Terms and Conditions for Hotel Reservations, Accommodation Services & Website Use

Welcome to Wilpattu Safari Resort. Our resort is located adjacent to the pristine boundary of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park. By reserving accommodation or visiting our property, you agree to comply with the following Terms & Conditions, Wilderness Safety Regulations, and Wildlife Care Commitments, which are designed to protect both our guests and the surrounding natural sanctuary.

1. Wildlife Care & Environmental Protection Policy

Our Commitment to Wildlife Conservation & Respect

Because Wilpattu Safari Resort shares an unfenced natural buffer with the national park, wildlife moves freely through the surrounding landscape. We maintain a strict policy of ethical coexistence and active wildlife protection.

Zero Interaction & No Feeding

  • Feeding, calling, touching, or attempting to attract wild animals is strictly prohibited.
  • This includes monkeys, birds, deer, reptiles, and all other wildlife species.
  • Feeding wildlife can alter natural behavior, create health risks, and lead to dangerous habituation.

Litter & Plastic Reduction

  • Plastic waste and food scraps pose serious risks to wildlife.
  • All waste must be disposed of in wildlife-proof covered bins provided within designated resort areas.
  • Littering is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property or during safari excursions.

Light & Sound Ethics

  • Loud music, shouting, and disruptive noise are not permitted.
  • Exterior lighting is intentionally kept low-intensity and wildlife-friendly.
  • Quiet observation helps preserve natural wildlife movement corridors.

Habitat Protection

  • Guests must remain on marked paths and paved walkways.
  • Do not remove plants, break branches, pick flowers, or disturb nests, burrows, or other wildlife habitats.

Reporting Injured or Distressed Wildlife

  • Immediately notify resort management or our resident naturalist if an injured or distressed animal is seen nearby.
  • Do not approach, capture, or handle the animal.
  • Resort staff will coordinate directly with Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) officers.

2. Wilderness Awareness & Boundary Safety

Living beside Wilpattu’s wilderness offers a unique experience, but it also requires awareness and adherence to safety protocols.

Property Boundaries

  • Guests must respect all boundary signs and restricted areas.
  • Entering the national park buffer zone without a certified guide and valid DWC permit is illegal.

Nighttime Safety

  • Wildlife activity increases significantly after dark.
  • Guests must remain within illuminated lodge pathways between dusk and dawn.
  • Walking beyond designated resort clearings at night is prohibited.
  • Escort assistance is available from the front desk upon request.

Child Supervision

  • Children must be supervised at all times in outdoor, garden, and pool areas.
  • Children must never be left unattended near the resort boundary.

3. Reservations, Rates & Stay Policies

Check-In & Check-Out

  • Check-In: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Check-Out: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request, subject to room availability.

Security Deposit

A refundable cash deposit of USD 20 is collected upon arrival to cover incidental damages. The deposit is returned in full following room inspection at check-out.

Payment Methods

Payments are settled directly at the resort. Major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and cash are accepted.

Infants (Age 1 & Under)

USD 15 per night. Cribs are available upon request, subject to availability.

Children (Ages 1–10)

USD 25 per night. Extra beds are available in selected ground-floor triple rooms.

4. Cancellation & No-Show Policy

Free Cancellation

Reservations may be cancelled free of charge up to 14 days before arrival.

Late Cancellation

Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival will incur a 100% charge of the total booking value.

No-Show

Failure to arrive without prior written notice will result in forfeiture of the full booking amount.

5. Safari Excursions & Park Rules

Safari excursions arranged by Wilpattu Safari Resort are conducted in accordance with Department of Wildlife Conservation regulations.

Jeep Capacity

Private safari jeeps accommodate up to 7 guests per vehicle. Additional vehicles for larger groups can be arranged in advance.

Vehicle Safety

  • Guests must remain seated while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Standing on seats, leaning excessively outside the jeep, or exiting the vehicle outside designated areas is prohibited.

Substance Restrictions

Alcohol consumption and smoking are strictly prohibited inside safari vehicles and within the national park.

Guide Authority

Drivers and assigned naturalists have full authority during excursions. Failure to follow safety instructions may result in immediate termination of the safari without refund.

Wildlife Sightings Disclaimer

Wild animals move freely in their natural habitat; sightings of specific species such as leopards or sloth bears cannot be guaranteed.

6. House Regulations & Resort Etiquette

No Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in guest rooms, indoor dining areas, and thatched structures due to the elevated fire risk in dry-zone bushland.

Pet Policy

Domestic pets are not permitted on the property to prevent disease transmission and avoid attracting or disturbing wildlife.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are observed daily from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM to maintain a peaceful environment for guests and nocturnal wildlife.

Events & Parties

Private events, loud celebrations, and external gatherings require prior written approval from resort management.

7. Liability & Governing Law

Limitation of Liability

Guests participate in safaris, nature walks, and other resort activities at their own risk. Wilpattu Safari Resort is not responsible for personal injury, illness, loss, theft, or damage to personal property. Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before arrival.

Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Any dispute arising from the use of our services or property shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Sri Lanka.