The Great Elephant Gathering Private Safari from Minneriya
Description
The Great Elephant Gathering Safari in Minneriya is a seasonal safari that takes you to see the biggest gathering of Asian elephants in the world. Enjoy seeing the gentle giants of the animal kingdom. Get closer to nature as you watch them feed, bathe, and play right before your eyes.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This intensive safari experience will give you the chance to go on a game drive through the Minneriya National Park, famed for its elephant gatherings. In addition, your safari guide will help you catch sight of a number of flora and fauna native to Sri Lanka. Avid birdwatchers will love this safari as well. The Annual Elephant Gatherings. Every year during the dry season between May and September, water runs out in the surrounding areas. Hence all the elephants in the wilderness of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee make an annual pilgrimage to the Minneriya tank seeking the freshwater and tender green grass along the banks of the tank. As a result, huge gatherings of elephants anywhere between 150 - 700 members can be seen roaming in the national park. These gatherings are said to be the largest gatherings of wild elephants in the entire world.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Departure Point: Park Gate Of Minneriya National Park If you are staying within a 5km radius of the entrance gate, you can arrange free pickup from your hotel. Address: Habarana-Polonnaruwa Road, Habarana, Sri Lanka Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Price is fixed per vehicle
- A maximum of 6 people per vehicle
Reviews(1)
The ride through the park in the side-seated jeep was backbreaking; however, once we crossed the narrow waterbody and spotted the elephants, everything changed. It was sheer happiness. The females, the young ones, the males - the tuskers, the parade, tourists in100s of jeeps, were all incredible. I made a difficult task counting those elephants and had to stop after 100 or so. A mom elephant ( the cow) taking care of her young ones and her multitasking ability at suckling the calf, grazing, and taking care of the older calf, just bowled me over. The tuskers, like all male species, was just egoistic and loafing by themselves. A must visit for any Sir Lankan tourist.
