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    Mahoora Tented Safari Camps - Sri Lanka
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All our camps in Yala, Udawalawe & Wilpattu are Safe and Secure certified by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. view certificates

The real touch-me-not!

Some animals bite, some run away and some, like the Indian Crested Porcupine, like to put their “back into it” and gently persuade you away from any type of petting intentions you might have.

Yep, some people do want to pet Porcupines, but most people back off when they realise that those quills are pointy and designed to hurt. Fortunately, the petting feelings are not mutual; imagine a Porcupine trying to pet people? That would be quite a thorny problem. But jokes aside, these portly creatures are one of Nature’s evolutionary triumphs and are completely unfazed by cities and farmlands encroaching on their territory. In fact, Porcupines have waddled their way all over the forests of Sri Lanka & India, the mountains of Nepal, and they have even conquered the harsh landscapes of the Middle East  and quietly claimed all of this as their own!

Fun Facts

Although cartoons would have you believe otherwise, disappointingly, Porcupines cannot launch quills at their enemies. Much to the chagrin of military leaders worldwide who hoped to train elite forces of Attack Porcupines, the longer quills found on the neck and shoulder of the Porcupines did not have launch capabilities and were mostly used to scare off predators. The shorter quills on the rest of the body do cause damage, but require the Porcupine to launch itself backwards rather awkwardly towards its targets which is considered to be a rather undignified way of doing things on the battlefield. These adorable creatures can regularly be found wandering around the peaceful surroundings of the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Udawalawe, as well as other National Parks.

Story of the photo

This was the last encounter Kushan had at Udawalawe that day, because just after this shot was taken, word of the Sando sighting came through the grapevine; fortunately he made it to Yala in record time to capture the King, fresh from battle. The porcupine was not happy at being dumped as a photography subject.

 

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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

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Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Yala - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Udawalawe - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu

 

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