Big Game - Udawalawe by Eco Team

If you are looking for a top class safari experience - Big Game Camp is it. Solomons, the senior naturalist, is a wonderful guide. So knowledgeable about the park, the bird life and all the other animals. The tents are very comfortable, each with their own shower and toilet. The team at the camp really look after you, and the food is excellent.

This was an amazing experience. We did not know where to start booking a safari, but this was recommended to us by other travellers. The team made it super easy to organize the safari and stay, with clear communication. Everything went smoothly, from the moment we arrived. Heshan, our personal naturalist, greeted us, and we got on the jeep ready for the safari. Heshan is an amazing guy, super friendly and knows everything about the animals in the park. Not only did we get to see elephants and crocodiles, but we learned so much about them and about all the birds in the park thanks to Heshan! That really made the safari fun, being able to ask anything to such an expert. After the safari, we drove to the camp, where there are glamping safari tents with their own toilet and shower, which was great. The only thing we missed was a mosquito net; that would be great. Although the tent is closed off, it would be more comfortable. Also we booked with an amazing candlelit dinner with fire pit and breakfast outside in the camp, an experience on its own definitely do that. Also get the vegitarian option it was great I think better than the BBQ. Thanks, Heshan and team, for this experience we won't forget!

I've got slightly mixed feeling about this experience. First impressions weren't great when staff weren't aware we were coming, they said head office hadn't let them know so our tent wasn't ready, lunch wasn't prepared, staff weren't aware and were enjoying a well deserved day off. Everyone rushed around and were very apologetic but it started things off with a strange vibe. I should note I did move our booking a day earlier but I had received a confirmation email advising it was all sorted. The tents are very comfortable and set up really nicely. There's lots of nice details like lanterns being lit at night and candles on the tables. The staff are extremely attentive and nothing is too much trouble. The food was absolutely delicious and eating by candlelight was lovely. We stayed 2 nights and it felt a bit too long, none of the camp activities seemed to be running. There was a board that had a list of activities 'craft, cooking classes, movies etc but none of this materialised. Our bush walk was about 15 minutes long due to it being too muddy. We also had no hot water in our shower. Someone came to fix it but wasn't successful. The game drives were really enjoyable, Solomon is very knowledgeable. It's a good 30 minutes to the park entrance and even though the camp is on the border of the park it's surrounded by electric fences so animals don't move through the camp. I had an idea it might be like safari camps in Africa where animals move through. This was a pretty expensive treat for us which is maybe why I had high expectations, maybe it's better just for adults rather than families?