Ridiyagama Safari Park

Ridiyagama Safari Park: Sri Lanka's first open safari park

Ridiyagama is near Ambalantota. It is the first open safari park in Sri Lanka and covers more than 500 acres. The animals live in large open-air paddocks instead of cages.

Zones

Lion zone: The most popular section, where African lions can be seen resting in the grass.

Elephant zone: Home to a number of rescued Sri Lankan elephants.

Herbivore zone: Zebras, camels, oryx, giraffes and several kinds of deer or antelope.

Tiger zone: The newest addition, with Bengal tigers.

The bus tour

Private cars do not enter the zones. Leave your car in the car park and board one of the park's safari buses. The buses are fully enclosed, which keeps families safe near the large predators. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Mornings, from around 9:00 AM, are best because animals are more active before the midday heat.

The park is more like an open-air zoo than a national park. Animals are easy to see in the paddocks, which is not the case in the wild.

Before you go

Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM.

Entry: LKR 3,000 - 5,000 (Approximate for Foreigners).

Getting there by car

The park is 235 km (146 miles) from the airport, about 4 hours by road, and roughly 30 minutes from Hambantota centre. If you [rent a car in Sri Lanka](/rent-a-car-sri-lanka), the park fits easily into a South Coast itinerary.

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Traveler FAQ for Ridiyagama Safari Park

Can I drive my own car through the safari park?

No. You leave your car in the car park and use the official safari buses.

How does it compare with a national park?

It is different from a national park, more like an open-air zoo. Animals are easy to see in the paddocks, unlike in the wild.

What is the best time to visit?

Mornings, from around 9:00 AM, because animals are more active before the midday heat.

Which animals can I see at Ridiyagama?

African lions, Bengal tigers, Sri Lankan elephants, zebras, giraffes and several kinds of antelope.

Is the safari bus safe for children?

Yes. The buses are fully enclosed and made for this safari, so they suit families.

How long does the safari take?

The bus tour through the zones takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Plan your trip to Ridiyagama Safari Park

Reach Ridiyagama Safari Park in your own car or with an English-speaking driver from H.B.S. Rent a Car Sri Lanka.

Ridiyagama Safari Park