Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka 2024

When can I go?

9 February - 18 February 2024	On Sale
6 September - 15 September 2024	On Sale
Duration	10 days

9 February - 18 February 2024

On Sale

6 September - 15 September 2024

On Sale

Duration

10 days

What does it cost?

Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka 2024

It's time to go wild and trek across the tear drop island of Sri Lanka for animal charities. Home to over 800 amazing animal species and all sorts of exotic plants, Sri Lanka is the closest thing to paradise this planet has and we can't wait to challenge ourselves there with you!

Together, we’ll trek through rolling rice fields and tropical farms, climb the ancient Sigiriya rock, meditate with a monk and finish at the very special Elephant Transit Home, initiated by the Born Free Foundation. Hiking up mighty hills for extraordinary panoramas and passing through small towns, we’ll gain insight into the serene Sri Lankan culture and even spend a night sleeping in a monastery.

It may sound peaceful, but your legs won’t be sleeping by day! We’ll trek from Dambulla in the heart of the vegetable farming region in the dryer side of the country to the Bandarawela Buddhist temple, nestled in the misty South. Climbing the eighth modern wonder of the world, the Sigiriya Rock, is a challenge in itself and that’s only a fraction of our trek!

At the end of our adventure, we'll enjoy a jeep safari in the important wildlife reserve of Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, buffalos, monkeys, eagles, lizards and Sri Lanka grey hornbill - and that's only to name a few.

Finally, as if this challenge couldn't get any better, we spend our last day relaxing at the paradise beach at Hikkaduwa.

Challenge Grading Explained

The distance walked over the 5 days is testing with a moderate level of elevation gain over the week and a maximum altitude of 1,900 m, not considered to be a risk of altitude sickness. Temperatures and humidity will be challenging as will be the varied terrain underfoot throughout the trek.

Your itinerary

Days 1 & 2
UK – Colombo – Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Our challenge begins when we meet at the airport for our overnight flight to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

Once we touch down on Day 2, we enjoy a scenic coach transfer through rolling rice fields, tropical coconut and rubber plantations and charming, little villages, until we reach our hotel in Dambulla in the heart of the island.

Here, we can relax for the evening with our first group dinner and an exciting briefing from our challenge guides, a fab opportunity to gain more insight into our trek ahead.

As we can expect from the capital of vegetable distribution in Sri Lanka, Dambulla is stunning and bright with lush, green vegetation, a perfect place to spend our first night in the country.

Day 3
Dambulla - Sigirya Rock Fortress – Dambulla | approx. 13km

Today, we commence our trek through beautiful, local farmland and forests and alongside dry-land lakes until we reach the spectacular Sigirya Rock Fortress.

Known as the Eighth Modern Wonder of the World, this is an awesome, ancient rock, formed from the magma of an extinct volcano. It reaches 370m above sea level, overshadowing its surrounding jungles by a whopping 200m – and guess what? We trek up it!

After a short break at the foot of the fortress, we make our way to the top of the rock and take in the incredible panoramas, across an expanse of tropical jungles and farmland.

Here at the summit, we can also explore the ruins of King Kasyapa’s Palace, which dates back to 477-495 CE, when the ancient king made the site his capital. Then it’s back down we go and we finish our day’s hike when we reach our hotel in Dambulla.

Day 4
Dambulla – Naula – Matale - Kandy | approx. 17km

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to a small town called Naula in the low-country dry plains of the Matale province.

From here, we trek from the dry plains all the way to the wet-zone of Sri Lanka, admiring the dramatic changes in scenery as we enter the island’s more humid side.

Our trek takes us to Matale, the largest town in the district, which lies on the Northern ridge of the central hills. Having finished our day's challenge, we can take in the beautiful surroundings of the Knuckles Mountain Range, which the British called “Wiltshire”, before transferring to our hotel in Kandy.

This biscuit-tin-beautiful city is centred around the Bogambara Lake and made up of a mix of lush vegetation and architecture, both historic and modern.

In the evening, we make the most of Kandy’s fantastic culture and visit the much-revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha.

Day 5
Kandy – Pupuressa – Pussellawa – Nuwara Eliya | approx. 15km

Rising early, we have breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to a delightful tea factory in Pupuressa. Here, we enjoy a cup of the local Pure Ceylon Tea, before we start our trek along jeep tracks with fabulous views of the rolling tea country.

As the day draws on, our route becomes more challenging, as we trek uphill through some very tall grass! Depending on the weather, we may need to use ropes for support – an awesome adventure.

We at last reach Pussellawa, where we meet our coach and transfer to the “City of Light” aka. Nuwara Eliya and find our hotel.

Day 6
Pussellawa – Ohiya – St Benedict’s Monastery, Adisham – Haputale | approx. 10km

Our day begins with an exciting train journey from Nanu Oya Railway Station to our starting point at Ohiya Station. On the ride, we’ll get some gorgeous views of the Horton Plains National Park and the forest that surrounds the train tracks.

It’s also a great chance to give our legs a bit of a rest, before we get back on our feet again at Ohiya and make our way through mountain forests, eucalyptus plantations and small villages. This will give us some wonderful insight into the friendly culture of Sri Lanka and yet more idyllic panoramas.

Our route leads us to the absolutely charming St Benedict’s Monastery, Adisham, which looks like something out of a story book, a pretty, stone bungalow tucked in the hills and mist of South Eastern Sri Lanka.

The monastery dates back to the late nineteenth century and is now a home to young, Benedictine monks. We stay the night in a hotel in the nearby town of Haputale, enjoying our gorgeous surroundings of misty rice fields and the wide range of flora.

Day 7
Haputale – Kahagala Estate – Bandarawela Buddhist Temple | approx. 12km

Day 7 is a true highlight of our challenge. Beginning our trek at the Kahagala Estate, we wander through even more tea plantations and local villages, before descending to a quaint temple, where we stay for the night.

This evening, we sit quietly with one of the friendly Buddhist monks for an hour of meditation. Surrounded by Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and lush, green forest, this is the perfect place to meditate and absorb the area’s tranquillity.

A little later on, the monk joins us again for a discussion about Buddhism, meditation and the secrets of a simple life.

Tonight, we have the fabulous opportunity to sleep in the halls of the temple. The dormitory-style halls we sleep in are comfortable and suffice, but modest with limited facilities.

Day 8
Bandarawela Buddhist Temple – Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home – Hikkaduwa

Our day today even surpasses yesterday’s, as not only do we get a rest from the walking, but we visit the incredibly special Elephant Transit Home, initiated by the Born Free Foundation. Here, baby elephants who are orphaned or injured in the wild are brought in to receive care and rehabilitation.

Once the elephants are healthy and old enough, they are radio collared and released in to the park where their progress is tracked. The first elephants to be rehabilitated at the Elephant Transit Home have already started reproducing successfully in the wild, a truly sustainable initiative.

After an awesome morning, we enjoy a jeep safari of the Udawalawe National Park. This is probably the best National Park for elephants on the island and acts as a sanctuary for the many beautiful, wild animals displaced by the construction of the reservoir, while protecting the land from cultivation.

Later, we transfer to the small town of Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast of the island, where we find our accommodation for the night, a resort on a paradise beach.

Day 9
Hikkaduwa | Free day or optional trek (approx. 7km, flat terrain)

Today, you have a choice of awesome activities. You can either spend the day relaxing at the beach and hotel or you can do an optional trek on flat terrain through the area’s beautiful rice fields and coconut and cinnamon plantations.

Along the way, we can enjoy a ride on a local fisherman’s catamaran through the lagoon and explore a small temple, which is over three hundred years old and home to some charming paintings.

Our optional trek ends at a small, local restaurant for lunch. Another option you have today is to visit the Dutch Fort in the nearby Galle and get a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s rich, colonial history.

The quaint, narrow, cobblestoned streets, which crisscross the fort, lined by tiny guest houses and restaurants, make it easy to imagine what life must have been like here during the Dutch colonisation. We rest tonight in the same beach resort we enjoyed last night.

Day 10
Hikkaduwa - Colombo - UK

Day 10 sees us rising early to end our adventure in Sri Lanka, with a transfer from our hotel to the airport in Colombo.

From here, we fly back to the UK, enlightened with a huge sense of achievement, having accomplished an amazing challenge for animals in need.

Book my place

Do I have to fundraise for an animal charity?

Whilst we encourage people to fundraise for an animal charity, shelter or sanctuary on this trekking challenge in Sri Lanka, we are happy for you to support a different type of charity.

How will you support me?

The Dream Challenges team are here to help you achieve your charity trek in Sri Lanka, and we will support you all the way. We're always on hand to answer any questions that you may have about your training or the challenge itself.

Once you've signed up, we will send you a Trek Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka 2024 Welcome Pack with everything you need to know about your overseas challenge, including the itinerary, an example insurance policy, details about our challenge destination and the weather we can expect while we're trekking in Sri Lanka, the structure of an average trekking day, a full kit list and a realistic training plan to help you get fit for the challenge. The training programme builds up gradually as the trek gets closer.

We'll also send you regular email updates in the lead-up to the adventure, with more important details, motivational resources, and seasonal fundraising ideas.

During the trek, we'll have a UK doctor with expedition medicine training accompanying the group at all times, along with a team of outdoor remote first-aid trained challenge guides.

I’m worried about signing up on my own…

Please don't be! The majority of people will sign up on their own and our Dream Challenges are renowned for the amazing camaraderie and life long friendships made as our groups take on these incredible feats together.

Once you've signed up for the challenge, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group for everyone registered for Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka 2024.

Please feel free to use this space to swap questions, advice and updates with your fellow trekkers on your training and fundraising. You may also want to reach out to the fellow participants in this group to see if there's anyone in your local area you can meet up to train and fundraise with.

How fit do I need to be?

Our non-competitive overseas charity challenges aren't about living in the gym. Many people who sign up for Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka are likely to have a low level of fitness level when they sign up.

The point is to train, do your best, and reach your fitness goal. Our supportive challenge guides and community spirit will help you conquer the challenge of a lifetime. You're also likely to improve your mental health and well-being, and you can make a huge difference for the animal charity closest to your heart.

We strongly recommend you train for the trek. We'll tackle very steep climbs and descents through the mountains on uneven terrain. You also need to be prepared for trekking an average of 6-8 hours every day in humid conditions. We'll break this up with short breaks and lunch stops

Once you register for our trek in Sri Lanka, we'll send you a realistic training plan. This builds up gradually over time so you'll be ready and raring to go by the time we depart for Sri Lanka. We also recommend checking out our top trekking tips here and our indoor training ideas here for the days you don't feel like facing the weather!

Is there a minimum/maximum age limit?

Everyone who is at least 18 years old by the challenge date is more than welcome to join this awesome challenge. There is no maximum age limit. One of the amazing things about the challenge is that people of all ages will come together to do something very special.

If you know someone under 18 who would like to join the challenge with you, please get in touch with our team to discuss their participation. Simply email us at bookings@dream-challenges.com or call us on 01590 646410.

Do I need special equipment?

You will of course need a pair of walking boots. We will supply you with a comprehensive list of everything you will need to take on the event well before your departure date.

Where will we sleep overnight?

We will stay in comfortable hotels throughout this challenge, except for one night spent in a wonderful Buddhist temple.

The temple we sleep in is comfortable but modest, so the facilities are limited with shared showers and a handful of private showers.

*We organise our accommodation on a twin-sharing basis. However, if you would like to pay for a single supplement and have a room to yourself wherever possible, please get in touch at least 17 weeks before the challenge and we can arrange this for you at an additional price.

Can I extend my stay at the end of the challenge?

Yes of course! If you wish to extend your stay in Sri Lanka, simply get in touch and we can find flight options for you.

Please let us know if you decide to do this at least 17 weeks before our departure date by emailing us at bookings@dream-challenges.com or calling us on 01590 646410 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

What will the group size be?

We anticipate the group size to be around 30 people. You're sure to make a group of amazing new friends.

What's included?

Your registration fee of £349 per person is used to administer the challenge and secure your seats with the airline.

Your challenge costs of £1,995 (ie. 50% of the fundraising target if you choose the sponsorship option) cover:

Your flights (not including airport taxes and the fuel surcharge, capped at £475).
Meals throughout the challenge (except for your lunch and dinner on your free day on Day 9).
Accommodation.*
All transfers and luggage transportation in Sri Lanka.
Entry fees where applicable
A team of outdoor remote first-aid trained local guides and Dream Challenges staff.
Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your challenge.
Medical support, including a UK doctor with expedition medicine training.
Your Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka 2024 medal and t-shirt.

*Accommodation is included on a twin-sharing basis, but you may choose to pay for a single supplement. If you would like to do this, please get in touch at least 17 weeks before your challenge and we can arrange this for you at an additional price.

What other costs will I pay?

In addition to paying your registration fee (£349) and either paying your challenge costs (£1,995) or fundraising the minimum sponsorship target (£3,990), you'll need to budget for your:

Airport taxes and the fuel surcharge (capped at £475).
Personal travel insurance.
Gratuities.
Personal expenses.
Your visa for Sri Lanka (You will need to arrange this yourself. We'll send you details of this in the lead-up to the challenge.)
Optional excursions/extensions.
Accommodation is included on a twin-sharing basis, but you may choose to pay for a single supplement. If you would like to do this, please get in touch at least 17 weeks before your challenge and we can arrange this for you at an additional price.

What about insurance and visas?

Travel Insurance
Please take out your own travel insurance upon registering for our trek in Sri Lanka, covering health, accident, loss and repatriation. We advise you to arrange your insurance as soon as you can after you register to ensure you have coverage for your booking as well as the challenge itself.

In your Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka 2024 Welcome Pack, you will receive information about an insurance provider that specialises in our type of overseas charity challenges and also covers you for cancellation due to medically-diagnosed COVID-19.

You can, however, take out your own insurance, providing it covers you for a charity trek in Sri Lanka. Please ask the insurer about the nature of the cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate coverage for your challenge.

Visa
You will be required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Sri Lanka, we will send you all the relevant information and forms to do this before the challenge.

NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Walk on the Wild Side Trek Sri Lanka 2024

When can I go?

What does it cost?