Safari at Minneriya National Park

“Amazing Gathering of Asian Elephants”

AVAILIBILITY: YEAR AROUND

GATHERING SEASON: JULY TO SEPTEMBER

SAFARI OPTIONS: HALF DAY, FULL DAY, 1 NIGHT (2 DAYS) & TAILOR MADE

ACCOMDATION OPTIONS: CAMPING, TREE HOUSES 0R STAR HOTELS

More spectacular than possibly any other wildlife event in Sri Lanka is what is known as the ‘The Gathering’. During the dry season (July to Spetember) when water supplies start to diminish, more and more animals congregate around the Minneriya reservoir where grasses are rich and fertile. For several months of this drought season different herds of wild elephants gather at the reservoir. They come from the areas beyond Minneriya, and at any one time it is possible to witness up to 300-400 elephants. They are not migrating, they simply ‘gather’, to socialize, bathe, feed and possibly mate.

It is a unique phenomenon and only seen in Minneriya National Park. Recently, this amazing Gathering was listed as Number 6 in the Lonely Planet’s Guide to Natural Wildlife Spectacles of the World.

Minneriya National Park is also home to Sri Lankan Elephants and Sri Lankan Sloth Bears. It is listed as one of the important bird areas in Sri Lanka. The wildlife here comprises of 26 species of mammals, 160 species of bird, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish and 75 species of butterfly.

A 4WD open-top safari is the only way to see all the wonders this protected reserve has to offer, and our experienced and knowledgeable nature guides will make this an unforgettable experience.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Lightly coloured clothing
• Sunglasses & a hat to protect against the sun
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection lotions & Lip balm
• Good camera, spare batteries, extra memory cards, cables and chargers
• Dust mask or scarf for protection against the dust
  

   

  

   

   

   

   

  OTHER WILDLIFE EXCURSIONS

  

  SAFARI AT WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK : HALF DAY, FULL DAY, 1 NIGHT (2 DAYS), 2 NIGHTS (3 DAYS) & TAILOR MADE

  

  SAFARI AT YALA NATIONAL PARK : HALF DAY, FULL DAY, 1 NIGHT (2 DAYS), 2 NIGHTS (3 DAYS) & TAILOR MADE

  

  DISCOVER LAND OF THE ELEPHANTS : HALF DAY, FULL DAY, 1 NIGHT (2 DAYS), 2 NIGHTS (3 DAYS) & TAILOR MADE

  

  AMAZING GATHERING OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS AT MINNERIYA : HALF DAY, FULL DAY, 1 NIGHT (2 DAYS) & TAILOR MADE