Logistics, pickup details, and what to pack for your day in the bush.
Free door-to-door pickup and drop-off from any hotel or guesthouse in Sigiriya (including the Pidurangala area), Dambulla and Habarana.
Staying elsewhere, such as Kandy or Anuradhapura? We can arrange a private taxi transfer for an additional fee. Just tell us when you book.
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The best time for large herds. As the day cools, elephants leave the forest shade to drink and bathe in the lakes.
5:30 AM to 9:30 AM. The best time for birdwatching and elusive predators like leopards and sloth bears, though you will see fewer elephants than in the afternoon.
Easily done in one day. Start the climb at 6:30 AM to beat the heat and crowds, finish around 9:30 AM, then rest and have lunch before your 1:30 PM safari pickup.
Breathable greens, browns or khakis. Avoid bright colours, especially red or white, which can startle wildlife.
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The jeeps have roofs, but the sides are open.
A zoom lens (200mm and up) for wildlife, plus a wide angle for landscapes.
We provide bottled water. An extra reusable bottle is always a good idea.