SRI LANKA WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
with Matt Krumins Photography
10 DAYS OF DIVERSITY
TRIP COST – $9950AUD*
1st-10th Jul 2027 – 5 SPOTS ONLY
10th-20th Jun 2028 – 5 SPOTS ONLY
*Subject to annual service provider rate increases.
Join me for an unforgettable wildlife photography adventure through Sri Lanka, one of the best places on Earth to photograph wild leopards. Across the renowned national parks of Wilpattu, Minneriya and Kumana we’ll search for these elusive cats alongside herds of wild elephants, sloth bears, exotic birdlife, crocodiles, monkeys, deer, buffalo, reptiles, jackals and countless other species.
As we road trip around the country we’ll discover the rich culture that makes Sri Lanka so captivating, visiting ancient historical sites, colourful local villages and experiencing some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in Asia. With a small group or just 5 participants, private safaris and personalised coaching throughout the journey, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to refine your wildlife photography while experiencing one of the world’s most rewarding photographic destinations.
To help you arrive ready to make the most of every encounter, I’ll also host a private wildlife photography workshop before departure, complete with my comprehensive 40 page Wildlife Photography Guide and quick-reference field cards, so you can hit the ground running from day one.
TRIP DETAILS
Trip Inclusions
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Maximum of 5 participants
- Transfers to and from Colombo Airport
- Large, comfortable bus transport around Sri Lanka
- Private safari vehicles
- Game drives in Wilpattu National Park, Minneriya National Park and Kumana National Park
- Ancient city and cultural site visits
- Walking tour of the Negombo fish markets
- Countless photography opportunities between our official activities
- All accommodation (private room, not twin share)
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
- Pre-trip wildlife workshop (Melb)
- Matt's 40 page Wildlife Photography Guide & quick reference flash cards
DIVERSE WILDLIFE
Sri Lanka might be small, but its wildlife is anything but. From elusive leopards and wild elephants to vibrant birdlife, crocodiles, monkeys, reptiles and countless other species, every day brings something completely different.
ANCIENT CITIES
Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where centuries-old temples, towering stupas and sacred sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. It’s the perfect opportunity to photograph a different side of Sri Lanka while experiencing one of Asia’s most remarkable cultural treasures.
A WORKSHOP, NOT A TOUR
Some 'workshops' are just tours with a different name, that's not my style. On this trip I'm by your side ready to help with tips, settings, feedback and most importantly 'opportunity spotting' because sometimes it's about learning to see what is in front of you that helps the most.
TRIP ITINERARY
Flights are not included however we will try our best to co-ordinate our team flying together from Melbourne or meeting at Columbo airport for our transfer to Negombo to begin our workshop.
ARRIVAL
Arrive in Columbo and transfer Negombo. Settle into our accommodation and then head out for a late afternoon walk through town and visit the fishing boats on the beach.
NEGOMBO → WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Rise early for a 5:15am departure to visit the Negombo fish markets for some street photography. Back to the hotel for breakfast and we depart for Wilpattu. After an approximate 4hr drive we have lunch, check in and head out for an afternoon 1/2 day safari to seek out the Sloth Bears, Leopards and countless other wildlife opportunities.
WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
We set off at 5:30am to beat the sunrise as we head to Wilpattu National Park for a full day safari. With packed breakfast and lunch we spend the entire day exploring the park and returning at 6:30pm for dinner at the hotel.
WILPATTU → ANURADHAPURA → HABARRANA
Breakfast at the hotel and then we board our bus to the ancient city of Anuradhapura for a walking tour of the temples with local guide. Then it's on to lunch and straight through to Habarana. Once we check in we will have a few hours in the afternoon for some wildlife photography around the lake (or you can just chill out for a moment!) before having dinner and heading out on a night safari around the local farmlands to seek out Fishing Cats, nocturnal bird life and if you're super lucky a Lorris.
HABARANA / MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK
Visit ancient city of Polonnaruwa and photograph the monkeys amongst the and ancient structures. Head out to a Village style lunch in Polonnaruwa (32 Dishes).
Then it's off to Minneriya National Park known for its large elephant population. Back to the hotel for dinner.
HABARRANA → KUMANA NATIONAL PARK
It's another early start as we travel down from Habarana to Aragum Bay, the home of Kumana National Park. We check in and head out for an afternoon safari in what is the most picturesque parks in Sri Lanka.
KUMANA NATIONAL PARK
We set off at 5:00am to beat the sunrise as we head to Kumana National Park for a full day safari seeking out Sloth Bears, Leopards, Elephants and more birds than you can twitch at. With packed breakfast and lunch delivered to the park gate we spend the entire day exploring the park and returning at 7:00pm for dinner at the hotel.
KUMANA NATIONAL PARK
We set off at 5:00am to beat the sunrise as we head to Kumana National Park for a full day safari seeking out Sloth Bears, Leopards, Elephants and more birds than you can twitch at. With packed breakfast and lunch delivered to the park gate we spend the entire day exploring the park and returning at 7:00pm for dinner at the hotel.
ARUGUM BAY → COLUMBO
Our accommodation in Arugum Bay is right on the beach with hundreds of colourful fishing boats, locals net fishing and the 9th highest rated surf break in the world. This makes some fantastic photography opportunities before we have breakfast and board the bus destined for Columbo. Along the way we do a short stop in Galle Fort (historic Dutch fort town) before checking in to our accommodation, having dinner and hitting the Galle Face Green night markets.
DEPARTURE
Day 10 is our final good buys as we indulge in one last breakfast and board the bus for Columbo Airport.
EQUIPMENT & FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Yep, you will need a camera! Whilst not essential, to make the most of this workshop experience I would suggest having a reasonably modern camera with good focus capability. If you’re not sure, give me a bell – 0402812805.
We will be covering a combination of wildlife, landscape and portraiture/street. For wildlife I suggest a telephoto lens of at least 400mm (34mm equivalent) however ideally 600mm. For our landscape/street/portraiture I would suggest 24-70mm equivalent and/or 70-200mm. If you’re not sure, give me a bell – 0402812805.
For this workshop I suggest you have:
-Laptop for editing
-Spare batteries & travel charger
-No tripod/monopod required
This trip is mostly sedentary as we will be in safari trucks much of the time. These trucks can be high and in some cases require you to climb a short ladder. We will also be doing a number of walking days on uneven tracks however these should not be strenuous. It is also relatively hot at this time of year so please factor this in (can be humid). If you’re unsure, please give me a call on 0402812805
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best thing about my international workshops is that we run them in places that are actually wild. This means that we take amazing local guides, employ the most experienced drivers and visit the right locations but being wild animals there is never a guarantee. All we can do is line up all the pieces on our end and then hope Mother Nature performs!
We cover A LOT of content on this trip but we are a small group and always start our theory sessions from the ground up so even as a beginner you will be more than welcome. I pride myself on having small groups to cater to everyones needs and this trip is no different. You will be surrounded by all levels of photographers from entry level to experienced all who share the same goals, to improve and have some fun.
We are in a large minibus with plenty of space and very comfortable seating as we do have a few significant drives to get between locations.
It can be but our hotels are also very good at accommodating requests like mild or western food.
Yes, laundry can be done along the way where we have multiple night stays. Average cost for a few shirts / shorts / pants etc is $5-10 aud.
Anything not specifically noted as being included in The Workshop is at your cost. This includes (but is not limited to) flights to and from Sri Lanka, airport taxes, beverages, and personal items such as phone calls, laundry and drinks. Tips for our service providers are also not included – total approximately $150USD per participant.
WHAT'S IT LIKE TO TOUR WITH MATT?
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Please note that upon registering your interest I will get in touch with you via phone to assist with any questions. This is a first in best dressed system.
Trip cost $9950AUD