Compare hotels in Kataragama from AU$160

What an amazing time we had at yala safari camping! The place is magical - completely immersed in the jungle, with trees as far as the eye can see and the mountains in the distance. Our « tent » (it’s not really a tent, definitely more like a luxury cabin) was in front of a lily pad pond and the sounds of the frogs made it a super relaxing place to sleep. When we arrived we were immediately greeted by the friendly staff and served a Sri Lankan meal with vegetable curries and jumbo prawns which was delicious. We then went on our first safari half day with Achi in block 5 where we spotted elephants, a leopard and plenty of monkeys, deers and various birds. The next day, we went to a full day drive on block 1 with Niro, and we loved how he spent time showing us various birds - from eagles to egret, kingfishers and bee-eaters - he had a keen eye to spot and we were fascinated with all that we discovered in the jungle. We even saw another leopard walking peacefully down the road, a family of elephants bathing, a malabar pied horn bill, painted storks, mongooses, monitor lizards, deer, grey langurs, and even Sri Lankan’s national animal the giant squirrel. On our last day, we went on a bush walk with Chamara, and walked through the forest and climbed a small mountain to get incredible views. Overall Ravi and his team gave us an unforgettable experience and were lovely, attentive and kind with great attention to detail across everthing. Definitely one to remember and return to!

Very nice elevated bungalow in jungle.

Incredible place to spend a few nights while we enjoyed the peace and serenity as well as two safaris. The food was the best we had during our stay in Sri Lanka and the staff was incredible as well.

Great stay here. Food options are limited, but great for a night or two.

Makini Bush Camp is an absolute gem in Yala! The stunning tented rooms are beautifully decorated and equipped with all the comforts you could wish for, including a refreshing plunge pool—perfect for cooling off after a walk in the bush. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable stay, accommodating a range of experiences, including a half-day safari inside the park and a delightful nature walk around the camp. Our guide, Mr. Koushalya, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the local flora and fauna. He shared fascinating insights about every leaf, insect, and bird we encountered, making our journey all the more enriching. The food at Makini Bush Camp is simply the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka! Each meal features delicious homemade dishes made from fresh, local ingredients—everything was absolutely delightful! Given the camp's secluded location, I highly recommend opting for the all-inclusive package, as leaving the premises can be a bit complicated. The staff truly invests effort into creating memorable experiences. They accompanied us to a beautiful ceremony at a nearby temple, and upon our return, we were greeted with a candlelit table draped in white cloth, set around a bonfire under the stars. It was an enchanting evening! Overall, Makini Bush Camp is a special place that offers a unique perspective on Sri Lanka. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an extraordinary experience!

This was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. The room itself was dirty—stained bed sheets, no duvet - just a thin sheet, plugs falling off the walls with exposed wiring, clumps of dust and towels that were old and fraying at the edges. There wasn’t even a bottle of water in the room. The worst part? They gave us a room that was already occupied by another guest. Imagine walking into what you think is your room, only to find someone else already there. It was deeply embarrassing and unsettling, and yet there was no apology from the staff. To add to the frustration, when I asked for a spare room key as I was sharing a room with a family member, receptionist told me she’d already given one to the other guest and when I explained that I needed my own as I had a few plans on my own, she rolled her eyes before finally handing over a card—begrudgingly. The corridors were pitch black, with no lighting whatsoever, making it dangerous to walk through. Worse still, the only way to get to the first floor was via an open staircase. When it rained, the floor became slippery, and with no warning signs, it was a complete hazard. The entire experience felt unsafe, unprofessional, and deeply unpleasant. The standards of this hotel had gone downhill significantly.