Private Jeep Safari Minneriya National Park: Asian Elephants

One of earth's largest elephant gatherings happens here, and you watch it from an open jeep.

A private jeep safari through Minneriya National Park near Sigiriya lets you observe Asian elephants drinking, feeding and congregating in one of their largest seasonal gatherings. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sigiriya city area hotels, fresh fruit, bottled water and fuel are included. The park entrance fee is separate. A live English-speaking guide leads the drive, and children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya Park

• Travel to Minneriya National Park
• Observe elephants drinking and feeding
• Watch various birds and amphibians

The experience

The jeep leaves your Sigiriya hotel and heads into Minneriya National Park, a 8,890-hectare refuge in Sri Lanka's North Central Province that was designated a national park in 1997. The park is known for hosting one of the largest congregations of Asian elephants on earth, particularly during the dry season when herds gather at the remaining waterholes. You travel by private jeep through the park's terrain, stopping to watch the elephants as they drink, feed and move across the landscape. The same refuge also holds numerous bird species and amphibians, which you may encounter during the drive.

The safari runs for several hours, with your guide navigating the park roads and positioning the jeep for viewing. Fresh fruit and bottled water are provided during the outing. Hotel pickup and drop-off cover Sigiriya city area hotels only, so confirm your accommodation falls within that zone when you book. Parking fees and fuel surcharge are included in the price. The park entrance fee is paid separately at the gate.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sigiriya city area hotels.
• private jeep transportation through the park.
• fresh fruit and bottled water.
• fuel surcharge and parking fees.
• a live English-speaking guide for the duration of the safari.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Child (2 to 4 years)

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Fivemo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to watch the elephants without sharing the jeep or the guide's attention with other travelers. The private vehicle means you set the pace and the stops, and your guide focuses on your group alone.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 4 years).

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.

How many elephants can I expect to see at Minneriya National Park?

Minneriya hosts one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants on earth, with herds congregating at waterholes and feeding grounds throughout the park, especially during the dry season. The exact number varies by season and day, but the concentration is what makes this refuge notable.

What is included in the private jeep safari price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sigiriya city area hotels, private jeep transportation, fresh fruit, bottled water, fuel surcharge and parking fees are all included. The entrance fee to Minneriya National Park is paid separately.

What other wildlife might I see besides elephants?

Minneriya National Park holds numerous bird species and amphibians alongside the elephant herds, so you may encounter these during the drive through the park.