Lunugamwehera (Weheragala Entrance) National Park – Ajith Safari

If you’re after a safari adventure that combines rich wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a bit of local flavor, the Lunugamwehera National Park tour offered by Ajith Safari is worth considering. For $79 per group, you get about 8 hours of guided game drives, with the chance to see elephants, water birds, and possibly elusive leopards. What makes this experience particularly appealing is the personal touch of knowledgeable guides with over 15 years of experience, and the fact that it’s tailored for families and children alike.

Two things we really love about this tour are the up-close encounters with wildlife from the comfort of a well-equipped Toyota Hilux 4WD and the prime location from the Weheragala entrance, which increases your chances of spotting rare animals like Sri Lankan leopards. Plus, the focus on the park’s ecological importance adds meaningful context to the safari. A possible consideration? Since park entrance fees are extra — around $37 per person — you’ll want to budget accordingly.

This tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a less crowded, more authentic experience compared to busier parks. If you enjoy small-group tours, personalized attention, and discovering Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in a relaxed setting, this safari fits the bill.

Key Points

• Prime Location: Enter from the Weheragala entrance for higher chances of seeing elusive animals like leopards.
• Expert Guides: Driven by drivers who have over 15 years of game drive experience, ensuring you gain valuable insights.
• Wildlife & Birdlife: Focus on elephants, water birds, and the unique plant life of the park.
• Flexible Options: Optional Sri Lankan meals available to enrich your day.
• Small Group: Max 6 travelers, fostering a more private, personalized experience.
• Additional Costs: Park fees are paid separately, so plan for around $37 per person.

An In-Depth Look at Lunugamwehera National Park & Ajith Safari

The Park’s Unique Setting and Ecological Significance

Lunugamwehera National Park was established in 1995 specifically to protect the catchment area of the Lunugamvehera reservoir and the wildlife that thrives there. It’s a vital habitat for water birds and elephants, serving as a corridor for these majestic animals to migrate between the well-known Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. Because of this, the park is an important piece of Sri Lanka’s broader conservation puzzle.

Travelers venturing here often find that the landscape feels different from the more crowded Yala parks. Instead of endless jeeps chasing after the same animals, the Weheragala entrance offers a chance for a more tranquil, intimate safari experience. You might see fewer vehicles, but that often means more authentic wildlife encounters.

Why Choose the Weheragala Entrance?

Most visitors opt for the Weheragala entrance because of its increased likelihood of spotting Sri Lankan leopards and a broader variety of native animals. Hazel, one of the reviewers, mentioned that “the environment feels so different” and that despite the park being quieter than others, they still loved their day. She also humorously noted that “our breakfast was stolen by a cheeky elephant”—a reminder that wildlife encounters can be playful and unpredictable.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Your day begins with convenient hotel pickup, if you choose that option, from Tissamaharama or nearby accommodations. The tour company provides a Toyota Hilux 4WD, a rugged vehicle perfect for navigating park trails and offering good visibility. With a maximum of 6 travelers, the group remains small, ensuring you can ask questions and get personalized attention from your driver, known as a guide.

The journey into Lunugamwehera is about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time for game drives, photo stops, and enjoying the landscape. Expect to see the diverse flora, including exotic flowers and wetland vegetation that sustains the park’s abundant bird and animal life.

Wildlife Encounters and Sightings

Most visitors report seeing elephants regularly**, along with numerous water birds. The park’s role in maintaining water levels for the downstream tanks and wetlands makes it a prime location for birdwatching. Hazel’s review highlights an amusing moment where her breakfast was taken by a cheeky elephant—a reminder that animals in the wild are unpredictable but often quite close.

Kerstin’s review adds that “we only saw 3 other vehicles” during their visit, emphasizing the peacefulness of the experience, especially if you arrive early. Her guide was described as knowledgeable, even if not a wildlife expert, which still made a difference in spotting and understanding the animals they encountered.

The Value of the Tour

At $79 per group, you are paying for a dedicated, small-group safari with experienced guides. While the park entrance fee of approximately $37 per person is extra, the price still represents good value considering the personalized service, the chance to see elusive animals, and the luxury of avoiding crowds.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participating

• Book in advance: This tour is booked on average 11 days ahead, which is wise given its popularity.
• Prepare for extra costs: Remember to bring cash for the park entrance fee.
• Consider meals: Sri Lankan breakfast or lunch options are available for about $8-$10, which can be a nice addition to your day.
• Arrive early: To maximize wildlife sightings and enjoy a quieter park, early arrival is recommended.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

If you’re passionate about finding rare animals like leopards and prefer a less commercialized, more authentic experience, this tour is perfect. Families will appreciate the small group size and the safe, guided environment, while wildlife buffs will enjoy the expert guidance and the chance to see elephants, birds, and other native species in a tranquil setting.

Those who value ecological context—understanding the park’s role in Sri Lanka’s environment—will find this experience especially meaningful. And if you’re a traveler seeking a relaxed, personable, and less crowded safari experience, Ajith Safari’s offering from the Weheragala entrance hits the right notes.

The Sum Up: Why This Safari Delivers Value

The Lunugamwehera National Park safari by Ajith Safari is a solid choice for anyone who wants an authentic, small-group wildlife experience in Sri Lanka’s less-visited parks. The experienced guides enhance the journey with their knowledge, while the location offers a good chance to see rare animals, especially leopards.

The 8-hour duration provides ample time for wildlife watching and photography, making it a value-packed option for those willing to pay a little extra for entrance fees. Plus, the peacefulness of the park and the personalized attention offered in a group of just 6 travelers make this a memorable adventure.

This safari suits travelers who enjoy a laid-back pace, small-group intimacy, and a focus on genuine wildlife encounters. If these qualities appeal to you, this tour will likely leave you with stories to tell and images to cherish for years.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, if you select the option, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient to start your day without logistical worries.

How much do park entrance fees cost?
The entrance fee is not included in the price; you’ll need to pay around 11,000 Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately $37) per person at the gate, in cash or credit card.

What kind of vehicle is used for the safari?
A Toyota Hilux 4WD Safari Jeep is used, designed for off-road conditions and providing good visibility for wildlife spotting.

How many people are in the group?
A maximum of 6 travelers ensures a more private, personalized experience.

Can I bring my family on this tour?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly and particularly enjoyed by children, thanks to the engaging landscape and wildlife.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 11 days in advance, especially in peak seasons, to secure a spot.

Are meals included?
Meals are optional and available at an extra charge—about $8 for breakfast and $10 for lunch—and can be requested when booking.

What will I see during the safari?
Expect to see elephants, a variety of water birds, and possibly leopards from the Weheragala entrance, along with flora like exotic flowers and wetland vegetation.

Embark on this journey if you’re eager to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife in a setting that balances personalized service with authentic encounters. It’s a memorable way to explore one of the island’s special ecological corridors, and with the right preparations, you’ll leave with a treasure trove of sights and stories.