Sri Lanka tuk-tuk self drive adventure

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We are honest that international flights represent the largest single source of emissions for travellers on this trip, and we do not offset or greenwash this. What we can control, we take seriously. Every adventure is an overland journey where there are no internal flights within the itinerary. The entire approx 800km is driven by Tuk-Tuk.

Tuk-tuks are small-engine, three-wheeled vehicles that consume significantly less fuel per journey than the diesel coaches or minibuses typically used to move groups through Sri Lanka. They are not electric, but they are considerably more efficient than the alternatives. Electrification of our vehicle fleet is in development. All departures operate in small groups of 5-20 people, which maximises the efficiency of any support vehicles and reduces the per-person logistical footprint. We plan routes carefully to avoid unnecessary mileage and match support vehicles to the size of each group.

Several properties on this route are operated by the Thema Collection, the first hotel group in Sri Lanka to achieve verified carbon certification across its properties. Thema uses solar panels for water heating group-wide, active waste-recycling streams, linen re-use programmes, and has significantly reduced single-use plastic through locally crafted clay and coconut alternatives.

Human-powered activity is built into the itinerary: the Ella rest day includes options like hiking Ella Rock and the jungle walk to Nine Arches Bridge; the Gal Oya section includes a boat safari on foot from camp. Sri Lanka's cuisine is naturally plant-forward and vegetarian options are available at every property on this route.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We partner with LORRIS (Land Owners Restore Rainforests in Sri Lanka), working to restore montane evergreen forest which is among the most endangered in the world. Since 2009, our Sri Lanka departures have contributed to reforestation programmes, school fruit garden development and environmental field trips in communities along routes like this one. The Knuckles Range and Ella highlands, both on this itinerary, sit within the montane forest zone LORRIS works to protect.

We also sponsor SEE Turtles, an organisation working to end the trade in tortoiseshell products and protect sea turtles across our operating destinations. This is renewed annually.

The route passes through Gal Oya National Park; entry fees contribute directly to Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation. We do not include elephant riding, animal performances, captive wildlife handling, or any attraction where wild animals are kept for visitor entertainment. All wildlife encounters on this trip are in the wild, at appropriate distance.

The Thema Collection properties on this route, including Wild Glamping Gal Oya, source over 80% of fresh produce locally from nearby farmers, eliminating the carbon and supply chain impacts of imported food. Wild Glamping Gal Oya operates with a specific focus on community engagement and preservation of indigenous heritage in the surrounding area.

We partner with Travelers Against Plastic (TAP) and we communicate to all participants to take reusable water bottles. We provide all travellers with reusable cloth bags for shopping etc. We do not print materials unless absolutely necessary. Single-use plastic is actively discouraged throughout the trip. All travellers receive pre-departure information on reducing their environmental impact during the journey.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Over 90% of accommodation used across our Sri Lanka adventures are locally owned. Properties on this route are independently operated. Where larger hotels are used, we prioritise groups that demonstrate responsible environmental practices and local employment. Accommodation is reassessed after every departure and updated where better alternatives emerge.

Lunches are taken at local restaurants on the road chosen by the participants as they drive through more rural areas. The challenge format built into each day actively routes guests off main roads and into local interactions. They visit markets, roadside stalls, villages and help by putting money directly into the hands of people who would not typically benefit from tourism. Up to 5% of profit from each departure is directed to vetted community and conservation partners in Sri Lanka, with transparent reporting to travellers on how it is used.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All in-country staff such as the mechanics, support crew and ground contacts are Sri Lankan nationals employed from local communities. The only international team member is the company tour leader who leads each departure. All Sri Lankan staff are paid at or above the national minimum wage as set by the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act.

Our longest-standing community partnership in Sri Lanka is with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, active since 2009, funding musical instruments and equipment for remote schools, classroom construction, bicycles, water filters and assistive equipment for internally displaced communities. Since 2009 we have also funded English Activity Rooms in rural Sri Lankan schools through our LORRIS education programme providing teachers, computers and books to give children in remote areas access to English language education and the economic opportunities it creates.

We run bespoke charity departures with UK organisations including CAFT (Children's Adventure Farm Trust) and Wooden Spoon (The Children's Rugby Charity), combining adventure with direct fundraising for disadvantaged and disabled children. All travellers receive a pre-departure cultural briefing covering behaviour at religious sites, appropriate dress, photography guidelines and a non-negotiable no drink-driving rule.

This trip is LGBTQ+ friendly. We do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in any aspect of our operations or guest experience.