"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. "
"No hot water, terrible wi-fi, air-conditioning broke down and TV didn't work. Poor weather conditions did not help however overall not a pleasurable stay."
"This hotel is our usual place to stay when we go to Kataragama with the whole family. It’s very welcoming and a happy place to stay for the night. Very clean and food is great."
"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...
Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park - Hostel
Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park - Hostel
Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park - Hostel
Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park - Hostel
Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park - Hostel
Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park - Hostel
2.0 star property
Kataragama
6.0 out of 10, (1)
6.0/10
(1)
"Hotel a 3 km de la ville, assez éloigné sans service a proximité.
Safari trés cher.
J'avais résérvé une chambre mais a mon arrivée il n'y en avait pas alors on m'a proposé le dortoir au meme tarif se que j'ai refusé et aprés discussion j'ai obtenu une tente-chambre.
Trés bien dans la grosse savane mais prés de la grande route pas nécessaire du tout.
Personnel serviable mais on sans que l'argent et le but premier du centre.
"
"Worst Experience – This is Not Even a Hotel
This place should not be listed as a hotel. It is located in the middle of nowhere, completely inaccessible by car. We had to walk a long distance on foot, during which we encountered wild animals — an extremely unsafe situation.
Upon arrival, we were shocked to find that the entire facility was in a state of severe neglect. Mold was present everywhere — on the walls, ceilings, and even furniture. The conditions were absolutely unacceptable.
We...
"From start to finish the staff made our trip perfect. Incredibly friendly, attentive, always looking to do something a little extra to make your stay unforgettable.
Incredible food and accommodation (with hot running water and full comfort!) in a romantic setting surrounded by nature, private safaris in stunning Yala National Park led by guides who are passionate about the animals in the park - we saw countless birds, water buffalo, lizards, a wild boar family, even a sloth bear!"
"Very nice resort. Very accommodating. Decent restaurant. Swimming pool, Bar. Pooltable, bathtubs.
One TIP: Bring mosquito spray for night time, its close to the jungle obviously "
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
"Wow, what an experience. When we pulled up into the camp, there was an elephant just there (a tusker no less). The standards were consistently high from there. We were well looked after by the manager Ravi, with impeccable service throughout. My wife's gluten free requirement being well looked after. The views are stunning, the food was great. At camp we sat and watched birds, and beyond seeing an elephant we saw a leopard just crossing the road outside! Before going to bed... Shine a torch into the canopy overhead, and there was a polecat (civet), desperately climbing away from us!
Two days of safari in yala, were two of the best of our lives. Elephants, leopards, bears, birds, jackals, buffalo... Achi (driver) made sure we didn't miss a thing. 10/10, if you love nature, don't hesitate to stay here.
One thing to note is the price doesn’t include safari.
Top tip - take ear plugs, you really are completely surrounded by nature all the time."
"Really nice place surrounded by nature and adjacent to a serene lake. Lots of birds to watch while sipping your tea on your private patio and even the odd visit from neighbhood monkeys. Rooms are clean, with ceiling fan and AC, with very few bugs/mosquitoes inside.
The staff are incredibly helpful and kind. They also offer safari from 4 hours to full day at seemingly standard prices. We did a six hour private safari for 31K PP where we saw elephants, mongooses, loads of birds, and even (just about) a leapord.
Food is good, simple, traditional vegetarian Sri Lankan cuisine. No fresh coffee and no alcohol served but seemed ok with others bringing their own. The biryani comes with the local buffalo curd which is delicious."
"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. "
"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. "
What are some of the best holiday rentals that Kataragama has to offer?
Luxury Villa with an outdoor pool - BNB (10P): This holiday home rental outside of Kataragama offers an outdoor pool, a garden and a BBQ to help you feel perfectly comfortable in your new surroundings. It has 3 bedrooms, as well as a kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and kitchenware, so that you can cook with friends or family. See all vacation rentals in Kataragama.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Kataragama, will I receive a refund?
Yes! The majority of hotel reservations are fully refundable provided that you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and be given a refund within 24 hours of booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Kataragama.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Kataragama?
Travellers to Kataragama will find plenty to explore and enjoy. In Kataragama, there are 36 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Kataragama.
The hottest months are usually April and June, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 27°C. The rainiest months in Kataragama are November, December, October and April, with each month seeing an average of 195 mm of rainfall.
