Sri Lanka is an island country that lies near the Indian Ocean in South Asia. Its former name was Ceylon. Today, it is officially referred to as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It is known for its unique cuisine that has been influenced by several cultures and as a leading producer of tea. This country is known for its spectacular beauty. Visitors can explore the lovely beaches, national parks, and ancient cities where places of great beauty are hidden like gems. For those who love a great adventure, joining a safari is the best way to see more of this island country. Discover nature by choosing from among our list of the best safari tours in Sri Lanka.
1. Experience the wilderness teeming with wildlife (from USD 200.0)
Enjoy an overland day trip from Negombo to the Wipattu National Park without the stress of making the usual arrangement. This day tour will include transportation from and back to Negombo, light breakfast and picnic lunch, snacks, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide to tell you about the places and the wildlife that you will see during the safari tour. The natural lakes in the park called “Willus” and a huge area of woodland have attracted an array of wildlife. There are lots of birds and with luck, you can see leopards, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodile, and sloth bears. Because there are few visitors, you can freely explore the park.
Negombo to Wipattu National Park All-Inclusive Private Tour
Duration: 18 hours
2. Private and family-friendly safari trip (from USD 190.0)
Take a safari trip for 2 or for a group of 15 from Galle/Mirissa/Ella to the Udawalawe National Park. You will be picked up and dropped off to your hotel upon your return. An experienced tour guide/driver, a safari jeep, and bottled water will be provided. You will arrive at the park early in the morning, while the wild animals are still active. You will see crocodiles and elephants, plus many kinds of birds. The park also has a collection of exotic species of plants. You can visit the Elephant Orphanage if you want. The driver/guide will have a short stop at places of interest in the area.
Udawalawe National Park Safari trip from Galle/Mirissa/Ella
Duration: 10 hours
3. Dine under the stars in an overnight leopard safari (from USD 360.0)
This overnight private safari offers comfortable overnight camping and dining under the stars at Yala National Park which is famous for having the highest leopard population in the world. You will get a chance to watch the wild animals do their daily routine during the afternoon and during the early dawn. You will be spending two enthralling days exploring the park to see not only leopards but also sloth bears, elephants, and crocodiles. You will spend the night in luxurious and comfortable tents prepared for you. This way, you can join the early morning game drive. The safari tour includes pick up from your hotel and drop off, transfers to several places for more adventures, as well as meals and snacks.
Overnight Private Leopard Safari with Luxury Tented Camping
Duration: 2 days
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4. Discover rural life in Sri Lanka (from USD 47.0)
Take this two-hour Balapitiya River Safari and Nature Tour from Galle and see the rural life in Sri Lanka as people along the river go about their daily routine. You will go by motorboat. A vehicle will pick you up at your hotel at exactly 8:00 am and you will start your river safari experience at 9:30 am. Your itinerary includes a visit to the 200-year old Kothduwa Temple, which had played an important role in the religious life of Sri Lankans. The next stop is the place where cinnamon is cultivated and processed, and next is the turtle hatchery in Kosgoda Island where you can watch baby turtles. You will then proceed to Hikkaduwa Beach, enjoy a swim, and head back home.
Balapitiya River Safari from Colombo - Klook
Duration: 8hrs - 10hrsDuration
5. Experience mangrove forest adventure and fish massage (from USD 90.0)
This boat safari will take you to the deep mangrove forest where there are dark and mysterious caverns. A fenced section of the river serves as a massage parlor. Enjoy the experience of immersing your feet on the water and the tingling sensation as small fishes give you a relaxing massage. From the river, you will proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Galle. The safari’s last stop is the Ahangama Fishing Village where stilt fishing is practiced. You can watch the fishermen catch fish or try stilt fishing itself. The package includes transportation and driver, as well as bottled water.
Galle Fort and Fish Massage from Negombo
Duration: 12.0 hour
6. Discover the local wildlife (from USD 31.0)
Discover local wildlife in a three to five-hour private safari to Wasgamuwa National Park in Sri Lanka. The park is quite remote so that only a few people come here. The trip includes pick up and drop off to your hotel, a jeep, and a driver that serves as a guide at the same time. You can explore the park and find wild animals, such as elephants, birds, reptiles, and monkeys in their natural habitat. You will learn about the way of life of these animals and about the jungle where they live from your guide.
Wasgamuwa National Park Shared Safari
Duration: 3 hours
7. Discover Galle in one day (from USD 110.0)
Explore the historic city of Galle by joining this one-day trip that includes all the interesting places of Galle, including a river safari and a visit to the stilt fishermen of Bentota. You will be having several stops and you can stay for 30 minutes at each stop. You will start with the river safari, followed by a visit to the turtle conservation, the Community Tsunami Museum, a natural silk factory, several beaches, and a historic fort, to name a few. You can watch stilt fishing and take pictures of yourself doing it. Lunch, bottled water, and fees to all the places that you visit are included. You can request to be fetched and dropped off to your hotel. Take this trip and see the wonders of Galle in just one day.
Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
8. Watch "The Gathering" of elephants in a national park (from USD 25.0)
Take a jeep safari and watch an elephant gathering at the Minneriya National Park. Experience a game drive with an experienced guide. You will see many elephants native to the place grazing. You can ask the driver to fetch you at 5:30 in the morning or at 2:15 in the afternoon. The drive is two hours and you might be lucky enough to see some wild animals along the way. Aside from elephants, the park is home to porcupines, wild buffalo, purple-faced monkeys, deer, grey langers, and birds of various sizes and colors. The fee does not include meals and drinks so be sure to bring provisions for your self.
Sigiriya to Minneriya Park Elephant Gathering Private Safari
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
9. Take a peak at bathing and grazing elephants at an eco-park (from USD 33.0)
Perhaps you have seen elephants and looked at them from a very close distance but, have you ever watched them grazing or bathing? Join this eco-park safari tour and listen to the loud splash as these giants frolic in the water. This safari will take you to the Hurulu Eco Park where the elephants live. Some of them are native to the area while others have migrated from the neighboring parks. The safari will include a safari jeep and a three-hour safari drive. You can ask to be picked up from your hotel or you can meet the driver/guide at the gate of the eco-park. You must pay the entrance fee and provide food and drinks for yourself. You might have the chance to see rare wildlife such as bee-eaters, parrots, and rare plants.
Private Tour: Hurulu Eco Park Safari
Sri Lanka safari, a haven for nature lovers
Sri Lanka has a lot to offer to nature lovers, from rare species of plants to the endangered wildlife. Have a chance to watch a herd of elephants grazing or bathing or crocodiles sunning themselves. Experience a relaxing massage by fishes in a fenced part of a river and explore the thick mangrove forests teeming with wildlife. You can have all these unique experiences by joining one of the best safari tours in Sri Lanka.
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