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Are night safaris available in Sri Lanka?
Night safaris are offered in a limited number of buffer zones and privately managed areas bordering some national parks, since access to the core zones of most state-run parks is restricted to daylight hours.
What wildlife you might see at night
Nocturnal species such as sloth bears, civets, and various nightjars and owls become more active after dark, offering a different set of sightings compared with a standard daytime drive.
How a night safari works
Guides typically use spotlights to scan for eye-shine and movement in the darkness, moving more slowly than a daytime drive to give time for sightings to register.
Where to find a night safari
Ask your accommodation or a local operator near parks such as Yala or Wilpattu whether a licensed night safari option is available in a permitted buffer zone, since rules and availability can change.
What to bring
Bring a warm layer, since temperatures drop noticeably after dark even in lowland areas, along with a torch and camera gear suited to low-light conditions if photography is a priority.
