Reservation

Reservation is a protected area in Sri Lanka.

Reservation at a Glance

Location
Northwestern & West Central Lowlands, Sri Lanka, South Asia
Coordinates
7.496032, 80.362015
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
January to March for Yala and southern parks. June to September for northern parks (Wilpattu).

Getting to Reservation

Nearest airport: Polgolla Reservoir Sea Plane (KDZ), 36 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), 63 km away.

Wildlife in Reservation

Home to 54 recorded species including 21 waterbirds, 12 iconic birds, 12 birds of prey, 7 tropical birds, 1 primates, 1 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Reservation

7 safari lodges available.

budget

ultra-luxury

luxury

mid-range

Similar Parks in Northwestern & West Central Lowlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Sri Lanka

Travel advisory for Sri Lanka

Reservation FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Reservation for the best wildlife viewing opportunities?

The dry season, typically from May to September, offers the best chances to spot wildlife as animals congregate around dwindling water sources. During these months, the weather is generally sunny, making for comfortable safari drives and excellent photographic conditions.

What specific wildlife encounters can I anticipate at Reservation that are characteristic of this Sri Lankan park?

Reservation is renowned for its significant elephant herds and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, offering thrilling sightings for visitors. You might also encounter sloth bears, various deer species, and a rich diversity of endemic birdlife, making it a prime spot for both large mammal and bird enthusiasts.

Beyond general health advice, what specific safety measures should visitors observe while on safari at Reservation?

It's crucial to always stay inside your safari vehicle unless instructed by your guide and maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. Additionally, protect yourself from the tropical sun with hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as temperatures can be high during game drives.

What are the typical costs and recommended booking procedures for a safari experience at Reservation?

A safari at Reservation usually involves an entrance fee, which is around $25-35 USD per person, plus the cost of a private jeep and a certified guide. It's advisable to book your jeep and guide in advance, especially during peak season, through reputable local tour operators or your accommodation.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Reservation, considering its unique environment within Sri Lanka?

Expect an immersive experience through diverse habitats, from dense jungle to open grasslands, offering varied wildlife viewing opportunities. The park's focus on conservation ensures a natural and less commercialized encounter with Sri Lanka's incredible biodiversity, often allowing for more intimate wildlife observations.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.