Sri Lanka Yala Wildlife Safari Tours
Active
7h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience Yala National Park with our reliable safari service, guided by licensed drivers who know the best wildlife viewing spots. We focus on comfort, safety, and maximizing your chances to see elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and rare birdlife, making your safari both memorable and stress-free.
Available options
Yala Wildlife Safari - 7 Hours
Yala Wildlife Safari – 7 Hours: A half-day extended safari through Yala National Park, lasting around 7 hours. This tour gives you more time inside the park <br/>Duration: 7 hours: Spend around 7 hours exploring Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife reserves.<br/>Breakfast: Optional Sri Lankan picnic breakfast (USD 8 per person)<br/>Toyota Hilux 4x4 Safari Jeep: A specially modified Toyota Hilux 4x4 jeep designed for safari drives. The vehicle is open-sided with elevated seating.<br/>Pickup included
Yala National Park Safari Tours
Pickup included
Yala Full-Day Safari – 12 Hour
12-hour full-day safari: Enjoy a 12-hour full-day safari in Yala National Park, exploring deep into the park’s diverse landscapes.<br/>Duration: 12 hours: Enjoy a 12-hour full-day safari in Yala National Park, exploring deep into the park’s diverse landscapes. <br/>Lunch, Breakfast & Drinks: Traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, freshly prepared lunch, and bottled water are provided free of charge during the safari.<br/>Toyota Hilux 4x4 Safari Jeep: A specially modified Toyota Hilux 4x4 safari jeep with open-air design and elevated seating.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional safari driver/guide licensed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation
Fresh fruits a bottle of mineral water per person
Comfortable 4x4 Safari Jeep (shared basis, max. 6 guests per vehicle)
Hotel pickup/drop-off (within selected area)
Detailed itinerary
1
Start your adventure with a 5:00 AM hotel pickup in Tissamaharama/Yala and travel in a 4x4 jeep to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve. From 6:00–8:00 AM, experience the golden hours when leopards are most active, alongside elephants grazing, crocodiles basking, and herds of buffalo and spotted deer. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and vibrant birdlife such as peacocks, eagles, and bee-eaters. On the 7-hour safari, explore diverse landscapes of lagoons, forests, and open plains before a short rest stop, returning by 12:00 PM. On the full-day safari, enjoy a picnic-style lunch inside the park, then continue across multiple zones for a chance to encounter rarer species like sloth bears and jackals. Conclude with an evening drive from 3:30–5:00 PM, another peak time for leopard activity, before exiting the park at 5:30 PM and returning to your hotel with unforgettable memories. Your safari will be led by an experienced local driver who speaks English at no cost.
What's not included
Entrance fee – Yala National Park (approx. LKR 13,000 / USD 43 per person)
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, renowned for its high density of leopards and diverse wildlife. It offers a thrilling safari experience through its varied ecosystems, including forests, scrublands, and coastal lagoons.
Top Attractions
Leopard Safaris
Yala National Park is famous for its high density of leopards. Jeep safaris offer the best opportunity to spot these elusive big cats in their natural habitat.
Wildlife
3-4 hours
Moderate (Approximately LKR 3,500 to LKR 5,000 per jeep)
Kumana National Park
Adjacent to Yala, Kumana is a smaller park known for its birdwatching opportunities and scenic beauty. It's a great place to see migratory birds and other wildlife.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate (Approximately LKR 1,500 to LKR 3,000 per jeep)
Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
This ancient Buddhist temple is located within Yala National Park and is a significant religious site. It offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (Donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rice and Curry
A traditional Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, and fish.
Main Course
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
Hoppers (Appa)
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.
Breakfast
Vegetarian (can be made vegan).
Kottu Roti
A popular street food made from chopped roti dough, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
Popular Activities
Jeep safaris
Hiking
Birdwatching
Boat rides
Beach visits
Nature walks
Temple visits
Festivals
Best Time to Visit
February to August
This is the best time to visit Yala National Park as the weather is dry and ideal for wildlife spotting. The park is open for safaris, and the chances of seeing leopards and other wildlife are high.
28°C to 32°C
82°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Yala National Park and its surrounding areas are generally safe for travelers. However, it's important to follow park rules and regulations, and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed guides and operators for safaris.
- • Agree on prices before starting your journey.
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
Getting there
By air
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 100 km (62 miles)
By train
Tissamaharama Railway Station
By bus
Tissamaharama Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Taxis are available for transport to and from the park but are not used for safaris within the park.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Tissamaharama
Kataragama
Day trips
Bundala National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Full day
Bundala National Park is a wetland park known for its birdwatching opportunities and diverse wildlife. It's a great place to see migratory birds and other wildlife.
Morawewa Lagoon
30 km (19 miles) • Half day
Morawewa Lagoon is a scenic lagoon known for its birdwatching opportunities and peaceful atmosphere. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Festivals
Esala Perahera Festival • July or August (depending on the lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Book your safaris in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best guides and jeeps.
- Wake up early for your safaris to increase your chances of spotting wildlife, especially leopards.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens for the best wildlife viewing and photography experience.
- Dress in neutral-colored clothing that blends in with the natural environment to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- Respect the park's rules and regulations, and follow your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
