Close-up of animals in Sri Lanka’s Ridiyagama safari

Ridiyagama Safari Park – Beautiful forest environment full of animal diversity

Ridiyagama Safari Park – Beautiful forest environment full of animal diversity

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

Ridiyagama Safari Park is Sri Lanka’s first and largest safari park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe diverse animal species from around the world in spacious, semi-natural enclosures.
  • Sri Lanka’s First Safari Park: Ridiyagama Safari Park holds the distinction of being the first purpose-built, man-made safari park in Sri Lanka, opening its doors to the public in 2016.
  • “Humans Caged, Animals Roam” Concept: Unlike traditional zoos, this park features an innovative design where visitors are enclosed in protected buses or jeeps while the animals roam freely in their expansive, naturalistic habitats.
  • Diverse Global Wildlife in Open Zones: It’s a unique attraction in Sri Lanka for observing a wide variety of non-native species from around the world, including African lions, Bengal tigers, zebras, and ostriches, housed in distinct, large open zones.
  • Home to Specific Large Animal Zones: The park is notable for its dedicated, sizable zones for particular animal groups, such as the 35-acre African Lion Zone, the 54-acre Sri Lanka Elephant Zone, and an 80-acre mammal zone.
  • Significant Contribution to Tourism in Hambantota: Developed with a substantial investment, the park has become a key modern tourist attraction in the Hambantota District, enhancing the region’s appeal for both local and international visitors.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Paid

Wheelchair Access

No

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Hambantota

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Not available

Elephants walking through Ridiyagama grasslands
African lions resting inside Ridiyagama Safari Park
Open zoo animals interacting in Ridiyagama
Wildlife experience at Ridiyagama Safari in Hambantota

Guidelines

Follow Park Rules & Stay Inside the Vehicle: Always remain inside the safari vehicle during the ride, never attempt to feed, touch, or provoke animals, and strictly follow the safari guide’s instructions at all times. Be Mindful When Taking Photos: Use silent mode and turn off your flash when photographing animals, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the wildlife. Go Early & Prepare for Heat: Plan your visit for early morning (8:00 AM–10:30 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) to see more active animals and avoid extreme heat, and remember to bring hats, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen for comfort. Book Tickets in Advance & Choose the Correct Zone: Since the park has different zones (like African Lion and Asian Elephant), check which ones are open and book your safari ride in advance to prevent delays or missing out.