Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris Wilpattu Camp

Set in a shaded forest to keep the midday sun at bay, the tents are comfortable but simple, with no running water, and bucket showers, but the advantage of being so close to the park entrance outweighs any lack of creature comforts. Electricity comes from solar powered battery packs to power sockets, whilst tents and toilets are also lit by solar power. Safari jeeps also have charging facilities to ensure guests camera's remain full of juice!

Speaking of creatures, this is sloth bear country and while leopards are not plentiful as in Yala, the camp guides (that's guides who work for the camp, not who do a passable impression of Graham Norton) know their regular haunts.

The quality of the food on offer is top notch, and particularly for bush grub, and guests congregate around the fire for drinks in the evening to regale stories of wildlife viewings that day before paraffin lamp-lit dinner. Everything while in camp is fully inclusive, including game drives and meals.

Leopard Safaris welcomes children over three and has a dedicated family friendly programme of activities to keep younger guests entertained. Each programme is tailor made for the particular age group and includes activities hosted by the naturalist who will share his knowledge regarding Sri Lanka's wildlife. Activities on offer include animal tracking, amateur photography classes, bird spotting, wilderness survival and animal focused games.