Night safari around Sigiriya: See nocturnal wildlife by jeep

Hunt the night forest and watch animals emerge in darkness

A night safari by jeep around Sigiriya takes you into local forests after dark to spot nocturnal wildlife (slender loris, ring-tailed civets, Asian palm civets, fishing cats, jackals and spotted deer) guided by an English-speaking naturalist. Pickup from your location is included. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and suits ages 12 and up. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step itinerary

Night safari around Sigiriya

• Pick up from your location
• Jeep safari to see nocturnal wildlife
• Spot animals like Slender Loris and Civets
• Listen for Brown Fish Owl calls
• Guided tour through local forests

The experience

Sigiriya's night safari departs from your location by private jeep with an English-speaking guide and heads into the forests around the rock fortress after sunset. The guide carries lights and knows where nocturnal animals shelter and hunt. Their job is to spot movement in the dark and position the jeep so you can watch without disturbing the animals. You'll listen for the Brown Fish Owl's call and watch for the slender loris, a small primate that hunts insects in the canopy, and the ring-tailed civet moving through the undergrowth. The jeep moves slowly through the forest roads, stopping when the guide picks up signs of activity.

The animals you encounter depend on the night and the season. Fishing cats hunt near water; jackals call from the scrub; spotted deer graze in clearings. The guide's experience is what separates a night drive from a safari. They read the forest, know which sounds mean what, and understand where each species is likely to be. Bottled water is provided. Bring a torch if you have one, though the guide's lights do the work. The tour avoids national parks, which close after dark, and instead moves through accessible local forest where nocturnal activity is active.

What’s included

• Pickup from your location.
• private jeep transport.
• English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• lights for spotting wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 18:00, the last at 20:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sigiriya Ceylon Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll understand what you're seeing and why the guide stops: essential when the forest is dark and the animals are silent. This suits anyone comfortable in a jeep on forest roads who wants to understand the nocturnal world, not just pass through it.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What nocturnal animals might I see on the night safari around Sigiriya?

The slender loris, ring-tailed civet, Asian palm civet, fishing cat, jackal and spotted deer are the species most often spotted, along with the Brown Fish Owl if conditions are right. The guide's knowledge of where each animal hunts at night makes the sightings possible.

How long does the night safari take and when does it start?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and departs after sunset from your location. The exact start time depends on the season and when darkness falls.

Is the night safari suitable for someone with mobility concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to the jeep travel over forest roads. It suits all other fitness levels.

What's included in the night safari price?

Pickup from your location, private jeep transport, an English-speaking guide, bottled water and lights are all included. Dinner is not included.

Do I need any experience or special preparation for the night safari?

No experience is needed. The minimum age is 12. Wear long sleeves and trousers to protect from insects, bring a sweater for the cool night air, and let the guide know if you have any mobility concerns before the jeep departs.