Minneriya National Park halfday Safari
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
To reserve a national park, please choose one from the options provided. Each reservation is for one park only, and you may select either a morning or evening safari. Please leave a note to inform us of your preferred park.
The Jeep tour will commence from the main entrance of the park near the car park. If your hotel is within a 10km radius of the entrance, you are entitled to a complimentary pickup from your hotel in Habarana or Minneriya. The morning safari starts at 6:00 am, while the afternoon safari begins at 1:00 pm.
During the safari, you will have the opportunity to witness groups of elephants, and crocodiles resting on the banks or swimming in the lakes, and vibrant birds of prey fishing. You may also encounter various other birds and animals, including herds of elephants visiting to quench their thirst and rest.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in Sri Lanka, famous for its large population of Asian elephants. A half-day safari in this park offers visitors the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, as well as a variety of other wildlife such as Leopard, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and various species of birds. The safari typically lasts for about 4 hours include pickup and Drop-off, with experienced guides taking visitors on a thrilling ride through the park's rugged terrain in vehicles. The park is especially popular during the dry season when elephants gather around the park's central reservoir, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Minneriya Elephant Gathering is a spectacular display of wildlife and a testament to the importance of preserving natural habitats for these magnificent creatures. It's an experience that should not be missed by anyone visiting Sri Lanka.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Lunch
Admission Fee & tax in National Park USD45 per person, USD 100 for 2 person, USD 120 for 3 person
Admission Fee & tax in National Park USD140 for 4 person, USD150 for 5 person, USD 165 for 6 person
Additional person charge - $25
Minneriya National Park
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
From Habarana/Minneriya Pickup
Minneriya National Park For 1
Pickup included
Pax 6
Pickup included
For 2 Pax
Minneriya National Park for 2
Pickup included
For 5
Minneriya National Park For 5
Pickup included
For 4
Minneriya National Park For 4
Pickup included
For 3
Minneriya National Park For 3
Pickup included
Reviews
287 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great park, and a bonus seeing three herds of elephants! 🐘🐘🐘
Rosscodad,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Despite the intermittent rain, we had a fantastic safari. Such a huge variety of birds which the lake within the park attracts in abundance. We were spoilt for choice. We were also spoilt as we got to see three heard of elephants and sat mesmerised watching them for ages. Gorgeous to see a few really cute baby elephants and their older brother and sisters. We spent ages taking it all in and didn’t feel rushed at all. Definitely worth going and it didn’t feel like we were just another Jeep tour. Great park worth a visit.
The best safari tour in Sri lanka
baiyus2025,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was very genuine and friendly, providing thoughtful and attentive service. He not only showed us five elephants, but also introduced us to various birds and reptiles in the parks. It was a truly satisfying experience!
Good activities to see people and authentic sense
841caret,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Feel real of adventure, saw healthy elephants and get good support from team. Kumara is our driver but he gave alot of support on us, our car has broke tire at hotel, he try to communicate with tire shop and fix it during the trip. Amazing!
Memorable, knowledgeable, and exciting!
Nadee B,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful guide who drove us and taught us about elephants. The guide was well prepared for the day and arrived punctually at our hotel for pick-up. He took us to the best places with many elephants. He received live information from others on the best to viewing locations and took us to them immediately. The cherry on top - he included an amazing sunset viewing at the end of the tour. Thank you very much for such a memorable experience! We will definitely return to this provider for future safaris.
Half day Hurulu experience
kikilJ5987SF,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to hurulu instead cuz of the weather, this was cheaper as well. The safari was an amazing experience and the driver was perfect Mahesh. He was really helpfull and friendly. We saw alot of elephants and the Jeep we used was really clean and safe. The only downside was the amounts of cars pushing to close to the animals. We think its ok if they walk pass the car by coincedence but there were big groups circeling around and blocking the elephants in their path. Mahesh was more respectfull tho.
Amazing half day safari at Kaudulla
PatsyPats,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today we completed the half day safari tour in Kaudulla National Park with Minneriya Wild Tours. They offer the pickup and drop-off as well. The entire tour was a really good value for money. Ositha was our driver. We enjoyed the safari a lot - Ositha knew where to stop to look for animals :) In total we saw almost 40 elephants today, the experience with the company was AMAZING. 100% recommended, hopefully we can repeat this experience when we come next time to Sri Lanka.
Amazing tour with Kumara but annoying communication with the company
Melimeli123,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We had an excellent guide, named Kumara. He explained a lot and showed us many animals. He is very experienced and knows so much. The communication beforehand with the company was very annoying. They pushed on selling more activities and if you don‘t answer immediately they start to stress you.
Kaudulla afternoon safari with Kurama
Mitch B,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I was staying in Sigiriya and booked for a 3pm safari on my own. Booking process was easy and I was contacted by WhatsApp to advise me that Minneriya was flooded at the moment, so they recommended visiting Kaudulla instead, which I agreed to. My driver was Kurama, he picked me up and as we drove out we actually came across a group of elephants crossing the road, so pulled over to observe them up close, which was pretty lucky. Once we got to the park and started the actual safari, Kurama demonstrated his eagle eyes, spotting a Brown Fish Owl sitting patiently overlooking the river. Throughout the safari we saw monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, lots of jackals, green bee eaters, pelicans, cormorants and many other birds. On to the main event though; elephants! We saw probably 40 elephants, including several close up encounters, most notably with a playful baby elephant. Kurama was knowledgeable and told me about each animal as we came across them, but more importantly he was respectful towards the elephants, ensuring we never encroached upon their space or caused them undue stress. I had a great time on my safari and would recommend it to anyone.
Great.
tinahE8288RK,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The safari was just great! We were really lucky and could see a lot of elephants and monkeys. The driver was super friendly, always stopped when we wanted to take a closer look, and still kept the necessary distance from the animals. Overall a great experience, which I can absolutely recommend!
Mega!
Leonie G,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gladly, here is a shorter and more neutral version: ⸻ Great safari, lots of elephants, nice driver, Stunning experience
From US$38.00
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Operated by Minneriya Wild Tours