Frequently Asked Questions

What time is check-in & check-out?
​Check-in is at 1400 hrs and check-out is at 1100 hrs.

What do you mean by “guided”?
​Across our Resplendent Ceylon portfolio, we pride ourselves on offering the best of Sri Lanka through carefully curated narrative-driven experiences that are hosted by experts in the field. At Wild Coast Lodge, our game drives (safaris), nature walks, and most excursions are “guided” by our team of qualified, passionate and knowledgeable rangers. They interpret the jungle, animal behaviour, nuances of the wild, and the history of the region through an in-depth, fun, and entertaining narrative.

What is the recommended length of stay?
​Whilst the perfect stay would span 4 to 6 nights, the minimum recommended is 2-3 nights. During this time, we recommend 3-4 game drives to improve chances of quality sightings, experience the different ecosystems and habitats of Yala, and allow our rangers to bring the wilderness to life through their expert guiding. We also suggest an excursion to a historic jungle monastery or try our guided bike tour that explores life in the villages around us that defines the lodge’s “sense of place”. Try a guided nature walk around the lodge (where you can gain an insight into the art of “tracking”), get hands-on with an interactive Sri Lankan cookery class, and treat yourself to a spa treatment.

What time are game drives/safaris?
​We typically leave the lodge at 0545 hrs for morning drives and 1445 hours for evening game drive. Each drive lasts approximately three hours. So that we may arrange your first game drive on the day of arrival, please ensure arrival at the Lodge before 1230 hrs. If arriving at the lodge after 1230 hrs, your first game drive will take place the following day unless a prior arrangement has been made.

What is an “exclusive” safari?
​Standard game drives (safaris) are in vehicles that are shared amongst 5 or 6 guests of the lodge, with a ranger. An exclusive drive is a private experience for you or your group, with a ranger.

What is Yala Block 1? And what are the other blocks?
​The Yala complex comprises of 5 sectors, called “blocks”. Our game drives are predominantly to Block 1 which is a 10-minute drive from the lodge. We also visit Bundala National Park, Yala Block 5 and Lunugamvehera National Park, depending on guest preference or special interests such as birding. Our rangers will be happy to discuss these options with you once you’re at the lodge.

What is a typical day at the Lodge like?
​The beauty of the jungle is that no two game drives are ever the same – so many wildlife lovers like to go on as many as they can! However, Wild Coast Lodge offers more than just safaris to Yala National Park. In addition, we can tailor an experience to suit individual preferences such as for keen birders, honeymooners, families or groups.

However, a typical day may be as follows:

If you choose a morning game drive:

• 05:15 The birds outside your tent will wake you up with their dawn chorus
• 05:30 Head to the restaurant for pre-game drive tea or coffee and meet your ranger
• 05:45 Head out to a game drive

If you choose an afternoon game drive instead, wake up with the birds and partake in an interesting morning wilderness experience such as a guided nature walk.

On returning from the drive or walk, enjoy our extensive breakfast. Retreat to the cool air-conditioned library for a read of some of our classic books, or take a spa treatment. A refreshing swim in our ocean-facing pool awaits along with the bar next to it! Alternatively, have a nap and recharge for the afternoon.

• 12:30 hrs onwards: Lunch
• 14:30 Afternoon Game drive
• or if you skip the afternoon drive
• 16:00 Afternoon cream tea
• 18:00 Sundowners on the beach (the afternoon game drive returns in time)
• 19:30 hrs onwards - Dinner

After dinner: stargaze on our isolated beach, under the stars, listening to the waves.

What is “sundowners”? Is it included in the rate?
​Every evening, we host guests for sunset drinks by the beach and yes, it is included in the rate.

Is Wild Coast Lodge in the jungle?
​Yes. Although the Lodge is 2km outside the Yala National Park we enjoy an unfenced boundary with the park. A contiguous stretch of forest connects the Lodge and the national park.

Are there animals in the lodge?
​Yes. Wild animals frequently roam through the lodge, including elephants, wild boar, deer, monkeys, peacocks, reptiles, small mammals and amphibians, and a host of birdlife. We have also had sightings of leopards just outside the lodge.

Is it safe?
​Yes. While the lodge is extremely safe if guests follow our safety guidelines (keeping doors closed at all times, not walking on paths alone at night), we remind guests that we are in a wild environment so there is always a probability of encountering wild animals. Our staff is on hand to escort guests throughout the lodge for their comfort and safety. In fact, between sunset and sunrise (night time), we insist on it.

Are children welcome at Wild Coast Lodge?
​Children of any age are welcome to our resort and we even offer a Junior Ranger Program. We also include family accommodation options that include a larger cocoon tent, with a smaller, “urchin” tent connected via a short bridge.

However, it is important to note the following:

• Children under the age of 3 are not allowed on game drives for their own safety (our recommended age for game drives is 6 and above)
• We do not have babysitting or childcare services
• We do not offer in-room dining as it can complicate matters with the jungle critters around us!
• We enjoy an unfenced border with Yala National Park, which means that wild animals traverse our lodge frequently.

What’s there for children to do?
​Our Junior Explorer Program (designed for 3 or more night stays) is designed to introduce the magic of nature, the wilderness, and the importance of conservation to children aged 6-12. It includes a dedicated ranger for your stay, activities for children such as introduction to tracking, guided walks, indoor sessions that cover topics that vary from leopards to elephant to marine mammals.

What if I’m not part of the Junior Ranger program?
​Our ranger team will be happy to discuss options that suit your stay and your child’s interest.

Do you offer baby-sitting facilities?
​No

What is the weather like and what is the best season to visit?
​Wild Coast Lodge is a year-round destination. The driest part of the year is between April and September which also coincides with the best time to visit the park. During this time (except August) the park sees less visitation so sightings are more intimate especially those of leopards. A key character of Yala’s cast of entertainers is the Sloth Bear, whose sightings are more common from April to June due to the ripening of their favourite “palu” fruits. Keen birders would enjoy visiting from November through April which is the height of the migratory season and many winter visitors make Yala and neighbouring national parks their home.

The rainy monsoon season is traditionally from November through January, but variations are becoming more common. Temperatures range on average between 27 to 34 degrees Celsius, and nights are cool (by tropical standards!). The Yala area is in the arid zone, so humidity is less of a factor than other parts of the island.

Do you have a dress code?
​“Jungle Chic” is our recommended attire! But no, we do not have a dress code. Here are some guidelines though to help you pack:

For Meals – Our restaurant is casual. Our guests prefer to dress comfortably, in safari attire, or smart casual during meal times. We’ve noticed some guests like to dress up for sundowners on the beach and dinner but we do not impose any rules as such.

On Safari – we advise neutral colours (khaki, beige, greens, dark blues, whites, browns) on a game drive and avoid bright vibrant colours.

Walks and exploring the area – We do recommend you bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes in case you try one of our guided nature walks through the jungle or over the dunes.

We offer complimentary laundry for up to 5 pieces a day per room.

What should I pack for my trip to Wild Coast Lodge?

• Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours, T-shirts
• Shorts or a light skirt
• Jeans or safari trousers, summer dresses for evenings Swimwear
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve
• Binoculars and camera equipment

Why are all meals & drinks included on a Fully Inclusive basis?
​When we host you in the wilderness, we want you to simply immerse with nature and spoil yourself without being presented with bills. And due to our isolated location, there are no other restaurants and bars nearby. Thus our rate includes daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon cream tea, dinner, all beverages around the clock, including spirits and wines, snacks, laundry, taxes & service charges.

Do you provide Gluten-free meals?
​Yes, we can tailor-make the menu based on our guests’ dietary preferences and restrictions. We ask all our guests to provide us with this information in order to ensure they have a flawless dining experience.

How many restaurants does the resort have?
​We have one main dining area that features scrumptious and creative modern Sri Lankan cuisine serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant leads into the TenTuskers bar which serves classic and modern cocktails with a Sri Lankan twist. We also offer dining in unique and interesting locations such as on the beach, on the sand dunes or in the bush.

Does the resort suit honeymooners?
​Definitely. The plush and tastefully designed cocoons have been a favourite amongst young couples. Also, a combination of the adventure of a Sri Lankan safari with the ambience of sundowners on a deserted coastline, outdoor dining in the bush, great food and drink, and our special honeymoon amenity package combines to make the lodge an ideal and memorable honeymoon destination.

Is there an adult’s only pool area? Is there a pool area for children?
​We have one pool for the entire resort suitable for both adults and children. However, twelve of our cocoons have private plunge pools that offer privacy.

Are we provided with mosquito repellent?
​Yes, we routinely place mosquito repellents in each room.

Do you offer photography equipment?
​We advise guests to bring their own optics. However, each vehicle is equipped with a pair of binoculars for guests to share on a game drive, but unfortunately, we do not have any photography rental facilities yet.

What kinds of transport arrangements are available from the airport / Colombo?
​Most guests come by private car either as part of a bigger exploration around Sri Lanka or arranged by Wild Coast Lodge. The journey time is 3.5 hours from Colombo or the Airport. We will be happy to arrange any transfers for you. For assistance, please contact our reservations team by email on [email protected] or call +94 11 774 5730

We also offer both Float Plane and Helicopter transfer options. Do you have accommodation for drivers?

We have limited accommodation for drivers at the resort. We provide this service on acomplimentary basis.

Do experiences need to be booked prior to our stay? What are the recommended activities?
​Experiences and excursions can indeed be booked during your stay with us however this would then be subject to availability. We would recommend confirming which experiences you would like to partake in prior to your stay with us in order to avoid any disappointment. For assistance, please contact our reservations team by email on [email protected] or call +94 11 774 5730

What is the beach like at Wild Coast Lodge? Can I swim
​The lodge sits along a wild, beautiful stretch of beach. Unfortunately, we do not allow guests to swim due to the strong currents and large waves that are a feature of this stretch of the coast.

Can we pay on arrival?
​Our room inventory is very small; therefore, to guarantee a reservation we ask for an advance payment. Details are in the Booking Confirmation.