When visiting the wonder of Asia that is Sri Lanka, your itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the amazing Safaris on offer in the country.
When you think of a safari, we typically think of Africa, but don’t underestimate the greatness of a Sri Lanka Safari.
It is easily one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka and when it came to deciding what safari in Sri Lanka I would opt for, there was A LOT of choice.
So I figured to make your life a little easier, a guide covering all you need to know about safaris in Sri Lanka and highlighting the best safaris in Sri Lanka would be pretty useful.
So, with that in mind, keep reading this guide to create the perfect Sri Lanka safari holidays...
We visited the Wilpattu National Park Safari which is well known for its leopard sightings, and is actually the reason I choose it.
I love elephants, but I’ve seen a lot of elephants, so I figured we could try and spot something different.
It was an AMAZING safari, and fantastically priced on booking. com and you can read about the experience here.
But imagine, staying in a luxury tent, dining underneath the stars, and you’ll have a taste of what a Wilpattu National Park Safari is like.
There are 22 Sri Lanka national parks.
But with so much choice, it’s hard to know where to start searching for the perfect Sri lanka safari tours.
Sri Lanka wildlife consists of amazing elephants, bears, leopards and so much more.
Here’s a detailed look at the 6 most popular national parks in Sri Lanka for safaris.
Yala national park is probably the most popular and well known safari in all of Sri Lanka.
It’s the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and it’s a wonderful safari experience for all, especially families.
Yala safari is located around six hours from Colombo which is why most people organise a tour here (some of which I’ve listed below).
Animals to see in Yala national park safari:
The only problem with Yala is that because it is so popular, you’re going to be in a park that is filled with jeeps.
You may even see more jeeps than animals, and because of the high number of visitors, the chances of seeing leopards is slim due to the noise etc.
But, you have a very high chance of seeing lots of elephants, so if you love elephants and don’t mind the crowds, then it’s a great choice!
This is probably the best elephant safari Sri Lanka has to offer.
If you're wondering when the best time to visit yala national park is then be aware that Yala is closed during the drought season from the 1st of September to the 15th of October, but you can visit other national parks at this time, including Wilpattu.
Be aware that all my safari suggestions below include accommodation and safari for one night unless otherwise stated. I always find it’s best to get everything booked beforehand, plus it makes you excited!
If you want an luxury safari sri lanka experience in Yala national park, then these spots will not fail to deliver.
$450 per person
This is an excellent Sri Lanka safari that offers luxurious accommodation amongst the jungle with an all inclusive experience.
Imagine sleeping in a luxury treehouse with your own camp fire underneath the stars.
The price is excellent for the beautiful accommodation, all your food and drink and two game drives with a professional and qualified guide.
It also includes pick up from Colombo, Mount Lavinia and Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Weligama, which is excellent.
They take care of everything, so all you need to worry about is spotting animals and having an amazing time!
You can do a 2 night version of this same trip but with Viator.
Remember if you do a 2 day safari you'll have a better chance of experiencing a night safari Sri Lanka style.
$725 for two people all inclusive
This is a brilliant safari tour and you can go for an all-inclusive option that includes all your food, drinks, alcohol drinks and 2 game drives. Great value.
The accommodation is in the style of luxury tents with little decks which is perfect for dining under the stairs.
It will feel like you're camping in Sri Lanka, but in ultimate luxury.
Book it here.
Prices start at $700 for two people all inclusive
An all-inclusive stay with accommodation location within the jungle and a safari experience.
Everything is included within this price, food, drinks, alcoholic drinks, spa experiences. It’s TOTAL luxury, but it’s expensive, but you can see why.
It's the perfect jungle safari in Sri Lanka.
Take me with you.
Book your stay here.
If you want a budget experience in Yala national park, then you’ll need to book cheap accommodation within Yala vicinity then book a day safari.
You’ll still get all the animal sightings experience, but miss out on the camping and dinner under the stars.
Below are some great value choices.
$37.50 per person
Includes pick up and drop off from your hotel in Yala, Katagrama area, and a 4 hour safari keep experience.
Get it here.
$38.25 per person
If you’re on time constraints, then this is a great choice.
It includes pick up from your hotel and you can arrange an early money or afternoon safari experience to suit your day. Includes a private driver for a private experience.
Great choice for couples on a budget looking for a Yala safari.
Get it here.
$32
For just $32 with Klook, you can take this awesome day tour safari of Yala National Park from Mirissa.
Transfers and safari experience included but you will need to pay the entrance fee to the national park. There is a morning and afternoon safari option too! Great for those on a strict budget.
Book it here.
$220 dollars per night
I’ve also included this one, as I think it’s a budget option for two reasons:
$288 per night (based on two people sharing)
This mid-range accommodation offers you the chance to stay in a beautiful tent within the jungle alongside breakfast and dinner under the stairs.
The price includes a 5 hour game drive and it’s a great choice for those who have a little extra to spend and would like the overnight experience of a safari.
5 hours is a good amount of time to see some amazing animals!
Book your experience here.
$264 per night (based on two people sharing)
Big Game camp is the company that Bradley and I stayed with in Wilpattu, and they offer safari experiences in both Yala and Udawalawe.
You get five star service for a mid range price, and I personally think it’s excellent value for money.
You get to stay in a luxury tent underneath the stars in jungle surroundings. The dining underneath the stars in the evening is a spectacular experience with a 5 course meal.
The staff at Big Game Camp are outstanding across the board and you’ll truly not want to leave!
With the safari option you get a half day safari, an afternoon tea, and breakfast and dinner under the stars.
Book your Big Game Safari Stay here.
I’ve included two safaris which I think ooze romance and bliss for couple travellers who simply want to have a romantic safari experience, or who are celebrating their honeymoon.
These are both all inclusive options and include two game drives.
The tents are beyond luxurious and it’s a truly wilderness safari experience that screams romance.
You’ll see what I mean…
$467 based on two people sharing
Get it here
$678 based on two people sharing
Get it here
Wilpattu national park is the oldest and largest national park in Sri Lanka.
It was actually closed for 16 years during the Sri Lankan civil war, but is now open to the public again.
Wilpattu national park is a perfect choice if you’re visiting the cultural hubs of Anuradhapura as it’s only 30 minutes away by tuk tuk.
This is the park Bradley and I visited and it’s wonderful.
In my opinion, it's the best safari park in sri lanka.
It’s famous for its natural pools of water that exist, so you get a true essence of the “wild” here.
It’s the perfect safari in Sri Lanka for all seasons as both the wet and dry season bring different types of animals.
For example, the wet season is meant to bring greater sightings of sloth bears, but we got to see one in the dry season too!
Wilpattu national park is around 4 hours from Colombo.
Wilpattu is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard population, which is why Bradley and I visited.
The best time to visit Wilpattu is February to October, but you can visit all year round with certain eco groups.
Animals to see in Wilpattu national park safari:
Wilpattu is a quiet national park, probably because it was closed for so long, but that’s a good thing.
You will only come across 2 or 3 jeeps on your journey (if even that) and you will truly feel like you’ve got the whole park to you and the wildlife, which I think is what a true safari experience should be like.
So if you want a secluded Sri Lankan Safari experience, then this is the perfect one for you.
This is a fantastic all-inclusive option for a Wilpattu Safari experience.
It includes everything you could ever need, food, drink, alcohol drinks, One Half-day safari ride in a luxury jeep with forward-facing seats, even a picnic lunch on the safari day, and much more.
Book it here.
$1009 per night per two people sharing
A 5 star resort that oozes luxury, and it’s no surprise with the price.
It includes everything you need including, food, drinks, alcoholic drinks, and two game drives.
Book it here.
$56
If you’re looking for a budget option then this private day tour is a great option!
Get it here.
$50
If you are on a time constraint, then an afternoon safari in Wilpattu is a great idea. This tour leaves from Anuradhapura, which is perfect as it’s only 20 minutes away and something you can do after a morning of sightseeing in the area!
Another awesome budget option is this tour with Klook which is only $35. You can book it here.
This is the safari in Sri Lanka that Brad and I went on. I think this is the best Sri Lanka safari on offer.
I can say it’s amazing value, an amazing experience and you can read all about it here.
Book here: This is my absolute highest recommendation for luxury, value and experience.
Udawalawe national park is located near South of Sri Lanka and it is literally bursting with Sri Lankan elephants...more than 500, so it’s an elephant lovers dream.
You’re almost guaranteed to spot them with those numbers.
Udawalawe national park safari is located 4 hours from Colombo and is the 3rd most popular Sri Lankan safari.
Within the park there is even a he Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 for the purpose of looking after abandoned elephant calves within the park. Cute right?
The best time to visit a Udawalawe safari in Sri Lanka is all year.
It’s an all year park due to its location, which makes it a perfect spot for any Sri Lankan itinerary.
Animals to see in Udawalawe national park safari:
This is a perfect choice for those who want to get awesome pictures of elephants and baby elephants.
It’s a fairly popular park, but won’t have the same crowds of Yala, so it’s a good choice for those looking for something in between Wilpattu and Yala, and since it’s good for spotting animals all year round, there are no seasonal restrictions on when you visit.
That's why people love a Sri Lanka safari Udawalawe.
All all-inclusive tent jungle experience in beautiful Udawalawe.
Highly rated food, accommodation and safari experience, this is an excellent choice for families and friends. Reviews say they take you up real close to the elephants!
Price includes your alcohol, food, accommodation and two game drives.
Get it here.
If you’d like your own romantic private safari tour of Udawalawe national park then this is a great value choice.
It’s a half day safari giving you the chance to spot some animals in a morning game drive.
Book it here.
If a half day simply isn’t enough for you, then opt for this private full day safari tour!
You’ll have even more chance of spotting amazing animals.
Book it here.
I’ve said before how brilliant our experience with Big Game Camp was in Wilpattu and it seems like the experience in Udawalawe is just as good according to the reviews, value and what’s offered.
I don’t think you can go wrong with choosing these guys.
Dinner and breakfast al fresco, afternoon tea, and a game drive with luxury tent accommodation.
Book it here.
Minneriya national park is located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, and it’s a perfect choice if you’re visiting Sigiriya, (which you should).
It’s one of the most important bird areas in Sri Lanka. It has an interesting elephant story…
According to the wardens, one elephant lost her baby due when pregnant due to being hit by a jeep, so as revenge, she rammed into over 15 tourists since then.
I guess elephants remember, and you should be careful not to kill their children!!!!
But yeah, so the elephants are known to be a little angry at humans, which I think is fair enough.
It’s an important spot for monkeys!
Animals in Minneriya National Park
Fun fact, this national park safari has over 25 species of butterflies!
People tend to take a Minneriya national park safari for the chance of seeing elephants and monkeys.
So if you’re a fan of both, then this is a good spot.
A good time to take a Minneriya national park safari is July to September as that’s when the elephants flock there.
With regards to booking online, there isn’t a WIDE range of choice, but there is a good value private tour listed below.
This is because the park isn’t as popular as other marks, so it’s really only worth a day tour, rather than an overnight safari experience.
If you’re on a time constraint, then opt for this.
Because you will be near Sigiriya, it’s always worth staying there, then doing your safari from there. It’s popular for companies and lodges to offer safaris with them too.
If you need a place to stay near Minneriya, then I recommend the Cassandra Culture Resort, because it’s cheap, luxurious and has amazing views.
You won’t regret it, trust me.
If you’d like your own private safari tour of Minneriya national park sorted before you arrive, then this is a good choice.
It also offers pick up and drop off within the area which will save on tuk tuk costs!
Get it here.
Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. It’s located in the Southern area of Sri Lanka and it well known for its bird population and it’s located around 4.5 hours from Colombo.
I haven’t heard much about this park in terms of reviews, and it’s very close to Yala so it probably loses a lot of competition from there, but that’s probably a good thing which makes it quieter to visit.
Animals to see in Bundala national park
I think is probably one of the least visited national parks in Sri Lanka and it’s not a good choice if you want to see elephants. But, if you like birds and reptiles then it’s a great choice! The best time to take a Bundala national park safari is September to March.
If you’re looking for a full day safari in Bundala then this is a great choice.
You’ll start your day at 5.30 with a pick up from your hotel and head out to find amazing animals, then you’ll stop half way through for a picnic lunch in the jungle, then head back to your hotel at around 4.30pm.
Book it here.
You can choose from a full day or half day safari for this trip (great if you’re on a time constraint). It’s a similar experience to above, but without the picnic lunch.
Get it here.
Wasgamuwa national park is located central of Sri Lanka and was actually created by the government to help displaced wild animals (one of four).
Wasgamuwa is one of protected areas where Sri Lankan Elephants can be seen in large herds and its one of the important bird areas of Sri Lanka.
It’s located around 5 hours from Colombo and the best time to visit is
Animals to see in Wasgamuwa national park
If you’d like to spot some elephants in a relatively quiet
This safari village offers budget accommodation, and you can book on a great value safari trip when you are there.
They offer both full day and half way game drives.
It’s located in a wild area, so you might even spot some wildlife amongst your living surroundings!
Book it here.
This is a full day safari option, perfect if you’ve just got a day to spend and are not fussed on staying near or within the borders of the national park.
Book it here.
$980 based on two people sharing
This is definitely a luxurious option for those looking to truly relax and unwind on their safari experience.
It’s an all inclusive option that covers your food, drink, alcoholic beverages, luxury tented accommodation and of course your high quality game drive with guide.
You even get a picnic on your drive as well!
Book it here.
You can opt to stay overnight in the park for one or two nights on an all inclusive options with tented accommodation, 3 course dinner, beer, and two safari game drives for twice the chances to spot amazing animals.
Book your stay here.
Kumana national park safari is located near Arugam bay, and you can actually do a tuk-tuk safari before you get to the official entrance, which is pretty cool.
You can spot elephants, deer and water buffalo.
Kumana was formerly known as Yala East National Park, but changed to its present name on 5th September 2006.
It’s one of the most important bird nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka with 255 species of birds have been recorded in the national park.
It’s perfect is you’re on a budget because you can drive your own tuk tuk to the park, or even pay a tuk tuk driver to take you, or of course, you can go inside the park for a game drive too!
Animals you can see in Kumana national park:
I think this is a good safari in Sri Lanka if you’re surfing in Arugam bay and just want something close and easy.
You might not see as many animals as you would on say, a Yala safari, but it’s fun all the same!
$84
If you’d like a private tour experience of Kumana national park safari, then this is a great choice at a great price.
Book it here
$408
If you’d like the chance to stay overnight and do camping with a safari experience, then this is a great choice and it’s even better as it’s organised from Colombo which is where you’ll be flying in to!
Book it here
Ridiyagama is a safari park and the first of is kind in all of Sri Lanka.
It’s 500 acres and it’s more a zoo, I’d say, except you’re the ones in cages and the animals roam free.
This was one Sri Lanka national park I wasn't aware of before my research, or during my visit.
It was open to the public in 2016, so it’s very new by Sri Lankan standards.
They have 22 different types of animals and you can do day trips to this safari park, but no camping!
This safari has animals from other countries too such as camels, zebras, lions, etc, but they all roam free.
You can take a day tour to it here from Colombo.
Cost for entrance into Ridiyagama safari park:
Adult: LKR 2500.00
If you've been wondering about a Sri Lanka safari price, it can range greatly.
You can definitely get a cheap safari by using online websites like the suggestions I’ve made above, but mainly the cheap way to do it is to book your accommodation with booking.com and book an full day or half day tour with an online booking company.
It’s always cheaper than paying there, because you don’t have to haggle.
Check out these sites for the best deals.
If you want luxury, then you can find that too, and the safaris in Sri Lanka that I suggested above are about as luxurious as it gets!
Personally I think yes. When you get to Sri Lanka and try and buy a safari in a tour or something, then you’ll often get charged more because you’re white and people often expect you to have lots of money.
It can sometimes be hard and hassle to negotiate, so if you book a tour ahead of time, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting for your money and you can pay for it in advanced.
Overall, Sri Lanka safari tours are bet bought in advance.
There are safaris in Sri Lanka available all year round. So depending on the month you decide to go, you’ll find something.
Throughout this post, I’ve listed the best times to visit each safari in Sri Lanka, so use that as a guide when booking your Sri Lankan safari adventure.
For a detailed rundown of what to pack when travelling to Sri Lanka, check out our detailed packing list here.
I hope you have enjoyed my post on safaris in Sri Lanka.
I’ve tried to include every safari that is available in Sri Lanka that you could possibly want.
If you visit any of these places, let me know what you thought and if you enjoyed it.
If you're wondering what is the best safari in Sri Lanka, personally my favourite is the Big Game Camp, because that’s where I stayed, but to be honest, they all look fantastic and whatever you choose, you’ll have a wonderful safari experience in Sri Lanka!
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