Leopard Safaris
Yala National Park

Set on 10 acres of private, nature-rich land on the very edge of Yala National Park, Leopard Safaris offers a rare and intoxicating blend of wilderness and refined comfort. In a region famed for having the highest density of leopards in the world, this award-winning, eco-conscious camp invites you to live amid the jungle’s wild rhythms without ever sacrificing creature comforts.

Established in 2010 by Noel Rodrigo, known as the ‘Leopard Man’, Leopard Safaris was created to offer unparalleled safari experiences, blending Noel’s deep passion for nature with an unshakable commitment to sustainability. Born from a love of Sri Lanka’s dry-zone forests and a desire to share them safely, responsibly and in style, the camp has since attracted a discerning international following. It has earned glowing mentions in the likes of Condé Nast Traveller, The Times and Tatler, who praised it for “bringing luxury to the leopard trail, without leaving a footprint.”

Thoughtfully designed to respect and preserve the surrounding dry-zone forest, the camp features a variety of tented accommodations, ranging from Luxury Tents, Family Tents and Classic Mobile Tents to a one-of-a-kind Tree House set beneath the cooling canopy of native trees.

Inside your tented sanctuary, you’ll find all the considered details that make a stay here feel comfortable yet unpretentious; beds made-up in crisp Egyptian cotton, solar lighting, energy-efficient fans and air-conditioning, a private deck for coffee at dawn or aperitifs at dusk. Ensuite bathrooms feature hot rain showers and bespoke, locally made bath products, while outside, hammocks sway in dappled shade.

At the heart of the camp is a beautifully designed eco-pool, a freshwater haven carved into the forest itself, filtered naturally. After a dusty game drive, this is where most guests retreat, book in hand. There’s also a small wellness space where therapists can be arranged for massages using natural oils, often after a long day in the Land Rover.

Dining at Leopard Safaris is a quiet, celebratory ritual. Meals are served in the open-sided Dining Pavilion or under the stars, lit by lanterns and the occasional firefly. Menus change daily and are tailored to your preferences, Sri Lankan curries cooked slow over coals, grilled seafood from the coast, fragrant jungle herbs and fruit from the nearby markets. Everything is made fresh, and always with a sense of place. There’s even a private dining setup for couples, should you wish for a night tucked away with a candle and a bottle of something cold.

Days at camp follow a gentle rhythm, early-morning game drives with passionate guides who know the forest like old friends, followed by breakfast and a mid-morning rest. Later, there might be a nature walk, a leopard-tracking lecture, or an impromptu visit to a nearby village or rock temple. The Living Pavilion with its books, maps and loungers, is a peaceful place to while away an afternoon.

Seasons to Keep in Mind:

• Dry Season: December to March - the best time for wildlife sightings
• Rainy Season: April to June - lush, green and dramatic
• Closed: September

I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw