If you are looking for a deep, meaningful connection with nature and culture, we invite you to stay a little longer. While our minimum stay is two days, many of our guests find themselves staying for weeks or even months.
At the Elephant Freedom Project, you aren't just a visitor—you are a member of our team and a guest in our home. You will live with our family, bond with our elephants, and experience the authentic rhythm of everyday life in Sri Lanka.
You will stay in the beautiful, spacious home of Ananda, Malie, and their daughter Shashini. We provide a clean and welcoming environment where you can relax after a rewarding day of work.
Room & House Features:
Comfortable Bedrooms: Equipped with bed sheets, towels, and A/C.
Private Facilities: Attached bathrooms with Western-style toilets.
Shared Spaces: A large living area with a TV, a cozy seating area, and a peaceful veranda.
Stay Connected: WiFi is available in the living areas.
Staying with us is a hands-on journey. You’ll gain a deep understanding of elephant conservation and Sri Lankan culture through a variety of daily tasks:
Daily Cleaning: Assist in cleaning the elephants' sleeping areas and clearing the local river of plastic and debris to keep the environment safe for Kumari and Menike.
Nutrition: Help prepare elephant meals, feed them, and plant new food sources like banana plants and sugar cane.
Exclusive Time: Enjoy peaceful, unrushed moments with Kumari and Menike during special morning and afternoon hours, away from the day-visitors.
Traditional Cooking: Join Malie in the kitchen to learn the secrets of authentic Sri Lankan spices and recipes.
Community Outreach: Visit a local school in Rambukkana to help students practice their English conversation skills.
Creative Projects: Long-term guests are invited to leave their mark by painting elephant-themed murals on our project walls.
Local Industry: Visit the nearby Tea Factory or the fascinating Elephant Dung Paper Factory.
Adventure: Climb Saradiel’s Hill (the "Sri Lankan Robin Hood") for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
To ensure you get the most out of your time and meet the elephants during their early morning routine, we ask that you arrive the evening before your first full day.
Example 2-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at 17:00 for a warm welcome, dinner, and your first overnight stay.
Day 2: A full day of activities and elephant time + overnight stay.
Day 3: A full day of activities, departing at 17:00.
We believe in transparent, all-inclusive pricing. Your fee covers accommodation, all meals, and all activities.
| Duration | Price per Adult |
| 2 Days / 2 Nights | €140 |
| 3 Days / 3 Nights | €200 |
| 5 Days / 5 Nights | €320 |
| 7 Days / 7 Nights | €430 |
| 14 Days / 14 Nights | €790 |
Family Discounts:
Children (0–1): Free of charge.
Children & Teens (2–17): 50% Discount.
A: No prior experience with elephants is required. Our team will provide all the necessary training and guidance to ensure you are comfortable and safe while helping with the elephants' care.
A: Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including preparing food (fruit baskets), cleaning the stables, observing elephant social behavior, and assisting with maintenance projects around the sanctuary.
A: While we welcome guests for any duration, we recommend staying at least 3–5 days to truly immerse yourself in the project and build a connection with the elephants and our mission.
A: We provide clean, comfortable, and authentic but modern accommodation near the sanctuary. You will experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Kegalle countryside with traditional Sri Lankan meals provided.
A: No. Our philosophy is strictly "no-riding." Our long-term stays are focused on ethical observation, care, and respecting the elephants' natural behaviors.
A: You are more than welcome to come alone! Many of our volunteers are solo travelers. You will be joining a friendly, like-minded community of staff and other guests, so you will never feel truly alone unless you want some quiet time to yourself.
A: Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. For the Kegalle area, the best weather is typically from December to April. However, the lush green scenery is beautiful even during the "inter-monsoon" periods.
A: We are fluent in English and Sinhala. We are very experienced in hosting international guests and ensuring everyone feels at home.
A: Most visitors enter on a standard tourist visa (ETA). If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you can easily extend your visa online or at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
A: Yes, we provide Wi-Fi access. While the connection is generally reliable for emails and messaging, please remember we are in a rural setting, so it may be slower than what you are used to at home.
A: Yes, Sri Lanka is known for its warm hospitality and is generally very safe for travelers. Like any destination, we recommend using common sense and respecting local customs.
A: Yes. We require all long-term guests and volunteers to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and personal accidents.
A: Absolutely. We encourage volunteers to explore! We are located near beautiful temples, tea plantations, and local markets. We can help you arrange afternoon trips or weekend excursions.
A: Yes! We encourage you to check our reviews on TripAdvisor and social media to hear directly from previous guests and volunteers about their experiences.
We would love to welcome you to our home and introduce you to Kumari and Menike. Spaces can fill up quickly, especially during holidays, so we recommend booking in advance.
To reserve your stay, simply contact us through the contact form below or send an email to efpsrilanka@gmail.com
We can’t wait to meet you!