Ridiyagama Safari Park: A Modern Wildlife Experience in Sri Lanka

Located within the arid-zone landscape of southern Sri Lanka, the Ridiyagama Safari Park is Sri Lanka’s first-ever safari-style wildlife park, a milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey toward modern, sustainable wildlife tourism and conservation. Located near the busy town of Hambantota, this large 500-acre park offers a new model of education, entertainment, and ecological awareness, recalling the format of world-famous African safaris.

Origins and Development
The idea of having a safari park in Sri Lanka had its origin in the early 2000s following a suggestion by the Department of National Zoological Gardens. The idea was to expand zoological areas beyond the traditional zoo concept and give way to more interaction between visitors and animals. Construction of Ridiyagama Safari Park commenced in earnest in 2008, and following years of planning and staged development, the park’s first phase was opened to the public in March 2016.

Strategically located along the Sooriyawewa–Ridiyagama road, in convenient proximity of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Ridiyagama Safari Park was designed to bring both domestic and foreign tourists to the south of the island, which is already rich in flora and fauna and home to such world-famous national parks as Yala and Bundala.

Layout and Zones
Ridiyagama Safari Park is constructed to international safari park standards. It has been divided into a number of zones, with each zone concerned with various species of animals and ecosystem themes. The concept is to simulate naturalistic habitats to the extent possible, and the animals will roam freely in their respective enclosures while the tourists move around the park by safari jeeps.

Two large zones have so far been opened to the public: African Lion Zone, Sri Lankan Elephant Zone

These zones collectively occupy a small fraction of 200 acres of the remaining 500-acre plan. Future developments must include rooms for other creatures such as African zebras, leopards, giraffes, tigers, and Asian bears, among many others.

Wildlife Experience

1. African Lion Zone
   The most popular attraction for most visitors is the lion enclosure, where tourists get to see these regal predators from the comfort of specially designed, caged safari buses. This area replicates the dry savannahs of Africa, with open grasslands, shaded spots, and waterholes that replicate the natural habitat of lions.

The lions, which have been bred in captivity in some cases, are under close veterinary care, and their welfare is monitored regularly by professional staff and zoologists.

Sri Lankan Elephant Zone:
This area takes care of some Sri Lankan elephants, a subspecies of the Asian elephant and one of the cultural symbols of the island. Spectators are able to observe herds roaming in semi-wild surroundings, doing typical activities such as mud-bathing, grazing, and socializing. The park itself is designed with the concept to give these elephants more space and freedom than one would find within regular zoo enclosures.

Zebras, Deer species (Sambar, Axis, and Barking Deer) Giraffes, Hippopotamuses, Ostriches and other exotic birds ,Tigers and leopards

The diversity of animal species to be developed at Ridiyagama is likely to improve educational and conservational work in Sri Lanka while developing eco-tourism.

Visitor Experience
A visit to Ridiyagama Safari Park is commonly termed as a “mini-African safari experience” in the heart of South Asia. Unlike what one would anticipate from zoos, visitors remain indoors in covered vehicles while the animals run around freely in open spaces. This reverse role – humans in enclosures, animals in liberty – adds to the authenticity and thrill of the experience.

Important visitor amenities are: Guided safari tours with experienced rangers Interpretation centers describing wildlife behavior and conservation activities

Photography zones designed to provide unobstructed animal viewing Rest stops, washrooms, and a small café..

The park is particularly popular with families, school groups, and foreign visitors. Weekends and public holidays are crowded, so early visits are recommended.

Conservation and Education
Despite being a prime tourist spot, Ridiyagama is also utilized for conservation and education. Direct contact and observation are some of the aims of the park for raising awareness of endangered species and their habitats. Observing animals in semi-natural situations makes tourists more empathetic and appreciative towards wildlife.

In addition, Ridiyagama is a breeding facility for several species, primarily lions and elephants. These breeding activities are crucial in maintaining healthy captive populations and guaranteeing genetic diversity. In the near future, the park aims to collaborate with global conservation networks and zoological institutions to enhance its research and breeding activities.

Educational programs are offered to schools and universities, often in the form of guided tours, workshops, and presentations by wildlife experts. These programs help to inspire the future ecologists and conservationists.

Economic and Tourism Impact
The Ridiyagama Safari Park is part of a larger scheme to make Hambantota Sri Lanka’s commercial and tourist hub. As the infrastructure in the area around it – expressways, airports, and the Hambantota Port – is improved, the safari park positions the south as an energized center of eco-tourism.

It generates local employment and stimulates the local economy through tourist activities like hospitality, transport, and local crafts. As a foreign tourist alternative to the more established circuits like Colombo or Kandy, Ridiyagama offers something new: a modern wildlife experience with African safari flavor.

Challenges and the Road Ahead
Like other wildlife parks in the world, Ridiyagama too has challenges. They are: Managing animal welfare in captivity Providing visitor safety and ethical tourism practices Balancing development with environmental sustainability.

But with good management and continued government and international conservation assistance, Ridiyagama has the potential to develop into a significant player in the wildlife tourism sector in South Asia.

Ridiyagama Safari Park in Hambantota is more than a wildlife park – it’s a mirror of Sri Lanka’s ambition to reshape its approach to wildlife conservation, education, and tourism. By creating an immersive, ethically managed environment where animals thrive and visitors engage with nature, Ridiyagama is changing the way Sri Lanka showcases its natural wealth to the world.

Ridiyagama is a place where wildlife enthusiasts, families with kids who need a good educational experience, and even tourists wanting to do something very Sri Lankan can have a wild memory to cherish in the midst of the southern plains of the island.

Operating Hours

Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

How To Go

Ridiyagama Safari Park, located in Ridiyagama, Hambantota District, is Sri Lanka’s first man-made safari park, offering an immersive wildlife experience. Here’s how you can reach the park:​

By Car

Starting from Hambantota Town, follow the following directions: Proceed on the A2 road towards Wellawaya, east. Turn left on Ridiyagama Road (B37) after approximately 8 km. Proceed for about 12 km before reaching Ridiyagama.

The entrance to the safari park is directly off the main road, and signs direct you to the park.
Attractions in Sri lanka The entire journey is approximately 20 km and would take 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.​

By Public Transport
From Hambantota Main Bus Station:​ Board a bus to Wellawaya. Get down at Ridiyagama Junction (approximately 30 minutes). At the junction, you can: Walk: 3 km walk to the entrance of the park. Hire a tuk-tuk: Approximately LKR 300–500.​

GET THERE BY TUK-TUK OR TAXI
Book a tuk-tuk or taxi in Hambantota:​

Tuk-Tuk: LKR 1,000–1,500 for one-way.
Taxi: LKR 1,500–2,000 for one-way.​

Travel time is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. However, it may take longer in heavy traffic.