Elephants & Leopards Of Sri Lanka

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Louise Walker

  ELEPHANTS & LEOPARDS OF SRI LANKA

  

  Written August 2012

  Although the focus was primarily on wildlife, the trip was well planned and balanced with a variety of activities.  It was interspersed with plenty of culture and I felt I had received a rounded view of Sri Lanka. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  For myself , and I should imagine for the majority of the group, the highlight was having the privilege to 'stumble across' a leopard sitting right beside the road!  We were very fortunate that without exception, every game drive provided a sighting.  However, understandably some of these were at a distance and not always easy to distinguish.  After a long morning without success, we had all but given up when a member of our group suddenly noticed the leopard casually waiting to cross the road.  It was an honour to be so close for several mintues to such a magnificent creature and particularly as we were originally the only jeep present.  She was not perturbed by our presence and subsequently called her cub.  The leopard was named Mandy after the lady that spotted her so please remember to say hello if you see her (the leopard not Mandy)!    

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Marcel was very patient and knowledgeable and clearly has a love of wildlife.  The team did their best to accommodate our needs and my requests for shopping stops!   Our thanks also must go in particular to the driver who was excellent.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  There were a couple of long drives although they were broken up with various activities e.g. spice walk, tea plantation etc.  The game drives involve several early starts but there was plenty of time to relax later in the day.

  The cost of living is very low so the extras, even in the best hotels, were minimal.  Tipping is expected here as opposed to appreciated I felt on occasions.  Be prepared, some staff can be very overt and over enthusiastic shall we say. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you are deliberating whether to book this trip then my advice would be deliberate no more.  The scenery is stunning, the wildlife fabulous and the premium tour is well worth the money.  The hotels by and large far exceeded expectations and unfortunately my waistband is straining due to the fantastic food.  If you like desserts then it's worth it for this alone.  I am quite sure that I will never be given free reign over such mouthwatering dessert buffets ever again.

  You will have an opportunity to climb Sigiriya rock.  If you have a head for heights then do not hesitate.  Yes, it looked daunting and was quite a gruelling trek in the heat but it is worth it.  The views from the top are breathtaking.   

   
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  Olwyn Westwood

  ELEPHANTS & LEOPARDS OF SRI LANKA

  

  Written July 2012

  Great safaris, amazing accommodation, food brilliantExciting sights on drives - elephants, leopards, birds and other animals  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Exciting sights on drives - elephants, leopards, birds and other animals

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Brilliant - knowledgeable, friendly helpful

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Organise your own flight Sri Lanka Airlines was sub-optimal

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Great holiday

   
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  Mandy Caine

  ELEPHANTS & LEOPARDS OF SRI LANKA

  

  Written July 2012

  An amazing holiday with wonderful accommodation and food.  There were so many elephants and I was so lucky to see 11 leopards. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Returning from another excellent game drive I spotted a leopard at the side of the road and asked the driver to back up.  I was worried it may have taken off but she was still there with her very shy cub and our truck was able to take lots of photos of her before other trucks joined us.  It was a very special moment and one I will remember for ever.  Our guide named the leopard Mandy (maybe only for a little while) as I had spotted her.  Suddenly she just stood up and strolled back the way she had came.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Marcel gets 10/10.  He was attentive, caring, humerous and very knowledgeable.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take plenty of memory cards for your camera as there is so much to see.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you are thinking about doing this holiday don't think any longer - book it and have an unforgettable holiday experience.

   
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  Elaine Sturman

  ELEPHANTS & LEOPARDS OF SRI LANKA

  

  Written September 2011

  Full packed days of interst and experiences of awe.....such a variety of secenary, cultures and wonderful wildlife....great food, interesting history, and a country that has adapted to great adversity. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Personnaly for me, a triumph of making it the Sigyra rock, didn't think i could do it as i was out of puff by the first resting stage....but oh boy i was so glad i did, what insight these acient people had, and they must have been fit.... wouldn't fancy trying to get an army up there. view were awsome.

  Oh and just one more thing, if you see a chicken in the national parks, its a jungle fowl ... the national bird...we spent days looking for one... guess who had seen one early on but didnt realise its significance....as i said a wonderful learning experience.

  Celebrated a significant birthday whilst i was there, and the best present ever, 3 leopards in broad daylight i was so honoured. 

   

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was a guy called Nala....he made the trip, outstanding knowledge, and also some personal touches to the day and explaination of cultures and dress code were our saving grace.

  I did suggest that this trip name is changed to Yala with Nala....as he made the holiday.....without his contacts, knowledge and skills we would never of had such a great time, 1,000;s of elephants, 2 sloath bears, and 10 (in total) leopards, and many others....i so want to go back and improve that total.......

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  There are two substanitial coach journies, be prepared, oh and just one more thing ....... for the safari's be prepared for DUST,  it gets everywhere.......white is NOT an option

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I think that this trip packs a lot into the time availabe, and yet there are still so many things that are just a fleeting visit and many more still to see. I feel that the trip could be improved by extending it by a day or two, and adding a rest day (or two) near the end just before the homeward journey.

  I was forturnate to meet a great group of people.....i hope you do too!! Enjoy