Yala National Park Safari Half Day 5 Hours

Yala National Park , Sri Lanka

Yala National Park Safari Half Day 5 Hours

Active

(2 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

- Expert Local Drivers & Trackers
Our guides aren’t just drivers — they’re passionate wildlife trackers who know Yala like the back of their hand. With years of experience, they know exactly where to look for elusive leopards and other hidden gems of the jungle.

- Smaller Groups, Bigger Experience
We focus on small-group or private safaris, so you avoid the crowds and get the full attention of your guide. This makes for a more peaceful and meaningful connection with nature.

- Customized Safari Options
Choose your style Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or first-time explorer, we tailor the experience to suit your interests.

- High-Quality, Comfortable Jeeps
Ride in well-maintained, Toyota jeeps for the best visibility, comfort, and safety. We never overcrowd—everyone gets a great view and enough space to enjoy the ride.

- Personal Touch
From hotel pickup to drop-off, we make sure every detail is taken care of. You're not just another tourist—you’re a valued guest.

Available options

Yala National Park Safari Half Day and Full Day Tours

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Park Entry Assistance – We help arrange your tickets and park entry

Experienced Local Guide – Knowledgeable about Yala’s wildlife and habitats

Hotel Pickup/Drop-Off (optional) – From Tissamaharama or nearby areas

Flexible Departure Times – Morning or evening safaris available

Detailed itinerary

Wildlife Spotting
Get ready to encounter an incredible variety of animals in their natural habitat—leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild buffaloes, and more. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Scenic Jeep Ride
Travel in a comfortable Luxury safari jeep with an experienced local driver-guide who knows the park inside out. Your guide will take you to the best spots for wildlife viewing while sharing fascinating facts about the animals and their behaviors.

Morning or Evening Options

Hotel Pickup/Drop-off (if included)
Relax and enjoy the ride—we’ll handle your transportation to and from your hotel or a designated meeting point near the park.

Eco-Conscious & Respectful
We follow strict ethical wildlife viewing practices and conservation rules to ensure a safe, respectful, and sustainable experience for both travelers and animals.

What's not included

park entry tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

✅ Yes, travelers need a separate entry ticket to enter Yala National Park.

The park entry fee is charged separately by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and is not always included in the safari price unless stated otherwise in your tour details.
Travelers must present a mobile or printed confirmation from Viator or TripAdvisor.

Our guide will check your name at pickup or at the meeting point.

If entry tickets are included, we will arrange and provide them.

If not included, we will assist you in purchasing the tickets at the park gate.

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.