Ridiyagama Safari Park
Ridiyagama Safari Park
4
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 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
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
114 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
47
Average
11
Poor
5
Terrible
10
Isuru_din
Colombo, Sri Lanka86 contributions
Feb 2022
My 1st visit for this kind of safari experience. spotting animals is guaranteed here because even though animals live freely this is a man made park. Can observe animals in their natural lifestyle very closely. Have a huge parking area and all the other facilities are available here. You get a free seat in bus for your ride. If you like you can also have a option to go by safari jeep at an additional cost. Still 4 sectors are open to travelers and other sectors are under construction. Hope to visit again after few more sectors are open.
Tip - Go in early morning (Opening 8,30 am) place is getting crowded fast in weekends. If you plan to go by Safari Jeep better book it early.
Tip - Go in early morning (Opening 8,30 am) place is getting crowded fast in weekends. If you plan to go by Safari Jeep better book it early.
Written March 27, 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.
TTP
Calgary, Canada1,602 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Must visit than the zoo
This is a lovely park where visitors can safely enjoy while the animals live freely . There are 4 zones for lions, elephants , tigers and vegans . Animals can be seen closely
The visit entrance charge is inclusive of the ride in a comfortable bus. Visitors also have tje facility of organising safari jeep . The jeep is for 6 passengers . All vehicles are safely equipped .and comfortable .Better reserve jeeps in advance . All vehicles are inclusive of guides
The entire visit takes approx 45 mts - 1 hour. Preferably during morning hours.
In addition there are rest areas, food outlets , washrooms . Has ample parking .
Difficult to reach through public transport .
This is a lovely park where visitors can safely enjoy while the animals live freely . There are 4 zones for lions, elephants , tigers and vegans . Animals can be seen closely
The visit entrance charge is inclusive of the ride in a comfortable bus. Visitors also have tje facility of organising safari jeep . The jeep is for 6 passengers . All vehicles are safely equipped .and comfortable .Better reserve jeeps in advance . All vehicles are inclusive of guides
The entire visit takes approx 45 mts - 1 hour. Preferably during morning hours.
In addition there are rest areas, food outlets , washrooms . Has ample parking .
Difficult to reach through public transport .
Written July 12, 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.
Onida Y
1 contribution
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.
Nilusha Alahakoon
Colombo, Sri Lanka444 contributions
Jun 2022
After the previous experience, now the place is more developed. Now, they have more animals and more organized guided tours.
It is really wonderful experience to be inside a zoo, where we are caged but animals are free. Lovely concept.
I wonder why they are not increasing the number of animals. More animals will make them happier as well as visitors.
It is really wonderful experience to be inside a zoo, where we are caged but animals are free. Lovely concept.
I wonder why they are not increasing the number of animals. More animals will make them happier as well as visitors.
Written June 19, 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.
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.
Travellers_Paradise88🪬
Colombo, Sri Lanka315 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.
DiliJay
Battaramulla, Sri Lanka4 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 Lanka36 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.
shanix1
Colombo, Sri Lanka53 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Loved this safari. It’s ideal for kids of all ages. The guide and driver were very helpful. There was a good variety of animals. It seemed they were well taken care of. Take snacks as the 1 hour ride made our kids hungry.
Written July 31, 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.
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?
is it open poya day 9/01/2020
Sandaranga E
Colombo, Sri Lanka182 contributions
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
Hiw much they charge for a safari? Is it per person or for vehicle?
Liyanage H
Homagama, Sri Lanka10 contributions
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.
The contact num is not working. Is there any alternative num?
chathuriwansaja
Colombo, Sri Lanka18 contributions
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.
is that open 13th april 2019
chathuriwansaja
Colombo, Sri Lanka18 contributions
please take a phone call to them in general line
Dhanishka D
Colombo, Sri Lanka44 contributions
Does the bus operate at any time or should you be there at a particular time? Can we go on own vehicle with guide?
Love2travel
Chelmsford, UK516 contributions
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
How much do they charge for entrance and the safari? And how long will it take?
ricshanshibly1986
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia1,312 contributions
if i am not mistaken they have charged 200/- per person and it will take 2-3 hrs
Is it open on poya days?
Love2travel
Chelmsford, UK516 contributions
Hi, it should be open on a Poya day, why don’t give them a call
Rusitha
Colombo, Sri Lanka10 contributions
What will be the cost of a Safari Jeep?
What's the price of hire for a jerp only for our family of 5 numbers
Ridiyagama Safari Park (Hambantota) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ridiyagama Safari Park
- Ridiyagama Safari Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Ridiyagama Safari Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Ridiyagama Safari Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Ridiyagama Safari Park:
- (8.58 mi) Lotus Chalets Eco Hotel
- (9.60 mi) Hotel Sobana
- (8.97 mi) Octandra Eco Lodge
- (9.87 mi) Thuduwa Camp
- (9.26 mi) Governor's Camp Udawalawe
- Restaurants near Ridiyagama Safari Park:
- (7.54 mi) Birds Park Cafe
- (9.00 mi) Nonagama Village Restaurant
- (9.07 mi) Ruhunu Resort
- (9.85 mi) Smoothie-bun Nature White Lunugamwehera
- (9.77 mi) Sumith's Farm House Hotel