FAQs

Sri Lanka may not have the dense wildlife of destinations like Africa, but it offers many unique and memorable experiences that every visitor will enjoy. One of these is undoubtedly a visit to a national park. Here you can observe wild animals on a safari. We only offer private safaris from/to hotel/villa/guesthouse. Your driver - your jeep - your safari.

Srilankasafari.com is proud to make the Sri Lanka safari segment bookable online.
From our daily business, we have listed and answered the most frequently asked questions about safaris in Sri Lanka. If there is anything else you would like to know, please contact us.

What is the best time to observe wild animals?

The national parks are open all year round.
You will see a lot of wild animals early in the morning and in the afternoon. This is when they visit the waterholes.

How can I have lunch during a full-day jeep safari?

Normally our guests bring their own breakfast and lunch. Please ask at your accommodation. But if you wish and give us time to prepare, we will deliver fresh lunch (local rice & curries / cool water) to the interior of the national park during your full day safari. This will need to be ordered and reconfirmed. Costs approx. 10,00 - 12,00 € per guest. This service cannot be canceled after confirmation.

Which are the most famous and most visited national parks in Sri Lanka?

The most famous parks are Yala National Park, Udawalawa National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Kumana National Park, Minneriya National Park, Bundala National Park and Gal Oya National Park. We offer private jeep safaris in all these parks.

Are there special wildlife tour companies in Sri Lanka?

Not really. There are very few tour companies that specialize in bird and butterfly watching tours as well as regular wildlife watching tours in Sri Lanka. If you have any questions, please send us an email using the contact form.

How much does a Sri Lanka Safari Jeep cost in the national parks?

The costs for such a unique experience are quite low.
All our prices are valid per vehicle for up to six people. There are no "creative surcharges" for fuel, breaks, etc.
The price is valid from/to hotel. The Sri Lanka Safari drivers will pick you up at your hotel and bring you back there at the end.
The entrance fees and any photo or video licenses are not included in the price table published here. You pay these yourself.
Personal expenses and tips are not included.
Here is a brief overview.

All prices are per vehicle. If a vehicle is not available, we will upgrade to the next higher category at no extra charge. If you pay in a foreign currency, we reserve the right to charge a small surcharge for conversion.
The price of the confirmation / invoice applies. Our General Terms and Conditions apply.
Status 01.10.2022

Is it safe to go on safari in a national park in Sri Lanka?

Yes, but you should always follow the driver's instructions. Sri Lanka Safari drivers can take a break at selected places. Please wait for the driver's decision until you leave the jeep. Please do not get too far away from the jeep.
All jeeps driving in the parks are monitored by the respective park management with a tracker. All our drivers have to complete various training courses and tests every year (also for the safety of our guests). Without these tests they lose their certificate.

What is the best way to plan a Sri Lanka safari in a national park?

If you are traveling on your own, you should book a Sri Lanka safari in good time. When booking your hotel, please make sure that your hotel is not too far from the park entrance. It is customary in Sri Lanka to measure the duration of the safari from/to the hotel.
Srilankasafari.de offers two different safaris: four hours and eight hours. The longer safari is much more intensive, as your private driver can drive deeper into the national park.
We make a further distinction in the drive type of the off-road vehicle.

How do I book a private jeep safari via Srilankasafari.de?

It's very simple. Please enter your desired date and national park in the booking window. You will then be guided through the booking process in a convenient and self-explanatory way.
Please fill in all requested fields carefully. There is a note field for comments. Behind the booking procedure is an automated system which books through to the driver, so to speak. Therefore, any carelessness would hinder the automated booking process.
We will send you all documents by e-mail.
If you would like to book a safari that is not listed here, please send us an email using the contact form.
If you are staying further away or would like to book the safari as a convenient day trip, this is also possible. For a small surcharge, Srilankasafari.de organizes with its partner Srilankatransfer.com a comfortable car or van to drive you to the park. Please also send us an e-mail using the contact form.

Can I hire an air-conditioned safari jeep for my private Sri Lanka safari?

Yes, this is possible on request. We have access to several such vehicles. Please send us an email with your request before booking. We will then send you the result. You will then book a closed vehicle.

Are there many beetles in the national parks?

As you are in a tropical country, there are bugs / mosquitoes, but this will not affect your jeep safari.

Can pregnant women go on a private jeep safari in the national park?

We rule this out for the safety of the child and the woman. However, if you wish to do so, please seek medical advice beforehand.
Please let us know in the booking system (note field). We will then inform the driver that he will drive very carefully, slowly and with special care.
Nevertheless, please note that in this case you undertake the safari at your own risk.

What kind of clothes should I pack for a private Sri Lanka safari in the national park?

A private jeep safari is always a dusty affair. Please wear light-colored and breathable clothing. It shouldn't be too colorful either. We recommend the colors green, beige, khaki, light brown etc.. Headgear is also advisable.

What happens if it rains during my private jeep safari?

We hope not. All Jeeps are open all round and have a fabric canopy at the top as sun protection. In the event of rain, the side panels can be hooked in to provide lateral rain protection. The side panels have plastic windows.

How long are the jeep safaris with Sri Lanka Safaris in the national parks?

Sri Lanka Safari offers two categories of safaris.

1. Four hour safaris from/to hotel
   Departure early and in the afternoon
2. Eight-hour safaris from/to hotel
   Departure early

Then we differentiate in the type of drive. Four-wheel drive vehicles can be used more intensively on slopes and paths that are difficult to access. Please note that from/to hotel applies.

Can I stay in a hotel near the respective national park?

Of course. We'll even pick you up there. This service is included within a five-kilometer radius of the entrance to the respective national park.
Please enter the name of your hotel, lodge or villa in the booking process.
If you are staying further away, this is also no problem. For a small extra charge, we can arrange a transfer for you in a comfortable car or van. If this is desired, please send us an e-mail with the facts.

Are the private Sri Lanka Jeep Safaris from Srilankasafari.de escorted?

A guide can always be booked when purchasing tickets. But our drivers drive their park every day. They know their park and the animals that live there like the back of their hand.

What kind of photographic equipment can I bring?

Everything you want or need. If you would like a professional photo safari, please let us know before booking. We will try to individualize your personal photo safari.

How many people can travel in a Srilankasafari.de safari jeep?

You hire a jeep with driver. A maximum of six guests can be accommodated in one of our many safari jeeps.
Whether you book the safari alone or with five friends - it doesn't matter: the costs for jeep & driver are always the same.

Can I hire a jeep for a safari in the national park and drive it myself?

Unfortunately not. For your safety and for the sake of the wild animals. Only specially licensed drivers with specially approved jeeps are allowed to drive in the parks.
Our drivers had to pass an exam in order to be certified. They have to take part in training courses several times a year to maintain their license. The governorate is very strict about this.
You will see that it is not so easy to drive a jeep in the parks.

Should I tip the safari jeep driver?

Tipping is absolutely customary in Sri Lanka. If you were satisfied with the driver's service, he will certainly be happy to receive an appropriate tip.

What should I bring for a safari in a national park in Sri Lanka?

A private jeep safari is always a dusty affair. Please wear light-colored and breathable clothing. It shouldn't be too colorful either. We recommend the colors green, beige, khaki, light brown, etc.
Don't forget sun protection, sun cream and sunglasses. Headgear is also advisable. As we also observe the wild animals at waterholes, insect repellent should not be missing.
We recommend binoculars. But you will also be able to observe the wild animals with the naked eye.
In order to share the experience at home, a camera and accessories such as spare batteries, memory cards, etc. should not be missing.
And please take enough to drink with you. You can't buy anything in the parks.

Which national parks are there in Sri Lanka to see elephants?

You will see free and wild elephants in: Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, Bundala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Minneriya National Park.
In all these parks srilankatransfer.de offers private safaris.

Can I go for a walk in the national parks?

This is prohibited during the safari. You must stay in the jeep during the safari.
For breaks and picnics, we drive to special and safe places where you can stretch your legs. But even here you must not stray far from the jeep.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

On our safaris, breakfast and/or lunch are only offered on request and at extra cost. If you let us know your dietary requirements, we will find a way to accommodate them.
It is best to ask your hotel to prepare breakfast and lunch. You can let them know your dietary requirements.

How far in advance do I have to book a private jeep safari with srilankasafari.de?

We have over a hundred jeeps and drivers available in all national parks. Depending on the desired payment method, you can book up to two days in advance. Things can get tight at weekends. The locals also go on safaris.
If it is very tight, you can also send us an e-mail with your booking request.

I am traveling with a pet. Can I take it with me to the parks?

Unfortunately not. Also for the sake of your beloved pet, pets are strictly prohibited in all parks.

How many national parks are there in Sri Lanka?

There are 26 national parks in Sri Lanka.

Which are the most famous and most visited national parks in Sri Lanka?

The most famous parks are Yala National Park, Udawalawa National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Kumana National Park, Minneriya National Park, Bundala National Park and Gal Oya National Park. We offer private jeep safaris in all these parks.

How can I have lunch during a full-day jeep safari?

Normally our guests bring their own breakfast and lunch. Please ask at your accommodation.
But if you wish and give us time to prepare, we will deliver fresh lunch (local rice & curries / cool water) to the interior of the national park during your full day safari. This will need to be ordered and reconfirmed. Costs approx. 10,00 - 12,00 € per guest. This service cannot be canceled after confirmation.

What is the best time to observe wild animals?

The national parks are open almost all year round.
You will see a lot of wild animals early in the morning and in the afternoon. This is when they visit the waterholes.

Is there cell phone reception in the national parks of Sri Lanka?

As a rule, there is hardly any cell phone reception in the national parks. The focus should be on the experience of observing animals. Imagine you are watching a leopard or elephant and suddenly your cell phone rings.

How high are the entrance fees to the national parks?

Frankly speaking, admissions always fluctuate somewhat. We can therefore only provide guidelines here.

Entrance fees for foreign nationals (day visit) to National Parks with effect from September 1, 2022, in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) including all taxes/VAT/duties etc. These are valid for peak season; off peak season prices are 5 to 10 US Dollars (USD) lower.
In September 2022, the exchange rate was: 1 EUR = 360 LKR

Note from Sri Lanka Safari: According to the latest gazette notification, the entrance fees to the national parks in Sri Lanka are staggered according to the tourist season, i.e. high season and low season.
We cannot guarantee completeness. Please understand this. Status September 2022

Can I buy the entrance ticket for the national parks online?

No. We are not legal Application known.
Status October 2022.

Can I pay the entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park in USD or Euro?

No. Only Singalese rupees (LKR) are accepted. Payment by credit or debit card is also currently not possible.

Can I pay for the entrance ticket to the national parks with my credit or debit card?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. The cost of admission is only accepted in Sri Lankan rupees and in cash.

Can I feed the animals in the national parks?

No! Wild animals live freely in the parks. They find enough to eat.

Can I use the washroom/restroom at the entrance to the national parks?

Naturally! All parks have toilets and washrooms at the entrances.

Do I get a tracker for my wildlife safari in the national park?

Your private driver will receive a tracker for the safari. This way the park management can always locate you. It is for your safety.

How can I get water / soft drinks during the safari in the national park?

Not at all. There are no points of sale in the parks. Please bring your own drinks.

Can I go for a walk in the national parks?

This is prohibited during the safari. You must stay in the jeep during the safari.
For breaks and picnics, we drive to special and safe places where you can stretch your legs. But even here you must not stray far from the jeep.

What travel documents do I need to visit a national park in Sri Lanka?

After booking, you will receive a voucher. You give this to your driver on departure. No further documents are required on our part.