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4.5
#2 of 5 campsites in Kataragama
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Big Game Camp Yala is located on the edge of Yala National Parks, a 20-minute drive from the park entrance. Surrounded by beautiful nature landscapes, it provides spacious tents with a private bathroom. Barbecue dinner is provided around a campfire.All tents are fitted with comfortable mattresses and pillows. Free drinking water will be provided. All bathrooms are equipped with a shower.Big Game Camp Yala is 261 km from Colombo and 310 km from Bandaranaike International Airport.Safaris, airport transfers and laundry services can be arranged at an extra charge.Please note, guests booking the all inclusive package enjoy: - 3 meals daily - Tea, coffee & beer. - Snacks - Half-day Safari to Yala National Park with jeep, entrance and permit fees.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Sinhala
Location
20/63, Fairfield Garden, Kataragama 91400 Sri Lanka
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First of all i traveled in my personal vehicle by using the Southern Express way. We left our home premises around 0600hrs and we reached the destination at almost 1215hrs. Mr. Manjula(FOM) sent us a vehicle to escort our way from the pick up location to the place. Even the climate is a bit dry and dusty but you can feel the adventure is calling through the wind. As we sat on on the front office an actual big tent, he prepared us and treated us with some cool lime juice and warm towels as a welcome treat. They escorted us to the tent number 07 and 08. Since, seen the tents with cool features its hard to believe that in such rural place you can find a such.Attached bathrooms, mosquito repellent, flash lights, wifi, beds and comfy pillows were the best part.So on after a litlle bit of refreshment we were taken to the restaurant. Restaurant Supervisor Mr. Wasantha was one of the best person i've found in a such palce even after roamed through such bigger place. One of the best cheerful lads and very intelligent with the knowledge of the surroundings and animals too. He is a one man army. Other than that the best part of the restaurant is local food. It was brilliant <3. Again after we taken to the Yala Safari and we were added up with a superb naturalist and good driver too. We taken to almost al the remote corners of the yala safari parks block 5 and all. Gladly we had the chance to see Water Buffalos, Quiels, Peacoks, Wild Boar, Dotted Deers', Crocodiles, Elephants and the most famous local Leopards.We had the chance to see "Natta Kota" - short tail(mother) and her son "Michael" in the safari. Micheal was tasting some water pit to get his thirst off. We came back to our camping site after a thrilling adventure and we treated with some local tea. After was as per the request we enjoyed a bonfire with some Australian folks and had a BBQ dinner. Roasted chicken, Kottu, Baked Vegetables, Staked fish were at its best. After the appealing meal we were escorted for the night trek. Luckily we were able to spot Wild Hares since, all the animals were hidden from the upcoming rain storm. After a rainy cold nights in the tent, in the morning were given a good morning tea. After the morning tea we had a small trek towards the Hanuman Temple by using a enorute near the borders. Again teh chef was able to surprise us with his superb cooking skills. This place have one of the finest chefs who makes good local and international food. After all people from the Manger to the minor staff very friendly. Manjula,Wasantha, Ashinka, the Chef Maduranga are some of the names i could remember since this review is done after few-months time. Tents were superb, food were at its best, people were remarkable. If i had a chance again i would definitely visit the place. Thansk you very much for the services and for the friendship.
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Date of stay: August 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Tents which are to be behind from the main area is much quieter and cooler.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha B, Manager at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 18 Jan 2020
Dear r0shenv, We are overwhelmed to read your amazing review and thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. Thank you on your very descriptive encouraging and supportive comments and for sharing your genuine thoughts about the experience with the viewers. It makes all our hard work and effort worthwhile. as you have mentioned our food, the service and the staff are our strong suits in delivering this experience and your gracious comments about our staff members will definitely reach them. And we see that you have thoroughly enjoyed the safari and we are so thrilled about it. Thank you for visiting Sri Lanka. We certainly hope that we have the pleasure of greeting you again!
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Wonderful quite place close to the nature of the Yala Nationalpark. The tents are comfortable and clean. You don’t miss anything in comparison to a hotel room. But to sleep in such a tent surrounded by the local fauna and fauna is something special. On our round trip we stood only a very short time at this place, but the wonderful dinner at the bonfire under the clear sky and stars will stay in my memories. Especially I must say thank you to Manjula, the camp manager. We must leave the camp very early in the morning and Manjula has organized everything in perfection. At 3.45 we got a breakfast package and before leaving at hot cup of tea or coffee. Manjula accompanies us with the Safari Jeep to our driver to say goodbye. I can say, such a personell maintenance is absolutely outstanding and overwhelming.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha B, Manager at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 26 Apr 2020
Dear NorbertH349 Thank you so much for your great comments. We do make all the effort to make your stay with us enjoyable and memorable and we are glad to see that you are satisfied. And thank you so much for appreciating our staff and we will make sure that your compliments reach them. We hope to see you on your future travels as well.
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This was something of a luxury spend for us and we were slightly hesitant about glamping tents and the fact that you could only see the national park by keep safari. However our afternoon, evening and morning at the Yala camp soon changed our mind. Although curated, the proximity of the site to the national park and the presence of the buffer belt of vegitation meant the campsite did have proximity to nature - Grey Langurs, serpent crested eagles and land monitors were regular visitors. The tent was clean and spacious (as I said, i luxury glamping exp) and the sound of the jungle was amazing to fall to sleep to. On our safari we saw a leopard, climbing trees, eating a carcass and up close to the jeep. And elephant, countless spotted deer and buffalo as well as painted stalks and other wildlife. The naturalist was incredible and attentive, offering valuable insights on the local eco system.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha Bandara, Owner at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 5 Dec 2022
Dear K1468ROharryf, Thank you for sharing your feedback! We are thrilled you had a wonderful experience with us and enjoyed everything we had to offer. Especially to find out of your perspective had changed about glamping overall. Your review is exactly what we hope for all our guests to experience with us. Its reviews like yours make our efforts worthwhile. Thank you for staying at Big Game CampYala and we really do hope you will be back to visit us again. Many thanks,
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Big game camp in Yala was a great experience. The tents were so cool with an en-suite, power points, comfortable beds and lighting. The dining experience was spectacular with a bonfire and candle lit BBQ. The staff here are so accommodating and make sure everything you need is looked after including transfers.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha B, Manager at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 7 Feb 2020
Dear samtrav97, Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us on your stay. It is great to see our guests enjoying the whole experience and we will definitely make sure that your appreciation reaches our staff at the campsite. Do visit us on your future travels.
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Big Game Camp was very accommodating with capable staff who spoke very good English. They catered for dietary requirements and whatever transport you required. The tents were cute and had good facilities. Bonfire dinner was amazing with great BBQ food. Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha B, Manager at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 6 Feb 2020
Dear ali_syd, Really appreciate your kind words and we will make sure that your appreciation towards our staff will definitely reach them. We always try to make sure that all your needs are met while you are staying with us and happy to see that you enjoyed the BBQ around the campfire as well Thank you so much and hope to see you on your future travels.
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Extremely happy with the stay here. This is an authentic jungle camp experience following eco-tourism guidelines. The tented rooms are simple but very comfortable and all meals served were delicious. The best part of this camp are the staff - everyone is so attentive (asking about food preferences) and hospitable. The safaris organized (with guides) were very good. All in all, go for this experience - you will not regret it. Some things to take note of: the camp is situated 15-20 min from the National Park gate so it's a bit interior. The WiFi connection is less if you're someone who needs it badly but phone signal is fine. If travelling as a family of 4 adults, recommend taking 2 separate tents versus a family tent. A family tent for 2 adults and 2 children is fine.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Channa Perera, Guest Services / Front Office at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Kaveri, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you had an amazing stay with us at Big Game Camp Yala and appreciated our eco-tourism approach. It’s fantastic that you found the tented rooms comfortable, the meals delicious, and the safaris well-organized. We’re especially thrilled that our team made a positive impression with their attentiveness and hospitality—it means the world to us! Your detailed tips for future guests are invaluable, and we truly appreciate you sharing them. As you mentioned, our camp’s location, a bit interior in the buffer zone, offers an authentic wilderness experience close to the National Park. While the WiFi can be limited, we’re glad you found the phone signal reliable. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in the jungle soon! Best regards,
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We thoroughly enjoyed every minute with the Big Game Yala safari team. The organized transfer went off without a hitch and the camp is just that - a well organized tenting experience located right next to the elephant fence of Yala park. The sleeping areas are comfortable, toilet area is a little cramped for a 6’3” person but what can you expect for a tent. There staff were very attentive and clearly had our satisfaction and comfort in mind. Safaris were excellent with a team of spotters that saw anything and everything. The internet is very patchy but also not unexpected given where you are and you are on safari so it really shouldn’t matter that much. Overall would recommended highly if going to Yala.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha Bandara, Owner at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 23 July 2022
Dear Travellerssince1986,, Thank you very much for your genuine review! We are happy to read that our services, the location and safari was to your satisfaction. We are continually trying to improve our services and your feedback has indeed lifted our spirits. Thank you for staying at Big Game Camps and for your kind recommendation. We hope that you will consider us for your next trip to Sri Lanka! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! With kind regards,
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The first tent was not large but fine, 2 separate beds with a fan The bathroom is very small and the shower is poor, hot or cold water but no more than a few drops, the sink had more pressure The upgrade to a family tent was great there, much more time with space for your luggage and a good double bed, twice The WiFi is available at agreed locations but is not always there The food is fantastic, the chef really works on all courses, this also applies to the take-away lunch
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It was a very warm welcome at the camp site with the surprise of an update. I was given a most wonderful interior designed tent, you felt in a different world as it was lovely decorated including paintings in the tent - a special treat. The cooking was very good and the service was like in a 5-star hotel … admitting having been the only guest that day but still remarkable with providing magic places for dinner and breakfast. The drive through Udawalawe National Park was good but having seen only a few animals, eg elephants, crocodiles, wild buffalos and many birds; don‘t forget that the vegetation is very dense. All in all, a great experience … and a big thank you to the entire team!
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha Bandara, Owner at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 5 Dec 2022
Dear Stay46529233860, Thank you for staying with us and for taking the time to write on Tripadvisor about the wonderful experience. Your kind feedback was highly appreciated. We were all very happy to learn that the tent deco, services and facilities met your expectations and that you enjoyed them fully. Your kind comments were shared with the team, who were extremely happy to know of your satisfaction. Your stay has been extremely important and gratifying to us. It was a real pleasure having you as our Guest and being of service, and we look forward to your next visit With our kindest regards,
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Big Game Camp is an unbelievable place! Raj and the team are extremely friendly, helpful and attentive. The place is extremely well priced for the fantastic location inside Yala national park, the wonderful tents that have absolutely everything one needs, and the fantastic food they serve. Could not recommend more! On our Safari that we took with big game camp we saw two leopards on our first drive… magical!
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Reach out to Raj / the team on their WhatsApp before your stay if you need any information...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anuruddha Bandara, Owner at Big Game Camp Yala
Responded 3 Sept 2024
Dear Marcperves, Thank you for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic experience at Big Game Camp. Raj and the team are delighted to know that their efforts made your stay memorable. We're glad you enjoyed the unbeatable location, the well-equipped tents, and the delicious food. Seeing two leopards on your first safari drive is truly magical, and we’re so pleased you could experience that with us. Your high recommendation means the world to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures! With regards,
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Hello Alison :)
Bets way is to get a transfer vehicle from inside the airport counters or finding a local supplier. Also booking Big Games Camp Yala from this portal you get suggested prices or try their website to communicate for better.
"If you have food restrictions, think multiple times before booking this place. Actually, just avoid this place altogether unless you enjoy eating cold food."
There are more places to choose from in the Kataragama area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$59 - AU$127 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaUva ProvinceKataragama
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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