Minneriya & Kaudulla: Private Jeep Safari with Elephant Watching

Summary

Wild elephants gather at Minneriya or Kaudulla as we bump along in a private jeep, eyes wide for every movement in the grass

You’ll ride through Minneriya or Kaudulla with a local guide who knows where elephants gather best that day. See wild herds up close from your private jeep (with hotel pickup), feel the hush of early morning or late afternoon light, and catch small moments—like baby elephants stumbling or birds darting past—that stick with you long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence to hit first. We’d just left the main road outside Habarana, and suddenly it was just us, the jeep engine humming, and this thick green air that smelled kind of sweet—like wet leaves after rain. Our driver, Ajith, grinned back at us and said something about “good elephant day” in his careful English. He seemed pretty pleased with himself for picking Minneriya over Kaudulla that morning—apparently it’s all about where the herds decide to wander after last night’s rain. I had no idea you could just… choose which park based on elephant moods. Felt oddly personal.

The first time we saw them—real wild elephants—I almost missed it because I was staring at a stork balancing on one leg. Then Ajith pointed quietly (“look there”) and there they were: huge but sort of gentle-looking, ears flicking flies away, trunks swinging slow like they had nowhere else to be. There were maybe twenty or thirty? Hard to count when your heart’s thumping like that. It wasn’t noisy like I’d imagined; mostly just birds calling and this low rumble from one of the bigger elephants. The air felt heavy but not hot yet—maybe because it was still early morning.

We watched them eat grass (Ajith called it “elephant salad,” which made Li laugh), and sometimes they’d wander so close you could see the mud drying on their skin in weird patterns. One baby tried to chase off a crow and tripped over its own feet—honestly, I still think about that moment when I need a smile. There weren’t many other jeeps around since we’d picked the morning safari (Ajith said afternoons get crowded but you might see more elephants then). I liked having space to just sit quietly and listen to whatever was happening out there.

On the way back, dust in our hair and camera batteries dying, Ajith told us how some families have watched these same herds for generations. He waved at another guide passing by—everyone seemed to know each other here—and then he asked if we wanted to stop for tea before heading back to our hotel. We did. The tea tasted earthy and strong, maybe from all that red dust clinging to everything out here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private jeep safari to see elephants

• Pick up from preferred location
• Travel to selected national park
• Enjoy private jeep safari
• Observe elephants drinking and feeding
• Learn about wildlife and habitat

Top questions

How do I choose between Minneriya and Kaudulla for elephant watching?

Your guide will pick the best park based on weather conditions and elephant movements that day.

Is hotel pickup included in this private jeep safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your tour.

What time is best for seeing elephants during this safari?

You’ll see more elephants in the afternoon but mornings are quieter with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

How many people can fit in one jeep?

The maximum is 5 adults per jeep for this private safari experience.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your driver also serves as an English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

Are there any physical fitness requirements?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can pregnant travelers join this safari?

This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What wildlife besides elephants might we see?

You might spot deer and various birds during your safari as well.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from your preferred location, a private tour by comfortable vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide who selects the best park (Minneriya or Kaudulla) based on daily conditions, plus hotel drop-off when you’re done watching elephants roam free across open grasslands.