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An exclusive photography tour in Sri Lanka through the Wilpattu National Park, The Kumana National Park and the primary rainforest of Sinharaja, dedicated to the observation and photography of the endemic subspecies of the Asian leopard who inhabits this island exclusively, also known as Ceylon leopard or kotyja leopard, of the imposing Asian elephant, of the rare sloth bear and of the endemic owls of this region. The trip includes Safari, sessions of macrophotography And nature treks Discover Sri Lanka's extraordinary tropical biodiversity. Eleven days immersed in the island's most authentic nature, with a private guide and professional photographer always at your side.
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Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of biodiversity in the heart of the Indian Ocean, with an exceptional concentration of endemic species compared to its surface area.
On this journey we will discover three of the most authentic and fascinating protected areas in the country: Wilpattu, Kumana and the rainforest of Sinharaja.
In the Wilpattu National Park, the largest on the island, we will explore dry forests and sandy lagoons, ideal habitats for the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), an endemic subspecies present only here. Together with him, we will be able to observe sloth bears, Asian elephants, Ceylon langur, toque macaques and numerous species of rare birds.
Even the Kumana National Park, more remote and wild, offers extraordinary photographic opportunities: leopards, bears and elephants they move between clearings, rocks and wetlands, together with deer, crocodiles and a very rich tropical avifauna, including the majestic Pel's fishing owl.
Both parks boast one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, with an average estimate of 20–25 individuals per 100 km²: one of the best places to photograph them in complete freedom.
We will conclude in the Sinharaja primary forest, UNESCO Heritage, where we will dedicate ourselves to photography macro, nocturnal and ornithologicalA unique ecosystem that hosts over 20 endemic bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. The ideal place to experience Sri Lanka's most secret nature.
All overnight stays in double tents
Just Explorers Team Member
This photographic journey in Sri Lanka It's designed for those who want a complete nature experience, with maximum attention to photographic quality, a variety of environments, and comfort. Over 11 days, we'll explore three extraordinary ecosystems, alternating safaris, walking excursions and night photography sessions.
The first three days will be dedicated to theExploring Wilpattu National Park, the largest in the country. Moving between dry forests and sandy lagoons, we will focus our photographic sessions on leopards, sloth bears, elephants, toque macaques, Ceylon langur And endemic birdsWe will spend entire days exploring the park, maximizing light and field time by using private vehicles and expert guides.
After the last outing at Wilpattu, we will move towards the south-east coast, reaching the remote area of Panama, on the edge of the Kumana National Park, where we will stay three nights. Kumana is less frequented than other parks, but offers excellent leopard sightings, often visible on rocky outcrops or perched on large branches. Here too we will observe sloth bears, elephants, deer, crocodiles and one rich coastal birdlifeAmong the most interesting species: Black-necked Stork, Pel's Fishing Owl, Lesser Adjutant, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Paradise Flycatcher And Blue-faced Malkoha. When possible, meetings will also be organised night outings in search of small felines and twilight fauna.
The last two days will be dedicated to exploring on foot the Sinharaja primary forest, a unique biodiversity sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the support of local guides and village trackers, we will go in search of over 20 species of endemic birds, including the rare Sri Lanka Frogmouth, the elusive Otus thilohoffmanni, The Jungle Owl, the Ceylon Barred Owl, the Chestnut-backed Owlet, The Red-faced Malkoha, The Sri Lanka Spurfowl, The Layard's Parakeet and numerous passerines linked to the famous "birdwaves". There will be no shortage of subjects for the macro and night photography, like tropical amphibians, arboreal reptiles And small nocturnal mammals.
Transfers between areas are optimised to ensure maximum time on the field, with comfortable vehicles, meals included and continuous assistance. The selected lodges offer air conditioning, private rooms, excellent cuisine and attentive and reliable service.
An exclusive tour, designed for those who want photographing the true nature of Sri Lanka, accompanied by expert guides and a professional photographer, with a pace suited to observation, patience and quality.
With Just Explorers You'll have access to an experience designed for those who truly love nature photography. Every stage of the trip is designed to offer you the best in the field: outings during the best light hours, movements studied based on animal behavior, and constant assistance. expert local guides and of a professional photographer at your side.
Wilpattu – Full-day safari and total freedom
In the Wilpattu National Park We'll enter at dawn and leave only at sunset. This will allow us to explore remote areas, far from the tourist routes, with excellent photography opportunities. leopards, sloth bears, elephants and other large mammals. The jeeps will be private, open and for the exclusive use of the photographic group, with maximum 2-3 photographers per vehicle to ensure full freedom of movement and composition.
Kumana – Focused safaris and variety of habitats
TO Kumana We will alternate morning and afternoon safaris, focusing on spectacular habitats: lagoons, clearings, riverbeds and large trees. In addition to mammals, it will be a great opportunity to photograph iconic birds such as the Pel's Fishing Owl, The Malabar Pied Hornbill, The Black-necked Stork and many birds of prey and waders. When possible, we will add evening outings in search of lesser felines and crepuscular fauna.
Sinharaja – Birdwatching, Macro, and Night Photography
TO Sinharaja, immersed in the last primary forest of the island, we will dedicate ourselves to the photography of endemic birds, macro and nocturnal subjects. Morning and dusk outings will lead us to look for species such as the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, theOtus thilohoffmanni, The Jungle Owl, The Red-faced Malkoha and other rare passerines.
Every evening it will be possible to participate in night macro sessions, in search of frogs, amphibians and tropical insects, even directly in the lodge gardens, where surprises are never lacking.
During the trip we will be hosted in mid-range and high-end lodges, carefully selected to offer comfort, tranquility and a warm welcome, always in a strategic position with respect to photographic activities.
TO Wilpattu we will stay in a new, well-kept structure surrounded by nature, just a few minutes from the park entrance. The rooms are spacious and bright, equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom and modern furnishings. At the end of the intense full-day safari, you can relax in the splendid panoramic swimming pool surrounded by greenery.
In the area of Kumana we will stay overnight in a lodge mid-rangeSimple yet functional, among the closest to the park entrance. Its location will allow us to be open from the early hours of the morning. The rooms, all air-conditioned and with private bathrooms, offer a welcoming and quiet atmosphere, ideal for recharging your batteries between excursions.
TO Sinharaja, we will close the journey in a medium-high range eco-lodge Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the property is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas. The rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and large windows overlooking the greenery. Guests also have access to a beautiful swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after birdwatching or macro photography sessions.
The accommodations provided are in double rooms with separate beds. It is possible upon request opt for double beds, or book a single room with supplement, subject to availability. For special requests, simply contact the organization when registering.
Find out how the days will unfold and what activities make up the tour
Arrival at the international airport of Colombo – Bandaranaike (CMB)After baggage collection and customs formalities, independent transfer or with our dedicated transfer (about 15 minutes) to the lodge located in the area of Katunayake, chosen for its proximity to the airport and the convenience for all participants arriving at different times.
This first day is entirely dedicated to post-flight rest. After checking in, you'll have time to settle in, relax, and prepare your photography equipment. In the evening, we'll meet directly at the hotel for the welcome dinner and an initial briefing with the team, during which the tour program, the local guides and the accompanying photographer will be presented.
You can arrive with your flight at any time of the day.
After breakfast, departure for the Wilpattu National Park, the largest on the island, located about four hours north. The transfer is on a paved road and passes through typical Sri Lankan rural landscapes. Upon arrival at the lodge, check-in and lunch are provided.
In the afternoon, the first photographic outing inside the park, amidst tropical dry forests, lagoons (the "villus"), and large clearings. The environment is quiet and uncrowded, ideal for immediately immersing yourself in the slow pace of nature observation. The first subjects to look for: Ceylon langur, toque macaques, spotted deer, wild buffalo and the first signs of the leopard's presence.
Two days entirely dedicated to photography inside the park, with exit at dawn (before 5:45) and return at sunset. Breakfast and a packed lunch are served in safe areas within the park.
Wilpattu is known for its very high density of leopards, but also offers excellent shooting opportunities for sloth bears, lonely elephants, sambar, muntjac and numerous birds of prey, kingfishers, storks, herons and endemic species such as the Junglefowl and the Red-backed Flameback.
Thanks to the extended time in the park, it will be possible to explore less frequented areas and take advantage of changing lighting conditions for atmospheric and creative shots.
Last outing at dawn in Wilpattu National Park, with the first light of day often offering the most thrilling sightings. After the safari, return to the lodge, have breakfast, and check out.
In mid-morning we will leave in a south-east direction to reach Habarana, a strategic location where we will spend the night break the long journey to Kumana National ParkThe journey takes about 2 hours, passing through villages and secondary forests.
Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and enjoy lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, organize your photography equipment, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet before the second leg of the journey.
After breakfast, departure from Habarana in a south-east direction. The journey towards Panama, coastal village near the Kumana National Park, lasts approximately 5.5 hours, crossing cultivated fields, forests and more arid territories.
We will arrive at the lodge in the early afternoon. After lunch and a short rest, we will depart for our first photographic safari in Kumana National Park, discovering a completely different environment: lagoons, rocky outcrops, large trees and coastal habitats offer an ideal context for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and numerous species of birds, including Pel's Fishing Owl And Black-necked Stork.
Two days dedicated to the intensive photography within Kumana National Park, one of the wildest and most photogenic corners of Sri Lanka. Every day we will carry out two photographic safaris, one at dawn and one in the late afternoon, following the rhythms of light and animal activity.
With ours private jeeps for exclusive use, we will explore varied and evocative environments: grassy clearings, coastal lagoons, wooded areas, rock outcrops And large isolated trees, habitats favored by the Sri Lankan leopard, which finds ideal conditions here for hunting and resting. In addition to leopards, we will be able to observe and photograph sloth bears, elephants, deer, crocodiles and an extraordinary avifauna: Pel's Fishing Owl, Black-necked Stork, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and various species of tropical raptors and passerines.
Each outing will be carefully planned to maximize photographic opportunities, seeking out creative compositions, natural behaviors, and unusual subjects. The accompanying photographer and local guides will actively collaborate to optimally position the vehicle and predict wildlife movements.
In the evening, anyone who wishes can participate in a optional short night out, in the surroundings of the lodge, with the possibility of meeting owls, small cats, nocturnal mammals and other crepuscular fauna.
After breakfast, departure for a long transfer to the Sinharaja Rainforest, in the heart of southwestern Sri Lanka. The journey takes approximately 7.5 hours, but will be interrupted by panoramic and refreshment stops.
Upon arrival at the lodge, surrounded by tropical vegetation, we'll have time to settle in and have lunch. In the afternoon, accompanied by local guides, we'll begin our first treks. birdwatching activities near the forest, with the possibility of spotting endemic species such as Red-faced Malkoha, Layard's Parakeet, Spurfowl and tropical passerines.
Today we will live a day full of photographic activities: in the morning and late afternoon we will go out with expert nature guides and local trackers in search of hard-to-find endemic species, such as the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, theOtus thilohoffmanni, The Jungle Owl and the Chestnut-backed Owlet.
We will walk along forest trails and plantation edges, following the birdwaves (mixed flocks feeding) and looking for favorable light points for ambient or effect photos.
After dinner, a session dedicated to the night macro photography, both along guided trails and in lodge gardens, often populated by endemic frogs, small reptiles, tropical insects and other subjects ideal for close-up shots.
Breakfast and check-out from the lodge. Transfer to theColombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)It will last approximately 3 hours, on an asphalt road.
We recommend booking return flights on departure not before 3:30–4:00 pm, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer.
To participate in the tour, you must arrive and depart from Sri Lanka – Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located near Columbus.
The tour is organized to comfortably accommodate participants from various countries. For this reason:
Arrival is recommended at any time during Day 1 of the program.No photography activities are planned that day, and the first meeting with the group will take place directly at the hotel in the evening. It is therefore possible to land late in the evening or during the previous night (with an extra night available upon request).
Departure is recommended in the afternoon of Day 11, after the transfer from Sinharaja. To ensure a smooth and uneventful return, We recommend booking flights departing from Colombo no earlier than 3:30–4:00 PM..
We are currently selecting the ideal tour leader for this expedition. As with all our trips, we entrust the guidance to highly qualified professionals, selecting photographers and tour leaders with in-depth knowledge of the local wildlife and environment. In this case, you will be accompanied by a professional photographer with expertise in the destination, who will support you during all field sessions. Our goal is always to ensure the highest level of assistance and photographic quality based on the specifics of each itinerary. Contact us for updated details on the team accompanying this tour.
Discover all the places and views that you can admire during this trip. All the material shown here comes from our trips
Signing up will be very simple!
Just follow the booking procedure by clicking on "Book now".
Once you have entered your personal data, you will only be asked to pay a deposit, not the full price. At the end of the operation the registration will be confirmed. You will then receive a confirmation email once the procedure is completed. The balance will then be requested according to the terms reported at the top of the page, usually 60 days before departure.
To best capture Sri Lanka's extraordinary biodiversity — from large mammals to tiny tropical amphibians — we recommend using reflex, mirrorless or bridge cameras, equipped with lenses between 300mm and 600mm.
During safaris in the Wilpattu and Kumana National Park, also objectives from 300mm or 400mm can deliver great results, but if you want to frame distant subjects or get tight, detailed portraits, longer lenses like 500mm or 600mm They are ideal. Objectives fixed wide-aperture (such as f/4 or f/2.8) are particularly effective during softer light hours, such as sunrise and sunset.
Goals versatile zooms such as 150–600mm, 200–600mm or 180–600mm are an excellent choice for those who want flexibility on the course, and are well suited to every phase of the tour. Teleconverters (1.4x or 2x) they can prove very useful, especially in the final part of the journey.
While exploring the Sinharaja Forest, where we will focus on birdwatching and nature photography on the move, it will be advantageous to have medium-long focal lengths (between 400 and 600mm), considering the different sizes and distances of tropical birds.
For the night macro photography sessionsWe will organize several dedicated outings in the lodge gardens and near the forest. Those who do not have macro equipment can take advantage of a rotating kit provided by the organization, which includes a macro lens, flash, diffuser, and trigger. However, to get the best results from these sessions, We strongly recommend bringing a personal macro lens (e.g. 90mm, 100mm, 105mm) and a flash with LED panel or dedicated continuous light.
🔧 Are you unsure about what equipment to bring? Our team will be happy to help. help you identify the most suitable kit to your needs and the type of photography you want to create.
Throughout the entire journey, you will be accompanied by a professional photographer, which will assist you in technical and creative managementof your equipment. You will have practical support on composition, light, settings, focus management, as well as personalized suggestions to improve every shot, from landscapes to naturalistic details.
During the tour, we'll traverse a wide variety of environments, from the arid landscapes of the north to the primary Sinharaja forest. It's therefore important to set out with practical, breathable clothing suited to the specific activities planned.
During the safaris in Wilpattu and Kumana, the weather will be hot and dry. We'll spend many hours in open jeeps under the sun, so shorts and a light T-shirt, short-sleeved or roll-up shirt, and a visor hat for sun protection are ideal. Sunglasses and a good sunscreen will be essential, as will a buff or bandana to protect you from the dust while traveling.
During the Sinharaja Forest stage, the climate becomes more humid, and hiking will be primarily on foot. For this part of the trek, we recommend wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long, breathable pants, ideal for protecting yourself from insects and vegetation. Lightweight hiking shoes will be the best choice for safe movement along the trails, while a waterproof jacket or poncho can be useful in case of sudden showers or to protect your photography equipment.
In the lodges, you'll always be able to wash something and relax, so it might be helpful to bring a swimsuit and some comfortable clothes for resting.
All the more specific details on the equipment and recommended clothing will be communicated at a later date, once your trip registration has been confirmed.
Just minutes from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), it's easily accessible even if you're arriving in the evening or at night. The first meeting with the Just Explorers team will take place directly at the hotel.
For the return, the program is compatible with any flight departing from Colombo starting from 3:30–4:00 PM on the 11th, to ensure smooth transfer from the Sinharaja area.
As for the Sri Lanka tourist visa, in many cases it is possible to obtain it online via the official eVisa portal, or directly upon arrival at the airport. However, We always recommend checking the updated requirements at the embassy or consulate of your country of residence, as conditions may vary depending on the traveler's nationality.
Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into the country. However, it is good practice consult your doctor or the relevant health authorities to evaluate any personal precautions, such as malaria prophylaxis or recommended vaccines.
Throughout the trip, participants will be welcomed in safe, clean and well-kept environments, carefully selected based on their strategic location and quality of service. The lodges offer accommodations equipped with ventilation, mosquito nets and preventive measures against insects, to ensure tranquility and comfort even during moments of rest.
By booking by paying the deposit to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly likely if booking is made more than one year in advance. in relation to potential changes in prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid via the payment methods offered by the organizer, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organiser, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data you again accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
Sabina Capoferri16/04/2024Mio marito ed io abbiamo partecipato al viaggio in Costa Rica organizzato da Just Explorers con Michele Bavassano e Sharon Vanadia. Esperienza fotografica fantastica, ottima organizzazione e professionalità. Un viaggio completo che comprende i Lowlands e Highlands per poter vedere e fotografare un'enorme varietà di specie diverse. Consigliamo vivamente di fare quest'esperienza. Conserveremo un ottimo ricordo e sicuramente faremo altri viaggi con loro!wouter faasse08/04/2024We hebben genoten van de workshop in Costa Rica. Alles was goed geregeld van de lodges en het eten tot aan de foto sessies. Dit was onze 4e reis met Sharon en Michele en zeker niet de laatste!ANDREA MAZZOLI04/04/2024Costa Rica Tropical Wildlife - Just Explorer con Michele BAVASSANO e Sharon VANADIA. Un viaggio fotografico nell’entroterra del Costa Rica appagante e appassionante, che consiglio a tutti i fotografi, perché in grado di regalare momenti e scatti esaltanti !!gian luca Toncelli03/04/2024che dire …. è stata per me la quinta esperienza Wild Life con Michele e Sharon, ed e’ proprio grazie a loro ed alla loro straordinaria professionalità che ogni volta imparo sempre di più….. ma soprattutto sono persone fantastiche disponibili ed estremamente preparate. grazie davvero !!!! non vedo l’ora di ripartire con loro !!! una nuova avventura mi aspetta !!! l’ho gia’ prenotata!!! e sarà l’ennesima nuova meravigliosa esperienza Wild life pura !!!!! grazie ragazzi 💪💪💪marcondes pereira03/03/2024WE HAD A DREAM TRIP. ALL PLANNING AND LOGISTICS CARRIED OUT VERY WELL, INCLUDING THE CHOICE OF THE SUITABLE LOCATION AND TIME OF YEAR TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH INCREDIBLE ANIMALS AND STUPENDOUS LANDSCAPE, ALL IN COMPLETE SAFETY AND WITH THE COMPANY OF EXPERIENCED GUIDES. PERFECT FOR ENJOYING NATURE AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.TIVEMOS UMA VIAGEM DOS SONHOS. TODO PLANEJAMENTO E LOGÍSTICA MUITO BEM REALIZADO, INCLUINDO A ESCOLHA DO LOCAL E ÉPOCA DO ANO ADEQUADOS PARA ENTRAR EM CONTATO COM INCRÍVEIS ANIMAIS E ESTUPENDAS PAISAGENS, TUDO COM TOTAL SEGURAÇA E CONTANDO COM A COMPANHIA DE EXPERIENTES GUIAS. PERFEITO PARA APRECIAR A NATUREZA E FAZER NOVOS AMIGOS. ALTAMENTE RECOMENDÁVEL.Virginio Passera26/02/2024Mi è stato regalato il workshop "Winter gran paradiso" dai miei familiari, regalo azzeccatissimo,sono stati 4 giorni intensi e meravigliosi nella splendida Valsavarenche.I nostri accompagnatori Sharon e Jonathan sono stati splendidi,sempre disponibili per consigli e suggerimenti su come scattare e avvicinare gli animali presenti.consigliatissimoWanda Serrao25/02/2024Gran Paradiso, 4 giorni meravigliosi, Sharon e Jonathan bravissimi, molto competenti e professionali, oltre che simpaticissimi. Posti meravigliosi dove è stato possibile fotografare stambecchi, camosci, volpi avvicinandoci con rispetto ma garantendo ottime posizioni per lo scatto. Consiglierei a chiunque di fare workshop con loro.JOAQUIN FUENTES05/02/2024Michele and Sharon were the best hosts a photographer could ask for. They are two of my heroes and are some of the best wildlife photographers in the world. This was the trip of a lifetime! We had luxury accommodations and 5 star meals daily. Each photographer had our own row in the vehicles. Highly recommend booking with Michele through his official website if you’re interested in any type of wildlife photography tour. We had all advanced photographers on our trip, but I understand that all levels are welcome to join. What a fun group and experience! Note that the all inclusive photography experience actually cost much less than what you would have to pay on your own! It would have cost around twice as much to reserve the rooms, transfers and private vehicle for a week. I’m really looking forward to my next tour with Michele and Sharon!Josef Gelernter04/02/2024It was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience ! Extremely well organized and managed ! I have to thank Sharon and Michele for their wonderful support and guidance ! They both are not only fantastic photographers, but also wonderful tour leaders ! I would go on any tour with them as it is well worth every single penny spent ! Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart Sharon and Michele and see you very soon on another of your tours ! All the best ! JoeFrancesca Baravelli02/12/2023Ho partecipato al workshop Winter sibillini con Jonathan e Michele, è stato tutto emozionante, divertente e professionale. Due giorni fuori dalla realtà immersi in un contesto paesaggistico unico nel suo genere. Assolutamente da consigliare a tutti gli amanti della natura e della fotografia naturalistica!Valutazione complessiva Google 5.0 su 5, in base a 148 recensioni
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