Ridiyagama Safari Park
Ridiyagama Safari Park
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Experience Sri Lanka’s first drive-through safari park. Divided into six zones, this 500-acre park is home to an interesting wildlife mix. You can tour the park by bus or a safari jeep while watching the animals roam freely. Expect zebras and giraffes amidst unique creatures like Bactrian camels, Indian blue bulls and African cape buffaloes. The main highlights here are the Bengal tigers, African lions and Sri Lankan elephants—so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. To maximize your trip, combine your visit to the safari with nearby attractions in Hambantota like the Birds Park or Mirijjawila Botanical Garden. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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See what travelers are saying
- Nilantha GKegalle, Sri Lanka10 contributionsSri Lanka’s first open Zoo.A wonderful experience in Sri Lanka. Very well planed. But only few animals now. What happened to the camels and the Eland’s shown in the pictures. But loved feeding Gangs the elephant.the birds were also fun. Have more animals and expand the area. There is 500 acres in that so definitely can have larger areas and interesting animals too. Love the animals in there natural environment. Nice to see them stress free. Well worth the visit.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 3, 2023
- PELIN GIstanbul, Türkiye10 contributionsSafari experience for cheaperJust go! Your kids will get the taste of safari for half of the price of Yala and time. My kids loved it. Very clean well maintained healthy and happy animals. We couldnt find the right contact number to book the safari jeep but waited only 30mins when we got there. I heard weekends are very busy so try to avoid it. For family of four, in total it costed around 20,000LKRVisited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 30, 2024
- Ang Shi DaSingapore, Singapore38 contributionsSee beautiful animals close up in a safe mannerThis experience is more predictable than safari but no less fun! Many beautiful animals such as the Bengal tiger and elephants. Kids will love it. Must go for the elephant feeding at 550 LKR to have a close encounter with the elephant.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 13, 2024
- Sand77MDubai, United Arab Emirates61 contributionsAmazing SafariWe went around 10am & turn to be the best time to see most of the animals. We took the private jeep & driver was very professional & explain to us each section animals life style. We also tried the elephant feeding/ bird feeding/ petting zoo it was amazing experience & Sajith was care taker & he was very accommodating. Safari was very good & I would say it’s one of the true experience…Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2024
- sajida018Colombo, Sri Lanka89 contributionsA Thrilling Safari Experience at Ridyagama Safari ParkOur visit to Ridyagama Safari Park was an exciting and memorable experience. The park offers a well-organized safari that takes you through various zones, each representing different habitats and a diverse range of animals. The thrill of seeing elephants, lions, and other wildlife in a more natural setting was truly remarkable. The park itself is well-maintained, with clean facilities and clear signage that enhances the overall experience. The safari vehicle was comfortable, and our guide was knowledgeable, providing interesting facts about the animals and the park’s conservation efforts. The animals appeared to be well-cared for, and it was fascinating to observe them in environments that mimic their natural habitats. One of the highlights of our trip was the close-up encounters with the animals, especially the majestic elephants and the powerful lions. It felt like a real adventure as we drove through the park, with each turn bringing new surprises. The park could benefit from better crowd management..Ridyagama Safari Park offers a fantastic experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about the animals in a safe and controlled environment. We left with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the wildlife conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Highly recommended!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
124 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
51
Average
11
Poor
5
Terrible
10
Onida Y
6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The Safari has segregated sections for Carnivores and Herbivores.. so we move thorugh secure and guarded gates to each section.
However the animals in each section can roam around freely.. they seem relaxed and happy.. and have a snooze anywhere they like..
Be aware.. this place is immensely crowded.. so head over early and book a jeep..
From personal experience, the safari jeep gave a better experience than the Bus or Van. Not to worry, the jeeps are properly secured for both the safety of us and the animals.
However the animals in each section can roam around freely.. they seem relaxed and happy.. and have a snooze anywhere they like..
Be aware.. this place is immensely crowded.. so head over early and book a jeep..
From personal experience, the safari jeep gave a better experience than the Bus or Van. Not to worry, the jeeps are properly secured for both the safety of us and the animals.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sand77M
Dubai, United Arab Emirates61 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We went around 10am & turn to be the best time to see most of the animals. We took the private jeep & driver was very professional & explain to us each section animals life style. We also tried the elephant feeding/ bird feeding/ petting zoo it was amazing experience & Sajith was care taker & he was very accommodating. Safari was very good & I would say it’s one of the true experience…
Written July 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellers_Paradise88🪬
Colombo, Sri Lanka314 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
We visited the safari park during our holiday vacation to Tangalle. It was our 1st visit to this safari park and the experience was good. The park offers seperate jeeps and an ac bus service to visiters in order to explore the area and take photographs. This place consist large lions, bengal tigers , elephants and many other animals. Most of the animals looked well nurished except for the elephants. They seemed to look in starved and weinkle skinned surrounded in a dusty forest area. The climate was really hot so if you are planning to visit this area be prepared for it. This place also consist of , washrooms, spacious car park and small shops with variety of food and drinks.
Overall we were satisfied with the tour and its a ideal place to visit for both kids and adults.
Overall we were satisfied with the tour and its a ideal place to visit for both kids and adults.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PELIN G
Istanbul, Türkiye10 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Just go! Your kids will get the taste of safari for half of the price of Yala and time. My kids loved it. Very clean well maintained healthy and happy animals. We couldnt find the right contact number to book the safari jeep but waited only 30mins when we got there. I heard weekends are very busy so try to avoid it. For family of four, in total it costed around 20,000LKR
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uttara A
Matara, Sri Lanka2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We had to wait nearly an hour to get into a jeep. Visitors who choosed the bus had to wait even longer. Staff should provide reliable information and they should provide better service. Animals were malnourished. They need more space .
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sajida018
Colombo, Sri Lanka89 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Our visit to Ridyagama Safari Park was an exciting and memorable experience. The park offers a well-organized safari that takes you through various zones, each representing different habitats and a diverse range of animals. The thrill of seeing elephants, lions, and other wildlife in a more natural setting was truly remarkable.
The park itself is well-maintained, with clean facilities and clear signage that enhances the overall experience. The safari vehicle was comfortable, and our guide was knowledgeable, providing interesting facts about the animals and the park’s conservation efforts. The animals appeared to be well-cared for, and it was fascinating to observe them in environments that mimic their natural habitats.
One of the highlights of our trip was the close-up encounters with the animals, especially the majestic elephants and the powerful lions. It felt like a real adventure as we drove through the park, with each turn bringing new surprises.
The park could benefit from better crowd management..Ridyagama Safari Park offers a fantastic experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about the animals in a safe and controlled environment. We left with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the wildlife conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Highly recommended!
The park itself is well-maintained, with clean facilities and clear signage that enhances the overall experience. The safari vehicle was comfortable, and our guide was knowledgeable, providing interesting facts about the animals and the park’s conservation efforts. The animals appeared to be well-cared for, and it was fascinating to observe them in environments that mimic their natural habitats.
One of the highlights of our trip was the close-up encounters with the animals, especially the majestic elephants and the powerful lions. It felt like a real adventure as we drove through the park, with each turn bringing new surprises.
The park could benefit from better crowd management..Ridyagama Safari Park offers a fantastic experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about the animals in a safe and controlled environment. We left with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the wildlife conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Highly recommended!
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiliJay
Battaramulla, Sri Lanka7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Really awesome place. Worth the price and beautiful environment and animal variety. Very well planned. Hope to see a full fledged park with added units in near future 👍
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saneli🦄
Colombo, Sri Lanka66 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
We went to the ridiyagama safari park yesterday for our first time and it was really good. We have to go in a bus around the zoo or in a jeep. There were animals roaming around and they were imported from other countries. It is a must visit place if you come near ridiyagama. They will later invlude leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and kangaroos. We saw many scary animals like African lions and bengalian tigers. I recommend his place because you can experience many things.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ang Shi Da
Singapore, Singapore38 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This experience is more predictable than safari but no less fun! Many beautiful animals such as the Bengal tiger and elephants. Kids will love it. Must go for the elephant feeding at 550 LKR to have a close encounter with the elephant.
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vijith colombage
United Arab Emirates17 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
We visit with my family during our family vacation. Entry fees is not expnsive. It is worth for money paying. My doughter enjoyed. For her it was good experienced by bus traveling aroung the safari. I recommended for family.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it opened these days after the Covid-19 pandemic?
Can't we have a single bus for the ride if most of the members are children?
How much is the bus fee for a single person if they are under 18?
Written April 16, 2021
Actually the Poya day falls on the 10th of January and if you are going on the 9th of January should not be a problem. if you are going on the 10th Friday better to call 011-2712752 and get it confirm
Written January 8, 2020
Yes it is Rs. 300.00 per adult with travelling through the safari bus. You can hire jeep also from there for Rs. 2000.00 for 5-6 group. All these are official supplies from the institution. Foreigners there is special fee, I cannot remember it.
Written April 23, 2019
Actually better u go there in morning hours without contact via mobile. because that staff most of the time change the in & out time due to the situation . for an example for crowded days they stop issuing tickets @ 4 pm like that.
Written April 17, 2019
please take a phone call to them in general line
Written April 4, 2019
Does the bus operate at any time or should you be there at a particular time? Can we go on own vehicle with guide?
Written January 13, 2019
Unfortunately you cannot drive your own vehicle, you can hire a safari jeep for your family with a guide but waiting time could be longer such as upto 2 hours, bus would be ideal as it runs every 30minutes and not expensive
Written January 13, 2019
How much do they charge for entrance and the safari? And how long will it take?
Written October 17, 2018
if i am not mistaken they have charged 200/- per person and it will take 2-3 hrs
Written October 21, 2018
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