NEW TRIP: Kings of the Jungle: Leopards & Sloth Bears of Sri Lanka

Introducing: Kings of the Jungle – A Wildlife Photography Adventure Through Sri Lanka’s Untamed Wilderness

One of our fastest-selling wildlife tours ever is here – and it’s unlike anything we’ve offered before.

Backcountry Journeys is thrilled to announce 'Kings of the Jungle: Leopards & Sloth Bears of Sri Lanka'—a brand-new, all-inclusive photography safari designed to take you deep into one of the world’s last great wildlife secrets. This 12-day journey ventures into remote, uncrowded corners of Sri Lanka where elusive leopards, shaggy sloth bears, majestic elephants, and more than 400 bird species roam wild—and largely undisturbed.

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing apex predators in lush forests, capturing rare behaviors few others have seen, and experiencing wildlife destinations before they explode onto the global radar—this is your chance.

Why Sri Lanka? Why Now?

Sri Lanka might just be the best-kept secret in wildlife photography. It’s home to the largest leopard subspecies in the world, some of the highest big cat densities on the planet, and a diversity of species and ecosystems that rivals—and in some ways surpasses—Africa’s more traditional safaris.

And the best part? Hardly anyone knows about it.

While photographers crowd into the Serengeti or Ranthambore, we’ll be exploring Wilpattu and Kumana National Parks—two of the most wildlife-rich yet under-touristed sanctuaries on the island. These areas are wild, remote, and brimming with photographic potential. With expert local guides, custom safari vehicles, and access to exclusive viewing zones, this trip offers the kind of rare access and freedom that every wildlife photographer dreams of.

Front-Row Seats to the World’s Biggest Leopards

The Sri Lankan Leopard is the star of the show—and this itinerary puts you in the best places on Earth to see and photograph them. Wilpattu’s shaded forest trails and Kumana’s rocky outcrops are prime leopard habitats, with sighting rates that rival the most famous big cat destinations in the world.

In fact, Kumana ranks second globally in leopard density, with an estimated 41 leopards per 100 square kilometers. Add in low visitor numbers, experienced naturalists, and full-day game drives, and you’ve got one of the most productive big cat photo opportunities anywhere.

Photograph the Elusive Sloth Bear

We’ve timed this trip for optimal sloth bear activity—during the palu fruiting season (May–July), when these shaggy, insect-loving mammals emerge from the forest in search of food. Wilpattu is the best place in Sri Lanka to see and photograph these unique bears, and this is one of the few windows each year when sightings are common.

For wildlife photographers looking to capture something truly unique—this is a dream come true.

Birds, Elephants & Nocturnal Wildlife

Beyond the predators, Sri Lanka is a paradise for bird and macro wildlife photography. We’ll photograph vibrant bee-eaters, hornbills, kingfishers, and over 30 endemic bird species across mangroves, lakes, and coastal lagoons. We’ll also visit one of the island’s top elephant gathering zones and venture out after dark on night safaris to look for elusive nocturnal species like the Fishing Cat and Rusty-Spotted Cat.

A Wildlife Safari Unlike Any Other

This trip was designed hand-in-hand with elite local naturalists, scientists, and conservationists. Every detail has been carefully chosen to maximize wildlife encounters, photographic opportunities, and the overall experience—from the timing of each park visit to the placement of our remote eco-lodges.

With just 7 spots per departure and a price point under $10,000 for an all-inclusive 12-day journey, this safari offers incredible value and world-class photographic access. You’ll be guided by some of the top wildlife photography instructors in the world and return home with once-in-a-lifetime images—and stories to match.

Don’t Miss Out—This Trip Is Already One of Our Best Selling Ever
If you want to beat the crowds, capture rare species in unspoiled habitats, and explore one of the next great wildlife photography frontiers, Kings of the Jungle is the trip to take.

View Full Trip Details & Book Your Spot Now »