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

Seriously, a photo? Now?

Getting soaked can put anyone in a grumpy mood, especially the Sri Lankan Brown Fish Owl - the poster bird for an eternal love-hate relationship with water.

Although it’s habitat and food supply are highly dependent on water, these birds hate getting wet. Even when they’re swooping down on an unsuspecting fish or a delectably plump frog, the Brown Fish Owl doesn’t like to get anything more than its feet wet. The most it will do, if the conditions are right, is waddle in the shallows and grab some easy lunch. Fortunately for avid bird watchers, its dependence on water and its preference to hunt in daylight presents excellent sighting opportunities around the waterholes close to the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu..

 

Fun Facts

Owls are generally regarded as the “silent-death-from-above” types, but the Sri Lankan Brown Fish Owl lacks certain feather formations that keep things quiet, so it is a bit of a noisy chap when it takes off, as well as when it flies. Since it hunts during the day, it relies a lot more on vision than hearing; so the next time you come across this amazing creature and it turns those gorgeous golden eyes on you, yes it really is evaluating and judging you!

 

Story of the Photo

This disdainful look was directed at Hasitha, from Encounters Asia (a DMC under the Eco Team Group), for daring to capture its ignominy on a rainy day in the Wilpattu National Park. The poor bird was so wet, that the little ear tufts on either side of its head were matted down. But any sighting is a good sighting and this one is a great look at a less-than-glamorous moment in this bird's life!

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

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

 

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