Sri Lanka · SAFARI

15 Safaris in Sri Lanka to Build a Day Around

155 tours  ·  from $10

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 safaris justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip with Safari - Climbing Sigiriya’s 1,250 steps
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From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip with Safari

1.Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip with Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 842 reviews · 14 - 16 hours · from $53Our pick

You’ll leave Colombo early with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Chathu or Dhanesh, visit Dambulla and climb Sigiriya’s 1,250 steps, then choose a village lunch or national park safari. Hotel pickup, water, and a king coconut are included, while meals and some entry fees may cost extra.

“Couldn’t be more glad that I booked this trip and highly recommend it to anyone even if it’s a long trip. We had Chathu as our tour guide and driver for the entire day who was very knowledgeable and humorous. There were 5 people in my group including myself - all from different places - and I felt lucky enough that we all looked out for each other and stuck together as a group when our guide left us to immerse in each activity. All activities were great but I loved climbing Lion Rock and doing the Village Tour where the food was great and nature looked after!”

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Yala National Park Safari Tours: Morning/Evening/Full Day - Choosing between five, seven, and twelve hours
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Yala National Park Safari Tours: Morning/Evening/Full Day

2.Yala National Park Safari Tours: Morning/Evening/Full Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 818 reviews · 5 - 12 hours · from $25

Choose a 5-hour evening, 7-hour morning, or 12-hour Yala safari from Kotapola and nearby towns. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Ishan, Maduka, Darshana, or Damith, takes you through forest, grassland, and lagoons in search of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and birds. Breakfast comes with morning and full-day trips; lunch is included on the full-day option.

“This was such an amazing experience, and our guide, Darshana, was simply the best. He has an incredible amount of knowledge about the national park and its wildlife, and even after working there for 15 years, you could clearly see how much he loves his job and still gets genuinely excited when spotting certain animals. We saw lots of different animals and were also lucky enough to see one of the leopards. Breakfast and lunch were both delicious. Overall, we had a wonderful day on this tour and can definitely recommend it!”

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Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide - Starting with hotel pickup and the park entrance
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Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide

3.Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 641 reviews · 4 - 10 hours · from $30

Explore Udawalawe National Park in a private 4x4 Jeep with guides such as Gimhana, Jayashan, Udith, and Jaya. Choose a four-hour safari or extend your day to 10 hours with lunch and water. Expect elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, jackals, birds, and a chance of leopard sightings.

“We had an excellent time with our guide Gimhana. Compared to another safari we did in Wilpattu, our experience was so much more relaxed. We did the four hour safari and Gimhana was excellent at pointing out different animal species, and getting into good positions for photos while being respectful of the animals’ space. We found him very considerate; making sure we were ready to move on from a stop before going etc. We also saw lots and lots of elephants, which all seemed very happy to get close up to the jeep!”

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Full day Safari - Yala National Park - 04.30 am to 06.00 pm with - Janaka safari - The leopard search at dawn
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Full day Safari – Yala National Park – 04.30 am to 06.00 pm with – Janaka safari

4.Full day Safari – Yala National Park – 04.30 am to 06.00 pm with – Janaka safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · from $57Top rated

Start around 4:30 am for a full-day Yala National Park safari in a jeep shared by up to six people. Guides such as Su, Sri Mal, Darshana, and Sudu know the park well and search for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, buffalo, and birds. Breakfast, lunch, fruit, and water are included, but the park ticket costs extra.

“Safari was great. Su gave excellent detailed explanations of how the safari works and of all the animals. The highlight of the safari was seeing the leopard, and despite note being able to see one throughout the morning. Su really hustled at the near the end of the safari to ensure we got to see one. Amazing excursion, 110% would recommend”

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Yala National Park: Half, 7-Hour, or Full-Day Safari & Meals - Picking between four, seven, and twelve hours
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Yala National Park: Half, 7-Hour, or Full-Day Safari & Meals

5.Yala National Park: Half, 7-Hour, or Full-Day Safari & Meals

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 4 - 12 hours · from $14

Ride a 4WD Jeep through Yala National Park with guides such as Ishan, Muthu, Dilan, or Vishwa. Choose a 4, 7, or 12-hour safari, with sunrise and sunset options, possible leopard sightings, hotel pickup, and meals on longer trips. Note that the park entrance fee is extra and payable in cash.

“Good Driver +tour guide explained us everything very friendly both thank you for your service”

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From Sigiriya: Minneriya National Park Private Jeep Safari - Choosing between Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Hurulu Eco Park
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From Sigiriya: Minneriya National Park Private Jeep Safari

6.Minneriya National Park Private Jeep Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 415 reviews · 4 hours · from $38

Set out from Sigiriya or Habarana with an English-speaking guide such as Prasad, Prabath, Sami, or Sarath. Your private jeep follows current elephant movements, switching between Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Hurulu Eco Park when weather changes. Expect close wildlife watching, careful driving, bottled water, and hotel transfers.

“We had an amazing safari experience in Sri Lanka, made truly unforgettable thanks to Prasad. He was an incredible guide—very attentive at all times and always eager to show us more and more. Thanks to his dedication and sharp eye, we were able to see elephants and monkeys up close. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and care made the entire experience special and enjoyable from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide!”

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From Sigiriya: Minneriya National Park Elephant Safari - The four-hour route from Sigiriya
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From Sigiriya: Minneriya National Park Elephant Safari

7.Minneriya National Park Elephant Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 365 reviews · 4 hours · from $33

Leave Sigiriya by jeep for a four-hour safari around Minneriya and, when elephant movements require it, Hurulu or Kaudulla. Your English-speaking driver tracks herds, stops for photographs, and explains elephant behavior. Hotel pickup covers Sigiriya, Habarana, Dambulla, and nearby areas.

“An incredible experience and our guide was just wonderful”

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Yala National Park Wildlife Safari/ Game Drive - by Ajith Safari - The early start and entrance gate
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Yala National Park Wildlife Safari/ Game Drive – by Ajith Safari

8.Yala National Park Wildlife Safari/ Game Drive – by Ajith Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 351 reviews · from $18

Join Ajith Safari Jeep Tours from Tissamaharama for a 4 to 14-hour Yala safari in a shared 4WD jeep. Choose morning, afternoon, or full day, with guides such as Naja, Kasun, Bale, and Dilan often praised for spotting leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Hotel pickup and full-day lunch are available.

“Naja was amazing. We were picked up from the hotel on time and reached the Yala Entrance before 6am. The first 2 hours were for spotting the leopards and Elephants. We kept looking for 1 and Naja got an information from a fellow chauffeur spotting a leopard. He drove to the spot as fast as possible and there we saw a beautiful leopard resting by the road. Post a short coffee break, we saw the king of the Yala National Park - Lucus(the leopard). I personally feel a well connected safari guide is needed and Naja seems to be one. He gets information about animals on time and is aware…”

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Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to Visit Elephants - Morning or afternoon: which safari works better?
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Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to Visit Elephants

9.Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to Visit Elephants

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 338 reviews · from $36

Ride in a private jeep from Sigiriya with a local driver-guide who chooses Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco-Park according to elephant movement and weather. Expect 3 to 4 hours among elephants, deer, water buffalo, birds, and other wildlife, with afternoon herds often larger but hotter.

“The tour was magic, lots of elephants and animals, the driver was pretty helpful and gentle, he had good knowledge about all animals around the park They added a special local coconut water gift at the end , something we didn't expected and added a lot a lot of value to the tour”

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From Ella: Drop to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa & Yala Safari - Leaving Ella and heading toward Yala
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From Ella: Drop to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa & Yala Safari

10.Drop to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa & Yala Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 296 reviews · 4 - 10 hours · from $11

Travel from Ella by air-conditioned vehicle, spend about three hours in an open-top jeep at Yala National Park, then continue to Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Weligama, or Galle. Guides such as Sasanka, Dilan, and Ishan help spot wildlife and explain what you see.

“Sasanka was a good driver, saw leopard from far distance and family of elephants, some birds and heaps of jeeps on road but very nice people!”

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Minneriya National Park halfday Safari - Why the choice of park matters
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Minneriya National Park halfday Safari

11.Minneriya National Park halfday Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 293 reviews

Set out from Sigiriya, Habarana, or Minneriya for a 3 to 4 hour Jeep safari in Minneriya or, when conditions change, Kaudulla or Hurulu Park. Guides such as Kumara and Vijith are praised for finding elephant herds while keeping a respectful distance. Park admission costs extra.

“L’esperienza è stata decisamente bella ! Ho acquistato un posto singolo e sulla jeep eravamo in 3 in totale ! Il driver, gentile e disponibile, è venuto a prendermi al pick up point e tutto è andato molto bene ! Nel parco abbiamo ammirato numerosi elefanti e qualche altro piccolo animale. Gli elefanti li si può ammirare da vicino e godere della loro bellezza e maestosità ! durante la prenotazione ho richiesto un drop off in un altra posizione rispetto al pick up; anche se più vicina al parco, l’agente di prenotazione mi ha chiesto 10€ in più il che è stato veramente di poco gusto. Anche per l’ingresso al…”

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Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park - Entering Yala at 6 a.m. by safari jeep
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Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park

12.Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 281 reviews · from $20

Join Shehan Safari for a 4 to 14-hour Yala National Park jeep trip, usually with hotel pickup and up to six people per jeep. Guides including Tikiri, Mudhu, and Rashandra focus on leopards during the first and final golden hours, while also searching for elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, birds, and smaller wildlife.

“Had a very nice tour with Mudhu. He picked us up from our hotel and was great at spotting animals along the tour route in Yala National Park. We saw a bunch of animals up close -- elephants, peacocks, water buffalo, iguanas, toucans -- as well as some leopards in the distance. Would recommend to other travelers.”

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Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Yala Safari Tour - Entering Yala National Park by Jeep
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Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Yala Safari Tour

13.Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Yala Safari Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 9 hours · from $45

Travel from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, Tangalle, or nearby towns to Yala for a three-hour Jeep safari. An English-speaking guide such as Sasanka, Dilan, Chathura, or Tikiri helps you spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, birds, and more.

“Tikiri was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable and had an excellent ability to spot tiny creatures that we would have missed otherwise (lizards, birds, etc) Also got up close and friendly with many elephants and even a crocodile! 🐊”

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Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari - The road pickup from Galle, Mirissa, or Tangalle
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Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari

14.Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 235 reviews · 4 - 9 hours · from $11

Travel from Galle, Mirissa, Weligama, Matara, Hiriketiya, or Tangalle to Ella by air-conditioned vehicle, stopping for a three-hour open-jeep safari in Yala. Guides such as Dilan, Sasanka, Tikiri, and Ishan work hard to spot elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and leopards along the way.

“Very good experience with our driver Sasanka! Highly recommend!”

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From Ella: Yala Safari with Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle Drop-off - Leaving Ella before sunrise
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From Ella: Yala Safari with Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle Drop-off

15.Yala Safari with Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle Drop-off

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 198 reviews · 9 hours · from $10Best value

Travel from Ella to Yala National Park by air-conditioned car, spend about four hours on a guided 4x4 safari, then continue to Mirissa, Galle, Tangalle, Hiriketiya, or Unawatuna. Guides such as Isuru, Kavee, and Srimal are praised for sharp animal spotting and friendly service.

“Was great organized everything went as planned , we were lucky and we saw leopard in the first 10 minutes we reached Yala park! All around great experience and very value for money !”

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New in Safari

★ 4.8Bundala National Park Safari (PRIVATE TOURS)From $3626 reviews
★ 4.8Budget Yala Safari with Accomadation & Meals IncludedFrom $2516 reviews
★ 4.6Yala National Park Safari Jeep Tour in a 4×4From $1157 reviews
★ 4.8River Safari with Hotel Pickup and Drop-OffFrom $2822 reviews
★ 4.0Bentota River Safari -Ahungalla/Bentota/Aluthgama/KosgodaFrom $803 reviews
★ 4.9Bentota River Safari: Discover Wildlife & Mangroves by BoatFrom $2041 reviews
★ 4.2All Inclusive Galle Dutch Fort & Madu River SafariFrom $806 reviews
★ 4.3Arugam Bay: Lagoon Boat safari with Safety MeasuresFrom $283 reviews
★ 5.0Arugam Bay: Yala Safari & DropOff in Ella – Safari + TransitFrom $846 reviews
★ 5.0Udawalawe National Park Safari and Elephant Transit HomeFrom $403 reviews
★ 5.0Ahangama: Udawalawe National Park Safari with Hotel PickupFrom $1104 reviews
★ 4.7Morning or Afternoon All-inclusive Private SafariFrom $903 reviews
★ 5.0Kumana National Park Safari | from Arugam BayFrom $8316 reviews
★ 5.0Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya and Kaudulla National ParksFrom $2811 reviews
★ 4.0Kumana National Park : Private Half-Day Jeep SafariFrom $8720 reviews

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