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Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game - The Wildlife Society

© Black-backed Pygmy-Kingfisher by Daniel Danckwerts
Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game - The Wildlife Society 2028

14 Mar 2028 - 25 Mar 2028 (12 days)

USD4,695 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Joshua Olszewski

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Tour Price (Per person): USD4,695 (GBP3,611 * AUD6,732)

Single Supplement: USD870 (GBP669 * AUD1,248)

This tour pairs with: India - Ranthambore - Birds and Wildlife Challenge 2028

Pricing notes : A donation of US$300 will be made to The Wildlife Society in support of their work for every booking received on this tour.

This tour offers a superb exploration of Sri Lanka’s remarkable avian riches, taking in the island’s most productive birding regions and showcasing its exceptional endemism, biodiversity, landscapes, and wildlife. Run in partnership with The Wildlife Society, the tour is open to all participants and is not restricted to Society members.

Our journey takes us from the lush forests of Kitulgala to the montane grasslands of Horton Plains, through the dry lowlands of Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks, and finally into the misty forests of Sinharaja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Across these varied habitats, we will target Sri Lanka’s 34 endemic bird species, with excellent chances of recording them all, including standouts such as the striking Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, elusive Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, and Red-faced Malkoha. The country’s rich mammal and butterfly fauna, scenic tea country, and warm hospitality add even more depth to the experience.

For those wishing to extend their departure, the Sri Lanka tour can be followed by the optional Ranthambore Challenge, a conservation-focused journey through some of northern India’s most celebrated wildlife and cultural destinations. The extension includes Ranthambore National Park, where dry deciduous forests, lakes, and rocky escarpments support a wealth of birds and mammals, including the iconic Tiger; Bharatpur and Keoladeo National Park, one of India’s legendary wetland birding destinations; and Agra, where we will visit the magnificent Taj Mahal. Along the way, we will seek a superb selection of northern Indian birds while supporting conservation efforts for the Endangered Indian Skimmer, making this a rewarding complement to the Sri Lankan adventure.

Top Birds

Sri Lanka Spurfowl; Sri Lanka Junglefowl; Sri Lanka Wood & Sri Lanka Green Pigeons; Green-billed Coucal; Red-faced, Blue-faced & Sirkeer Malkohas; Serendib Scops & Sri Lanka Bay Owls; Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl; Chestnut-backed Owlet; Sri Lanka Frogmouth; Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill; Yellow-fronted & Crimson-fronted Barbets; Red-backed & Crimson-backed Flamebacks; Layard's Parakeet; Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot; Sri Lanka Woodshrike; Sri Lanka Drongo; Sri Lanka Blue Magpie; Black-capped, Yellow-eared, Yellow-browed, White-browed & Square-tailed Bulbuls; Sri Lanka & Hill Swallows; Sri Lanka Bush Warbler; Sri Lanka Scimitar, Brown-capped, Orange-billed, Dark-fronted, Tawny-bellied & Yellow-billed Babblers; Ashy-headed Laughingthrush; Sri Lanka White-eye; Sri Lanka & Southern Hill Mynas; White-faced Starling; Spot-winged, Sri Lanka Whistling, Sri Lanka & Pied Thrushes; Dull-blue & Kashmir Flycatchers; Indian Pitta; Black-headed Cuckooshrike; Marshall's Iora; Jerdon's & Indian Nightjars; Slaty-legged Crake; Barred Buttonquail; Small Pratincole; Black-necked Stork; Lesser Adjutant; Black, Cinnamon & Yellow Bitterns; Legge's Hawk-Eagle; Grey-headed Fish Eagle; Malabar Trogon; Malabar Pied Hornbill; Orange Minivet; Loten's Sunbird; Black-throated Munia.

Top Mammals

Leopard; Sloth Bear; Purple-faced Langur; Water Buffalo; Asian Elephant; Stripe-necked Mongoose.

Habitats Covered

lowland, hill & Montane forest, teak woodlands, lakes, coastal & inland wetlands, mudflats, saltpans

Expected Climate

warm and humid in lowlands, cool in highlands, chance of rain in forest areas

Max Group Size

Up to 12 with 1 Rockjumper leader and a local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Mostly undemanding. Suitable for all birding & wildlife interest levels. Comfortable tour for the reasonably fit. A few very early mornings & long days. Optional owling.

Accommodation

Comfortable lodges and hotels

Ease of Birding

Moderate to easy. Most species provide good visuals in open conditions. A few trickier/skulking species. Not unusual to record all endemics on a single tour.

Number of Species Expected

+-240

Other Attractions

Yala National Park, Sinharaja Rainforest, tea plantations, Horton Plains & surrounding mountains

Photographic Opportunities

Good. No dedicated hides, ad hoc feeders.

What our clients say about us

Stephan Lorenz
KH, Sri Lanka 2018

Stephan Lorenz did a great job of bird-finding and then managing to get everyone a chance to see the birds. Stephan provided lots of helpful tips about what to look and listen for and the general natural history of birds, kept us well-informed of the daily plans, and is personable and fun to be with. I'd love to be on another of his tours.

Stuart Elsom
MC - Sri Lanka 2023

I have a great time on the Tour. This was my first time with Rockjumper Tours and I would 100% recommend to travel with them again. The Leaders always put the participants first in seeing the bird and made sure everyone could have time at the scopes. Very well organised and a pleasure to be on tour with. A sense of humor always is a plus and there was not shortage of that, lots of laughs and great memories. Go...Rockjumper, a real pleasure

Quinton Paul Josop
SP, Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game (Small Group) 2026

Paul is an excellent tour leader and our local guide is as good as they come. We got all endemics, as hoped. Good lodges, interesting country, generally good meals, plenty of room in the van.

Clayton Burne
Sri Lanka 2013

Loved Clayton, his bird skills and all-over knowledge of everything.

Stephan Lorenz
SA & PA, Sri Lanka 2018

So much went right on this trip that it is difficult to summarise all of our positive thoughts. One highlight: some of our group had the Sri Lanka Field Guide to birds, while others including ourselves were not able to get it prior to the trip. While en route, we expressed interest in getting this book; soon after the bus pulled over, the guide, Stephan Lorenz, exited to talk to someone, and returned with brand new copies of the field guide for all who needed it. We were flabbergasted! I call that service above and beyond. Everything else worked out very well, from the excellent guiding to the food and accommodations. Thanks again for a great trip experience.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map