Minneriya:Jeep Safari From Kandy

Minneriya National Park is a renowned wildlife haven in Sri Lanka, drawing visitors from around the world. The jeep safari from Kandy offers a chance to explore this remarkable ecosystem and witness the famous "Gathering" of Asian elephants. Travelers can expect an immersive, guided adventure through the park, with the opportunity to spot a diverse array of wildlife. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable trackers, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with nature. What more could one hope for in a wildlife excursion?

Key Points

• The Minneriya Jeep Safari from Kandy is a guided 4-hour wildlife expedition through Minneriya National Park, known for its diverse ecosystem and high concentration of Asian elephants.
• The safari provides opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, deer, and a wide range of bird species.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, on-board amenities, and use of binoculars for wildlife observation, with a knowledgeable tracker providing commentary.
• The tour is priced at $188.67 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The safari experience is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users, and visitors must adhere to park guidelines to preserve the ecosystem.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Minneriya Jeep Safari is priced from $188.67 per person and is valid for 1 day.

This safari offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and allows booking without upfront payment.

The tour departs from Kandy and includes a guided 4-hour safari through Minneriya National Park to observe wildlife such as Asian elephants, birds, leopards, and more.

The air-conditioned 4×4 jeep with English-speaking tracker, complimentary refreshments, and use of binoculars are included.

Certain restrictions apply, and the tour may be subject to weather conditions.

Itinerary and Experience

Although the tour departs from Kandy, the main highlight is the guided 4-hour safari through Minneriya National Park.

During the safari, visitors can spot a rich variety of wildlife, including the famous "Gathering" of Asian elephants. Other species include peacocks, eagles, pelicans, leopards, sloth bears, deer, wild buffalo, wild pigs, grey langurs, and porcupines.

The experienced tracker provides commentary on the park’s ecosystems and animal behaviors.

With amenities like Wi-Fi, fresh coconut, and bottled water, the journey offers an immersive and comfortable wildlife experience.

Transportation and Inclusions

For the Minneriya Jeep Safari, participants travel in an air-conditioned 4×4 Jeep accompanied by an English-speaking tracker.

On-board amenities include Wi-Fi, fresh coconut and fruits, and bottled water.

The tour includes private transportation, hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance ticket, and use of binoculars.

Private transportation, hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance ticket, and use of binoculars are included in the tour.

Personal expenses, such as meals and souvenirs, aren’t included.

Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

The safari isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Visitors must follow the guidelines to preserve the ecosystem’s integrity.

Important Information and Guidelines

Visitors must bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun during the Minneriya Jeep Safari. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. There are also restrictions – no alcohol/drugs, feeding animals, fireworks, touching exhibits/animals/plants, or making fires. This ensures the preservation of the ecosystem’s integrity.

| What to Bring | Not Suitable For | Restrictions |

|—————|——————-|————–|

| Sunglasses | Pregnant Women | No Alcohol/Drugs |

| Sun Hat | Back Problems | No Feeding Animals |

| Sunscreen | Wheelchair Users | No Fireworks |

| | | No Touching Exhibits/Animals/Plants |

| | | No Making Fires |

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Minneriya National Park

The Minneriya National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, particularly the majestic Asian elephants that gather there during the dry season.

Minneriya National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, especially the majestic Asian elephants that congregate there during the dry season.

Visitors on the Minneriya Jeep Safari can witness this spectacular natural phenomenon known as "The Gathering," where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya reservoir.

Beyond the elephants, the park boasts a rich variety of bird species, including peacocks, eagles, and pelicans.

Leopards, sloth bears, deer, wild buffalo, wild pigs, grey langurs, purple-faced leaf monkeys, and porcupines also call Minneriya home.

The guided tour offers a unique opportunity to observe this abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.

Witness "The Gathering" of Elephants

During the dry season, hundreds of majestic Asian elephants gather around the Minneriya reservoir in a spectacle known as "The Gathering."

Visitors on the Minneriya Jeep Safari have the unique opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon, where the pachyderms congregate to feed and socialize.

Observing the elephants’ interactions, their grazing patterns, and the sheer scale of the gathering is a mesmerizing experience.

Guides provide expert commentary, helping visitors appreciate the significance of this event and the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The Minneriya Jeep Safari offers a chance to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring gatherings.

Rich Diversity of Wildlife

Beyond the impressive spectacle of "The Gathering" of elephants, the Minneriya Jeep Safari offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s rich diversity of wildlife.

Guests may spot majestic leopards, playful sloth bears, graceful deer, and wild buffalo roaming the landscape. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including peacocks, eagles, and pelicans.

With the help of an experienced tracker, visitors can catch glimpses of the park’s elusive residents, such as grey langurs, purple-faced leaf monkeys, and porcupines.

This diverse ecosystem ensures an unforgettable wildlife adventure.

Preserving the Ecosystem Integrity

Although the Minneriya Jeep Safari offers an immersive wildlife experience, preserving the ecosystem’s integrity is of paramount importance.

Strict guidelines prohibit activities that could harm the natural environment, such as feeding animals, making fires, or disturbing plants and exhibits. Visitors must respect the delicate balance of the park and adhere to all rules and restrictions.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

While personal food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, it’s best to rely on the amenities provided. This ensures the safari experience remains uninterrupted and minimizes any potential environmental impact from outside items.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?

The tour package doesn’t offer an option to extend the safari duration. It’s a fixed 4-hour guided tour of Minneriya National Park. However, travelers can inquire about customizing the experience or booking an additional safari on another day.

Do I Need to Arrange My Own Travel to the Pickup Location?

The package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, so travelers don’t need to arrange their own transportation to the pickup location. The safari experience starts and ends at the traveler’s accommodation in Kandy.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Vehicle for the Safari?

Yes, customers can request a specific type of vehicle for the safari. The tour includes an air-conditioned 4X4 Jeep with an English-speaking tracker, but the operator may be able to accommodate other vehicle preferences if requested in advance.

What Is the Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The minimum number of participants required for this tour is 1. It’s a private tour, so you can book it for yourself or your group. There’s no minimum group size to enjoy the Minneriya Jeep Safari.

The Sum Up

The Minneriya Jeep Safari from Kandy offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the renowned "Gathering" of Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Visitors can expect a comprehensive 4-hour adventure, complete with air-conditioned transportation, knowledgeable trackers, and the chance to spot a diverse array of wildlife, all while contributing to the preservation of the Minneriya National Park’s ecosystem. This tour provides an unforgettable and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: