done everything to organize perfectly the safari included taking into account the weather. We have seen many animals: elephants, crocodile, birds, Bambie and many others. We were alone in the park. We felt free in the nature far away from the touristic park with many jeep and tourist. In this park, you respect animals, nature. It s an unique experience.

The safari was AMAZING!! Shaan was such an amazing guide, super fun and knowledgeable. We got even got to see leopards :) I couldn’t have asked for a better safari experience, they knew exactly the best spots to take us to avoid the crowds.

We had great experience with Naturalist Shehan and his Driver Janitha.They are very Knowledgeable about wildlife and flexible for our requirements. We saw three leopards,40 elephants with 3 tuskers,crocodiles and many species of birds.We can highly recommend their full day safari.Because end of the day we finish maximum sightings. Many varieties of animals and birds.This park less crowded ,less jeep sounds with good biodiversity.

Absolutely incredible experience in Yala National Park blocks 5 and 6! Super knowledgeable guide and amazing driver. One of the best life experiences ever. We saw elephants, monkeys, alligators, birds, deer and so much more. Can’t recommend them enough, thank you!!

This was a once in a lifetime experience. It was unforgettable!

We booked with WildTrails by staying in Tranquil Wild hotel, which arranged it for us. You can book with a guide and a driver, or just a driver. We booked with a guide, and Shehan did an amazing job guiding our trip! We asked a lot of questions about the wildlife, and he knew all the answers.

Having done a safari near Sigiriya earlier in our trip that had many many loud jeeps and consequently very unfazed elephants, this safari was a breath of fresh air. We did not see a single other jeep in our 4-hour excursion! Shehan told us there are only 4-5 jeeps that come into this part of the park. We saw a massive cobra, a jackal, hornbills, white spotted deer, several families of elephants that were clearly not so accustomed to humans, several elephant babies 1-3 weeks old(!!), a croc, tons of monitor lizards and other beautiful birds. Shehan knew about everything. Unlike our other safari experience, our driver was respectful of the animals and turned off the engine as much as possible. He did not get in their space.

Shehan shared his very beautiful pictures with us after the trip.

We couldn't recommend this experience enough. Yes, it is pricier than other safaris in Sri Lanka, but it is a much better experience for the people and for the animals. Staying at the Tranquil Wild hotel was very convenient for booking and going on the safari as well.

Excellent service and communication!

We were a bit shy to do a jeep safari since you actually want to see the animals but you don’t really want to disturb them with sounds of jeeps racing around. That’s how we got to find Lunugamvehera National Park. Then it was about finding the right guide with a good attitude towards nature.

Sheehan was just the right person for it, you can feel his enthusiasm about his job and environment. And so was the driver.

We ended up doing the afternoon safari since we wanted to see more of the bigger animals (apparently mornings are better for bird spotting). We decided to stay in plot 6 (didnt want to spend an hour on the jeep just to see leopards) and see as much as we could. We saw groups of elephants(one with tusks as well), jackals, deers, crocodiles, varan and lots of birds. Didn’t see a leopard but apparently it’s possible to see them on this plot.

We were given a good pair of binoculars and Sheehan shared his amazing pictures with us at the end of the trip!

We saw only one other jeep for like 5 min during the 4 hr trip (14:00 -18:00).

Despite us not being able to see leopards we had an amazing time and saw a bunch of other beautiful animals during the sunset safari! We asked endless questions about the animals and Shehan was able to provide answers on anything and everything! I fully recommend this safari!

The park is very very beautiful. Alone the landscape is amazing. It’s a very quiet park. When we went on dec 2023, we were the only car in the park. That’s a huge advantage to see animals.

We had a very nice experience with Shehan :). He is very aware of the flora and fauna of the park. He will adapt his tour your according to your needs and will try to make you a pleasant trip.
He made our safari very unique and fun! He will not let you down!

We had the pleasure of exploring block 5 and block 6 with Shehan (guide) and Janitha (tracker/driver) during our recent trip to Sri Lanka.

As photographers ourselves, it was great to be with people who understood that it wasn't just about seeing the wildlife (though of course that was the most important thing), but also being in the best position to photograph them.

Shehan is engaging company and he made our long day ( 6 am to 6 pm) seem like it was over far too quickly.

I have no hesitation recommending this company to anyone wanting to spend time 'in the bush' and meetng the wildlife.

Block 5 and block 6 do not have the craziness on Yala block 1. We had much more time to enjoy our experience without the press of numerous jeeps.

What an amazing experience this was! Shehan was a fantastic guide. We were especially interested in the beautiful birds Sri Lanka has, and Block 1 did not disappoint. It was refreshing to be with a guide who was so knowledgeable and passionate about his profession! He also had incredible binoculars, which really adds to the experience. We did the full day safari. Highly, highly recommend him! Thank you so much. It was a special experience.

Shehan was an amazing guide! Very friendly, and insistent that we see the leopard and kept going in circles till we saw it.

We did the full day safari with 2 hr break in between. We saw lots of animals including leopard, elephants, crocodiles, jackals, and lots of birdies

Great Safari in the afternoon. Our guide/naturalist spotted so many birds that we couldn't have seen without him. We had the feeling of being the only one in the national park and saw so many animals : elephants (and one bay and one tusker), chacals, crocodile, peacock, birdssss. We weren't lucky to see the leopard but will come again. We highly recommend to use the service of Sheehan.

Thanks zu Shehan we had a wonderful time at the national park today. We saw many animals and could get real close to some of them, always having comfort of animal and people in the car in mind.
It was very nice having someone with such good knowledge in the car with us.
We gladly recommend this tour.

Shahan was an excellent guide. His knowledge about the wildlife in the park is impeccable. Did an excellent job of not only spotting animals, but also giving some information about them. Would definitely recommend.

Great experience! Shehan has in depth knowledge of his field and he was very willing to share it! We were in luck as we were the only Jeep for the duration of the safari so we enjoyed it to the fullest.

We visited Yala block 5 & 6 with Shehan of Wild Trails, who was our guide for both Safari's. Shehan has an amazing knowledge of the park and also extensive understanding on the animals and birds. He took time to explain to us in details during the safari and also answering all our questions patiently. We recommend Shehan to everyone who wants to visit Lunugamvehera National Park as you will be able to have a deeper understanding on the animals and nature.
A Big thank you to Shehan for the great experience and your kindness. Hope to see you soon for a new adventure.
Thanks!!
Omal, Sandrene & Anaari (25th & 26th Dec 2023)

I had the pleasure of experiencing a night trail on the outskirts of Lunugamvehera National Park and a full day safari inside Yala Block 5 and 6 with Shehan and Jaanitha, and it was a truly beautiful experience. Lunugamvehera, also known as Yala Block 5 and 6, offers a unique and less crowded safari experience compared to the well-known and often crowded areas of Yala. The presence of fewer jeeps and visitors allowed us to immerse ourselves in the majesty of the forest without interruptions, providing a serene and undisturbed wildlife encounter.

During the night trail, we were fortunate to spot a variety of wildlife, including the jerdon's night jar, common barn owl, elephants, jungle cat, muggers crocodile, and a soft-shelled turtle. The full day safari was equally rewarding, with sightings of diverse fauna such as the grey fish eagle, hundreds of cormorants (huge flocks on trees), painted storks, monitor lizards, and golden jackals. The highlight of the safari was encountering a sisterhood of leopards, a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience.

Shehan's expertise in identifying the species we encountered added immense value to the safari. The team's professionalism and genuine interest in showcasing the wealth of Sri Lankan forests in a calm, relaxed, and immersive manner were truly commendable. Additionally, Shehan's thoughtful gesture of capturing wildlife shots and sharing them with me, considering I did not have a camera, added a personal touch to the experience.

I would highly recommend a visit to Lunugamvehera National Park, for anyone seeking an authentic and enriching wildlife encounter. Shehan and Jaanitha's dedication to providing a tranquil and educational safari experience reflects their passion for wildlife conservation and visitor satisfaction. I look forward to witnessing Shehan's continued growth in knowledge of wildlife habitats and behaviors of multiple species as he progresses in his role.

Thank you, Wild Trails for an exceptional and memorable safari experience.

For the the third time we have spent a unique moment of wilderness and beauty in Yala 5&6 thanks to Shehan .. and we will come back ! Shehan is passionate about searching and observing animals and enthusiastically shares his passion and knowledge. The sections 5&6 of Yala are less visited and you can spend hours without seeing anyone else but animals.. From the furtive leopard to the massive elephants, the elegant water birds and magnificent reptiles .. we definitely recommend !

It was a very good experience. The guide and driver were very kind people, and explain everything perfectly. I recommend the Safari to try to see a lot of animals in the natural park.