Responsive image

Cinnamon Wild

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Delightful jungle and beach chalets
- Adjacent to Yala National Park
- Great for animal lovers

Speak to someone who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694

Enquire

Overview

Cinnamon Wild Yala is a characterful resort comprising a series of sixty eight chalets scattered around 10 acres of scrubland on Sri Lanka’s south east coast, just a stone’s throw from the beach. Located on the border of Yala National Park, Cinnamon Wild is ideal for nature lovers since animals such as elephant, deer and wild boar are free to roam through the grounds. There’s a lovely pool, a variety of dining facilities to enjoy, and plenty of wildlife to see both wandering through the resort and in the National Park itself.

While the 60 jungle chalets may have a rustic look and feel on first glance, they do in fact have all the modern conveniences to make for a comfortable stay such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cable TV, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar. Each jungle chalet also has a private porch complete with table and chairs. As for the 8 beach chalets, they’re perhaps better suited to couples as they’re a bit smaller and more private, though they can accommodate extra beds if required. They’re built on stilts with lovely views of the beach and sea, although note that beach visits are not recommended due to the presence of wildlife and the choppy waters which are not safe for swimming.

The resort is open year-round, although note that Yala National Park closes down in September and October due to potentially adverse weather conditions, so these are not the ideal months to visit. The national park is home to an abundance of wildlife and is known for having the highest leopard density in the world. There are also 44 other mammal species to spot, along with 215 bird species. Some of the many animals that can be seen here include peacocks, spotted deer, crocodiles, jackals, sloth bears and elephants to name but a few.

Unsurprisingly, there are many nature-based activities available at the resort. Perhaps the most exciting is the nighttime jeep tour along the edge of the Yala National Park, which has guests wearing night-vision goggles to try and spot animals in the dark. Jeep tours are also possible in the early mornings and late afternoons. Guided tours of the resort’s extensive grounds are very enjoyable, as are birdwatching trips to Bundala National Park.

Families will be pleased to know that Cinnamon Wild Yala welcomes children of all ages, although note that there are no designated facilities for children. Since the resort is unfenced with animals free to roam, parents are advised to supervise their children at all times even even though it’s very unlikely that animals will approach chalets or people.

Suggested Itineraries for Cinnamon Wild

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

+
See more reviews

Decisions...

Stop searching and speak to someone who knows.

Enquire Now