Private Tented Safari Camping in Bundala National Park

1 night/ 2 days

A distinctively rustic and unscripted experience, living immersed in Sri Lankan wildlife - is what you can expect with Explorer by Mahoora, across the country inside the National Parks and Nature Reserves. Our Private Tented Safari Camp in Bundala.

The campsite at Bundala brims with adventure: skirting the back of the camp, the sandy white beach beckons you a mere 100 metres away, whilst the front boasts of the lagoon. A wetland, Bundala has been recognised as a Ramsar site given the rich biodiversity of this forest and is home to numerous varieties of birds and provided a temporary stop for migratory birds seeking warmer climes during the winter. Surrounded by palm trees, shrubs and a forest that prizes its roaming residents, the Explorer by Mahoora Camp in Bundala promises a fine adventure.

In the midst of wilderness, some indulgence cannot be a sin: take your seat on the beach and snuggle your feet in the white silky sands that fringe the tranquil lagoon, while we take you on a culinary journey. Prepared on site, a meticulously crafted menu, showcasing international and local cuisine and a variety of local fruit, is served with a fine range of beverages. With the flames of traditional torches to add to the star-lit night, you are set to enjoy a pleasant evening.

Our dedication to detail extends to Explorer by Mahoora accommodation, with a spacious tent ((15.6’x8’) serviced with a living area, bedroom and an en-suite bathroom, along with a private veranda/porch outside the tent. A tent designed to give you comfort, it comes carpeted and in rustic vibrant hues of colour - surrounded by the sounds of the Bundala National Park.

Day 1: Arrival at Bundala National Park

Schedule for Day 1

Arrival at the pre-agreed meeting location at 12.30 p.m.
Drive to Explorer by Mahoora campsite situated inside the Bundala National Park in a 4WD safari jeep.
Lunch.
Evening jeep Safari at Bundala National Park at 2.30 p.m.
Return to the campsite for BBQ dinner around the campfire.

Day 2: Half a Day at Explorer by Mahoora in Bundala National Park

Schedule for Day 2

Morning Safari at 6.00 a.m.
Picnic style breakfast on the Safari.
Return to the campsite by 10.00 a.m.
Departure.

BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK

Covering an area of 6216 hectares, Bundala is located about 250 kilometres southeast of Colombo in the Hambantota district. The Park falls within the southeastern arid zone of Sri Lanka, with a general climate that can be classified as hot and dry. The terrain is generally flat with sand dunes bordering the coastline, and vegetation consists mainly of dry thorny scrublands and lagoons. A total of 383 plant species have been recorded from the Park, including 6 endemic and 7 species considered as nationally threatened. The Park is also home to 32 different species of mammals, 5 of which are classified as threatened.

For keen birdwatchers, the complex wetland system harbours a rich bird life (approximately 197 species), including several species of migratory waterfowl. Recognition of the Park’s prolific portfolio of birds and migratory waterfowl, its biodiversity and ecosystems, led to this wetland Park being declared Sri Lanka's first 'Ramsar' wetland, as well as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005.

Bundala National Park is also home to a fishing community who make their living through inland fishing. The influence of climatic factors, extreme rainfall, droughts and sea water intrusion, have had a long lasting impact on inland fishing; influencing the lives of the community.

Fact Sheet - Explorer by Mahoora

Accommodation

tent (15.6’x8’) with accommodation, an en-suite bathroom, and a veranda/porch.
Tented accommodation with raised beds with freshly laundered bed linen and a bedside table.
Fully-sealed tent with ventilation nets.
Veranda/porch is equipped with a shoe rack, two foldable arm chairs and a small coffee table.
One rechargeable table top fan is provided in the bedroom tent.
A rechargeable lantern is provided for illumination.

En-Suite Bathroom

En-suite flushable toilet with pipe-borne water, wash basin, and shower area.
Toiletries on complimentary basis.

Game Drives

All entry permits, Park fees, and government taxes for the entire stay are taken care of.
A shared jeep with front-faced comfortable elevated seats is provided for maximum game viewing and photography opportunities.
A naturalist is provided for each jeep.
Complimentary picnic with chilled beverages and snacks will be provided.
Two game drives per each night stay will be provided.
The morning Safari starts from the camp at 6.00 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. The afternoon Safari commences from the camp at 2.30 p.m. until 6.00 p.m.
For pre-requested wildlife photographers, we provide monopods, bean bags etc., during the Safari.
Unlimited drinking water will be provided.

Food & Beverage Service

Pre-dinner wine and beer around the campfire.
For breakfast, Continental and Sri Lankan dishes including fresh juices are available.
Freshly prepared Sri Lankan lunch at the camp.
Five course dinner menu with signature dishes, including a BBQ around the campfire.
Unlimited tea/coffee, fresh fruits, snacks, juices, soft drinks, and water will be provided.

Safari Attire & Necessities

Attire of earthly coloured garments are recommended during the Safari.
Sunscreen and insect repellent creams are necessary items to carry.
Please note that Sri Lanka’s weather is affected by many factors such as depressions and cyclones in the Indian Ocean. The weather is subject to sudden change.

Campsite/Lounge/Common Area

Special dinner settings in the camp are arranged. Each meal will be given at a carefully selected location with a unique illuminated setting.
Snacks are provided at the lounge/common area.
Emergency phones are provided per tent (on signal availability).
Limited opportunities for charging mobiles, laptop and digital camera charging. Clients are advised to have stand by options.

Family Tent Arrangement

Children of any age are welcome.
Only one extra bed can be accommodated in a tent [Totaling a maximum of 3 single beds].
Please refer the child policy in the rate card for the rates and supplements.
If there are 2 or more children where 50% of the per person adult rate is applicable, an additional tent will be provided at an extra charge.

Please Note

Air-conditioning is not available.
Phone signal availability – subject to the area and the respective service providers.

Distance from cities - by road:

Kataragama - 33.6 km travel time: 48 mins
Udawalawe - 72.4 km travel time: 1 hr 23 mins
Arugam Bay - 171 km travel time: 3 hrs 33 mins
Galle - 137.2 km travel time: 2 hrs 55 mins
Matara - 93.8 km travel time 2 hrs 10 mins
Tangalle - 56.1 km travel time: 1 hr 11mins
Ella - 94 km travel time: 1 hr 52 mins
Nuwara Eliya - 149 km travel time 3 hrs 46 mins