6 ways to make the most of a Jungle Safari in Sri Lanka! If you want to explore the unexplored, Jungle Safari in Sri Lanka is for you! Game Drives and Safaris are every adventurer’s dream and the adrenaline rush one gets being close to the wild, in its habitat, not knowing what’s in store is rare and once in a lifetime. Imagine a leopard looking straight at you or a herd of elephants crossing your path when you least expect! Wildlife Safaris can teach you more than what you have ever learned about animals and birds in school. You are suddenly more vigilant, conscious about every breath you take, attentive to the surroundings and have developed an immense sense of concentration. That is the beauty of game drives. Here are 5 ways to make the most of a Jungle Safari in Sri Lanka.
Be prepared While there are early morning safaris and afternoon safaris, we would bet our money on the morning ones, simply because it is the best time to spot wildlife. Your chance of witnessing a leopard in Yala National Park is high during the morning. While game drives can start as early as 6 AM, you have to reach the spot 30 minutes earlier and then accounting for the drive time from the hotel to the park; one has to wake up at least at 4.30AM. It is therefore important to have had a good night rest. Try and sleep early the night before so you are all prepped and ready to witness some majestic creatures out in the open.
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Dress Appropriately Wear clothes that would cover your arms and knees. You are not ‘George of the Jungle’ and wearing insufficient clothes will not do you any good. On the contrary, remember how Ursula was dressed when she met George? Khaki pants, a full sleeve shirt, belt and comfortable shoes. Take her cue. It would also be good to wear clothes that would make you blend in the surrounding than stand out. Avoid bright colors, bold prints, and yes, trinkets, the sounds of which can bring in unnecessary attraction.
Breathe It can be scary to leave your comfort zone, hop into a stranger’s jeep, disappear deep into the jungle, exploring unfamiliar territories and clearly not being in control. If you are a control freak, how you feel about the situation can be far worse. Take a deep breath. The whole idea of going on a safari, in addition to seeing the wild in its natural habitat is also the adrenaline rush you get to experience. Instead of worrying and having the fear of the unknown, take the experience in your stride. Breathe in the fresh air, hear the bird’s chirp and enjoy the early morning ride. For most people, waking up and seeing the sun this early is unheard of. So while you are at it, enjoy the Sri Lankan sunrise too!
Listen If your parents have told you this throughout your childhood, they are wise and you should know it by now. Pay attention to the instruction given before the start of the safari. Your driver and tour guide are locals who know the land well and have been doing this for years and therefore there is merit in what they tell you. If they ask you to stay quiet and not make noise, it would be advised that you follow. Do not step out of the vehicle unless they give you permission to. There are spots in Yala National Park and Udawalale National Park where you can get down and have breakfast by the lake. It is beautiful.
20 Maxwell Road, #09-17, Singapore 069113
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Snap away How can a game drive experience be complete without pictures? Do not forget to carry your camera and take as many pictures as you can. Set your battery for charge the previous night and carry an extra battery just in case. An SLR would be your ideal choice as most times, animals would be far out and getting a good picture means a good zoom feature in your camera.
Choose the right Safari Partner While there are plenty of companies who offer Wildlife Safari Tours in Sri Lanka, it is important to choose the right one to make the experience memorable and also less intrusive for the wild. An ideal provider will be environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. This would reflect in the quality of the Jeeps they use, the pride and passion that comes through when they speak about Sri Lanka and it’s wildlife. The best safari provider need not be the cheapest or the most expensive. Do not choose your partner based on cost alone. Are you ready to experience a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka? Write to us – info@ichiqoo.com.
20 Maxwell Road, #09-17, Singapore 069113
http://ichiqoo.com +65 9781 9464 (SG)