Overview
About this safari
A boat safari on the Walawe river at Ambalantota, drifting past crocodiles, water buffalo and kingfishers. A gentle, shaded alternative to a jeep game drive.
- Where
- Ambalantota, a few minutes from our base
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon
- Good for
- Families, photographers, a gentle half day
On the River
The Walawe is one of the major rivers of the south, and it reaches the sea at Ambalantota — right where we are based. Near its mouth the river spreads into quiet channels lined with mangroves, and a small boat lets you drift through them at water level.
Crocodiles sun themselves on the banks, water monitors swim alongside, and the trees are full of kingfishers, herons, cormorants and egrets. Water buffalo graze along the edges while village life carries on around you.
How It Works
The boat ride starts close to Ambalantota, so it is easy to add to a Hambantota day, a day on the south coast, or a shore excursion from Hambantota Port. We take you to the landing and back, and tell you the full cost before you book.
Good to Know
Yes — it is calm, shaded and unhurried, and a good choice for families or anyone who would rather not spend hours in a jeep.
Tell us how long you would like to be on the water and we will plan around it. It fits easily into a morning or an afternoon.
