Wild Sri Lanka

Workshop in collaboration with Namaa Travel Photography

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Duration

11 Days /8 Nights

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Where

Sri Lanka

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Price

Finished

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Participants

Max 10

Known as “the teardrop of India” or “the cultural triangle,” Sri Lanka offers extraordinary biodiversity and a unique color palette. In this country, which still retains its authenticity and beauty intact, far from mass tourism, one can sense the natural, wild essence proudly guarded by its people: wildlife is abundant and varied, from Indian elephants to macaque families, from jackals to birds of prey, not forgetting the country’s jewel, the Sri Lankan leopard. It is an endemic subspecies and more docile than its African cousin, making it much easier to spot and photograph.
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I invite you to discover the most authentic Sri Lanka with me, a safari-filled adventure that will take us to the beating heart of a country that is small in size but of great emotional impact. The trip will include visits to three national parks and will take place in private jeeps and minibuses, driven by local professional drivers. We will be accompanied by an expert wildlife guide, Italian-speaking, who knows perfectly the behaviors and paths of the animals, interpreting tracks and signs visible only to the most experienced eyes. The dry season, in which we organize the workshop, coincides with the ideal time to photograph wildlife in search of waterholes.
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I will be by your side throughout the workshop, ready to follow and advise you in both the photographic and experiential phases. This journey is suitable for all levels of experience: both beginners and those who want to perfect their technique.

A few weeks before departure, there will be an evening on Zoom to get to know the group, discuss photographic goals, and answer all your questions. During the trip, we will also stay in touch via WhatsApp, so we can share every moment and get practical information. After the trip, there will be a review session on Zoom, where we will review your shots together to give feedback and technical suggestions. Those who wish will be able to join a private Facebook group, where they can share their photos and receive advice even after the event.

Price of the trip

Finished

Included

8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in shared double room with private facilities in lodge/ecolodge. Room, single-occupancy bungalow available (see OVERNIGHTS).
All park admissions and photography permits.
Private minibus/jeep transportation by local professional drivers for all scheduled excursions, all costs included. Double group airport transfers included.
Lunches on Days 3-4-5
Professional local Italian-speaking tour guide
Inputs, tours, excursions as scheduled.
Photographic workshop with accompaniment and support in the field and online post-production and viewing sessions.
Standard health and baggage insurance.

Not included

The international flight: cost from Italy from EUR 700, depending on the advance booking.
Entry visa.
Health insurance including trip cancellation (highly recommended)
Beverages at meals and meals not mentioned
Single room supplement (see PERNOTTAMENTO)
Extra program activities and excursions
Tips and gratuity
Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section.

More information

Itinerary

$

Day 1

Departure from Italy (all major Italian airports) for Colombo (Sri Lanka). Possible overnight on board or layover.

$

Day 2

Arrival in Colombo, customs paperwork. Meeting with photographer and guides. Transfer by private transport to Wilpattu (approx. 3.5h). Hotel check-in, equipment preparation and pre-safari briefing. Overnight in Wilpattu.

$

Days 3 to 5

Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu National Park, located in the northwest of the country, is an extremely rich wildlife park with a very high concentration of leopards (endemic to Sri Lanka, one of 9 subspecies), lots of bird species of which many are endemic (such as the Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill, easily encountered), owls, eagles, hawks, peacocks. Large mammals such as the Labiated Bear, Pomellated Deer, Gray Langur, Caped Macaque, Sri Lankan Jackal, Indian Elephant, and many others. There are also many reptiles present, such as monitor lizards, pythons, geckos, and if we are lucky, the giant Indian Rock Python and the Indian chameleon. The park’s roads are characterized by bright red sands that are very reminiscent of Australian deserts, and there are an impressive number of small lakes and swamps (Wilpattu means “a thousand lakes” in Singalese). The park is very large and well-marked, and the roads are easily navigable with the jeep we will have at our disposal. The days will be characterized by alternating drives and stakeouts; lunches will be packed. Nights in Willpattu

$

Day 6

Early morning transfer from Wilpattu to Minneriya National Park (about 2h), in the afternoon we will visit the beautiful Minneriya Park, home to the country’s most numerous herds of elephants that roam free and put on a show in the park’s puddles: you may see more than 500 of them. Overnight in or around Harabana.

$

Day 7

Visit to the famous “Sigiriya,” the country’s sacred and iconic mountain. Afternoon new safari to Minneriya Park. Overnight in or around Harabana.

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Day 8

In the morning transfer (about 2h) to Wasgamuwa National Park, rich in streams and pools that is home to a very high biodiversity of flora and fauna: 23 species of mammals , including 150 Sri Lankan elephants, primates such as the purple-faced langur and macaque toque, water buffalo (water buffalo) and axis deer. More rare but present are the Sri Lankan leopard and the labial bear. The park is also extremely rich in endemic flora. Hotel check-in and afternoon safari in the park. Overnight in or around Wasgamuwa.

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Day 9

Morning safari to Wasgamuwa National Park: we will catch the park in the first light of day and it will be magical. After lunch transfer to Colombo (approx. 4h). Photo stops along the way, late afternoon arrival in Colombo, hotel check-in and possible time for a short tour of the capital. Colombo overnight.

$

Day 10

Depending on the schedule of return flights last possible walk through Colombo for photos and souvenirs. Group transfer to airport in time for flights to Italy and fie of field services.

$

Day 11

Arrival in Italy in the morning.

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