GalOya

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Explorer by MahooraPrivate Tented Safari Camping Experience in Gal Oya

2 nights/ 3 days

Explorer by Mahoora is a highly unique and immersive experience of living with untamed Sri Lankan wildlife inside National Parks and Nature Reserves across the country. Our Private Tented Safari Camp Experience in Gal Oya isolates you GalOya01in the grasslands of the 25,900 hectare Gal Oya National Park.

Divided between an evergreen forest and a dusty savannah, you are invited to live amongst swimming elephants and elusive leopards, plus, over 180 other species of mammals and birds. Besides the wildlife, Gal Oya is home to an old Veddha clan. Veddhas are the indigenous people of     Sri Lanka and this tribe still lives in the Nilgala area of the Gal Oya National Park.

The  magical settings in the silent wilderness where  the traditional flame torches light up and roar to the tune of the wind while  campfire dances alongside under a starry sky is the place to sit back and relax as we take care of you.

All food is freshly prepared at our campsite with an exclusively designed menu for our  guests.

Explorer by Mahoora  is for the one who is looking for a sense of comfort and glamour in the midst of wilderness.  The tent (15.6’x 8’) is equipped with a bedroom and an en-suite bathroom along with a private veranda/porch outside the tent.

 

GalOya08Day 1: Arrival at Gal Oya National Park

Schedule for Day 1

  • Arrival  at Entrance to the Gal Oya National Park meeting point at 12.30 hr

  • Drive to  Explorer by  Mahoora campsite  situated inside the Gal Oya National park in a 4WD safari jeep

  • Lunch at the campsite inside the Gal Oya National Park

  • Evening Jeep  safari at Gal Oya National Park

  • Return to the campsite

  • B.B.Q. Dinner around the campfire

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Day 2: Day at Explorer by Mahoora at Gal Oya National Park

GalOya09Schedule for Day 2

  • Early morning Boat  safari - 5.30 hrs

  • Picnic style breakfast on  the Safari

  • Return to the campsite by mid afternoon

  • Lunch at the campsite

  • Evening Jeep  Safari at Gal Oya National Park

  • Return to the campsite

  • B.B.Q. Dinner around the campfire

 

Day 3: Departure - Explorer by Mahoora at Gal Oya National Park

Schedule for Day 3

  • Visit to the village of   ‘Adivasi’ - indigenous people of Sri Lanka

  • Picnic style breakfast during the visit to the village and departure

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Nilagla Veddha Community

Uniqueness of Game Drives are the ultimate in Gal Oya . The mornings are filled  by the exquisite Boat Safaris where you may get the opportunity to watch swimming elephants and enjoy a picnic breakfast sitting on the banks of the lake. The afternoon Game Drive in a 4WD takes you through the picturesque  wildlife terrains in the park while as you are able to gaze along herds of playful elephants and an array of wildlife all in a setting that is almost private.

-End of Tour-

 

Fact Sheet - Explorer by Mahoora
Accommodation
  • GalOya02A 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 Bathroom
  • En-suite flushable toilet with pipe-borne water, wash basin, and shower area.
  • Toiletries on complimentary basis.
Game Drives
 
  • GalOya03All entry permits, park fees, and government taxes for the entire stay, are taken care of.

  • A shared jeep with front-faced comfortable elevated seats is provided for maximised game viewing and photography opportunities.

  • A naturalist is provided for each jeep.

  • Complimentary picnic with chilled beverages and snacks break will be provided.

  • Two game drives per each night stay will be provided.

  • The morning safari starts from the camp at 6.00 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. The afternoon safari starts from the camp at 2.30 p.m. until 6.00 p.m.

  • For pre-requested wildlife photographers, we provide monopods, bean bags etc. during the safari.

  • Unlimited water will be provided.

Food & Beverage Service
  • GalOya07Pre-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.

Safari Attire & Necessities
  • 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.

Value Additions – 2 nights or more
  • Opportunity to meet Aadivasi (Veddha community) of Rathugala.
Campsite/Lounge/Common Area
 
  • 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.

Family Tent Arrangement
  • 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 to 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.

 

Please Note
  • Air-conditioning is not available.

  • Phone signal availability – subject to the area and the service provider

  • Distance from cities - by road

    • Kandy - 170 km - travel time 4 hrs

    • Mahiyanganaya - 73 km - travel time - 2 hrs

    • Ella - 149 km - travel time 3 hrs 40 min

    • Nuwaraeliya - 139.2 km - travel time  3 hrs 10 min

    • Belihuloya - 146 km - travel time  4 hrs 10 min

    • Udawalawe - 196 km - travel time  3 hrs 40 min

    • Passikudah - 116 km - travel time  -2hrs 45min

    • Arugum Bay - 133 km - travel time - 2 hrs 30 min

    • Polonnaruwa - 125 k.m - travel time  3 hrs

 

 

 

 

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B E S T   R A T E S   G U A R A N T E E D !

 

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:  
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