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Why safari etiquette matters
Sri Lanka's national parks are protected wild habitats, not enclosed reserves, and responsible behaviour on safari protects both wildlife and the long-term quality of the experience for future visitors.
Staying inside the vehicle
Always remain seated inside the jeep unless your driver specifically confirms it is safe to stand for photographs, and never attempt to exit the vehicle near wildlife.
Noise and movement
Keep voices low during sightings, avoid sudden movements, and turn off camera flash, which can disturb animals and other visitors alike.
Respecting distance from wildlife
Follow your driver's judgement on safe distance from animals, particularly elephants and leopards, and never encourage a driver to move closer than feels appropriate purely for a better photograph.
Jeep behaviour around other vehicles
At a sighting, give other jeeps space and take turns for the best viewing angle rather than crowding a single spot, which stresses wildlife and reduces the experience for everyone.
Leave no trace
Take all rubbish with you, avoid littering, and do not feed wildlife under any circumstances, since this alters natural animal behaviour and can create dangerous situations for both animals and future visitors.
