Enjoy an immersive experience in Sri Lanka and take part in two scientific projects: one on elephants and one on leopards. All our scientific trips can be found here
In the realm of elephants and leopards in Sri Lanka
A jewel of the Indian Ocean, the former Ceylon is home to a particularly rich variety of flora and fauna! Our partner OSI is offering you the chance to take part in two wildlife research projects in Sri Lanka: one focusing on leopards and the other on elephants. You’ll join a team of researchers and experience a real scientific adventure! The elephant monitoring project will take you to Minneriya National Park in the northern province of Sri Lanka. You will take part in transect surveys to count elephants, identify individuals, and analyse their tracks and behaviour. The Ceylon leopard project will take you to Kotagala. You will set up and retrieve camera traps to capture images of the Ceylon leopard and other species.
Participation in data collection on elephants and leopards
You will be joining two scientific projects, one focusing on leopards and the other on elephants. Your observations and the data collected in the field will be used to gain a better understanding of these animals’ behaviour, ecology and needs.
Itinerary for the study trip
- Day 1: Arrival in Colombo. A tour of the city and its temples, followed by a visit to a museum where treasures from the past reveal the country’s deep-rooted history.
- Day 2: Departure for Minneriya National Park. You will set off for Minneriya National Park, renowned for its exceptional wildlife. The afternoon will be spent learning about the local biodiversity and the project you will be working on over the next few days.
- Days 3–10: Elephant Project in Minneriya. You’ll immerse yourself in a unique scientific and educational project focusing on elephants. You’ll explore the ecosystems and take part in interactive workshops with your guides. Don’t miss the climb up Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya to admire breathtaking sunsets. Weather permitting, a visit to the city of Polonnaruwa will immerse you in ancient ruins. You’ll spend your nights in Minneriya National Park, close to the wildlife, at the national park lodge.
- Day 11: An early morning transfer takes you to Kandy, the sacred city. The afternoon will be spent visiting an iconic temple, a testament to the region’s spiritual heritage.
- Day 12: Train to Kotagala, then a jeep ride into the heart of a tea plantation.
- Days 13–16: Leopard Project in Kotagala. These days will be devoted to the leopard (or Ceylon leopard) research project.
- Day 17: You’ll be transferred to the Tangalle mangroves, where you’ll explore the birdlife at the heart of the wetlands in a breathtaking natural setting.
- Day 18: Head to Galle in the morning to immerse yourself in its rich historical heritage. Stroll along the ramparts and lose yourself in its narrow streets steeped in history. In the evening, a train will take you back to Colombo for your final
- Day 19: Departure
- From Sunday 20 September to Thursday 8 October 2026
- Price: €4,985.80 (tax relief available)
- An immersive experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural landscape.
- Discovering and participating in two scientific projects focusing on iconic species: elephants and leopards
- The data you collect helps advance science
- You will be guided by French-speaking science educators
- Ages 16 and over
- French-speaking mission
- From Sunday 21 September to Thursday 9 October 2025
The team
Stéphanie, founder of the association, will be your educational and logistics coordinator and science educator on this expedition. Her life in Indonesia and her experience in leading expeditions make her the ideal person to guide you in the field.
Clément, Head of the OSI Wild-Attitude research and science education programme. An ecologist and ethologist with a passion for the natural world, he divides his time between the Himalayan mountains and the tropical rainforests. His experience in coordinating scientific and sustainable development projects ensures the smooth implementation of field protocols and the analysis of the data collected.
Group size: 10 people
Tous les avis sur Objectif Sciences international
About our partner NGO
The partner NGO holds Special Consultative Status with the UN (ECOSOC) and is a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. Specialising in science trips, science and participatory research, the NGO believes that education is the driving force behind the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a range of participatory science trips for both adults and children.
