Private Tented Safari Camping Experience in Sinharaja

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 the Sinharaja Forest is a stepping stone to a wondrous adventure in one of the world’s prized rain forests.

Rich in biodiversity and one of the least disturbed hotspots on the island, Sinharaja is captivating for its lion share of fauna and flora. Trekking in the heart of nature  and rare sightings of different avifauna - are treasured experiences for our guests. 

When the sun sets and the shadows grow, we light up the night sky with rustic flame torches. A campfire will take centre stage, roaring and crackling to match the chorus of insects, enticing you to relax and kick back for a memorable evening… and let us do the rest.

In the midst of serenity, we will treat you to cuisine that is crafted by our chef, who takes exceptional care to ensure you savour it all.  Prepared with fresh organic produce, indulge in our exciting menu.

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 chilly winds and sounds of the Knuckles Mountain range. 

• Arrival at pre-agreed meeting point at 12.30 hrs.
• Lunch at Explorer by Mahoora campsite.
• Forest walk after lunch.
• A spectacularly varied walk that takes you through a rural village and scenic territory including a picturesque waterfall.
• Back to the campsite: relaxation & leisure.
• BBQ dinner around the campfire.

• After early breakfast leave for forest exploration with packed lunch.
• The trail takes you on a path that is best for observing flocks of birds, especially those that rare and endemic. The presence of mixed species of forging birds flocks, a phenomenon uniquely found in rainforests, have been observed. The rare birds are the Red-faced Malkoha, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Ashy-headed Babbler and the White-headed Starling. The Green-billed Coucal is considered the rarest.
• Lunch to be taken in a suitable location.
• After lunch continue to observe the forest.
• Back to the campsite: relaxation & leisure.
• BBQ dinner around the campfire.

• Leave for forest exploration with packed breakfast.

• Back to the campsite.

• Departure from Explorer by Mahoora.

Optional programme for Day 2 & Day 3

If you are looking for a more adventurous trail, we offer another programme for Day 2 and Day 3.

Day 1 will remain same as above.

Sinharaja Rainforest

A virgin age-old rainforest like Sinharaja does not come without its fair share of vibrant history. The name itself translates into the ‘Kingdom of the Lion’ and according to legend, Sri Lankans are said to be descendants of the coupling of a princess and the lion king who lived in this forest.  Being one of the last remaining and least disturbed biodiversity hotspots in Sri Lanka, the Sinharaja Rainforest was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and then a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is Sri Lanka's first nature reserve to earn this esteemed distinction.

This unique forest covers an area of approximately 11,200 hectares, measuring 21 kilometres from east to west, and just less than 4 kilometres from north to south. The elevation of the Sinharaja Reserve ranges from 200 to 1,300 metres. It has a rolling terrain and the Hinipitigala Peak is the tallest, rising up to approximately 1,150 metres.

Preliminary studies on the fauna of Sinharaja have revealed that there is a high degree of endemism among butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Ninety five percent of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds are present in Sinharaja; making it a birding expedition unlike any other. Another interesting sight to be found in Sinharaja is the presence of mixed species of foraging bird flocks, a phenomenon commonly found in rainforests.  The rare endemic birds which can be seen in the Sinharaja Rainforest are the Red-faced Malkoha, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Ashy-headed Babbler and the White-headed Starling. The Green–billed Coucal has been given the title of being the rarest of Sri Lankan birds.

Although elephants were said to be common in the past, there have been fewer reported sightings in the Sinharaja Rainforest during the past 15 years. There is a small herd of Sri Lankan elephants that reside here but is rarely seen. Other animals that have been spotted are the Sambar Deer, the Mouse Deer and Barking Deer.

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

• Mulawella Trail (Half Day trail)
• Research Center Trail (Half Day trail)
• Sinhagala Trail (Full Day trail)
• Lankagama Trail [crossing over Sinharaja Rain Forest]

• 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.

• 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.

• Opportunity to meet villagers from a rural village
• Participate, observe and learn their traditional crafts including how to make fish tail palm syrup.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Colombo - 171ƒ.9 km - travel time 4 hrs 20 minutes
• Galle - 93.4 km - travel time 2 hrs 33 mins
• Kataragama - 128.5 km - travel time 3 hrs 35 mins
• Ella - 156.6 km - travel time 4 hrs 30 mins
• Udawalawe - 72.5 km - travel time 2 hrs 14 mins