Consisting of an experienced team with a fierce passion for exploration and showcasing the wonders of the Sri Lankan wilderness to the world. Continuously exploring and developing new locations and experiences for our clientele, we believe in creating unique travel experiences for our clientele which bring out the joy, awe and wonder that Sri Lanka’s amazing bio diversity has to offer.
Our team of naturalist guides are some of the most seasoned and experienced field guides in the industry, with deep knowledge of ecology, natural history and field craft to bring you an unmatched wildlife experience. Some of the guides we offer have are full time scientific researchers who have published several papers as well having new species discovered to science. We believe in offering the best people to match our clients requirements, be it covering as many species of birds during the tour, or getting the best possible photographs of leopards, or a herpetology tour with a special focus on snakes, our dedicated tour design team work to understand each and every client requirement and tailor make the perfect wildlife holiday for you.
Naturalist Guide
Head of Marketing & CSR
Senior Manager - Head of Wildlife Travel
Senior Tour Executive - Operations
Naturalist Guide
Naturalist Guide
Naturalist Guide
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Rajiv is a passionate conservationist, professional wildlife photographer and safari guide. He heads the wildlife operations at Classic Wild and has a fierce passion for exploring and continuously developing new experiences to the world.
Rajiv had completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Wales and a Masters in Business Administration from Cardiff Metropolitan University. He is deeply passionate about the conservation and protection of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and natural habitats. Rajiv finds continued inspiration in the wonders of Mother Nature. This has further driven him to become an active conservationist involved in many wildlife conservation initiatives in Sri Lanka and a safari guide leading photographic groups on safaris in Sri Lanka and worldwide. Rajiv is also focused on developing different communities in Sri Lanka and showcasing their ways of life, culture and arts to the world.
Rajiv’s ambition is to make Classic Wild the premier wildlife travel brand and to offer world-class service to clients from around the world. As an acclaimed wildlife photographer he has held two solo exhibitions in 2013 and 2015 along with the successful launch of a coffee table publication titled; “Children of Eden”. He is also a member of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society and the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka and a frequent columnist to Mongabey, LifeTimes Sri Lanka, Loris, Daily Mirror and Daily FT on wildlife and conservation-related articles.
Hetti is one of Sri Lanka’s foremost naturalist guides with over 20 years of field experience. He has worked with many renowned international travel brands and operators as well as documentary productions throughout his career. His knowledge on Birdlife, Mammals, Butterflies, Dragonflies are astounding and so is his knowledge on general ecology and natural history. He is the president of the Naturalist Guides Association (NAGA) of Sri Lanka and a dedicated conservationist and educator. He is also a licensed guide from the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority and experienced in not only wildlife but on history, culture and general sightseeing as well. His in-depth field craft, knowledge, humor and personality makes him an amazing travel companion.
Wicky is a seasoned naturalist guide with over 20 years field experience and one of Sri Lanka’s most senior wildlife guides. He’s also worked with many well-known international operators as well as worked with key documentary productions for the likes of BBC and National Geographic. He has undergone training with Natural Habitat Adventures expedition leaders in Colorado, USA and field training in Ranthambore National Park with &Beyond India.
He is also a licensed guide from the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority and has good knowledge and experience in other aspects as well besides wildlife like history and culture. He’s a great conversationalist, and his energetic personality makes him a great guide and travel companion.
Hailing from the hill country of Kandy, Koush as hes fondly known is an excellent all round naturalist with a deep knowledge and understanding of birding and the science of ornithology. His years of experience as a naturalist guide and field biologists has given him a deep understanding of the natural world. A walking encyclopedia of knowledge, his warm personality and bubbly persona makes him a favorite among our clients.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Bio Science and with extensive field experience, Ashan is an excellent addition to the Classic Wild Team, with his energy, knowledge and enthusiasm. His field knowledge on overall natural history, plant life, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians and reptiles is unparalleled, and has some amazing know how on bird behavior as well. An excellent story teller, with the ability to share very interesting and lesser known facts about the wonders of mother nature, he is the perfect travel companion for your wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka.
Stefan is a dynamic travel professional hailing from the hills of Kandy. An operational expert Stefan executes day to day operations meticulously with strong professional relationships with the top hotels, safari lodges/camps as well as the best suppliers on the ground. His tireless efforts result in smooth ground operations for a seamless wildlife travel experience. He is a former rugby player with a passion for building strong relationships with remote communities and people around the island in order to select and groom the best supplier network in the industry.