Makini Bush Camp Blog

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. Known for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes, it’s a place that attracts tourists year-round. However, if you’re considering visiting during the low season, particularly in May and June, you're in for an even more unique and enriching experience. Here’s why the low season is the perfect time to explore Yala. Perfect Weather and Lush Greenery The months of May and June mark the transition between the monsoon rains and the dry season in Sri Lanka, making it an ideal time to visit Yala. The monsoon rains from January to April bring refreshing showers, transforming the park into a lush, green paradise. During May and June, the weather is usually pleasant, with cooler temperatures due to the recent rains. The landscape is vibrant, with an abundance of foliage and vibrant greenery that makes the park look like a lush jungle oasis. You’ll also find lakes and ponds ...

Sri Lanka, an island off the South-Eastern coast of India is home to around 500 species of birds, with 240 breeding residents. The migrant season which takes place between September to March, sees this number swell up to about 500 species studded with rare migrants as well as some vagrants. Lately, the vagrant numbers seem to have increased, and never before seen rarities like the Chinese Pond Heron and the Greater Spotted Eagle were spotted. This may be due to adverse weather patterns that have pushed birds off their normal migration paths. Sri Lanka also has a high endemicity where birds are concerned. To date, there are 33 species listed as endemic, which augurs well for the enthusiastic birder who is keen to visit places and track down endemics. Most travel to Papua New Guinea, but Sri Lanka is just as rich in avian diversity and much easier to traverse in comparison. I would encourage you to read this article [1] written by Gehan De Silva Wijeratne, a naturalist and prominent per...

The Makini philosophy revolves around the conservation and improvement of a balanced ecosystem, which includes all flora and fauna, in and around the camp. We have already commenced several conservation projects aimed at identifying habitats of different avian and mammalian species within the campsite. It is equally important to collect as much data as possible to measure the success of our conservation activities pre and post implementation. This includes observations and indicators documented under varying conditions and seasons. The first such initiative was a bird species and number count, done within a 4-hour period within the camp and surrounding areas. Bird Count Counting individual birds we see is a daunting task, but it can give valuable information on population density and causes that would grow or shrink the bird population. These changes may indicate shifts in climate change, habitat loss, pollution levels, migration timing, and more. Accuracy of the figures and taking the...

Yala homes the only bear species found in the Sri Lankan wilderness, the Sri Lankan sloth bear ( Melursus ursinus inornatus ) which is a subspecies of sloth bear that’s native to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan sloth bear population is highly threatened and consider as critically endangered due to habitat loss. The current bear population in the wild is a little higher than 500. Yala national park provides ample opportunities to see and photograph the Sri Lankan sloth bear in its native wild habitats. But the best chances to see bears are either during the rainy season or during the Palu season. Sloth bears love to eat termites that live inside termite mounds. They have to break the tough solid structure to put its long mouth in and suck termites off the mound. After the rain, this becomes easier for bears as the mound gets soaked and weakens its structural integrity. If you’re visiting Yala, and want to see bears, your chances will increase if you go in the rainy season, however, that might not...

Yala national park is located in the southeast part of Sri Lanka boarding the Indian ocean. It’s an area of nearly 1000 square kilometers and primarily composed of forests, grasslands, lakes, and lagoons. Yala homes to many varieties of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Sri Lankan leopard, Sri Lankan elephant, Sri Lankan Sloth bear, many endemic bird species, snakes and pythons are among them. Yala is the best place in the world to spot leopards in natural habitats because of the high density. According to statistics, it is said that there are 18 leopards per 100 square kilometers in Yala, which is the highest in the world. And it’s not just the density that makes Yala the best place to see leopards. Leopards are known as nocturnal and they seldom come out during the day time. One main reason for this is, there are other predators like lions and tigers that hunt leopards, and scavengers like hyenas who steal food and night time give just enough safety and privacy for leopar...