What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• An amazing trip with an experienced driver and guide

  Navigator558202,,Apr 11, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had an amazing experience touring Sri Lanka on a 21 day bespoke tour with Merganser Holidays. From the moment Nihal, our guide and driver picked us up from the airport until the end of our trip everything worked smoothly. The accommodation was well chosen and we enjoyed staying in a range of accommodation from luxury boutique hotels to charming homestays and eco lodges. We experienced the cultural sites, rainforest walks and adventure activities as well as a cookery demonstration and cultural show and enjoyed them all. Nothing was too much trouble for Nihal who stopped for photo opportunities and shared with us his love of Sri Lanka’s culture heritage, history, nature and food. This was a superb trip and we highly recommend Nihal and Merganser holidays.

• 3 weeks in Sri Lanka

  Emilio S,,Aug 3, 2019

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We were visiting Sri Lanka for three weeks and wanted to visit towns in the south, east and north, so decided that hiring a car with driver/guide was the best option. Sanjay was our driver and we were very happy with the service he provided. The car was air-conditioned and always cleaned every day. Sanjay was consistently punctual and drove carefully and responsibly. Sanjay is an incredibly positive and friendly person. There wasn’t a single day when we were not met with a warm smile. He was very flexible and allowed us to change times and stops on our itinerary. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He went out if his way to ensure we had everything we wanted - including sourcing strange fruits and local dishes! Sanjay has an extensive knowledge of Sri Lanka and shares this with you. He is an expert on the flora and fauna of the island and how they are used for medicinal purposes. Having Sanjay enabled us to see large parts of the island in a comfortable way. Visiting all the towns we did would have been impossible by public transport. But more importantly we had the security and knowledge of travelling with someone who knew the island really well. We absolutely loved Sri Lanka and had some memorable experiences - including meeting a rather large male elephant on the side of the road. All this was made possible because of Sanjay and his hard-work and enthusiasm. I would absolutely recommend Sanjay if you are planning a trip to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.

  

• Great experience Srilanka private guides for a 20 days round tour

  edwinve2017,,Jul 31, 2019

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We traveled for three weeks through Sri Lanka guided by a personal driver from Srilanka Private Guides. We had a great vacation. The initial booking and design of trip was done with support of Mr Lionel Henry. Our driver Athula picked us up at the airport and drove us around for three weeks. He was very friendly and helpful. Next to driving he also helped in arranging our daily tours/activities where needed and became our friend :-). We as family of four were very happy with the services provided and do recommend Srilanka Private Guides to anyone who wants to visit and travel around Sri Lanka. For both (supplier and customer) we do have one small attention point; take an independent role in arranging and selecting daily activity providers (especially around the very touristic places/activities). We want to thank Mr Lional Henry but especially Athula for the great services provided!

• Great service and a fabulous trip

  Colin H,,Feb 10, 2019

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  My wife and I recently completed a three week tour of the fabulous island of Sri Lanka. There were many highlights of our trip but one definite highlight was being driven around the island by Henry, owner of Sri Lanka Private Guides. First and foremost, Henry is an excellent driver, able to make smooth progress in, at times, difficult driving conditions. His car is cool and comfortable and able to swallow a large amount of luggage. It has excellent visibility to allow a perfect view of the countryside. However, Henry is much more than a good driver. He acts as your interpreter, island guide, tour arranger and does everything to make sure you have a great trip. Always smart and always on time and I’d like to think we were friends by the end of the tour. At each of the historical sites Henry had arranged a specialist local guide to conduct the tour. This was fabulous as they really brought the sites to life and added so much value. Henry also secured first class train tickets for the Nanu-Oya – Ella route. Not easy as they get bulk purchased by the major tour operators. Best of all, Henry is an excellent wildlife spotter. If it’s there, he’ll find it. The leopard was a highlight but, so too, the birds in the national parks. Communication prior to the tour was excellent. We described the type of tour we wanted and where we wanted to go and he and his team put together a suggested itinerary for us. With a few tweaks it was perfect. For what we paid and the service we got it was outstanding value. Warmly recommended.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Great Sri Lanka trip

  Lois H,,Feb 10, 2019

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I’d thoroughly recommend Henry Lionel as a driver and tour guide, he’s a very safe driver, punctual and professional. From helping us to plan a brilliant 3 week trip of the island, to driving us around, he was always very professional, happy to help,(sourcing birthday cake), join us on our safari trips, pointing out much wild/birdlife and generally act as a great guide/source of local knowledge. Many thanks and ‘Keep smiling Henry!’.