Fleewinter

Kulu Safaris Yala National Park - SLY002

Kulu Safaris with their professionalism and expert knowledge have perfected the art of tented safaris.

6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12

Professional Guides & Trekkers
All Inclusive
Private Tents
Fold Out Beds
Hot Showers

'5/5 for Kulu Safaris - felt like royalty. Very very well looked after.' FL - Aug 2015

'Kulu was excellent and the staff so friendly and fun' JP - April 2014.

I think this was the highlight of the trip on balance. Mark but particularly for us Manju and the whole team were amazingly hospitable. Manju was like a kids entertainer going swimming in the river with them together with inflated inner tube and dragged them up and down! They loved it and him! They tried so hard with the food for the kids and the drives were fantastic. The people made it for me and would love to go back - great leopard sighting day 2 to put the cherry on top.' Jon Nash, April 2012

'Kulus safari was wonderful and although expensive was worth it for all the expertise available. I think we were fortunate to have Mark Forbes with us and he was a great host.' Stephen Cowles, March 2010

'The highlight was Kulu Safari which was wonderful. Mark and his staff could not have been better in any way. We are thrilled to have been able to do that part of the holiday and were sad when it was time to leave.' Carolyn Townsend, March 2009

'Great experience - saw lots of elephants and beautiful birds and water buffalo. The accomodation was great - considering we were under canvas and the food brilliant - I think it would be good to have the option to do just 1 night, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything!!' Sarah Robinson, Feb 2008

Operating out of Yala National Park, Kulu offer guests the unique experience of camping under the stars just outside the park and exploring the area's vast terrain and wildlife on safari. Yala is famous for its dense leopard population.

The camp is designed to accommodate no more than 12 guests at a time, allowing for almost one on one attention from the teams staff.

Accommodation is in large double compartment tents, each containing twin beds, a battery powered reading lamp, seating, storage, hand basin and mirror. There are also larger family tents available. The sleeping compartment is completely sealed to ensure you don't find yourself snuggling up to any creepy crawlies during the night and the beds are unbelievably comfortable with crisp white sheets and perfumed fluffy towels to use in the hot shower! This isn't really camping; it's more like a hotel room under canvas.

The safaris are run on an all inclusive basis, including 2 safaris into the park each day, 3 meals, snacks while on safari, drinks and alcoholic beverages. While on safari we enjoyed a snack of fresh guava juice with cheese and biscuits and then once back at camp we were served cold gin 'n' tonics and an absolutely delicious curry. You would never go hungry, nor would you want to. We ate overlooking the river as the sun went down and the water buffalo came to drink. Absolutely fantastic!

Most 2-3 day safaris begin at 12 midday when guests meet the Kulu team at the gates to the park. They are then driven back to the camp and served lunch before heading out for a safari in the afternoon. There are then two safaris a day, one in the early morning and one after lunch for the remainder of the stay. Guests have the option to skip safaris if they so choose and instead relax at camp socking up the scenery. The safari vehicles are modern Toyota jeeps, with elevated cushioned seating at the rear, all equipment is provided along with a driver, tracker and fluent English speaking guide at all times.

Leopards are the big must see in Yala, but despite the dense population they are of course very elusive. Even if you aren't lucky to spot one the scenery and other wildlife will more than compensate. Look out for elephants crocodiles, sloth bears, deer, monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boars, porcupines, civet cats, jackals, mongooses, pythons, reptiles and numerous endemic bird species.

There are the obvious issues of bugs and unidentifiable noises in the night which may unnerve some, but the Kulu team are extremely professional and expertly trained. We had huge crocodiles sleeping 50 meters from our tent, which was a little daunting just before bedtime, but at no point did we feel unsafe with the whole team within earshot and expert assurances that they wouldn't come into camp.

Kulu Safaris has a 2 night minimum stay policy and each camp has a maximum capacity of 12 guests.

Prices includes all food and drink, two safari drives a day, park entrance fees, park tracker, government tax and service charge.

Discounts are available for group bookings. Children under 12 receive a 20% discount and babies can stay for free, although parents must bring a travel cot.