Founder D.G.S. Nishantha began safari operations in Udawalawe in 1990 with a Mahindra CJ3B, with his brothers joining him as drivers. From that single jeep, the family operation grew over more than three decades into the established safari business Grizzly Safari is today, carrying forward generations of local experience and knowledge of Udawalawe.
1990
FOUNDED WITH A SINGLE MAHINDRA CJ3B
From a single Mahindra CJ3B to a diverse modern fleet, our vehicles have evolved alongside more than three decades of safari operations in Udawalawe.
1990: The Mahindra CJ3B
The Land Rover Years
2000s: Defender Era
Today: Modern Fleet
Grizzly Safari began in 1990 with a single Mahindra CJ3B, the vehicle that started our journey in Udawalawe and laid the foundation for the fleet that followed.
As the operation grew, Land Rover Series II and Series III vehicles joined the fleet, becoming an important part of Grizzly Safari’s early years in Udawalawe.
The fleet later expanded to Land Rover Defender 110s. At its peak, Grizzly Safari operated six Defenders, forming the largest Defender safari fleet in Udawalawe at the time.
Over the years, the fleet evolved to include Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, Isuzu D-Max, JMC, Mahindra Scorpio and Mahindra Bolero Maxi Truck safari vehicles—continuing a tradition of adapting our fleet to the demands of Udawalawe.
Founded by D.G.S. Nishantha in 1990, Grizzly Safari grew from a single-jeep operation into a family-run safari business deeply rooted in Udawalawe. His brothers joined him as drivers, and together they built decades of first-hand experience navigating the national park and operating safaris for visitors from around the world.
That experience continues to shape how Grizzly Safari operates today. Decades spent working in Udawalawe have built an understanding of the park, its wildlife, its changing conditions and the practical details required to deliver a well-organized safari. Today, more than 20 people work directly with Grizzly Safari, all from the local community, with their families depending on the business for their livelihoods.
More than three decades of experience, built here in Udawalawe and carried forward through generations.
• TRAVEL TRADE PARTNERSHIPS
For decades, Grizzly Safari has worked alongside established Sri Lankan destination management companies, tour operators and travel partners, providing dependable safari operations for their guests in Udawalawe.
Long-Standing Safari Partnerships
From individual travelers and private groups to large multi-jeep operations, Grizzly Safari has supported travel partners with reliable safari vehicles, experienced local drivers and on-the-ground coordination in Udawalawe.
35+
Years of Operation
25+
Travel Trade Partners
Every Grizzly Safari jeep carries a clearly visible Code of Conduct to help guests understand responsible behaviour inside Udawalawe National Park. Together with our driver training and respect for park guidelines, it helps us conduct safaris with as little disturbance to wildlife and their natural habitat as possible.
Trained Drivers & Calm Transit
Respectful Viewing Distances
Zero Feeding & No Interference
Guest Code of Conduct
Our drivers are trained to respect park guidelines, maintain appropriate speeds, avoid racing, and refrain from unnecessary horn use or loud noise inside the park.
Drivers maintain appropriate distances from wildlife and other safari vehicles, while keeping animal pathways clear and avoiding interference with their natural movement.
Guests are instructed never to feed wildlife, while our drivers avoid disturbing, provoking or obstructing animals so natural behaviour can be observed respectfully.
A Code of Conduct is displayed inside every Grizzly Safari jeep, reminding guests not to feed wildlife, leave the vehicle inside the park, make unnecessary noise, litter or interfere with animals and their habitat.
From our first safari jeep in 1990 to today, Udawalawe has always been our home. Join our experienced local driver-guides for a private safari built on decades of local knowledge.