Colombo · SAFARI
41 reviewed
This is the shortlist we would hand a friend: 15 safari tours worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Go on a private 4x4 safari in Udawalawe National Park to spot wild elephant herds, crocodiles, and rare endemic birds with an expert guide.
“We loved that our guide, Udith, was super attentive, engaging and knowledgeable. He always asked us if we were ready to go and took pictures of us. We were lucky enough to see a leopard too, which made the experience even better.”
Early start from Colombo to climb Sigiriya and visit Dambulla caves, with an optional elephant jeep safari and village lunch.
“A long but rewarding day. Admiration for Aadhil the driver to navigate the sometimes mindblowing traffic with a smile on his face for so many hours. We also appreciated the flexibility to drop the village tour and spend more time at the cave temples and see more places. Both the Lion Rock (be prepared for a long, steepm and somewhat scary ascend) as well as the safari were fantastic. We were lucky enough to be right in the middle of a herd of 20 elephants including baby elephants the youngest about 3 months old as they moved around and around us. Magical.”
Private Colombo tuk tuk tour with hotel pickup, king coconut water, free Ceylon tea tasting, and 15+ sights in 4–5 hours.
“the tuk tuk was a fun way to wander the city and a nice way to see/visit the highlights of the city. Joseph was a funny and knowledgeable guide who was fun to talk to and learn about the diverse and unique culture and history or Sri Lanka.”
Private Colombo tuk-tuk safari with hotel pickup, temple stops, Pettah market street drive, snacks, and a beachfront lunch for $48.
“Pradeep organized a great tour. Unfortunately for us, due to miscommunication, we missed the start of the tour, so had to catch a taxi to meet the tour at the first stop. Once we caught the tour, we enjoyed it a great deal. The Tuk Tuks, are not as shown on the website. Drivers are not dressed in uniform or pith helmet as shown on the website. Our driver was a metered cab hired for the day. He was very safe and courteous in the wild melee of traffic called Colombo! Highlight of the trip was driving through the market street with throngs of people on both sides and vendor…”
A private day trip from Colombo to Sigiriya, Dambulla cave temple, and a Minneriya elephant safari, with flexible timing and extra fees to plan for.
“It was well worth the long day! So many beautiful sights and experiences. Wasa was also very accommodating and thoughtful as our driver. Even though there was a payment issue he helped to correct it to ensure we didn’t overpay and that our tour went as smoothly as possible.”
See UNESCO Dambulla caves and climb Sigiriya Lion Rock on a small-group Colombo day trip with pickup, water, fruit, and expert help.
“It was a well-organized trip. I was picked up at the right time. The group was small. The tour guide Mr. Silva was very knowledge, extremely helpful and never pushy. For the non-essential parts of the trip, he gave us options and respected the groups choices and decisions. I highly recommend this tour. Shout out to Mr. Silva”
All-inclusive Wilpattu jeep safari from Negombo/Waikkal with early pickup, breakfast, lunch, and park fees for wildlife spotting beyond the big crowds.
“I really recomended this experience . We were there with our son. He was excited. Guides were very kind and friendly. They have prepered a lot of food for all day. They show to us leopards, elephants, crocodiles and explain all interesting “funfacts” about animals and Wilpattu park. Thank you very much 😉”
A 4.5-hour private tuk tuk circuit through Colombo’s temples, markets, and seaside landmarks, guided by Vinoth Blaze.
“My husband and I could not have had a better day yesterday! Blaze has beautiful English, and knows a lot about the recent and longer term history of Colombo. He shared many real life stories with us that were very memorable. He took us to the major sites within the area, including the colonial sites. He then he took us to a gem dealer where we learned a lot about the sapphires and other precious and semi precious stones that are mined in the mountains of Sri Lanka. This was a very interesting experience, and we enjoyed our conversations with the owners of the store and bought some beautiful necklace…”
A private 7-day Sri Lanka safari loop from Negombo to Colombo: Sigiriya, Minneriya, Kandy, tea, rafting, Galle, turtles, and more.
“We recently visited Sri Lanka with Go Ceylon Tours and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Our tour leader Thisath was truly outstanding — kind, professional, and incredibly attentive. He made us feel not like guests. But liRead more”
A long day safari from Negombo to Wilpattu National Park by jeep, with an English guide, villus-lake scenery, and leopard-focused wildlife drives.
“Kuljetus oli hyvissä ajoin hakemassa ja pysähtyi matkalla, jos oli tarvetta. Syömään vei ylihintaiseen buffet paikkaan. Lähdimme reissuun Negombosta, josta ajoaika yhteen suuntaan reilu 3h. Wilpattussa emme nähneet edes yhtä norsua. Lähinnä pelkkiä lintuja ja liskoja. Ei ollut mielestäni rahansa arvoinen ainakaan näin pitkän matkan päästä lähteä sinne.”
One-day Yala National Park jeep safari from Colombo/Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla with hotel transfers, wildlife spotting, and a real shot at leopards.
“Sasanka took us on the safari , everything went smoothly and was a really enjoyable trip seeing all the animals”
Udawalawe jeep safari and Elephant Transit Home from Hambantota Port. English guide, water and cool drinks included, easy return.
“Very good experience, driver arrived on time and we only booked two days before. Helped us find our jeep for the safari and waited with our stuff. This is a really good idea if you are looking to travel south but want to also do a safari as it’s very good value for money. The safari was amazing and we had a jeep just for the two of us. Batum, our safari guide was really useful and went the extra mile to allow us to see baby elephants! Definitely recommend this.”
Private day trip from Colombo: Sigiriya and Pidurangala, Dambulla caves, plus a Minneriya 4x4 safari for elephant sightings.
“It is a long course from morning to night, but I had an experience that is unique here. I was very satisfied with the care and kindness shown to the driver and his daughter who rode with me as a guide. If you come to Sri Lanka, I recommend this experience!Auto-translated”
One day from Colombo/Negombo to Sigiriya and Dambulla: Lion Rock climb, cave temple, spice garden, village lunch, optional jeep safari.
“The activity esa incredible, and also, our guide, Lekindu, has been aware that at all times we do what we like, he has even made stops off the route so that we can see other activities that we have loved. He has explained many things about the activities, recommending the best ones. The driving has been very good, it has even let us play music to our liking! Really, ask Lekindu as a guide, highly recommended.”
A 2–3 hour Negombo safari that pairs mangrove lagoon boat time, monkey moments, and a tuk tuk cultural loop with drinks and fruit.
“Great tour! First a Tuk Tuk around town visiting lots of churches & Buddhist temples. An interesting and informative visit to the fish market. We visited a Dutch Fort and also saw the prison. We then went on a boat ride on the lagoon. Very nice Read more”
