Leopard & Whale Safari

Jonathan & Angie Scott visited Sri Lanka in early 2011 and were totally enamoured by its beauty, rich culture and plentiful sightings of leopards and other wildlife and fabulous photographic opportunities. They now invite you to join them on a very special and their first hosted trip to photograph leopards and the colourful culture at a time when Sri Lanka is celebrating its New Year. This is a must for all photographers – a chance to test and improve your photographic skills in the company of two of the world’s top wildlife and travel photographers – and almost guaranteed sightings of leopards.

Jonathan has long had an affinity with leopards and is as passionate to protect them in Sri Lanka as he is in Africa, and this trip will help launch a Leopard Guardians initiative where tourism and conservation jointly work together to achieve a sustainable platform for the leopard. Jonathan and Angie are working closely with local naturalist Chitral Jayatilake and he will co-host this leopard safari when in Yala Natioanal Park.

This special photographic journey commences on the south coast at Koggala, which offers great photo opportunities at sunset with Stilt Fisherman, the ancient Dutch fortress at Galle and of the world’s largest mammal – the rare and endangered Blue Whale. There will be two mornings when we will head out on board a private boat in search of Blue Whales.

Before reaching Yala National Park, you’ll be able to enjoy the celebration of the traditional Sri Lankan New Year in small village, providing the opportunity to engage in some ‘street photography’ and to capture the colour and excitement of the celebrations.

The safari then really commences in Yala National Park, which is one of the best places in the world to see these leopards. There are no tigers, lions or hyenas here so the leopard is ‘King’.  Jonathan and Angie have been watching leopards in Africa for the past 35 years so they will be able to give you an insight in to the lives of these enigmatic predators. Chitral Jaytilake knows Yala’s leopards as well as anyone and has been watching and photographing these particular leopards for twenty years and will be able to help you maximize your wildlife experience and tell you more about the individual leopards he hopes to find during your 5-day visit.   There will be two leopard safaris each day. Afternoons will be spent back at the lodge with Jonathan, Angie and Chitral giving presentations on their work with leopards and other big cats as well as showing you how to get the most out of your photography. This will also be the best time for you to talk through any questions you may have about your camera equipment and the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with Jonathan and Angie on the challenges of digital photography.

On the journey back to Colombo there will be a visit to the sacred city of Kataragama in time for the morning pooja (religious ceremony) and to Ratnapura; city of gems, to admire and perhaps purchase some sparkling Ceylonese gems.

With Angie’s attention to detail, Jonathan’s boundless enthusiasm, Chitral’s local expertise and their caring nature this will be an intimate ‘Scott family’ safari. Scheduled flights, luxury accommodation and fine dining will also add to making this a memorable and exceptional experience.

To learn more about Jonathan & Angie Scott click here

Summary Itinerary

Wildlife & photographic hosts

Dr Shivani Bhalla

Jackson Looseyia

Simon King OBE

Prof. Claudio Sillero DPhil (Oxon)

Stephen Mills MA (Oxon) MFA IAWF

Chris Packham

Steve Leonard

Dr. Greg Rasmussen

Virginia McKenna OBE

Jonathan and Angie Scott

Dr. Julie Anderson

David Lindo

Dominic Couzens