WELCOME TO SRI LANKA WITH ROGER BRENDHAGEN
This document contains important information for your trip to Sri Lanka.
Please read through the document carefully. If you have any questions afterward, feel free to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Fotoresor by phone at +46 70-180 90 99 or via email. hans.elmqvist@zoomfotoresor.se
WELCOME TO SRI LANKA WITH ROGER BRENDHAGEN
This document contains important information for your trip to Sri Lanka.
Please read through the document carefully. If you have any questions afterward, feel free to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Fotoresor by phone at +46 70-180 90 99 or via email. hans.elmqvist@zoomfotoresor.se
BEFORE THE TRIP
BEFORE THE TRIP
YOUR FLIGHT TICKET
Check that the spelling of your name matches the spelling in your passport.
BAGGAGE
Airlines generally allow two pieces of luggage per person: one carry-on and one checked suitcase. The suitcase can weigh up to 23 kg, and the carry-on can weigh a maximum of 8 kg with dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. For Icelandair, the same rules apply, except the carry-on can weigh up to 10 kg with dimensions of 56 x 40 x 20 cm. For exact information on the airline you’re flying with, please refer to the respective airline’s website.
CHECK-IN
Check-in must be completed at least one hour before departure. However, we recommend checking in at least two hours before departure, as there may be queues at passport and security checks.
PASSPORT
Don’t forget your passport, as the airline will always ask to see it at check-in. Without a passport, the airline may not allow you to board.
CURRENCY / EXCHANGE
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee (LKR). ATMs are available at many hotels and banks, and international credit cards work in cities. However, be aware that withdrawing cash from an Indian ATM can be costly. The ability to withdraw cash may be limited in some areas, especially near national parks, and ATMs can be far apart. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bring a small amount of Rupees and the rest in, for example, USD. The price level in Sri Lanka is much lower than in Sweden, and it’s affordable to stay in the country. As of now (January 2025), you get 3 620 INR for 10 Pounds.
VACCINATIONS
Before traveling to Sri Lanka, it’s important to check your vaccination status. Your basic vaccinations, including tetanus, diphtheria, and polio, should be up to date. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, and in some cases, Hepatitis B, if you are not already protected. In some parts of Sri Lanka, there may be a risk of malaria, mainly in forested areas, so it’s a good idea to consult with a vaccination center about the need for malaria prophylaxis. Additionally, dengue fever is present in the country, especially during the rainy season, and since there is no vaccine for the disease, it’s important to protect yourself with insect repellent and cover-up clothing, especially during evenings and nights.
For current information and personal recommendations, it’s wise to contact a vaccination center well in advance of your trip.
VISA
You need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka. A tourist visa can be easily applied for online via Sri Lanka’s official electronic visa system (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization). It is recommended to apply at least one week before departure to avoid any delays.
For entry, you will need:
- Your passport (original)
- Confirmation of the e-visa (print out and bring the confirmation email you receive)
- For more detailed information and to apply for the visa, visit the official ETA website: eta.gov.lk.
FACEBOOK GROUP
We have created a Facebook group for the trip. Here, you can communicate, share pictures, and exchange other information with other participants and with Mattias before, during, and after the trip. Click the link below to join the group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/492445456824740
If you’re unable to access the page, email Alexander at the address below, and he will let you in.
alexander.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com
PARTICIPANT LIST
Below is a link to the participant list for the trip. Please note: If a participant has requested their information not to be shared, only their name will appear on the list.
Participant List: List of participants Sir Lanka
SEND TIMETABLE
If you haven’t already sent a copy of your flight timetable so we know how everyone is traveling, please do so as soon as possible to info@zoomfotoresor.se.
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
IF YOU ARRIVE THE DAY BEFORE
Many have booked this arrangement, but since many will arrive during the afternoon of February 15th, we have moved the city tour to February 16th. The schedule for these days is as follows:
Arrival in Sri Lanka on the day of February 15th.
At the airport, you will be greeted by a local guide. Transfer to the hotel and check-in at the first-class Radisson Hotel in Colombo. Dinner is on your own in the evening.
On the morning of February 16th, a city tour of Colombo will be arranged. During the tour, you will discover this fascinating city where East meets West. Temples, mosques, and churches bear witness to different religions flourishing side by side. Enjoy both modernity and tradition as you experience the colors, smells, and sounds of the city. Feel Colombo’s multicultural heartbeat, where Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam intertwine. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos of markets, temples, local food vendors, and much more.
After the city tour, we will transport you to Pegasus Reef Hotel, where the main trip begins. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.
PROGRAM – FEBRUARY 16–24, 2025
DAY 1 (16/2) – ARRIVAL IN SRI LANKA
Arrival in Sri Lanka during the day. We will gather at Pegasus Reef Hotel, which is beautifully located right on the beach with an inviting shore. The hotel also has a large pool for relaxation. You will meet Roger Brendhagen and a host from Zoom Fotoresor. In the evening, a grand seafood dinner will be served at the hotel’s seafood restaurant, right on the beach. Before dinner, Roger and our local guide will give you more details about the trip and what to expect. (D)
DAY 2 (17/2) – COLOMBO TO UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast and check-out, we will depart for Udawalawe National Park, where we will arrive after a little over three hours of driving. Check-in at the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort will be followed by lunch and some relaxation time before heading into Udawalawe National Park for our first safari. The park is Sri Lanka’s best national park to see large herds of elephants. It is estimated that there are over 250 wild elephants in the park, roaming in the tall grass and along the water’s edge. From the jeep, you will have a perfect view for capturing great photos, not only of wild elephants but also of water buffaloes, crocodiles, axis and sambar deer, sloth bears, wild boars, and many other animals. After exciting encounters and hopefully many great photos, we return to the hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 (18/2) – UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
As the first rays of sunlight rise over the horizon, we head into Udawalawe National Park for our first morning safari. The morning hours offer a unique opportunity to photograph the park’s elephants and water buffaloes wallowing in the mud at the water’s edge. You will be surrounded by everything from macaques and langurs jumping in the trees to axis and sambar deer, jackals, and other park animals. Additionally, the park boasts a rich birdlife, from storks to beautiful peacocks, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Leopards also live in the park, but they are very difficult to spot. During midday, when it’s warmest, we will take a break for lunch and perhaps a swim in the pool before embarking on our second safari of the day in the soft evening light.
During the day, we will also visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, located very close to the hotel. This rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned elephants is sponsored by Born Free Trust with the aim of reintroducing them into the wild in small groups when they are healthy and large enough. The first group was successfully released back into the park in 2008. During the visit, we will learn more about the center’s work. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 (19/2) – UDAWALAWE TO YALA NATIONAL PARK
This morning, we head into the park for a final safari, hoping to capture that special sunrise shot with an elephant in the foreground. Afterward, we take a refreshing shower, enjoy breakfast, and check out before traveling to our next stop on the photographic journey, Yala National Park. After checking in at Oakray Wild Yala and relaxing, we will prepare for a jeep safari in Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, the legendary Yala National Park. Prepare for fantastic photo opportunities in a park where the leopard is the king. (B, L, D)
DAY 5-6 (20-21/2) – YALA NATIONAL PARK
After a cup of coffee or tea in the early morning, we begin our first morning safari in Yala. As the sun climbs over the horizon, the park comes alive, and we might encounter a leopard stretching out in the tree. Yala is the park with the highest leopard density in Sri Lanka, with over 125 leopards. But it’s not only leopards that reside here; the park is also home to a large number of Sri Lankan elephants, a subspecies of the Asian elephant. The Sri Lankan elephant is special in that it is the largest of the Asian elephants, and fewer than one in ten males have tusks. Additionally, there are sloth bears, water buffalo, wild boars, various species of deer, jackals, crocodiles, and many other animals. We return to the hotel for breakfast and rest. This is also a chance to upload your photos to your computer and see what you’ve managed to capture so far or take a swim in the hotel pool. In the afternoon, we head back to the park for more wildlife photography in the evening light. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 (22/2) – YALA NATIONAL PARK TO MERISSA
It’s time for our final morning safari in Yala National Park, with the chance to capture beautiful sunrise photos of the animals and the park’s stunning surroundings. Afterward, we return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out before traveling to our last experience of this journey—the encounter with the giants of the sea.
We head to the town of Merissa on the Indian Ocean, where we check in at the Mandara Resort, beautifully located directly on the beach. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, swimming, and reviewing photos. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 (23/2) – WHALE WATCHING
At dawn, we embark on a whale-watching expedition. As the sun rises over the horizon, we look for blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins. The best chance to spot the animals is in the early morning hours, and capturing a blue whale on film with its characteristic split fin as it dives into the deep in the morning light is an incredible experience.
We return to port around lunchtime and head back to the hotel for check-out before the bus departs for Colombo and the first-class Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. Before the evening dinner, Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip.” This photo will automatically be entered into the final of Zoom Fotoresor’s “Photo of the Year 2025” competition, with the first prize being a gift card worth 5,000 SEK. The evening concludes with a pleasant farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 (24/2) – RETURN HOME
After breakfast, you’ll have more time for relaxation, depending on when your flight departs. (B)








The program in English
READ MORE
IF YOU ARRIVE THE DAY BEFORE
Many have booked this arrangement, but since many will arrive during the afternoon of February 15th, we have moved the city tour to February 16th.
The schedule for these days is as follows:
Arrival in Sri Lanka on the day of February 15th.
At the airport, you will be greeted by a local guide. Transfer to the hotel and check-in at the first-class Radisson Hotel in Colombo. Dinner is on your own in the evening.
On the morning of February 16th, a city tour of Colombo will be arranged. During the tour, you will discover this fascinating city where East meets West. Temples, mosques, and churches bear witness to different religions flourishing side by side. Enjoy both modernity and tradition as you experience the colors, smells, and sounds of the city. Feel Colombo’s multicultural heartbeat, where Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam intertwine. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos of markets, temples, local food vendors, and much more.
After the city tour, we will transport you to Pegasus Reef Hotel, where the main trip begins. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.
PROGRAM – FEBRUARY 16–24, 2025
DAY 1 (16/2) – ARRIVAL IN SRI LANKA
Arrival in Sri Lanka during the day. We will gather at Pegasus Reef Hotel, which is beautifully located right on the beach with an inviting shore. The hotel also has a large pool for relaxation. You will meet Roger Brendhagen and a host from Zoom Fotoresor. In the evening, a grand seafood dinner will be served at the hotel’s seafood restaurant, right on the beach. Before dinner, Roger and our local guide will give you more details about the trip and what to expect. (D)
DAY 2 (17/2) – COLOMBO TO UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast and check-out, we will depart for Udawalawe National Park, where we will arrive after a little over three hours of driving. Check-in at the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort will be followed by lunch and some relaxation time before heading into Udawalawe National Park for our first safari. The park is Sri Lanka’s best national park to see large herds of elephants. It is estimated that there are over 250 wild elephants in the park, roaming in the tall grass and along the water’s edge. From the jeep, you will have a perfect view for capturing great photos, not only of wild elephants but also of water buffaloes, crocodiles, axis and sambar deer, sloth bears, wild boars, and many other animals. After exciting encounters and hopefully many great photos, we return to the hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 (18/2) – UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
As the first rays of sunlight rise over the horizon, we head into Udawalawe National Park for our first morning safari. The morning hours offer a unique opportunity to photograph the park’s elephants and water buffaloes wallowing in the mud at the water’s edge. You will be surrounded by everything from macaques and langurs jumping in the trees to axis and sambar deer, jackals, and other park animals. Additionally, the park boasts a rich birdlife, from storks to beautiful peacocks, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Leopards also live in the park, but they are very difficult to spot. During midday, when it’s warmest, we will take a break for lunch and perhaps a swim in the pool before embarking on our second safari of the day in the soft evening light.
During the day, we will also visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, located very close to the hotel. This rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned elephants is sponsored by Born Free Trust with the aim of reintroducing them into the wild in small groups when they are healthy and large enough. The first group was successfully released back into the park in 2008. During the visit, we will learn more about the center’s work. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 (19/2) – UDAWALAWE TO YALA NATIONAL PARK
This morning, we head into the park for a final safari, hoping to capture that special sunrise shot with an elephant in the foreground. Afterward, we take a refreshing shower, enjoy breakfast, and check out before traveling to our next stop on the photographic journey, Yala National Park. After checking in at Oakray Wild Yala and relaxing, we will prepare for a jeep safari in Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, the legendary Yala National Park. Prepare for fantastic photo opportunities in a park where the leopard is the king. (B, L, D)
DAY 5-6 (20-21/2) – YALA NATIONAL PARK
After a cup of coffee or tea in the early morning, we begin our first morning safari in Yala. As the sun climbs over the horizon, the park comes alive, and we might encounter a leopard stretching out in the tree. Yala is the park with the highest leopard density in Sri Lanka, with over 125 leopards. But it’s not only leopards that reside here; the park is also home to a large number of Sri Lankan elephants, a subspecies of the Asian elephant. The Sri Lankan elephant is special in that it is the largest of the Asian elephants, and fewer than one in ten males have tusks. Additionally, there are sloth bears, water buffalo, wild boars, various species of deer, jackals, crocodiles, and many other animals. We return to the hotel for breakfast and rest. This is also a chance to upload your photos to your computer and see what you’ve managed to capture so far or take a swim in the hotel pool. In the afternoon, we head back to the park for more wildlife photography in the evening light. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 (22/2) – YALA NATIONAL PARK TO MERISSA
It’s time for our final morning safari in Yala National Park, with the chance to capture beautiful sunrise photos of the animals and the park’s stunning surroundings. Afterward, we return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out before traveling to our last experience of this journey—the encounter with the giants of the sea.
We head to the town of Merissa on the Indian Ocean, where we check in at the Mandara Resort, beautifully located directly on the beach. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, swimming, and reviewing photos. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 (23/2) – WHALE WATCHING
At dawn, we embark on a whale-watching expedition. As the sun rises over the horizon, we look for blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins. The best chance to spot the animals is in the early morning hours, and capturing a blue whale on film with its characteristic split fin as it dives into the deep in the morning light is an incredible experience.
We return to port around lunchtime and head back to the hotel for check-out before the bus departs for Colombo and the first-class Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. Before the evening dinner, Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip.” This photo will automatically be entered into the final of Zoom Fotoresor’s “Photo of the Year 2025” competition, with the first prize being a gift card worth 5,000 SEK. The evening concludes with a pleasant farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 (24/2) – RETURN HOME
After breakfast, you’ll have more time for relaxation, depending on when your flight departs. (B
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
ROGER BRENDHAGEN – Wildlife fotograf
After working as a journalist for five years, Roger Brendhagen has spent the past 20 years working as a full-time photographer. With over 300 travel days a year, Roger has the entire world as his workplace, having photographed everything from Mongolia to India and Africa.

Roger Brendhagen
READ MORE
HOTEL

PEGASUS REEF HOTEL*****

MANDARA RESORT****
WORTH KNOWING
WORTH KNOWING
TIPS
In Sri Lanka, tipping is common and appreciated by service staff who often have low base salaries. A general guideline is to give about 10% of the bill at restaurants and bars. For luggage handling, 1 USD per bag is appropriate. For guides and drivers, it is recommended to give around 15 USD per day, which can be given as a total amount at the end of the trip. Hotels often have a communal tip box for the staff; 10 USD per day is a good guide.
ELECTRICITY
Sri Lanka uses 230 volts and plugs of types D, M, and G. Therefore, it is recommended to bring a universal travel adapter. A power strip with multiple outlets can be useful for charging several devices at the same time.
CLIMATE
In February, when the trip takes place, the climate in Sri Lanka is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C. It is a transition period between the monsoon seasons, so rain may occur, but usually in the form of short showers.
CLOTHING
Light and comfortable clothing made of natural materials is recommended to cope with the heat and humidity. For visits to national parks and nature reserves, durable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are suitable. When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees should be covered. It is also wise to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and mornings.
CREDIT CARDS
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. In more remote areas, cash may be necessary. Therefore, it is advisable to carry both cash and cards.
STOMACH ISSUES
To avoid stomach discomfort, drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Wash your hands regularly with disinfectant, especially before meals. It is also wise to bring medications like Imodium or similar for potential stomach issues.
MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes are most active during the evenings and nights. Therefore, it is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothes and long pants during these times and use mosquito repellent on exposed skin. Many hotels provide mosquito nets or have air conditioning, which reduces the risk of mosquito bites.
LANGUAGE
Sri Lanka has three official languages: Sinhalese, Tamil, and English. English is understood and spoken to varying degrees, especially in tourist areas and by staff in the service industry.
PHONE
Sri Lanka has a well-developed mobile network, and coverage is available in most areas. However, it is good to check with your mobile operator about international roaming charges. An alternative is to purchase a local SIM card to reduce costs. The country code for Sri Lanka is +94.
WIFI
The hotels we stay at during the trip offer wifi, but the speed and connectivity may vary.
TIME ZONE
Sri Lanka is 5,5 hours ahead of English time during the winter months. This means that when it is 12:00 noon in Sweden, it is 16:30 in Sri Lanka.
WATER
Do not drink tap water in Sri Lanka. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are sure it is made from purified water.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
- Photographer: Roger Brendhagen, +47 976 71 870
- Zoom Fotoresor Host: Charlie Malmqvist, +46 73 771 06 16
- Police: 119
- Ambulance and Fire Department: 110
WEBSITES
- Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau: https://www.srilanka.travel/
- Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka
PACKING LIST
Below are some equipment tips. This is not mandatory but more of a guideline.
BAGS
- Luggage/large bag. We recommend packing in a soft large bag instead of a hard suitcase. They are much easier to stow in minibuses and take up less space.
- A camera bag.
SHOES AND CLOTHING
- A pair of sturdy walking shoes, or hiking boots.
- A pair of sandals or lighter shoes to wear at the hotel.
- Summer clothes such as shorts and pants, and light polo shirts.
- A long-sleeved shirt and a pair of long pants for cooler evenings.
- A cap or other headgear.
- Sunglasses.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
- Mobile phone
- Binoculars
- Electrical adapter
- A small flashlight
- Sewing kit for emergency repairs
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
We recommend bringing some personal medical supplies such as:
- Plasters
- Mosquito repellent stick
- Antiseptic cream
- Paracetamol or similar
- Sunscreen
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
- A DSLR camera with a zoom or telephoto lens up to 600mm, and preferably a short zoom like 70-200mm.
- A teleconverter, 1.4x or 2x
- A polarizing filter is useful for increasing saturation in your photos.
- A monopod, if you have space in your luggage.
- A “bean bag” for the jeep.
- Extra batteries, at least one.
- Battery charger for the camera and other electronic equipment.
- A power strip with 2-3 outlets so you can charge your camera batteries, phones, etc., at the same time.
- Memory cards as needed, and a portable hard drive, or if you upload directly to your laptop.
- Cleaning equipment such as lens cloths, air blowers, and other camera cleaning tools.
- Batteries if needed.
- A laptop for photo editing with software such as Photoshop or Lightroom.
NYHETSBREV
Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.
KONTAKTA OSS
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46 (0)470 – 466 40
Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!

Foto: Serkan Günes
NYHETSBREV
Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.
KONTAKTA OSS
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46(0) 470 – 466 40
Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!