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    Mahoora Tented Safari Camps - Sri Lanka
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Plop!

There’s something in the water

If you’ve heard a soft plop during a stroll by a lake or a pond, but don’t know who or what made it, the culprit you’re looking for is the highly elusive Sri Lankan Flapshell Turtle. This smooth shelled reptilian puts Olympic divers to shame, with its no-ripple, perfect entry into water! Even if you don’t startle it, it's hard to spot because of its state-of-the-art dull brown and maroon camouflage shell, which blends in perfectly to its muddy surroundings. Wow, what an escape artist, you may exclaim! But wait, it has one more trick up its… shell. It can rapidly burrow into the mud or sand with its clawed and webbed feet so quickly that it seems like it disappeared into thin air!

Fun Facts

Although categorised as a freshwater turtle, this rebellious master-of-disguise can also be found in brackish water. Driven by an appetite that does not discriminate, this turtle goes almost anywhere where it can get at fish, amphibians, water snakes, half-eaten prey and even small birds too! You can often spot these voracious feeders by looking out for their snouts protruding above water, much like a crocodile, scanning and sniffing for their next meal!

Story of the Photo

This little fellow was soaking up the sun to regulate his temperature, as reptiles do, at Kudapethessa Lake in Wilpattu National Park, totally oblivious to Dilum snapping away with his camera!

WILDERNESS UPDATES

 

Much more than just a great place to stay

"Thanks to our guide Avinka we had five great safaris staying four nights just after reopening this February. The staff made us feel so very welcome during the entire stay.

The safaries are just wonderful, and having a great guide in your vehicle makes a big difference. Avinka can spot animals you would never see and we were even lucky enough to sight leopards on the trees, close to our vehicle, and also running through the field. The wildlife is so exciting that you will have a great experience even if you don‘t see any leopards. We also had a great driver, which is essential if you drive through difficult territory. You are being taken care of the entire time, so even for those who do safaris for the first time, you will always feel safe.

The camp itself is very comfortable, you get everything you can think of, and on top of the great food being served with so much attention and friendliness. You also get wonderful vegetarian and vegan options. They put on bonfires at night, which makes it unforgettable.
When booking and making plans, you get great support from the headquarters, even if it gets difficult since you have to change your plans.
The best thing what can happen to you at the end of a vacation is when you are a bit sad to leave the place, having experienced something to remember forever, and the team does everything for this to happen. Thank you so much"

Axel S wrote, Traveled with family
January 2021

Review us on Trip Advisor:  
Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Yala - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Udawalawe - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu

 

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