is yala safari worth it

A Yala Safari — Into the Wild Heart of Sri Lanka

The stunning Yala National Park is one of the most revered wildlife reserves in Sri Lanka, as it’s home to the highest density of leopards in the world. Here’s all you need to know in order to plan the perfect Yala safari.

The tiny island nation of Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for wildlife lovers. It’s home to a huge diversity of animals, including leopards, elephants, boars, monkeys, crocodiles and tons more. It’s also home to a range of exemplary national parks which provide excellent habitats for wildlife to thrive.

Of Sri Lanka’s many national parks, Yala is the most famous. This is due to its high concentration of leopards, as well as its close proximity to the beach resorts in the south of the country. Yala National Park covers an area of approximately 979km² and is so rich in wildlife, it would be almost impossible not to have a fruitful safari.

In this article, we’ll explore what animals you can expect to see in the park, and help you plan your perfect Yala safari.

“Yala National Park: where the wild heart of Sri Lanka beats with unparalleled fervour.”

What animals can you see in Yala?

Yala National Park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds and 46 species of reptiles. This is a huge range of biodiversity, and it would be practically impossible to not see any animals during your safari.

And while taking a safari doesn’t guarantee that you’ll see every animal that lives in Yala, it’s safe to expect to see water buffalos, wild boars, spotted deer, monkeys and peacocks up close. Keep an eye out for the impressive mugger crocodiles lurking in the waterways, as well as various species of turtles, lizards, snakes, and frogs.

Beyond this, there is also the potential to see rarer species such as leopards, elephants, black sloth bears, fishing cats and red slender loris.

Leopards in Yala National Park

Yala National Park is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world, making it the number one destination for spotting these incredible cats. It’s estimated that around 55 leopards reside in the park, so you might just be lucky enough to spot one on your safari.

Keep in mind, though, that wild animals are not predictable and each safari experience is unique. Sightings of rare species like leopards can’t be guaranteed, so I recommend keeping your expectations low to avoid disappointment.

That being said, your Jeep driver will know all the best spots for leopard sightings and will do his best!

What’s the landscape like?

Watching animals in a beautiful setting really makes a safari all the more wonderful, and Yala is the perfect stage upon which to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Yala National Park is characterized by a mix of dense forest, scrubland, grassland, and lagoons.

The terrain of the park also makes it easy to see across long distances. There are some rocky outcrops and hills scattered throughout, but the terrain is mostly flat, which makes wildlife viewing easier. The park is bisected by several rivers and streams, which provide important water sources for the park’s resident wildlife. This makes it easier to know where animals are likely to congregate.

Conservation efforts in Yala

Through dedicated conservation efforts, Yala National Park safeguards its resident animals from threats such as poaching and habitat loss. The park is divided into several “blocks,” of which only a few are open to the public. This helps to ensure species remain protected.

Conservation efforts also have a direct impact on the livelihoods of local communities. The park generates significant revenue through tourism, creating job opportunities and driving the local economy. By engaging in sustainable tourism practices and supporting conservation initiatives, visitors to Yala National Park can play a vital role in safeguarding this precious ecosystem and empowering its surrounding communities.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Yala National Park is from February to June during the dry season. With less water in the ponds, it’s easier to spot animals coming out to drink. The peak season for leopards is February and March. 

The best time of day to visit is either early morning (6 am – 9 am) or late afternoon (3 pm – 6 pm), as this is when wildlife is most active.

Note: Yala National Park is usually closed for maintenance during the month of September.

How to arrange a Yala safari

The nearest town to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama (often shortened to Tissa). There are tons of safari operators here, and most accommodations can also help you arrange your Yala safari. For a beautiful place to stay in Tissa that compliments your safari experience, I suggest either Flameback Eco Lodge or Richards Cabanas.

Alternatively, Cinnamon Wild offers a really unique stay right on the edge of Yala itself. You’ll stay in an eco-friendly chalet nestled within 10 acres of green jungle. It’s the perfect launching pad for your safari!

Whether you book your safari through your accommodation or directly with an operator, the operator will usually pick you up from your accommodation and take you back afterwards. Most jeeps have the capacity to take 6 people.

You can choose a morning, afternoon or full-day safari. Morning and afternoon safaris will give you 3 – 4 hours in the park, whereas a full-day safari will be 10 – 12 hours.

Here are a few suggestions for operators to look into:

How much does a Yala safari cost?

As of 2021, foreigners pay LKR 4,000 (approx. £16) per adult and LKR 2,000 (approx. £8) per child to enter the park. There’s also a vehicle entry fee of LKR 2,500 (approx. £10) per jeep.

It’s recommended that you hire a driver/guide for your Yala safari. Expect to pay around LKR 8,000 to 12,000 (approx. £32-48) for a half-day tour and LKR 15,000 to 20,000 (approx. £60-80) for a full-day tour.

All in, it’s an average of 65 USD per person for a safari in Yala. This includes your park entrance ticket, as well as the hire of a jeep and guide. The price is higher than other national parks in Sri Lanka, but the quality of wildlife sightings you’re likely to have completely justifies this.

My experience on safari in Yala National Park

I visited Sri Lanka primarily to go cycling , so spent the morning biking around the Tissa countryside. This in itself was a fabulous experience — cycling near a national park meant we saw plenty of exotic birds, water buffalo, flying foxes and monkeys.

We went back to the hotel to have lunch, before being transferred to Yala National Park for an afternoon safari. We entered the park at about 3 pm.

Because I knew how popular Yala safaris are, I expected to see tons of other jeeps. And while there were definitely other jeeps, it wasn’t anywhere near as packed as I expected. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by how unbothered I felt by other vehicles. I can’t promise it won’t be busy during your visit, but I didn’t find the volume of tourists to be an issue.

I had done a safari in Minneriya about a week ago and was pleased to see that the landscape and “vibe” of Yala is completely different to in Minneriya. This made it feel like a whole new experience. We very quickly saw a group of wild boars after entering Yala, followed by elephants, water buffalo, monkeys and peacocks.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see a leopard during my time in Yala National Park, however, I had kept my expectations low so that I wasn’t disappointed by this. I suggest you do the same, as it’s not guaranteed that you’ll see a leopard. The variety of wildlife we did see was amazing, though. We had lots of unique sightings and saw plenty of crocodiles, monkeys, wild boars, monitor lizards and more. We also saw absolutely tons of elephants, including a few babies.

After spending a good few hours admiring Yala’s wildlife, we left the park at about 6:30 pm.

My Yala safari was one of the highlights of my two weeks in Sri Lanka — an absolutely wonderful experience that I highly recommend.

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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How interesting since when I was in Sri Lanka, I opted for Udawalawe to see wildlife. As far as I remember, Yala was too much off my route. This way, I enjoy your post even more since I missed out on this reserve. Sri Lanka is a great place and my trip there was definitely one of my best travels – such an amazing mix of so many great features.

We have been to several game drives and saw a wide variety of wild animals. But we have never seem leopards in the wild. So a safari in Sri Lanka at the Yala National Park. Glad to know you did not find it packed with jeeps. But too bad you missed leopards on your visit.

Hey I have been there too! And… I didn’t see a leopard on my Yala safari! Actually I saw one but it was really far away and I was a bit sad about this. On the other hand, I loved the nature around us!

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Safari at Yala National Park: 7 Things You Should Know (2024)

If you’re planning on going on a safari at Yala National Park, you have come to the right place! This guide includes everything you need to know.

Yala National Park is about 250 km (155 mi) from Colombo , the capital of Sri Lanka, and going on a safari here is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park and it’s the country’s most popular one.

This park is famous for being a place where you might spot leopards as there’s a dense population of these animals here! There are many other animals at Yala too, though. Elephants , water buffalos and crocodiles , for example, are easier to spot.

But let’s dive into it, if you would like to include a visit to Yala National Park in your Sri Lankan itinerary , this guide will come in handy. It includes which safari to choose, the best time to visit Yala, where to stay and more useful information.

What You Should Know Before Going on a Safari at Yala National Park

1. Tissa is the nearest town

Tissamaharama , or Tissa in short, is the nearest town to Yala National Park. This town is a 30 km (18.6 mi) ride from the entrance and this is the place to head if you want to do a safari in Yala. This city is easily accessible by local bus or by private car and you will find plenty of hotels here.

It’s good to know that it’s also possible to stay inside the national park (although this is a little more costly), but you will read more on the topic later.

Alternatively, you can also go on a safari from the town of Ella , which is 70 km (44 mi) from Yala National Park. If you would like to go on a morning safari, it’s better to stay in Tissa, however.

2. The best time to visit Yala is between February and June

The dry season (February to June) is the best time to visit Yala National Park . At this time of the year, the animals come out to drink, so you will have a greater chance of spotting them.

It’s possible to visit Yala during the rest of the year too, and there will be fewer crowds (or jeeps) then. It will be more difficult to spot animals too, though, but it’s not impossible.

The park is closed from September to mid-October , so don’t come here at this time of the year.

3. There’s no guarantee that you will spot any animals (but you probably will)

Although there are 44 varieties of mammals, 215 bird species and 46 species of reptiles in Yala, wildlife is unpredictable, so keep in mind that there’s no guarantee of spotting anything.

This being said, it’s not too difficult to spot elephants , deer , water buffalos , peacocks , monkeys , wild boars , monitor lizards , crocodiles and many types of birds . If you’re lucky, you might also spot sloth bears and jackals , and if you’re really lucky, you might spot a leopard (you will read more about these animals in my next point).

During my visit to Yala, we spotted all of the animals mentioned above except for sloth bears, jackals and leopards.

Tip: If you would like to see sloth bears, Wilpattu National Park is the best place to do so.

4. There’s a chance that you will see a leopard

You might spot a leopard if you’re really lucky! It’s said that Yala is one of the best places in the world to spot these animals . There’s one leopard per square kilometre in Yala, which makes it the national park with the highest density of leopards in the world.

Leopards are very hard to spot, though. These animals often hang out in dense bushes or on trees and they mostly roam around during nighttime. So consider yourself very lucky if you do spot one.

I didn’t spot any leopards myself when I was in Yala (or during any other safari I did), but you might have better luck! After all, if there’s one place in Sri Lanka where you might spot these animals, it’s Yala National Park.

5. It can be pretty crowded

Yala is Sri Lanka’s most popular national park and, unfortunately, this means that it will be pretty crowded if you’re visiting during high season (February to June).

When I visited Yala in March, there were many jeeps driving around. On a few occasions, many of these gathered in one location to spot an animal (see picture below). This is the one thing I didn’t like during my visit to Yala, but overall, I had a great experience.

Tip: If you would like to visit a national park that’s more off-the-beaten-path and where you can spot bathing elephants, I recommend heading to Gal Oya . This park is located on the East coast of Sri Lanka and it’s one of my favourite places in the country.

6. You can go on a morning, afternoon or full-day safari

Yala National Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and jeeps enter the park twice a day – at 6 in the morning and at 2 in the afternoon.

According to the rangers, both times are good. Animals don’t like the heat, so you won’t spot many in the middle of the day. The early morning and late afternoon, however, are good times to spot wildlife.

Some people say that morning safaris are better, though, as the animals haven’t been disrupted by jeeps yet.

I went on a morning safari myself, which lasted for about 4 hours (3 hours inside the park). We left at 4:30 am to enter the park at 6 am and saw many animals in the first 2 hours. However, once it started getting warmer, there weren’t many animals around anymore.

Although a full-day safari may sound tempting, I wouldn’t recommend doing this as driving around the national park for an entire day is pretty intense. During a full-day safari, you will also be inside the park at the hottest time of the day. It gets pretty hot in Sri Lanka and you most likely won’t spot any animals around this time.

7. The cost depends on the company and tour

The price of a jeep safari at Yala National Park depends on the company you book it with. Prices also differ depending on the duration of the tour and the number of people who will join the safari.

You can expect to pay anything between $30 and $50 for a half-day safari and between $70 and $100 for a full-day safari . Tours can either be booked at your accommodation, through an agency or online.

You will find some affordable examples of tours that you can book online below:

• Half-day morning safari (private) with GetYourGuide
• Full-day safari with Viator

Note that you will also have to pay an entrance fee of USD 28 for foreign adults and USD 8 for foreign children in order to enter the national park. Most companies don’t include this in the price. So make sure to check with them so that you won’t have any unpleasant surprises.

Where to Stay in Yala

Tissa is the closest town to Yala (about 30 km or 18.6 mi from the entrance of the park) and you will find plenty of hotels and guesthouses here for any budget. It’s also possible to stay inside the national park, but you can expect to pay more here, although there are also some camping sites.

Here are my top recommendations for stays in Tissa and Yala:

• Hotel River Front (⭐ 9.6): Located in Tissa, Hotel River Front has beautiful rooms, a nice garden and an outdoor pool. This is a great place to stay and the best part is that it’s pretty affordable as well.
• Yakaduru (⭐ 9.3): This hotel is just a 5-minute drive from the entrance of Yala National Park. It’s set in a beautiful location and has an outdoor swimming pool too.
• Leopard Trails (⭐ 9.0): If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Yala, Leopard Trails is the one for you. The place is set in a beautiful location in the middle of nature and it offers luxurious, air-conditioned tents with all the amenities you will need.

Safari at Yala National Park: Final Thoughts

That was it! I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for in this guide and that it will help you plan your visit to Yala National Park.

Going on a safari in Sri Lanka is an amazing experience and one that you will remember for a lifetime. There are plenty of animals that you can spot here and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a leopard.

All in all, I had an amazing time during my morning safari at Yala National Park. We spotted elephants, water buffalos, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, peacocks, a monitor lizard and many birds, and our ranger did his best to offer us the best possible experience.

Check out my post with more bucket list ideas in Sri Lanka if you’re planning on traveling here!

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or if anything is missing from this guide, as I’m updating it frequently.

Read more about Sri Lanka:

• Famous Landmarks in Sri Lanka
• The Ultimate 10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary
• Places to Visit on the East Coast of Sri Lanka
• 14 Best Things to Do in Mirissa
• 15 Best Things to Do In Ella
• 16 Epic Things to Do in Sigiriya
• 16 Best Things to Do in Galle Fort
• 12 Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay

Sri Lanka Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Sri Lanka on  Skyscann e r . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🛺 Download the  Pick Me app  to order a rickshaw or a taxi. 💰 Get travel insurance via  VisitorsCoverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa  to visit Sri Lanka.

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Yala National Park Safari, Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know [Activity Review]

Posted on Last updated: July 22, 2021

When you think about Sri Lanka , chances are high that you immediately think about jeep safaris and spotting wildlife… Well, you’re right! During my week on the South Coast of the country , I had the chance to do a Yala National Park Safari with Cinnamon Nature Trails. 

Below you can read all about this safari and of course I’ve included everything you need to know to make your own visit to Yala National Park a success.

YALA NATIONAL PARK SRI LANKA SAFARI REVIEW

National Parks In Sri Lanka

Did you know that 13% of Sri Lanka is either a national park, reserve, sanctuary or jungle corridors? The Sinharaja Forest Reserve for example, is the country’s last area of tropical rain forest and it has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

In total, Sri Lanka has 21 National Parks, and they are:

• Wilpattu National Park (one of the oldest and most important of protected areas in Sri Lanka, lots of important cultural sites and wildlife such as elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo, leopards and spotted dear)
• Yala East (Kumana) National Park (this park is separated from Yala National Park and is a strict reserve, known for its migratory birds that visit the mangrove swamps)
• Wasgamuwa National Park (home to a vast array of animals, ancient sites and tanks + the highest density of bears than anywhere else in Sri Lanka)
• Gal Oya National Park (catchment area for Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir, the Senanayake Samudraya, the only national park where boat rides are allowed, you can spot swimming elephants here!)
• Udawalawe National Park (Sri Lanka’s closest example of Africa’s savanna reserves and the country’s premier elephant park)
• Lahugala Kithulana National Park (one of Sri Lanka’s smallest parks with a big importance to endemic animals in Sri Lankan like birds and the Sri Lankan elephant)
• Maduru Oya National Park (designed to protect the immediate catchments of five reservoirs and a refuge for wildlife)
• Horton Plains National Park (world heritage site and the catchment area for almost all of Sri Lanka’s major rivers, home to many animals & endemic plants in Sri Lanka + spectacular hikes)
• Bundala National Park (a paradise for migratory and resident birds due to many lagoons, wildlife spotting from elephant to the deer, the only park to spot both the Marsh and Seawater crocodile on the same safari trip)
• Lunugamvehera National Park (created primarily as a catchment area for the Lunugamvehera reservoir)
• Minneriya National Park (despite being one of the smallest, this park is a haven for elephants and endemic birds of Sri Lanka)
• Kaudulla National Park  (this park revolves around an ancient tank and is considered as an important elephant corridor, offering regular sightings)
• Hikkaduwa National Park (one of the two marine parks in Sri Lanka, featuring fringing coral reefs showcasing a bio-diversity spectacle)
• Pigeon Island National Park (the second marine park in the country, a spectacular small island home to a showcase of colorful corals and tropical fish)
• Horagolla National Park (biologically the most diverse and significant patch of forest in the wet zone of Sri Lanka, and a natural refuge for manyendemic species in Sri Lanka that are extremely rare/extinct in other parts of the island)
• Galways Land National Park (the only national park located within city limits, a beautiful population of birds and colorful floral species of native and foreign origin, the most significant birding site in Sri Lanka)
• Ussangoda National Park (this park is believed to be the place where Ravana landed his mythical flying chariot, known for the red soil in the area, this park is a haven for turtles)
• Angammedilla National Park (established to protect the drainage basin of the giant Parakrama Samudra reservoir)
• Flood Plains National Park (a corridor for wildlife migration between grazing lands in Wasgamuwa and Somawathiya National Park)
• Somawathiya National Park (within the park, you can find the Somawathiya Chaitya, a stoepa said to be containing a relic of the tooth of the Buddha)
• Yala National Park (the oldest and most known national park in Sri Lanka, best place for leopard spotting)

Road Block!

History Of Yala National Park

Yala nationalpark Sri Lanka is one of the oldest and most well-known national parks in the country: it was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and designated as national park in 1938. Under British rule, however, the park was initially used as a hunting ground, if you can believe it!

With about 1297 km2 (129,700 ha), it’s also the largest of protected areas in the country. The park plays an important role in the conservation of a large number of flora and fauna in Sri Lanka and you can also find a couple of historical, religious and archaeologically important places in the area.

The terrain of Yala park Sri Lanka is very diverse and consists of light riverine, thorn and dry monsoon forests, scrub jungle, fresh and brackish water wetlands, open planes of grasslands, tanks, lagoons and even sand dunes. Special to Yala is the coastal wilderness and it’s the only place in the world where you can see Asian elephants right next to the coast (and sometimes even ON the beach!).

Where To Go In Yala Sri Lanka?

What you should know about Yala, is that it’s divided into 5 blocks and also consists of adjoining sanctuaries and national parks such as Lahugala, Lunugamvehera and Kumana National Park, the Yala Strict Nature Reserve and the Kataragama, Katagamuwa, and Nimalawa sanctuaries. Between the different national parks there are jungles, so elephants have corridors to move from Yala to the other parks in the area.

Not every block and sanctuary is accessible for visitors (only Block 1 and 5 are open at the moment, the others are more used for research and documentary filming) and -here comes the deal- not every block gives you an equal chance of actually seeing wildlife.

Another very important thing to note is that Blocks 1 and 2 will be closed for 6 weeks in September and October . Yala safari Sri Lanka companies will then take you to either Block 5 or Lunugamvehara National Park. Of course, during the time that we visited, the park had literally just closed, so we were off to Block 5, which we didn’t know beforehand. Below you can read the impact that had on our overall experience.

Block 1 is the most popular area of the park (in the South) and because it’s one of the oldest, the animals are somewhat ‘used’ to people being around, so you have the best chance of spotting wildlife. This part of the park has the highest concentration of leopards as well (over 30 at the moment), so if you want to see them (and who doesn’t), you have to go to Block 1 for sure. But remember that they are still wild animals, so you might not spot anything regardless.

This block is almost exclusively used for safaris, so expect quite a bit of traffic going around.

Block 2 is at the most Southern and remote part of Yala. Wildlife here is less frequently observed, and therefore quite shy.

Block 3 in the North of Yala features a wilderness with hardly any visitors… and also hardly any wildlife because of the dry Yala weather. That said, in the dry season, this block is where specialized afternoon safaris run to photograph the Sloth Bear.

Block 4 of Yala is located in the North. The area is a dry zone and features a tall canopy and forest with huge trees, compared to the more open landscapes in the South and East of Yala National Park. There is a lot of rainfall in this part of the park, almost double than the more Southern parts of the park. Because of the wilderness, there are almost no visitors here and block 4 Yala national park animals are a lot more shy because of that.

Block 5 lies in the North of Yala and just like block 3 and 4, there will be not a lot of visitors here, and also not a lot of wildlife because of the dry conditions and the fact that they are much more shy than in Block 1 for example. It’s perfect if you are looking for a private nature experience and are crazy about birds, but definitely don’t expect much larger wildlife, for that you really, really have to visit Block 1.

You can see why most people on our tour (who were expecting to see heaps of elephants and perhaps even leopards) were mildly (read: VERY) disappointed that we got diverted to Block 5. At the Wild Yala National Park hotel, we were given the lovely map of Block 1 (see above), with all the animals we could see there… but we never did.

Just to show you again what the difference between Block 1 (green arrow) and Block 5 (red arrow) is, this map tells it all:

Where To Book A Yala National Park Safari?

We did our Safari with Cinnamon Nature Trails , which is related to the Cinnamon Wild Yala nature resort and is one of Sri Lanka’s leading eco-companies. They have worked together on photo and video productions of no others than National Geographic, BBC Natural History and The Discovery Channel.

On our tour, we entered the park around 3 PM (it was about half an hour drive from the Yala Safari Hotel, since we had to go to Block 5 instead of Block 1, which is right next to the hotel) and had to exit the park again at 6 PM. On this tour, they say you get a minimum of 3 hours in the park.

There is a maximum of 6 people per Yala safari jeep and no matter where you are seated, you will have a window spot. Well, more a ‘viewing spot’, since there are no windows in the jeep, haha.

Half-Day Safari

For an adult, if you’re travelling with a minimum of 2 people, you pay USD $90. Children 5-12 years pay USD $40 (under 5 free of charge).

Full-Day Safari

For an adult, if you’re travelling with a minimum of 2 people, you pay USD $180. Children 5-12 years pay USD $60 (under 5 free of charge).

There are different times for the Yala national park tours: Morning / Full Day (departure at 5:30 AM) and Evening (departure at 2:30 PM)

Again: make note that in general, Yala National Park Block 1 & Block 2 will be closed from the 1st of September until the end of October. As an alternative the safari will be taking you to either Yala Block 5 or Lunugamvehara National Park. This will GREATLY reduce your chances of seeing larger wildlife. Just so you are warned. 

To book this safari, please check out the Cinnamon Nature Trails website

What Animals Can You Spot In Yala National Park?

In Yala, you can find 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species.

The animals that most people come to Yala for are the elephant and most of all the leopard. In the Southern Blocks of 1 and 2, and also in the East of Yala, you’ll find quite a large number of lone elephants. For the bigger herds, you have more luck in the Northern Blocks of 3, 4 and 5. There are about 250-300 elephants in Yala, broken up into small families and lone males.

Yala has the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, and to see them best, head over to Block 1.

There is also a large population of Sloth Bear (they feed on fruit between April and June) and other wild animals such as crocodiles, spotted deer and sambar deers, jackals, peacocks and a lot of other birds, including raptors, waders and shorebirds.

We spotted moneys and a lot of spotted deer

How MASSIVE is this bees nest?

Behind the Scenes

We didn’t spot any large wildlife in Block 5 until perhaps 10 minutes before we had to leave the park at 6. By this time we were still quite a bit of distance from the gates, and our drivers were rushing (read: definitely going over the speed limit here) to make it back in time. I suppose there is a fee for them if they stay out too late, but they should know by now how big the park is, no?

Anyway, when we were rushing through the park, suddenly someone shouted “ELEPHANNNNNTTTTSSS!!!” and we made a sudden stop, almost having the car behind us crash into us. Uhm ok. But there they were…. really far away (I have a 200 zoom lens and then cropped the image below to see things properly). But hey, they were elephants, even with a little baby! The fact that we only got to look at them for less than 5 minutes is something I’m just going to forget.

And if you can believe it, on the way back in the bus from Block 5 to our resort, guess what we saw? Scroll down for the answer…

Yes, that’s right. You spend 3 hours on safari driving through stunning landscapes looking for elephants, only to spot several of them on the road, eating fruit that someone clearly left there for them. *sigh*

What Is The Best Time To Visit Yala National Park?

The best time to visit the park is between February and July. During this time, the water levels of the park are quite low, so the animals have to get out into the open to reach water sources. The Northeast Monsoon occurs around mid-October to late-December. During this time, it’s perfect to see the arrival of migratory birds from central Asia and the Himalaya.

Because Yala National Park is located in the “dry zone” of Sri Lanka, the climate here is hot and occasionally humid. Average temperatures range between Min 20°C (68°F) and Max 33°C (91°F).

Cinnamon Wild Yala

Where To Stay In Yala National Park?

During my time in South Sri Lanka, I stayed at the Cinnamon Wild Yala safari lodge. This resort features individual bungalows and includes a lake filled with wildlife from birds to buffalo’s and crocodiles!

To read more about this incredible Yala National Park accommodation, check out our complete review here .

How Long To Visit Yala National Park?

We spend two nights at the Cinnamon Wild Yala hotel, but we only got to go on just one afternoon safari. If I would have booked this trip myself, I would have definitely stayed another night and try and go on at least one more safari early in the morning! The experience is just too unique to cheap out on this and what are the chances you’ll be back in Yala anytime soon?

Also, make sure to get to the opening of the park as early as possible. Especially when you’re in Block 1 and things get busy, you don’t want to be the last car in line!

Weheragala Reservoir

Driving through Block 5, which borders Lunuamvehera National Park, we stopped briefly at the Weheragala Reservoir. This reservoir and dam was built in 2009 to block the Menik Ganga (river) and to provide water to the farmer in the South and the pilgrims who travel annually and seasonally to Kataragama for religious purposes. It also provides drinking water to the wild animals in the park, especially during the dry season.

The reservoir can hold 75 million m 3 of water and covers 3500 acres! The dam itself is 2 km long, 23 m high and 18 m wide. It’s really quite impressive!

Birdwatching Sri Lanka

If you’re wondering, the national bird of Sri Lanka is a “junglefowl”. It looks like a rooster, but then with gorgeous blue tail feathers and a red and yellow comb. We didn’t spot one of them on our safari, but we did see many other gorgeous birds, that you can see below.

If you are a lover of bird watching, perhaps consider to (also) book the bird watching trip to Bundala National Park (about 35 km from the Cinnamon Wild Yala Resort). Cinnamon Nature Trails offers a tour that will take you to the first wetland that was declared as a “Ramsar site” in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve. This park is considered an “Important Bird Area” (IBA) and is home to 197 species of birds of which 58 are migratory.

You have the chance to see for example: the Black Headed Ibis, Black Tailed Godwit, Painted Stork, Terns and many other bird species along with mammals, amphibians, butterflies and reptiles.

For an adult, if you’re travelling with a minimum of 2 people, you pay USD $110. Children 5-12 years pay USD $45 (under 5 free of charge)

This tour leaves at 7 AM.

You can book this bird trip on the Cinnamon Nature Trails website

To see some great footage from Yala National Park (and all the animals you could have seen), we recommend to check out this video by our friends Dave & Deb from The Planet D:

Leopard Conservation Project

As Sri Lanka holds the highest density of leopard population in the world, the cattle of local farmers have been under many attacks in the past. The leopards especially prey on their young calves. Of course, the farmers were less than happy about this and their anger triggered many revenge attacks, which in return left the leopards in great danger.

That’s when the John Keells Foundation, in collaboration with Cinnamon Wild Yala founded “Project Leopard”. This project provides cattle farmers with steel pens to secure their calves at night, when the animals are most vulnerable.

The success of the project paved the way for the “Leopard Research Project” to be initiated. Here, weather proof trail cameras were installed in Yala to monitor the behaviour of the leopards and estimate their population.

Check this video to find out more:

Besides the fact that we got send to Block 5 and therefore not seeing as much big wildlife as we could have and the rushing of the drivers at the end of the trip, I would still say that my experience going on a jeep safari in Sri Lanka was a positive one.

The rush of being in an open vehicle with so many wild animals around, the excitement of spotting really amazing birds, deer, monkeys and in the end (even though very far away) elephants, is something I believe everyone should experience once.

One thing that I would have expected more from was the driver/guide on our trip. He did point out some of the animals we saw, but didn’t give us a lot of information about them, as I believe his English wasn’t great. If we would have someone on the trip that was a great storyteller and provided us with a lot of background on the animals and the park, this would have definitely been a better experience for us.

If I would ever come back to Sri Lanka, I would 100% go when Block 1 is open and give myself at least 2-3 drives depending on the wildlife we get to see. But overall, I thought this was a really cool bucket-list worthy experience, especially if you’ve never been on a jeep safari before like I have! Definitely in combination with a stay at the Cinnamon Wild Yala Resort, this part of my trip to Sri Lanka has been my favourite and I would highly recommend visiting!

Time Zone in Sri Lanka? UTC + 5.30

Currency in Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR). Check the latest exchange rate here .

Electrical Plugs in Sri Lanka? 230V, Type D, M & G. We recommend getting [amazon_textlink asin=’B01KLMW9GY’ text=’a universal travel adapter ’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thetraveltester-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1798619a-ecb8-11e8-8af7-5980e1425c5f’] to never worry about having the right plug on your travels!

Languages Spoken in Sri Lanka?  Sinhala, Tamil and English

Best time to visit Sri Lanka?  Sri Lanka has warm temperatures throughout the year, but the dry season is from April to October (mild temperatures and little rain). The Monsoon season is from November to March (high temperatures and humidity).

Visa Requirements Sri Lanka? If you’re from the USA, UK, Netherlands or Australia, you are required to apply for an electronic visa (ETA) prior to arrival. This visa allows you to enter and stay in the country for 30 days.

Insurance for Sri Lanka? Make sure to get travel insurance! We recommend checking out worldnomads.com

Vaccinations for Sri Lanka? You should always check your doctor’s recommendations on vaccinations before you travel, but you should definitely have the basic immunizations such as Tetanus and Diphtheria up to date.

How to get to Sri Lanka?  You can only get to Sri Lanka by flying. There are no ferries between India or other nearby countries. I flew from London with Sri Lankan airlines, as there are daily direct flights from Heathrow to Colombo . This took about 10 hours. While flying economy is always a bit uncomfortable long-haul, I did like the food and entertainment options on my flight and the staff was super friendly. The flight from London was packed, so 100% make sure to book your seats in advance to prevent yourself ending up in middle seats. You can even bid for business class seats, a friend of mine got hers for as low as 100 pounds!

For the best deals on flights to Sri Lanka, check skyscanner.com .

How to get around Sri Lanka?  Most of the sights in Sri Lanka can be reached overland, for example by bus (budget, pay fare to assistant driver), trains (scenic routes: Colombo <> Kandy , Kandy <> Ella and Ella <> Nuwara Eliya ) or private driver (comfort, around $200-350 USD for a week + additional tip). You can also opt for domestic flights, Cinnamon Air Sri Lanka has small 8-seater planes to give you some scenic flight fun! And don’t forget to use the tuktuk in the cities (negotiate your price before you get in!)

Colombo to Yala national park is about 285 km, which is around 5,5 hours driving. It is recommended if you’re not seeing anything else on the south coast, to take a flight here! Cinnamon Air flies to the airport in Tissa, which is 53.3 km from the park.

Which organised tours to do in Sri Lanka?  We highly recommend organised tours with Gadventures. These are the tours they offer:

• Sri Lanka Land & Sea
• Sri Lanka Encompassed
• Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure
• Sri Lanka Express
• Discover Sri Lanka
• Discover India and Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka on a Shoestring
• Discover Kerala and Sri Lanka

Tourism Website Sri Lanka:

• Have a look over at  srilanka.travel

Accommodation in Sri Lanka: 

• Cinnamon Grand Colombo [ see the best deals on booking.com ]
• Cinnamon Bey Beruwala [ see the best deals on booking.com ]
• Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon [ see the best deals on booking.com ]
• Cinnamon Wild Yala [ see the best deals on booking.com ]
• Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort [ see the best deals on booking.com ]

Make sure to check out our other articles on Sri Lanka:

• 10 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka that Will Make you Grow as a Person
• One Day in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka ? Complete Guide To A Perfect City Break!
• Cinnamon Sri Lanka Hotel Review : Is This the Best Accommodation on the South Coast of the Country?

To read more about other national parks in Sri Lanka, check out these blogs by our blogging friends:

• Kaudulla National Park : Spotting Elephants on a Jeep Safari in Sri Lanka [ wonderfulwanderings.com ]
• Sri Lanka Trekking [ globalhelpswap.com ]
• Mesmerised by the wild elephants in Kaudulla National Park , Sri Lanka [ globalhelpswap.com ]
• Yala or Udawalawe : Which is the Best Safari in Sri Lanka? [ nomadicboys.com ]
• Leopard Spotting at Yala National Park , Sri Lanka [ theplanetd.com ]
• Sri Lanka Safari – The Best of Yala National Park [ theplanetd.com ]

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Disclaimer:  I was kindly invited by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, The Professional Travel Bloggers Association, SriLankan airlines and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to be part of this trip to the South Coast of Sri Lanka (part of TBC Asia 2018). All photos and opinions are, as always, 100% my own!

Wildlife Adventures in Sri Lanka: How to Plan a Safari in Yala National Park For All Budgets (2024)

Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka is an amazing place to go on safari and hopefully see leopards in the wild. I recently had the privilege of exploring the wonders of Yala, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. If you think you have to choose between a high-end, expensive, luxury private safari, or a bare-bones backpackers hostel, we’ve got great news for you- there is a middle ground! We’ll help you sort out where to stay to visit Yala National Park so you can book the best Yala safari in Sri Lanka for your family- whether that’s a luxury resort or a rustic camp where you feel in tune with nature.

Arranging a jeep safari in Yala National Park can be confusing and overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll help you plan your own unforgettable safari in Yala National Park. From spotting elusive leopards to encountering elephants in their natural habitat, we’ll dive into the magic of this Sri Lankan wilderness together. We’ll cover how to book a park safari experience, which block in the park to visit, where to stay close to Yala, the best time of year to go on Yala safari, how to get to Yala National Park, and tips for enjoying your park safari once you a there.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of this post,  download a free guide: 6 Safety Tips for Traveling with Kids: What You Should Know Before You Travel

Lodging: Booking.com Flight Deals: Skyscanner Rental Cars: Discover Cars Airport Transfers: Welcome Pickups

Digital SIM Cards: Airalo eSIM Travel Insurance: SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Where is Yala National Park

Yala National Park is located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. Its vast expanse covers a significant portion of the country’s southeastern lowland dry zone, making it a haven for diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty. Yala National Park is about a 5-hour drive from Colombo, so it’s best to incorporate your visit to Yala into a larger two-week itinerary in Sri Lanka .

Yala National Park is divided into 5 blocks. Most safari tours visit Block 1 where the largest population of leopards live. Animals are free to wander among the blocks, so there is no guarantee of sightings, and they may change their patterns due to weather, mating season, or even the migration patterns of deer.

Once a British royal hunting ground, Yala National Park was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and a national park in 1938.

Is Yala National Park Worth Visiting?

Yes, Yala National Park is worth visiting! It’s a family bucket list experience that you won’t forget! Yala National Park has the world’s largest population of wild leopards- so you have the best chance of seeing one of these majestic and elusive creatures!

There is no guarantee that you will see a leopard, but even if you don’t see one, you’ll have a fantastic park safari experience and see lots of other animals including elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, peacocks, wild boars, and more!

What Animals Will I See in Yala National Park?

There are 44 different mammals in Yala National Park as well as over 200 species of birds. Many people come hoping to see a leopard or a sloth bear, but there are also elephants, jackals, water buffalo, deer, boar, monkeys, and crocodiles. No animal sightings are guaranteed, but most are fairly easy to spot with the exception of the sloth bear and the leopard.

Note: If you are interested in elephant welfare and conservation, we recommend a visit to this elephant sanctuary in Cambodia .

What Happens If We Spot a Leopard?

When a leopard is spotted, your guide will call in the sighting. All of the other vehicles in the area will rush to the site to try and also see the animal. This creates a traffic jam.

Vehicles in Yala do not go off-roading-they follow strict rules which prevent drivers from getting too close to animals or harassing animals. This means that when vehicles line up and crowd into one location, it can be hard for any one vehicle to move.

Secondly, your guide will record and report the sighting. Guides are able to identify most leopards on site by their coloring and spots and will be able to tell you about the animal. Every sighting is recorded so that animal movements can be tracked.

When we visited Yala, our vehicle was the first to see a leopard- near the end of the afternoon we started Amber, a 9-year-old female who was resting in the ditch at the side of the road. She quickly headed into the tall grasses, and we were then able to watch her from far away as she ate a small animal, possibly a rabbit.

When we were finished attempting to watch her- even with binoculars she was tough to see as she would dip her head down below the grass level, we were not able to move for a while as other safari jeeps had blocked us in.

To learn more about the leopards in Yala, or to see photos and details about whichever individual you spotted, check the Yala Leopard Diary . They have updated information about the migratory patterns of each animal as well as a family tree, and lots of wonderful photos.

How to Book a Safari at Yala National Park

There are two ways to book a safari in Yala National Park- as part of a complete package, or by booking lodging close to the park and then arranging the safari separately. Often, even though the safari is not included in your room rate, your accommodations will be happy to help you arrange as many safaris as you like. There are both group safari tours and private safari tours available.

If you are staying in Tissamaharama there will be opportunities to book guides from town. We highly recommend booking ahead so you can arrange for both a driver and a guide for your safari.

A driver will simply drive, and while he will do his best to show you animals he usually doesn’t offer much guidance in terms of animal behavior. We found that our guide and driver worked well together, discussing routes and looking for animal tracks. You want to reputable guide who has years of experience with tracking- they should be able to hear animal alarms indicating the presence of predators and track animals using prints and scat.

Where to Stay Near Yala National Park

There are budget hostels, luxury camps, and a few mid-range camps to stay in near Yala National Park. When we started researching options, I was frustrated to keep seeing the same few luxury or high-ed jungle camps coming up in blog posts over and over- they just weren’t in our budget.

We’ve included some of these luxury camps below- if you have the budget, these camps will pamper you and make sure you have a vacation to remember. However, if these are not in your budget, we’ve rounded up other options so you can still see all the epic wildlife that Yala National Park has to offer.

Try to book lodging as much in advance as possible – many of these properties only have a handful of tents, cabins, or chalets, so they book up quickly.

Staying Inside Yala National Park

There are government-run bungalows available inside Yala National Park . I’ve seen several comments that they are not “up to standard”, but haven’t spoken with anyone who has tried using them. You can stay in these bungalows for up to 3 consecutive nights. You can see the facilities here , and reserve them online . Details are scarce- if you’ve tried one of these please let us know how they were!

Luxury Jungle Camps near Yala National Park

These luxury camps offer every amenity- and charge over 1K USD per night. If you are looking for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime, five-star experience, these lodges are fantastic. These jungle camps are in the buffer zone around Yala National Park.

Uga Chena Huts

This is a five-star all-inclusive resort that has luxury cabins that are air-conditioned with private plunge pools. They describe the resort as “colonial expedition chic with contemporary design innovations”. Safaris and meals are included with the lodging. This place is absolutely stunning, and only a few minutes drive from Yala National Park.

“The location is amazing, no fences or electric to keep out wildlife so it’s wild and beautiful. You can walk to the beach and to a nearby waterhole from your accom (not after dark!) You do need to be careful but that’s half the attraction. Two daily (optional) safaris were included with our stay which were brilliant, we saw so much amazing wildlife both on these.” -Jenny (Read More Reviews )

Book Now: Uga Chena Huts

Wild Coast Lodge

This five-star all-inclusive jungle resort is built in the shape of a leopard’s paw, with open-air central buildings made from bamboo and other natural materials. Guests stay in luxury air-conditioned cocoons made with double-height, stretched fabric roofs looking over the Indian Ocean. They also have a family cocoon suite that has two attached pods for parents and kids to experience together, while still having some privacy. Meals and game drives are included.

“I turned around to see a giant elephant on its way to my watering hole…they said it could happen…but I really thought the reality was slim to none…boy was I surprised! Besides all that, all the food and drinks were delicious! And, it cannot be omitted…the coastline! WOW!” -JennIE (read More reviews )

Book Now: Wild Coast Lodge

Mid-range camps near yala national park.

These unicorns are in the buffer area of Yala National Park- so you’ll need to get a driver to take you there, but are much closer to the gate of the park, so you’ll have less of a drive early in the morning. Some of these camps also offer an additional bush walk to introduce you to the wildlife in the area around the camp.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

This eco-friendly resort is high-end and clearly has hosted a lot of bloggers because it comes up often. This resort is in a bit of its own category- it’s more expensive than most of our mid-range options- with rooms in the range of $300-400 USD per night. As a five-star property, it’s a bargain compared to the all-inclusive luxury options, but significantly more expensive than most of the mid-range. If you’re debating about splashing out on your stay near Yala, this could be just what you are looking for.

This camp is located very close to Wild Coast Lodge but for 10% of the price tag. Chalets here are air-conditioned with private balconies. Chalets each have one double bed, so they don’t have a great setup for larger families, though they do offer connecting rooms. The complex has a large pool and a rooftop terrace for guests to enjoy.

“The property is absolutely fabulous, the location is incredible. if your going there for animals this is the place to stay. In the resort we saw crocodiles and water buffalo down at the lake and lots of beautiful birds. An elephant went through the resort and was down at the lake twice.” -Emma (read more reviews)

Book Now: Cinnamon Wild Yala

Wild Trails Yala by Suri

Wild Trails Yala is where we stayed, and absolutely loved it. We stayed in a tent with one double bed and two beds, air conditioning, and our own bathroom. The “tents” at Wild Trails Yala are made of lovely hardwoods, with our own front deck. Once we arrived we went on an afternoon bush walk, then hung out by a watering hole in the later afternoon until dinner was served by candlelight. There is no pool or fancy amenities, here, it really is glamping.

In the morning, we woke in the dark, had a cup of tea and biscuits, and headed out on our full-day safari. By the time we arrived back at camp, it was after dark. We had arranged for a driver to take us to Hiriketiya Beach that evening. Looking back, we would have enjoyed relaxing at camp for a second night and not rushing out so fast.

The camp here is small and simple, but lovely, and with every convenience. They made arranging our safari easy, and the guide they provided was friendly and knowledgeable. He taught our girls a bit about tracking and answered all their questions about wildlife in Sri Lanka. He even pointed out where once there may have been treasure buried inside a rock!

“The tent was amazing; extremely comfortable and spacious with towels, water, AC and a fan as well as shampoo and shower gel as standard. Goshi arranged a fabulous guide to accompany us on our 2 safaris (small extra charge and well worth doing as it added a lot to the experience). The park entrance is 15 min drive from Wild Trails Yala by Suri.” -Elizabeth (Read more reviews )

Book Now: Wild Trails Yala by Suri

Jetwing Yala

This resort is a massive 38-acre complex , complete with a spa, a large outdoor swimming pool, and TVs in each room. This is not a camp, but a large, luxury hotel close to Yala National Park.

“Great location just outside the national park and on the beach. It’s a lovely property with an exceptional pool. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and there was an excellent choice of food and drink. We had lovely massages in the spa.” -Julia (read more reviews )

Book Now: Jetwing Yala

Camp Leopard

This glamping resort is located near the town of Katagamuwa and uses the northern entrance into Yala National Park than the south entrance used by those lodgings closer to the coast. Visitors report that the ride into camp is a bit bumpy due to its remote location, but that using a different entrance means a quieter safari experience, and that the guides here are experienced and top-notch.

Tents here are canvas and have a more rustic feel, though they are air-conditioned. Hammocks are available in the shared lounge area. They have an onsite restaurant, and can also arrange a bbq by the lake.

“The staff at Camp Leopard are phenomenal. Very accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly. They immediately treated us like friends and taught us about the animals, food, and culture.” -Brian (read more reviews )

Book Now: Camp Leopard

Budget Lodging near Yala National Park

The nearest town to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama. This is where you’ll find most of the budget hotels and hostels. From this town, you have about a 45-minute drive to the main gate of Yala National Park. The farther away you stay from the park, the earlier you’ll have to get up in the morning to be at the gate (and in line with the other cars) before the 6 am opening. These hotels generally charge well under $100 per night.

There are many more options in Tissamaharama, here are some of the hotels with the highest guest ratings, many of these offer family rooms with multiple beds:

– Moon Light Guest House : With a 9.9/10 rating, travelers report spacious rooms, a shared garden, and staff who cook a delicious curry!

– Village Mango Resort Yala : Looking out over rice fields, these comfortable rooms are run by a lovely family who takes special care of their guests. There are hammocks and bicycles for guests to use.

– Lavender Home Yala : Run by a lovely family, you’ll find comfortable family rooms with air conditioning, some with balconies on the upper story.

Safari Options at Yala National Park

When going on a Yala National Park safari you have the option of a half-day morning safari, a half-day afternoon safari, or a full-day safari.

Half-Day Morning Safari

Mornings are the best time to see animals. You’ll line up with a lot of other vehicles outside the main gate of Yala National Park as the sun comes up, once the gates open, you’ll want to be one of the first cars in, as the vehicles often scare off any animals that are nearby.

Expect a 4:30 departure if you are leaving from Tissamaharama and a 5 or 5:15 departure from one of the border area camps.

If you choose the morning half-day option, you’ll have about three hours of safari time, then head back to your accommodation by 10 am.

Half-Day Afternoon Safari

The afternoon safaris depart from your lodging for a 2 pm entrance to Yala National Park. You’ll have about three hours of safari time, focusing on the later afternoon hours when the sun is not so hot. All vehicles must exit the park before sunset.

Full Day Safari

A full-day safari is from 6 am when the park opens, until about 6 pm. We watched the sunset on the way back to our camp. This is a long day, but it gives you the best chance of spotting animals, without a lot of back-and-forth driving.

You will need a packed breakfast and lunch to eat in the park. Also, the park closes down from 12-2, and all the full day safaris stop for a long lunch break in designated areas. The park is really strict about this, as it gives the drivers and the animals a much-needed break. You’ll see the safari jeeps line up a few minutes before 2 waiting to leave the designated area, but they take this break very seriously.

With four of us in the back of the safari jeep with four bucket seats and a rear bench seat, we had plenty of room to move around and switch seats in and out of the sun over the course of the day.

We spent our lunch break at a stop with a bathroom right by the river. Our guides put down a blanket and set out lunch, then we were free to play in the river until it was time to go. There are a lot of monkeys here so the guides were focused on keeping them away from our food, and then ate once we had finished.

After lunch we drove around a bit, it did start to feel like we were going back over areas we had already visited. At 2 pm it is still hot, so there are not a lot of animals around. One of the kids fell asleep at this time, and we let her rest, figuring we could wake her for any big sightings. By late afternoon there is again more to see, and then as you head back to the gate for your evening exit.

How Much Does Yala National Park Cost?

The entrance fees to Yala National Park are charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC)   depending on the number of foreigners in a jeep. Children below 6 are free of charge. Children 6-12 pay a child rate, anyone over 12 is considered an adult.

As of 2023, two adults in a jeep will pay a total of 71 USD in park fees. 2 adults and 2 children will be 106 USD. Generally, these fees are included when you book a vehicle with a driver and a guide.

Prices vary, and make sure to negotiate with your provider, but in 2023 we were quoted $150 for a half-day safari (private jeep, 2 adults 2 kids), and originally quoted $300 USD for a full-day, but were able to pay $175 USD. This included a packed breakfast and picnic lunch during our safari day, as well as an afternoon bush walk the day before our actual in-park safari.

How Much Should I Tip for a Safari in Yala National Park?

Deciding when and how much to tip is always a bit stressful, and depending on where you are coming from you may have different cultural associations or expectations around tipping. To clarify, we reached out to our host at Wild Trails Yala to learn about expectations around tipping your guide and your driver after a safari in Yala.

She advises planning to tip around $10 USD per vehicle to the guide for a half-day safari, and around $20 USD for a full-day safari. It is also recommended to tip the driver as well, though generally slightly less than the guide. Adjust as you feel comfortable based on your experience. This is not per guest but per safari vehicle in total.

Yala National Park Hours

Yala National Park opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm. There is a mandatory lunch break from 12-2 for all vehicles that are staying for the full day.

Some years, the entire park closes for the month of September. However, in 2023, the park will not be closing unless a drought hits.

When is the Best Time to Visit Yala National Park

Yala can be visited year-round, but your chances of seeing different animals will vary by time of year.

February – July is the best time for spotting leopards. This is the dry season, so while the scenery is not as lush, the animals come out into the open to visit watering holes. We visited Yala in February and had great weather for animal spotting.

In August, the Palu trees bear fruit making it much easier to spot sloth bears who love to eat this fruit.

November to January and April are the rainy months when you are less like to see animals. Keep in mind that leopards, like other cats, do not like the rain, and will retreat into caves, so you are much less like to see one on a rainy day.

Often, Block 1 of Yala closes in September to give the park time to recover from the crowds. During this time, Block 5 is available for an alternate safari.

Which Block Should I Visit in Yala National Park?

There are five blocks in Yala National Park, but most are not open to the public. They are protected land, accessible only to those doing research, filming documentaries, or similar programs that get explicit approval.

This is the block that most tourists visit. The animals that spend time here are used to vehicles going through and are unfazed by the traffic, and therefore easier to spot. The traffic here can be intense, with lines at the gate before sunrise.

Block 1 is the most popular block because this is where the highest numbers of leopards live. We toured Block 1, and while the actual area is small, we did see almost all of the animals we were hoping for, with the exception of the sloth bear.

Block 5 is usually booked for safaris during October and November when Block 1 is closed due to drought and for restoration. There is less visible wildlife here, and much less traffic. The animals are shyer, and the terrain is drier. This is a great block for bird watchers, but not for seeing the larger animals. Some tourists report being very disappointed by tours of Block 5.

Blocks 2, 3, and 4

The other blocks are generally not open to the public, although some specialized tours may enter Block 3 specifically looking to see sloth bears.

How to Get to Yala National Park

While there are buses and trains that run through various parts of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is not on any major bus routes. You can take a bus from the south coast beach towns to Tissamaharama, but if you are staying at lodging in the buffer area of the park you will need private transportation to get there from the center of town.

From Galle, take the bus marked Kataragama, Tissamaharama is just one stop before the final stop at Kataragama.

The easiest way to get to Yala is to hire a private driver for the journey which will drop you directly at your lodging which may be quite a distance from the town center.

Alternate National Parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a massive amount of protected lands over 13% of the country is a national park, reserve, sanctuary, or similar protected space. In fact, Sri Lanka has 21 National Parks! If you can’t fit Yala National Park into your Sri Lanka itinerary, there are other parks that you should consider to see wildlife in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park : Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest preserve, with a dense forest cover. Close to the historical city of Anuradhapura.  Here you will look for elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.

Udawalawe National Park : This is one of the best parks to see herds of elephants. Drier than Yala, it is located more inland. Located south of Ella and northwest of Yala.

Bundala National Park : This is the most impressive park in Sri Lanka for bird watching. Located just down the coast from Yala, the wetlands here attract migratory birds, and the park boasts over 200 species.

Wasgamuwa National Park – This park in central Sri Lanka, just south of Sirigiya, has the largest population of sloth bears in Sri Lanka. You will also see elephants, deer, and crocodiles.

Tips for Enjoying Your Safari In Yala National Park

Here are some tips to help you be prepared and enjoy your safari in Yala National Park.

1. Keep Your Expectations Low. This is especially important with kids! You may see a wild leopard right away, and follow them for an hour, or you might not see one at all. Or you may be called to a sighting to find 30 other vehicles waiting in line to see the same animal that is now deep in the grass. You will see wild animals, but it’s best to keep your expectations low prior to your trip.

2. Bathrooms are hard to come by in Yala National Park. Your guide may be able to find a spot for you to squat in the bush, but the only official bathroom is at one of the lunch break locations, so be prepared for that reality.

3. The best time to see animals is in the early morning, so you’ll start before dark, and be lined up (with a lot of other vehicles) at the entrance to the park before dawn. Later afternoon, starting around 4 pm is the next best time to see animals.

4. The afternoons get quite hot, and the animals take cover. If you opt for a full-day safari, keep in mind that the afternoon will be slow. One of our kids fell asleep in the car during this time, and we let her sleep. To some extent, it felt like we were driving around just wasting the hours waiting for the cooler times when the animals might emerge.

5. Bring water and a packed lunch. Your lodging can probably help with this, but there is nowhere to buy water or food inside the park, so come prepared.

6. Bring sun lotion, bug spray, and a sweater for the cool morning before the comes up. Remember to bring extra battery packs or chargers for your camera or phone!

7. Communicate with your guide. If you’d like to stop and take a picture, let them know. If you are ready to move on, speak up! They want you to have a good time but don’t always know whether you want to stop to see the fourth peacock of the day and take photos, or just keep moving.

FAQ: Safari in Yala National Park

The more hours you spend in the park, the more likely you are to see a leopard or other hard-to-spot animal. We recommend either one full day or two half days to maximize your chances of seeing these elusive animals.

There are over 100 leopards in Yala National Park, with many of them roaming through Block 1. Your guide will be able to identify and report any leopard that you view on your safari.

Yala National Park is huge- it covers 979 square kilometers or 378 square miles. That’s nearly 130,000 hectares of land. It is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, behind Wilpattu National Park.

Yes, you can stay inside Yala National Park, though most people stay outside the park in private lodges in the buffer area around the park. The bungalows inside the park are managed by the Sri Lankan government and have few amenities. You can see the facilities here , and reserve them online .

There are many animals and birds in Yala National Park including leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, boars, deer, jackals, and more. Birds include various storks, pelicans, and herons.

Leopards are wild animals, so they can be dangerous. Most leopards in Yala National Park as used to seeing safari vehicles all the time, and pay them no mind. However, never exit a safari vehicle unless your guide tells you that it is safe to do so. Leopards can become especially dangerous if hurt, or if their cubs are threatened. Here’s a fun article on how to survive a leopard attack .

Beginning in 2022, vehicles could no longer enter Yala National Park without a licensed guide. Currently, private vehicles cannot enter, you must be a registered tour vehicle.

You need a licensed vehicle and driver to visit Yala National Park. We strongly advise also hiring a guide who will help you track and spot animals, as well as give you guidance on their behavior.

There are supposedly a few buses that run from Ella to Yala National Park but they are not straightforward. We recommend booking a private transfer. You can ask for quotes from your hotel in Ellas as well as your camp near Yala to compare rates. We found that while everything is negotiable, most places offer fair rates based on the cost of fuel at the time. The drive time between Ella and Yala is about two hours.

Colombo is about a five-hour drive from Yala National Park. You can hire a driver to take you between the two cities, but you are better off enjoying other locations in Sri Lanka on your way to and from Yala. The southern beaches are only about a 1-2 hour drive from Yala.

There You Have It: Safari in Yala National Park

A safari in Yala National Park is a wonderful experience with wildlife you aren’t likely to see elsewhere! We’ve covered all the options from luxury to budget- whether you want to be pampered, or commune with nature. You’ve got everything you need to know to book your safari, from what to expect, and to what to bring with you to have an amazing safari. Make sure to add a safari in Yala National Park to your Sri Lanka itinerary, finger’s crossed you’ll see a leopard!

Continuing on to India? Don’t miss our guide to the Taj Mahal !

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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The Epic Yala Safaris Guide 2024 – A Must Read!

by Two Tall Travellers

Yala might be the best safari you can do in all of Sri Lanka. We outline which Yala safaris we recommend and how to make the most of your day!

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12-Hour Yala Safari With Shehan Safari

We have been with Shehan Safari TWICE and both times were absolutely epic. You have to book with a registered tour provider to see Yala and Shehan Safari is a great choice. I highly recommend the 12-hour safari for reasons I go into in the article. Lastly, this is a private tour which is also recommended as you get much more say over the overall tour experience.

Yala Safaris

We loved going on the first of our Yala safaris so much that we went back for more. And considering the first time was literally incredible, I was surprised that the second trip lived up to our expectations!

Read More: Looking For Elephants? Read About The Best Elephant Safaris In Sri Lanka!

Even though we strongly recommend the 12-hour Yala safaris, we are also aware that this is not feasible for everyone. So, below we go into detail on all of the Yala safari options available to you in detail and provide you with the very best tour options available.

12 Hour Full Day Yala Safaris

Let’s get straight into the big one: the 12-hour full-day Yala safari option. Before I delve into a typical itinerary, let me explain why I believe this is the best way to go.

Let’s be completely honest, most people going on Yala safaris are hoping for one sighting above all; a leopard. I don’t blame you and that’s what we were most looking forward to as well.

However, it’s really not a guarantee that you’re going to get to see one. To be honest, the chances of a decent sighting are actually pretty low. When I say ‘decent’ I mean seeing the entire animal at a reasonable distance for a decent amount of time.

There is a pretty good chance of catching a glimpse or seeing one at a significant distance.

Anyway, the best time to see them is at dawn and dusk. And when I say the best time, you’re massively more likely to see them during this time than midday. They disappear into the bush to sleep in the trees and shade throughout most of the day because of the heat.

This is the main reason why morning and afternoon safaris exist and midday safaris do not; most of the animals are resting during this time.

If you go on a half-day tour then your driver is going to have a limited amount of time to make sure you see as much as possible. They rush around in a large group of jeeps trying to jostle for position and tick as many boxes as they can, no matter how good the sighting may be.

If you go for a full day safari then your driver can make much more professional decisions; like when to stop and wait.

Read More: I Know You Love Animals! So Have A Read Of Our Ultimate Guide To Whale Watching In Mirissa!

On our first Yala safari, our driver sat and waited for nearly 40 minutes in one place. All of the half-day jeeps zooming past and taking no notice. We were there for so long that I started to think it was a waste of time.

Eventually, he points to the left of the vehicle and a leopard slowly emerged from the bush and walks adjacent to the vehicle, crosses the road right in front of us and walks into the fields. Absolute perfection.

This was only possible because the driver did not have a strict time schedule and could make decisions based on that fact.

This was exactly the same on our second tour. We, unfortunately, didn’t have as good a sighting with a leopard but we had an incredible sighting of the much rarer sloth bear which was equally as incredible.

That was a bit of an essay to explain one thing… The 12-hour full day Yala safaris are by far the best way to go if you are able.

Read More: Not Convinced On Yala? Check Out All Of The Safaris In Sri Lanka Here.

Typical Itinerary

Hotel Pickup – Depending on pick up location. They will be arriving at Yala before 6 am so expect a pickup time of around 5.00 am if you are staying in Tissamaharama (which is recommended).

Drive To The Park Entrance – The driver will go and arrange entry to the park whilst all of the jeeps for the day are parked outside the entrance until the 6 am opening time. There are toilets here so if you need to go, this is your last chance until lunch.

Enter The Park – At 6:00 am the park opens and everyone enters the park!

First Game Drive – From 6:00 am until 12:00 your driver will point out all of the animals you can see throughout the park. They will also be using a phone/radio to communicate with other drivers about sightings.

12:00 – 2:00 pm – This is lunchtime. Yes, it is 2 hours long which is quite a long time. However, during this time the park is completely closed and no one is allowed to drive around. This will be the same with all operators. Lunch is actually served next to the beach within the grounds of the park so it’s a great location to enjoy this time.

2:00 – 6:00 pm – Second game drive. This will be your second opportunity to see the animals of Yala National Park.

6:00 pm – Drop off at your hotel, depending on how far the journey is.

We have used Shehan Safari for both of our 12 hour Yala Safaris and could not be happier with the experience provided. Check availability and prices here.

To see all of the 12 hour Yala safaris available to you then click here to see a full list.

Half-Day Morning Yala Safaris

There may be some very good reasons why you are unable or do not fancy jumping on a complete 12 hour Yala safari. These include; young children, budget and available time. If this is the case the 2nd best option available for Yala safaris is the morning half-day tours.

You will actually have a couple of options in this regard, the 5 hours and 7 hour morning tours.

The biggest difference between the two will be the animals that your tour guide will be trying to get you to see. the 5-hour tour will be an all-out search for a leopard. You will not stop to watch any other animals. You will see other animals as you drive around but the vehicle won’t stop.

Read More: The Perfect 10 Day Sri Lankan Itinerary , The 7 Day Itinerary OR The 5 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary.

The 7-hour tour will start in the same way but towards the end of the tour you will have a couple of hours to see other animals and the end will not be quite so speedy.

You will be amongst other jeeps in a sort of convoy or group for the entire duration of these tours as you all try your best to get to the confirmed sightings.

As I said before, we all want to see a leopard, so this is not necessarily a bad thing. I prefer the relaxed nature of the full-day tour but if you don’t particularly care about the peacocks and water buffalo then this might be the option for you!

Drive To The Park Entrance – The driver will go and arrange entry to the park whilst all of the jeeps for the day are parked outside the entrance until the 6 am opening time.

Game Drive – From 6:00 am until the end of your tour (either 5 hours or 7) your driver will do everything possible to make sure you see a leopard. They will be using a phone/radio to communicate with other drivers about sightings.

Throughout this article, you will see many recommendations for Shehan safari. They are brilliant and if they run the tour we will be recommending them. Click here to see availability and pricing. Remember to put your date in first and it will then give you the option to select the type of safari you would like.

To see all of the Yala safaris available to you then click here to see a full list.

Half-Day Evening Yala Safaris

This is, in my opinion, the 3rd best option for Yala safaris. It costs the same as the 5 hour morning safari and you get a slightly lower chance of seeing the leopards than the morning Yala safaris.

It’s still a pretty good chance but there are really only 2 reasons why you would choose this option.

• Arrival time near Yala National park and available time.
• You don’t fancy waking up at 4.30 am.

I completely understand if you are short on time and the afternoon is the only available time you have. Leopards are most active during dawn and dusk so you still have a decent chance of a sighting.

If you are sitting there thinking that you want a half-day tour and you don’t really fancy waking up, do yourself a favour and go for the morning tour. The animals are just a little more active then and your chances are a tiny bit better.

Apart from that, you only have 1 option for the afternoon Yala safaris and that is a 5-hour tour, unlike the 7-hour option you also have for the morning tours.

This tour is basically the exact same tour as the 5 hour morning tour where your driver will utterly prioritise the leopards and other rare sightings. You will not be slowing down for peacocks and water buffalo.

Read More: How To Backpack Sri Lanka On A Budget!

This is also not just ‘in my experience’. Tour operators actually state in their tour entries that it will be a full-speed safari, only concentrating on seeing the leopards. However, if you are looking for a slower-paced Yala safari but only want the 5-hour option, you can speak to your operator and they will alter the tour for your needs.

Read More: The Best Wildlife Tours In Sri Lanka

Hotel Pickup – 1:00 pm. This depends on where you are staying but the plan is to get to the entrance at 1:45 pm.

Enter The Park – At 2:00 pm you will enter the park.

Game Driver – From 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm you will drive around the park looking specifically for leopards.

Hotel Drop Off – Expect to be back at your hotel at around 6:30 pm depending on where you are staying.

Shehan Safari offers a 5-hour afternoon safari that will tick every box. Check out availability and prices here.

Overnight Yala Safaris (Yes These Are Immense!)

When I first went on a Yala safari, I teared up when the leopard walked past our car. It was so majestic and rare that the moment got to me. I knew, as it was happening, that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Since then, Sri Lanka has made huge strides in the overnight options in Yala National Park. And I’m left thinking if my experience with the leopard was once in a lifetime, then what could this experience feel like?

I have found the 3 best options for overnight in Yala national park including 3 different price points for all budgets.

They all have an almost identical itinerary which I will outline below but come with a varying degree of accommodation quality and extras. You really just have to click on the 3 options above to compare them and see which one is the best for you.

Overnight Yala Safari Itinerary

Hotel Pick Up – There are a few cities in which pickup is offered. The whole plan is arranged so you are getting to Yala National Park at around 12:30 and your accommodation within the park at around 1 pm. This could be as far away as Colombo or Galle so expect a pick up quite early if you are a long way away.

Arriving At The Accommodation – This will be around 1 pm when you will be given a tour around the area and get comfortable.

Lunch – Before the afternoon game drive, you will be served lunch at the accommodation. This is all-inclusive, including alcohol.

Afternoon Game Drive – This will be your first game drive and will be from around 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm

Evening Meal – At around 6:30 pm you will arrive back at your accommodation and enjoy a brilliant dinner with a campfire under the stars.

Stay Overnight

Second Game Drive – 05:00 am on day 2 you will have breakfast and start your second game driver (or trek, depending on the experience you book). This will vary in length so definitely check out the options above for more details.

Hotel Drop Off – After this (around 12 pm) you will start your journey back to wherever you were picked up from.

The three tours we recommend can be found here.

• Beyond Escapes 1
• Beyond Escapes 2
• Shehan Safari

They have been chosen due to their varying prices so make sure to check out the prices by going through the links above.

What You Might See On Yala Safaris

Sri lankan leopard.

These majestic creatures are almost always at the very top of everyone’s wishlist for spotting. They are endemic to Sri Lanka and are one of the rarest big cats in the world because of this.

Asian Elephant

There are better national parks to see Asian elephants in Sri Lanka but you have a very good chance of seeing them here on Yala safaris.

Read More: See Even More Elephants On An Udawalawe Safari

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear

The rarest animal in Yala. We managed to see one on our 2nd full-day tour and the driver said it happens less than once a month and he is in the park nearly every single day.

The national bird of Sri Lanka and an animal that is very common in Yala. Try to get a picture of the male’s famous feather show!

Water Buffalo

These are everywhere in Yala national park and if you don’t see one then you have had your eyes closed. They are so much bigger than I ever realised.

Toque Macaque

As you drive around you may come across a pack of these playful monkeys. If you see one, you’ll probably see 50!

Spotted Dear

There will be very large herds of spotted deer throughout the park. Remember, these are the main source of food for the Sri Lankan leopard so if you can hear warning cries then a leopard is nearby!

Saltwater Crocodile

I am always in awe of these incredible beasts/ You don’t realise how big they are until you are up close with one and after that, you don’t want to be up close ever again…

Where To Stay For Your Yala Safari

I strongly recommend staying in Tissamaharama. This is close to the entrance of the park, all of the tours will provide free pick up from this town and you won’t have to get up at an even more ridiculous time to get to the park by 6:00 am.

Read More: Staying In Mirissa During Your Trip? Check Out The Lushest Villas That Mirissa Has To Offer

The Best Budget Accommodation – Hotel Birds View

Good location, good beds, good breakfast and beautiful location. All for a very affordable price. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend the night on a budget then this is definitely the best place in Tissamaharama. Check out availability here.

The Best Resort – Thaulle Resort

If you’re looking for some luxury then check out Thaulle Resort. This place has everything. Gorgeous pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurant and more. Going on a full day safari can be tiring, so why not recoup somewhere as peaceful and incredible as here. Check out pictures and costs here.

What To Bring On Your Yala Safaris

Don’t forget to pack these items to make your safari much more comfortable and fun!

This relaxed fit, strapback hat from Adidas is a classic that will keep the sun from your eyes and look decent whilst doing it. There's nothing special to see here, just a well made hat that gets the job done.

We all know what sunscreen is and we all know how important it is but why go with Sun Bum? They are cruelty-free and are compliant with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act meaning that you will be helping decrease the amount of damage sunscreens have to the environment that you are swimming in. If that hasn't convinced you then click through to find out even more.

These light and ergonomic binoculars are the perfect travel accessory. They're easy to hold and have a non-slip grip, and the rubber eyecups are comfortable even after long periods.

Do not let a brilliant experience be ruined by pesky insects biting you all over your body. Insect repellant is not expensive but not having it can affect much more expensive activities. Pick up a bottle of this Picaridin bug spray and enjoy your travel.

This will probably be the last selfie stick you ever buy! It has a sturdy aluminum telescopic 40" range, a tripod for propping your phone up in better locations, a detachable wireless shutter button so you can control when all pictures are taken, and extends down to a brilliantly compact size making it perfect for any type of travel.

We all know the benefits of antibacterial hand spray, even before the pandemic. These are especially important for backpackers as you will find yourself in situations where soap and water might not be at hand. These small spray bottles have been specifically designed for travel and can easily fit into luggage and day packs.

If you don't like the side effects many nausea-reducing medications create then you could try one of these electrode stimulator wristbands. This particular one is FDA-approved, is waterproof, and has up to 30 hours of battery life.

This is a true blessing on hot days, stuffy plane journeys and humid hikes. It has 3 speeds and only takes 3 hours to fully charge. You can hold it in front of your face, clip it to objects like umbrella handles and bus seats or just rest it on a table.

Camera Recommendation

The perfect travel companion! The Panasonic Lumix LX10 fits easily into your pocket, captures beautiful 20.1MP images, records gorgeous 4K footage, and does this all through the brilliant 24-72mm Leica lens. Level up your travel photography today!

If you already have a camera then make sure that you keep your shutter speed at least 1/1000 throughout the trip, especially when you are zoomed in. Animals can be unpredictable and fast. You don’t want blurry images ruining your memories.

History And Conservation At Yala National Park

Yala National Park became protected in 1938 and has only grown in size since then. However, it has had a rich history many years before this time. Check out the wiki if you’re interested in reading up a bit more.

Conservation is ongoing at Yala National Park but they face difficult challenges in some of the outer blocks where uncontrolled tourism, encroaching agriculture and poaching all pose issues.

If you’re interested in conservation then check out the official Sri Lankan conservation page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are yala safaris worth it.

In my opinion, this is the best thing to do in all of Sri Lanka. So yes…

What Yala Safaris Are Available?

Morning, evening and full-day tours are available. The best option for most is the full-day tour.

How Long Are Yala Safaris?

They range from 5 hours to 12 hours with options in between these durations.

Can I Stay Overnight In Yala National Park?

Yes! This is one of the best activities you can do at Yala National Park

What Is The Best Way To Explore Yala National Park?

A full day 12-hour safari coupled with an overnight stay at one of the safari accommodations. I cannot think of a better and more comprehensive way to experience this incredible place.

So that’s it! Everything you need to know about all of the Yala safaris. If this guide was helpful or you have anything to add then please let us know in the comments section below!

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• Apr 14, 2023

Which is better- a Morning or Afternoon Safari in Yala National Park?

When it comes to deciding between a morning or afternoon safari in Yala National Park, it really depends on what you're hoping to see and experience.

At Wild Lotus Yala, our morning safaris typically start early, with most guests leaving the villa around 5:30 am. The early start gives a feeling of adventure and excitement as you head out into the park in our open air Land Rover as the sun is just peeking over the horizon. Morning safaris can also be a great option if you want to see animals that are more active in the cooler temperatures of the morning. During this time, you might have a better chance of spotting leopards, elephants, and birds. In addition, the morning safaris free up the rest of your day to relax around the pool or do a bike tour around our village.

Our afternoon safaris usually start around 2:30 pm and are a great option if you want the chance to see nocturnal animals and witness the beauty of the sunset in the park. You might spot animals like the leopard, sloth bear, and even a jackal or two as they become more active in the cooler temperatures of the late afternoon. Additionally, the "golden hour" lighting during this time can create a magical atmosphere, making for some truly memorable photo opportunities.

Our afternoon Wild Lotus Safari guests return around 6:30, just in time for a bonfire and an al fresco feast prepared by our in house chef.

Ultimately, there's no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing between a morning or afternoon safari. It really depends on your own preferences and what you hope to see and experience in the park.

Many guests choose to do a full day safari to maximize their chances of seeing wildlife and enjoying their Sri Lankan safari experience to the fullest.

Want to learn more? We are happy to help and only a message away.

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The Best Sri Lanka Safari – Yala National Park

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: August 16, 2021

Our first Sri Lanka safari was more than a decade ago. It started out on a local bus from Hikkaduwa to a small guest house in Tissamaharama where we joined a group tour on a crowded jeep. That was an incredible experience, but cut to a few years later when we had the opportunity to have a private driver while staying in a luxury lodge, well that took it to a whole new level.

Table of Contents

Sri Lanka Safari  to Yala national Park

We had two glorious days in Yala National Park with a total of three outings in the park. Touring the park with a private driver and guide gave us the luxury of spotting wildlife in our own time without the crowds. We booked two nights inside at The Cinnamon Wild Lodge where we stayed right in the middle of the wildlife. This was the way a safari in Sri Lanka was meant to be.

Wildlife actually roams through the Cinnamon Wild camp, and once the sun goes down, you need to call an escort to walk you from your treehouse bungalow to the main lodge. You never know what you’ll run into!

Men with flashlights check out the grounds to make sure you don’t come upon any unexpected man-eaters or giant animals. Elephants roam through the resort regularly, but we only ran into a wild boar on the way back to our suite.

 The Wildlife of a Yala Safari

Safaris leave directly from the lodge each morning and evening and are run by Nature Trails . The comfortable 4X4 Safari trucks sit high and offer clear views for everyone.

Dave and I had the jeep to ourselves and could stay as long as we wanted at each spot. The guides know this park inside out and know where to spot the animals. Trust that they know what they are doing and take their advice. We ended up seeing every single species we wanted to see in Sri Lanka on our safari in Yala.

Yala National Park Is The Best Place To See Leopards On Earth

We had the chance to go on three different safaris in search of the star attraction of Yala National Park ; the elusive leopard . In Yala, the leopard is not so elusive though. Yala National Park actually houses the highest concentration of leopards in the world.  The chances of spotting one here are the best you’ll ever have.

In Africa, a leopard’s range is about 100 square kilometers, whereas, in Yala, the territory range is around 8 square km, meaning you are going to see a high concentration of leopards in a very small area.

How Many Leopards Did We see?

The last time we were in Yala, we saw one leopard sitting on a branch in a faraway tree. This time, we saw five leopards in total and one really good view of a nearby leopard climbing a tree. It was a huge success.

But it’s not just the leopards that attract tourists from around the world, it’s the abundance of wildlife and the beautifully rugged landscape.

About Yala National Park – Sri Lanka

When visiting Yala in 2011, there was no mention of sloth bears. This time around, sloth bears were another star attraction.

We managed to spot three sloth bears during our safaris, the most interesting encounter was when we came upon a bear walking across the road. Our driver stopped to look at him and instead of running away, the bear sat down in the middle of the path and looked at us. He was almost daring us to come closer.

But the most exciting bear moment came when a buffalo chased one away from a watering hole. You can see it in the video below, or click here to watch it on YouTube. This watering hole was teeming with wildlife.

Other Wildlife on Safari in Sri Lanka

An elephant sauntered by after the buffalo chased off the bear. Different deer, wild boar, and bird varieties drank by the water and crocodiles basked in the sun. It was a beautiful display of Mother Nature in perfect balance and harmony.

We then drove onto a beautiful rock formation deeper in the park where we saw countless monkeys running and jumping along the giant boulders. Seeing the monkeys playing at sunset just before heading to the resort for the night was a magical sight.

Yala Wild is a lovely place to spend the evening as you listen to the sound of the jungle and watch the buffalo, deer, birds, and monkeys relax by the watering hole, right in front of the hotel.

Even the most common wildlife looked spectacular in the landscape.

Staying Overnight in Yala made the Experience Amazing

We stayed in a beach chalet at Cinnamon Wild and could hear the crashing waves just outside our door as we stood 10 feet in the air on a raised platform that let us watch wild boar scamper down below.

The resort is in the heart of Yala and immerses you in the wildlife experience.

ou can use the pool and walk the grounds during the day, but at night you do need an escort to protect from possible wildlife encounters. Dinner is buffet style with traditional Sri Lankan Cuisine on the menu but there is also American and European food to choose from as well.

Luxury Safari in Sri Lanka

We highly recommend staying at the beautiful  Cinnamon Wild Lodge located just outside the park’s gates surrounded by wildlife and jungle.

It’s worth the splurge and less expensive than you’d think.

Costs for A Safari in Sri Lanka with Overnight in Yala

• A night at Cinnamon Wild Resort costs about anwhere from $150 – $300 USD Depending on Season and choice of suites. 
• A private safari costs $90 per person
• Check out Cinnamon on TripAdvisor

The resort has jungle chalets and beach chalets and offers everything you’ve ever dreamed of having when going on a wildlife safari.

There is a roof bar to watch the sunset and when you are finished you are escorted back to your chalet for a night in pure heaven. We slept like babies in our inviting bed.

See our top picks for luxury romantic escapes around the world. 

Two-Day Safari in Yala is a Must

We were up bright and early the next day for another safari where we had the chance to see even more wildlife. Two days allowed us to take our time and relax. We saw a lot on day one, so day two was about looking for the more obscure animals on safari.

Most Exciting Wildlife Spotting on our Sri Lanka Safari

The most exciting wildlife we saw on safari in Sri Lanka wasn’t the leopards or even the elephants. It was a giant python that crossed our paths in the jungle.

It was our first time seeing such a gigantic snake in the wild. This five-meter long (15 Feet) python spanning the entire width of the road. We stopped to watch it slowly cross into the jungle and marveled at its beauty and strength.

I wouldn’t want to meet one of these while out for a walk in the jungle!

Birds of Yala

It was then a day of more safar sightings.  And the birds of Yala caught our attention today! Herons, hornbills, painted storks and peacocks.

It was the wrong time of year for peacocks to show off their feathers, but the last time we were there, we saw many a peacock strutting their stuff.

When to go to on safari in Sri Lanka for birds : January is a good time to see peacocks in blume, we were in Sri Lanka this time in June. It was great for other wildlife, but it was not mating season for the peacocks.

We don’t normally get excited over birds, but in Yala, the hornbills and other birds will certainly grab your attention.

Whether you are into birds, big cats, elephants or reptiles, a safari in Yala National Park will get your heart pumping. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a rare species in the wild.

We had seen storks in the wild before, but the painted storks of Yala were something new for us.

And don’t forget the dazzling bee-eaters of Sri Lanka. They may be small, but they are cute!

Leopard Conservation at Yala National Park

Something we were very impressed with was the Project Leopard initiative started by Cinnamon Resorts. Yala National Park is located in a rural Sri Lankan community and local farmers are greatly affected by leopards hunting their cattle. In the past, farmers would kill and poison leopards to keep their cattle safe, but with the Project Leopard plan, they are given other options.

So far, Cinnamon and the John Keells Group  have built more than 55 pens to keep farmers’ livestock safe from leopard attacks. It’s a great start to preserving this magnificent species.

Read more about Wildlife Conservation at The Human Elephant Conflict

Other Excursions in Yala National Park

There are many different types of excursions offered at Cinnamon Wild. You can visit one of the local farmers and see Project Leopard at work for yourself.

They also offer night drives, guided nature walks, champagne breakfasts and sunset dinners in the bush overlooking the watering hole.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Cinnamon Wild and one could easily spent 3 to 4 days taking in the wildlife, but also enjoying the pool, spa and comfortable rooms. If you are going to do a Sri Lankan Safari, this is the way to go.

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For more information on Sri Lankan Safaris and accommodation all around the country, check out Cinnamon Resorts for more information. We also spent a week in the Maldives. See all there is to do there as well!

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22 thoughts on “The Best Sri Lanka Safari – Yala National Park”

I went on safari in Yala National Park many years ago, but was nowhere near as lucky with the animals we saw. Some great photos – that sloth bear is so cute. I definitely need to go back.

Thank you on a detailed impressive guide! Saved your post for the future ?

Pictures are incredible and very informative content. Thanks for sharing.

Such stunning pictures! This would certainly help me plan my travels!

Wow, what an incredible experience – I am definitely adding this to my Sri Lanka list. I can’t believe how many varied animals you got to see. The leopard, obviously is the star attraction and would be amazing to see in the wild. But what about those sloth bears? How cool are they?! Hmmmm…not so sure about that giant python though, not sure I would be able to sleep at night after seeing that, lol…

It was great to see the sloth bear. The last time we were in Yala, the bears weren’t there. They have reintroduced them and the numbers are growing. It’s such a great thing to see the conservation efforts going on in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka looks like an awesome place to visit. Your article is really very nice to read and with great photos. Great work!

Sri Lanka is a very beautiful place to travel

Sri Lanka is an magical island blessed with natural beauties,pristine golden beaches,mountains,waterfalls.I visited Sri Lanka last year.I Could have a sweet memorable holiday.

Nice clean write up, loaded with beautiful pics. Sri Lanka is so beautiful !

Would love to visit sri lanka!

Wow love this!! Your article has helped us planning our trip this September. Thank you

Indeed Sri Lanka is a very beautiful island. I visited there 3 months ago, the people were also nice.

Vey positive to hear of their efforts to protect leopards, and that you saw more this time than 5 years ago. I’d love to go to Sri Lamka- my plans were more around eating, but the wildlife sounds amazing. We weren’t that into birds until we went to africa and one day at our Lodge another guest was an elderly Englishman and he was the most amazing birdwatcher! He could find things everywhere- it turned out to be a most interesting day and got us much more interested in birds!

Hey Dave and Deb, Thanks so much for this wonderful post. My wife and I went to Kenya and Tanzania as part of a 16 month honeymoon and got into about 9 or 10 different parks. Each one so different.

Sri Lanka’s keeps hitting are radar a lot because of the bird game, were aspiring bird nerds. The leopard is also one animal we fell in love with while on safari.

Your photos are gorgeous and remind us our our honeymoon and Africa, though we know it’s not. Thanks again for another great one!

Wow, What a Great Pics. My Next Travel Plan will be Srilanka with My Family.

incredible pictures congratulations for the work was sensational

The place is amazing. The photos are spectacular. I did not know Sri Lanka is such an beautiful country to tour

Wow that place looks beautiful and wonderful video. I cannot believe how big that snake was in the road! Snakes kinda still scare me. One time Megan and I were living in Cambodia and there was a Malayan Pit Viper in our kitchen we were working and then the next night we heard someone screaming bloody murder and we just assumed someone was a goner. But it was just a guest having a nightmare. Anyhow this place looked beautiful and loved seeing it through your eyes.

Beautiful shots! Takes me back to my Sri Lanka safari. Now I want to go back!

Really wonderful experience of Sri-Lankan Jungle you shared. Impressive work.

Really Very Nice Photography And Content In This Post. Sri Lank Is A Wonderful Island.

Yala or Udawalawe: Which is the best safari in Sri Lanka?

One of the most common dilemmas for wildlife lovers visiting Sri Lanka is whether to visit Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park. These parks are renowned for their wonderful wildlife, and both offer the chance to take an unforgettable safari. Yala National Park is well-known for being one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild, making it the most popular safari destination in Sri Lanka. Udawalawe National Park is home to herds of wild elephants, and is a more serene and less crowded alternative to Yala. This article covers information and details of safaris at both of these beautiful national parks, to help you decide whether to visit Yala or Udawalawe.

Want a different kind of wildlife experience in Sri Lanka? Read our guides to ethical whale watching in Mirissa and snorkelling with turtles at Polhena Beach!

Udawalawe or Yala National Park: A Comparison

It’s estimated that there are around 600 elephants in Udawalawe National Park, with several herds of up to 50-60 elephants. This healthy population of elephants means sightings are frequent, and as such Udawalawe is considered the best place to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

There are plenty of other amazing species to discover in the park too, including buffalo, crocodiles, and monkeys, as well as an array of birdlife. Sloth bears and leopards do live in Udawalawe, but sightings are extremely rare – and our guide who goes on safari there most days has never seen either in the park.

If you are hoping to see wild elephants, then look no further than a safari at Udawalawe. Although elephants are found in Yala National Park, they are not found in such large groups – which means sightings are less common than at Udawalawe.

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka has a reputation as one of the best places in the world to see wild leopards. The park boasts a high density of leopards, with some claiming it has the highest density of leopards in the world!

Leopards are often elusive creatures, but are commonly spotted during safaris at Yala National Park. There are 5 blocks within the park, with block 1 having the highest leopard population and thus being most visited on safaris.

As well as being blessed with a healthy population of leopards, Yala National Park is also home to sloth bears. Sightings of sloth bears are fairly regular in Yala, and we were fortunate enough to see both a sloth bear and leopard during the same safari!

Aside from leopards and sloth bears, there are plenty of other amazing species within the park. Some of the species you might encounter in Yala National Park include buffalo, crocodiles, deer, elephants, and monkeys, as well as birds such as hornbills, eagles, and hoopoes!

National park entrance fees in Sri Lanka are the same whether you visit Yala or Udawalawe, as both are considered to be category 1 national reserves. Although the entrance fees are the same, safaris in Yala normally cost more than a safari at Udawalawe.

There are a number of fees required to enter either the Yala or Udawalawe National Park, including the entrance fee, a service charge, a vehicle fee, and VAT. Entrance fees can be seen on the Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka website, but aren’t particularly easy to find.

As of July 2023, entrance fees to Yala or Udawalawe are $25 USD (or the equivalent in rupees) for foreigners or 150 rupees for locals. In addition to this there is a vehicle fee of $10 USD (or the equivalent in rupees) per vehicle for foreigners or 400 rupees per vehicle for locals.

Unfortunately the cost of a safari isn’t as simple as paying these fees, as this does not include vehicle hire or a guide. It is possible to arrange this individually, but normally it’s best to book in advance with either a local operator or via Get Your Guide.

When booking make sure to confirm any safari in Sri Lanka, whether at Yala or Udawalawe, make sure to confirm whether entrance fees and any other charges are included in the price. Some operators may include fees, but others don’t – so it’s best to confirm before you book if you are unsure!

Prices for a safari at Udawalawe National Park start from around $15 USD per person for a private 3 hour safari, excluding entrance fees. Full day safaris are possible but realistically 3 hours is more than enough time to see lots of elephants and the other species commonly seen in the park.

The easiest way to book your Udawalawe safari is via the Get Your Guide website, and hotel pick up and drop off is included. 

Click here to book an amazing 3 hour safari on the Get Your Guide website!

Safaris at Yala are more expensive, with prices for a private safari starting at around $44 USD per person excluding entrance fees. An important consideration though is that this is for a full day safari, which maximises your chance of seeing a leopard and sloth bear.

We strongly recommend opting for a full day safari, as it would be a shame to visit Yala and not see a leopard. On our visit to Yala we only saw a leopard at the very end of our full day safari, and so if we had opted for a half day we would have left without seeing one.

Safaris at Yala are easiest to book via the Get Your Guide website, with prices as little as $44 USD per person for a full day safari depending on your group size. This price includes pickup from nearby hotels, as well as a picnic lunch. Alternatively, half day safaris are available to book from as little as $20 USD per person.

Click here to book an incredible full-day leopard safari on the Get Your Guide website!

Udawalawe National Park tends to be fairly quiet, and quite often whilst on safari you will be the only jeep in an area – which means you can admire the incredible wildlife away from crowds of other tourists. This makes it a peaceful and serene experience, allowing you to enjoy the park’s nature and beauty.

It’s definitely a special experience being up close to wild elephants in Udawalawe and being one of the only people around to see them. If you would prefer a safari where you can be more alone with nature, then Udawalawe is much less busy and likely the best choice for you.

As Sri Lanka’s most visited national park, Yala is much busier than Udawalawe. Throughout a safari in Yala you will see lots of other jeeps – especially if there is a leopard or sloth bear sighting nearby.

When a leopard or sloth bear is seen, any drivers nearby will rush to the area – so you can end up with loads of other jeeps trying to get a glimpse of the animals. Of course this is good in some ways, as it means you hopefully will get a good sighting – but on the other hand it does feel a bit overcrowded at times.

In our opinion some drivers don’t give the animals the space and respect they deserve in Yala National Park. When we had a sighting of a sloth bear there were a number of jeeps chasing after it, which we felt was overcrowding and potentially scaring the animal.

If you don’t mind the busyness and seeing lots of other jeeps, then this won’t necessarily be an issue for you – but it’s something worth considering. Of course, if you want to see leopards or sloth bears then you will have to opt for Yala anyway as you are extremely unlikely to see them in Udawalawe.

Which to choose – Yala or Udawalawe?

When deciding between these two incredible national parks in Sri Lanka, there are a couple of key considerations. The most obvious thing to consider is what animals you’re hoping to see.

If you want to see a leopard or sloth bear, then your choice is simple – pick Yala over Udawalawe. Alternatively, if seeing elephants is your priority, then Udawalawe is a safer choice – although sightings are still possible at Yala.

Assuming the cost isn’t an issue, the other main thing to consider is the busyness of the park. If you want to have a more tranquil safari amongst nature then Udawalawe is the obvious choice.

The busyness of Yala isn’t something everyone will enjoy, but it is of course worth it for the chance to see a leopard or sloth bear in the wild.

In the end it’s up to you whether you decide to visit Udawalawe or Yala National Park. Our personal recommendation, if you have the time, is actually to visit both national parks so you can enjoy the best of both worlds! 

How to book a safari in Sri Lanka

There are three main ways to book a safari at Yala or Udawalawe – on the Get Your Guide website, via your accommodation, or directly with a local operator. Our recommendation is to book via Get Your Guide, as you can book within minutes and also easily check reviews of the safari in advance!

When arranging a safari through your accommodation, it’s best to message them in advance of your arrival to sort this as soon as possible. We suggest arranging your accommodation through Booking.com and then using the messaging feature to contact your hotel or homestay about arranging a safari in Udawalawe or Yala.

One downside of arranging a safari this way is that you can’t actually see reviews in the same way as on Get Your Guide.

Alternatively, if you want to book via a local operator you will need to do your own research as to the best rated companies to book with. Many operators for safaris in Yala or Udawalawe don’t list prices on their website, so you will need to contact them to get a quote and then liaise with them in order to book for your preferred date.

It’s generally much easier to book via Get Your Guide, and prices tend to be around the same – which saves you the hassle of looking around or messaging accommodation!

A private 3-hour safari in Udawalawe starts from as little as $15 USD per person for a group of 6, with entrance fees excluded. Prices for smaller groups are higher per person, but as long as you are visiting with one other person won’t be much more than $20 USD per person.

Click here to book an unforgettable elephant safari on the Get Your Guide website!

If you would prefer to book your safari via your accommodation, then we recommend finding a suitable place to stay on the Booking.com website. There are plenty of great homestays and hotels in Udawalawe – so take a look at the link below to see the best options!

Click here to find the best places to stay near the national park on Booking.com!

A private full day safari in Yala National Park starts from as little as $44 USD per person for a group of 6, excluding the entrance fees. Prices increase to around $75 USD per person if you are in a group of two, so it works out better value if you are in a bigger group.

Click here to book an amazing leopard safari through Get Your Guide!

Of course, it’s also possible to arrange safaris in Yala via your accommodation – but again our personal preference is to book via Get Your Guide so you can see reviews of the operator. It’s still worth booking your accommodation for Yala in advance, and there are plenty of options for the nearby town of Tissamaharama on Booking.com.

Click here to find some amazing places to stay in Tissamaharama on Booking.com!

Alternatively, VRBO have some fantastic accommodation options if you want to rent a property instead of staying at a hotel! Click here to see the amazing options on the VRBO website!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

Made your decision between Udawalawe or Yala National Park? Pin this guide to help others!

We’re Sam and Natalia - wildlife lovers, seasoned travellers, and the founders of World Wildlife Travel. Having journeyed across six continents and seen some incredible wildlife, we have a passion for helping others enjoy ethical wildlife encounters. 

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Yala National Park: Is it any good?

Sri Lanka is justifiably famous for its wildlife and one of the best ways to spend a few days while in the country is to go on safari. There are three national parks to choose from – Yala, Udawalawe and Wilpattu with Yala being the most popular thanks to its leopard population and its location in the more visited south of the country. But does popular equal good? Not necessarily…

I visited Yala as part of a wider trip throughout the south of Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is in the far north so it wasn’t practical to visit on this occasion. Udawalawe is the place to go to observe elephants and I’ve been lucky enough to see quite a bit of these amazing creatures already. But Yala is famous for leopards and the chance to see one in the wild was too much to pass up. So this is how I found myself sitting in the back of a jeep in the chilly 4am gloom of Tissamaharama, a dusty town approximately 35km from Yala national park, ready to head out on my first ever safari.

Sunrise is one of the best times to spot animals in the wild but the exceptionally early start in this instance was because our tour company aimed to be one of the first jeeps to enter the park when it opened at 6am. A good idea in theory – except all the other tour companies aim to do the same thing. So you start the tour by spending about 45 minutes just sitting in the car park of Yala National Park in the dark, waiting for the gates to open. And when they do open….well, my best advice to you is to strap in and hold tight because it’s like Formula 1. You’ll be in one of at least twenty other jeeps with their accelerators hard against the floor, jostling for pole position as you’re enveloped in clouds of dust and exhaust fumes.

Our jeep gradually found its own groove and we shook off the rest of the pack to explore the park in relative solitude. We scored a big hit early on in the form of a sloth bear, shuffling and snuffling its way along the edge of one of the trails. We were able to get fairly close and the bear seemed completely oblivious to us, as it ambled off into the forest (which is perhaps for the best as sloth bears are apparently one of the most aggressive species of bears out there!). This was shaping up to be a great experience. But would we see any of those elusive leopards?

Even if you don’t see a leopard, Yala contains such a vast array of wildlife that you’re bound to spot something incredible. Over the course of the morning we saw monitor lizards, peacocks (I never tire of seeing them in the wild), buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys (black faced langurs), a mongoose, wild pigs, deer, and elephants. And despite the number of jeeps at the park’s entrance earlier that morning, the vastness of Yala means that it doesn’t feel crowded – until one of the jeeps spot something worth stopping for .

Of course, every tour company wants their clients to see as much of the wildlife as possible but there are never any guarantees. So if one jeep spots that another one has stopped,  they’ll also zoom over to see if there’s anything interesting going on, risking scaring off whatever was causing the jeep to stop in the first place. What’s more, there’s the potential for you to get caught in a traffic jam thanks to drivers refusing to move on when their clients have a good view of something. Our group very nearly missed out in getting a proper look at some elephants because the jeeps in front of us (of which there were several) blocked the road.  

Things took a particularly unpleasant turn when there was a suspected leopard sighting. A guide claimed to have spotted one camouflaged in a tree and all hell broke loose. We ended up in a legit traffic jam (in the middle of a national park – wtf??) as approximately 10 jeeps tried to jostle their way along a dirt track and manoeuvre their clients into prime leopard-spotting position. The fact that the leopard was extremely well hidden meant that no-one was in a hurry to move on as they squinted through their binoculars. We were trapped between jeeps, so we couldn’t even reverse and go back the way we’d come. 

Part of the problem was someone who was on a private tour. Her guide had been the one to spot the leopard so they were parked up right in front of the tree where it was supposedly hiding. This particular tourist had told her guide that they were absolutely not to move on until she gave the order, leading to the sort of congestion I thought I’d left behind in London. Sitting in traffic, breathing in exhaust fumes was not what I’d expected from a safari in Sri Lanka. What’s worse, I didn’t even get to see the leopard that was the cause of all this chaos.

  I don’t regret going to Yala National Park. Taking the time and geographical constraints of my trip to Sri Lanka into consideration, it was definitely a great decision. I saw some really incredible wildlife, some of which – like the sloth bear – I’d never seen before and was extremely lucky to catch a glimpse of. However, it is extremely popular with tourists and as mass tourism continues to extend its grasp across the world, Yala will probably only get busier – more jeeps, more traffic jams, more exhaust fumes. If I were to get a do-over on my time in Sri Lanka, I’d head north and visit Wilpattu instead. At the time, I’d read that it’s a better option than Yala and Sri Lanka’s north generally receives fewer visitors compared to the south but the tight, two week schedule that had been foisted on me ruled this out. Still, it means there’s a good reason to return, right?

Need to know:

• The closest towns are Tissamaharama, Kitaragama or Yala itself. Most tour companies will pick you up from your hotel if you stay in one of these towns.
• I stayed in Aeon Hotel in Tissamaharama and found it to be one of the better hotels of my trip. However, recent reviews seem to suggest that it’s no longer rated (thefts reported from rooms) and it’s also no longer available on Booking.com, although it does seem to be on Trip Advisor, Expedia and Hotels.com.
• There are many tour companies to choose from but I went with Yala Wild Safaris because they had good reviews, last minute availability and charged a reasonable rate.
• If you go on the morning safari, bear in mind that it will be fairly cold at first so you’ll need to wear a sweater or lightweight jacket. Once the sun is up, the temperature will soar so take layers that can be easily removed. Just don’t then leave your jacket on the jeep like I did!
• Ask your hotel to provide a breakfast or packed lunch for you – most of them will as a matter of course.

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Safari in Yala National Park: Timings, Entry Fee, Things To Do

Yala national park - safari timings.

Morning Safari in Yala: from 5:00 AM to 9:30 AM Evening Safari in Yala: from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM Full Day Safari in Yala: from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM Special Five-Twelve Leopards Safari*: from 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM Special 6-11 (Six-Eleven) Birds Safari: from 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM *The Special Five-Twelve Leopards Safari begins early in the morning, allowing visitors to explore the park before any other safari jeep. This increases the likelihood of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat since early morning is the time when leopards are most active. Moreover, there are fewer jeeps and less human interference in the park at this time, which provides a calm environment for the leopards to roam freely.  Yala National Park Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Safari in Yala National Park - Cost

 best time to visit yala national park.

How to reach Yala National Park

Gate access in yala national park, block 1: palatupana gate:, block 2: off-road adventure:, block 3: two entry points:, block 4 & 5: private safari, wildlife in yala national park, things to do in yala national park, 1. safari rides in yala national park, 2. beach walks in yala national park, 3. birdwatching in yala national park, 4. camping in yala national park, 5. night in yala national park, 6. sightseeing in yala national park, tips for visiting yala national park.

• While venturing into the wildlife, one should strictly not come out of the jeep for any activity. It might lead to unwanted and dangerous situations.
• While on a tour to venture into the wildlife of Yala National Park, one should not click pictures with flashlights. This irritates the animals, and as animal behaviors are not pre-decided and unpredictable, it may lead to problems.
• No alcohol, drugs, or smoking is allowed inside the Yala National Park premises.
• It is preferable to keep mobile phones on silent or on vibrate. The sudden upbeat sound might create unwanted movement within the animals.
• One should not start eating anywhere and everywhere. There are restrictions to that which the guide or the driver is aware of. Consultation on what the eating norms are must be known.
• No strong odor of food must be carried inside.
• Nobody should attempt to throw food or feed any animal inside Yala National Park. This might cause unwanted problems.
• Guns, knives, matches, lighters - everything that might harm animals and wildlife should not be carried.
• Unnecessary honking of the jeeps should be avoided. It disrupts the normalcy of the wildlife ecosystem.
• Nobody should take or touch anything that belongs to the wildlife, be it stones, sand, or any remains.
• In an emergency, keep each other calm and try not to make noise because it may further worsen the situation. The trekker who is with the jeep can take care of the situation.

This post was published by Sreyashi Paul

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Yala National

Park safari.

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Yala National Park Safari

Yala National park safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka with the help of dedicated, knowledgeable guides. The safari jeep can carry up to six people and is well suited to make forays across the natural pathways and clearings across the forest.

The open-air jeep provides both comfort and safety as it traverses across the grasslands where you can get an up-close look at the flora and fauna that make up the national park. You are free to customize your experience whether you would like to visit for 3 or 4 hours or even spend a half or full day. Furthermore, our knowledgeable staff will help you hone in on the wildlife you may be more interested in encountering, be it deer or the various birds across the park.

While we recommend that the tours are booked for early morning in order to give you an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the park, the afternoon will also provide you with ample opportunity to encounter a herd of elephants, deer, or even a leopard.

Yala National Park Safari Information

While we recommend that the tours are booked for early morning in order to give you an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the park, the afternoon will also provide you with ample opportunity to encounter a herd of elephants, deer or even a leopard.

4 Hour Safari

Three hours are just enough to see basic animals. But this is not an ideal safari to see more animals and observe

the park well. It’s better to choose a half-day or full-day safari. This is a tour of finding animals in a huge forest. Better to have more time 

★ This rate is for the jeep.

Half-day Safari

In a half-day safari in Yala, You will be able to cover a considerable area of the park and will be able to see many 

different kinds of wild animals. This safari takes around 6 hours. This is a good safari for photographers.

Full-day Safari

Full-day safari is the ideal safari for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and explorers. This safari starts early

in the morning and you can stay the whole day in the National Park. in this safari, you will be able to cover a considerable area of the National Park. We recommend this safari if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

Why Book With Lepo Safari?

Experienced safari jeep drivers.

We have friendly drivers with good experience 

We provide you good condition safari jeeps

Jeeps with front-facing seats for a better view

Free hotel pick-up and drop-off

If you are in a nearby hotel we provide this.

We focus on your needs

Our drivers will support to fulfill your needs in the safari

No hidden charges

We don’t charge any additional fee at the end of the tour.

One of the best experiences I've ever had in my life. Sri Lankan Leopard is the main attraction and we've seen several leopard cubs during our last visit. You must visit. You can have the best experience if you book a full-day safari. Our driver was excellent.

Maciej Diaries

A five-star review simply for being ethical and cruelty-free. However, the place in itself could use a few tweaks of improvement and more wildlife in a larger span of ground, also with more knowledgeable guides

Rubina Rajaratnam

Isn't a topical safari that you do in Africa but still pretty cool. We've seen some elephant plenty of buffalo and lizards some crocodiles and many different birds. Our tour guide as knowledge and attentive.

Slawek Cisowski

Reservation

Book your safari.

Book your Yala safari with us now. We give the best service to our level best for you. Fill out this form now and our members will contact you soon through WhatsApp or Email.

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Entrance fee for Yala National park

Sri Lanka National park entrance fees have been increased for local and foreign tourists from the 1st of September 2022 (Gazette Notification No. 2292/11 Aug 2022).

You have to buy tickets before you enter the national park from the entrance gate. These tickets are issued by Wildlife and conservation department. Sometimes the entrance ticket counter is busy. our drivers will support buying tickets.

All tickets will be added 15% VAT, Service charges, and Other taxes.

* If you stay overnight in the National park this price will be doubled.

Peak season 

Off peak Season

 Foreign Adult (12+)

 foreign child (6-12), saarc country adult (12+), saarc country child(6-12), local adults (12+), local child (6-12), our rates include, safari jeep with experienced driver, free hotel pickup and drop, bottle of water, our rates do not include, entrance fee.

Udawalawe or Yala? Which national park is best for a jeep safari

You are not alone if you are split between Udawalawe and Yala national parks. We receive at least half a dozen emails a month asking which of these national parks is best for a jeep safari.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy safaris in both Yala and Udawalawe. Also, working at  Travellers Isle  has given me the opportunity to assist many travellers with their jeep safaris in these national parks.

I do have a personal favorite between Yala and Udawalawe. However, my preference is irrelevant, as your interests and requirements might be different from mine.

In my opinion, the best way to decide the most suitable national park for your holiday is comparing the differences between Udawalawe and Yala national parks.

Let’s get started with an open mind. By the end of the article, you will know exactly which jeep safari to choose for your holiday.

Deciding whether to visit Udawalawe or Yala national park

Udawalawe national park is great if you are mainly interested in spotting wild elephants. It is also the better option for someone wanting a jeep safari in a less crowded national park. Yala national park is better if you want to see a wide range of animals with the possibility of spotting leopards.

Udawalawe Vs Yala: General information

Yala national park.

If you are planning to visit Yala national park, book a night or two in Yala, Tissamaharama, or Kirinda. Those are the most convenient bases for this national park.

The Yala national park is divided into five blocks. Most jeep safaris in Yala take place in Yala Block 1, but visitors are also allowed in Yala Block 5. Yala Block 2, 3 and 4 are closed to the public. You need to have special clearance to visit those sections.

The best time to visit Yala national park is from February to August, when it is the dry season in Yala. During this time period animals can be easily observed gathering around waterholes and lagoons.

You need to visit Yala national park either early in the morning or late afternoon to see animals. The morning safaris in Yala national park take place between 6.00 am and 9.00 am. The late afternoon jeep safaris take place between 3.00 pm and 6.00 pm.

Note –  Yala national park is not open to tourism in September. Authorities close the Yala national park in September to allow the animals to wander freely during the drought season looking for water. If the drought condition does not end by the end of September, the closure might be extended into October.

Udawalawe national park

Udawalawe national park is a very secluded national park in Sri Lanka, located about 230 km (143 miles) away from Colombo. The national park covers an area of 308 km2 (119), which is roughly a one third of Yala national park.

If you are visiting Udawalawe national park, I recommend spending a night or two in Udawalawe. You can also visit it as a day tour from some of the southern beaches of Sri Lanka, such as Tangalle and Mirissa.

Unlike in Yala, you can observe animals even in midday in Udawalawe (especially elephants). In our experience you have the best chances of seeing animals in Udawalawe national park during late afternoon jeep safaris (3.00 pm to 6.00 pm).

Would you like a Sri Lanka trip like Beatriz's?

We had the pleasure of assisting Beatriz's family on their two-week holiday in Sri Lanka, and they absolutely loved it. Would you also like a hassle-free family holiday? Please drop us a message specifying your requirements, and we will get back to you with a tailor-made Sri Lanka tour package within 24 hours.

Udawalawe Vs Yala: Landscapes and wildlife

A jeep safari in Yala national park will allow you to witness a great diversity. The landscapes in Yala range from dense forests, grasslands, lagoons to picturesque beaches.

People visit Yala national park mostly to see Leopards. However, there are no guarantees that you will spot leopards during your jeep safari.

I have had guests who got to see leopards multiple times in just one safari in Yala. I also have had guests who did not see a single leopard even after visiting the national park multiple times. It is all up to your luck.

Some of the other animals that you can see in Yala national park include elephants, Sri Lankan sloth bear, water buffalos, wild boar, peacocks, spotted deer, Jackal, mongooses, bandicoots, endemic toque macaque, crocodiles, and gray langur.

Udawalawe national park is equal to Yala national park with its beauty. Grasslands are the most prominent feature of Udawalawe national, but it also has marshes (wetlands), scrublands, forests, and mountainous areas.

As mentioned earlier, elephants are the main highlight of Udawalawe national park.

You can also see water buffalos, wild boar, peacocks, spotted deer, jackal, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, endemic Toque Macaque, crocodiles, and gray langur in Udawalawe national park. However, it is unlikely that you see all of these animals in one safari.

Udawalawe Vs Yala: The crowds

If you speak to someone that did not like the Yala national park, they will tell you the only reason that he/she disliked it was its crowds.

Most tour operators rave about leopards in Yala national park without explaining it is not a given that you see leopards during your jeep safari. This puts unnecessary pressure on the jeep drivers to show you leopards.

With the hope of showing you leopards, jeep drivers gather around the areas where leopards are most likely to be seen. This makes the national park look so crowded.

If you decide to visit Yala national park, tell your jeep driver not to join the other jeeps looking for leopards and to drive more slowly. If you are lucky enough, you will spot leopards as you drive around the national park enjoying the wildlife. Even if you did not spot a leopard this way, it will be a much better experience than joining a flock of jeeps chasing down the leopards.

I would not be surprised if you had the whole national park all to yourself when you visit the Udawalawe national park. There are not many people visiting Udawalawe national park.

If you are looking for a beautiful national park that is not overrun by tourists, do not think twice. This is the national park that you are looking for.

Udawalawe Vs Yala: Accommodation facilities

I would not base my decision to to visit Udawalawe or Yala national park on accommodation facilities. However, you will notice your options are a bit more limited in Udawalwe compared to Yala. Also, accommodation facilities in Yala are generally more expensive than accommodation facilities in Udawalawe.

You can find guesthouses, star class hotels and luxury camping sites in both Udawalawe and Yala. If you are a nature lover, consider booking a luxury camping site in Udawalawe or Yala. It could be a highlight of your tour.

Frequently asked questions

1. is it worth visiting both udawalwe and yala national park during my sri lanka holiday.

Of course, if you have the money and the time, go ahead and take both safaris. They are two very different safari experiences.

2. I am already planning to visit Minneriya national park during my Sri Lanka holiday. Should I visit Udawalawe national park or Yala national park for my second safari in Sri Lanka?

Both Minneriya national park and Udawalwe national park are famous for elephants. Even the landscapes of these national parks have some similarities.

If you have plans to visit Minneriya national park, visit Yala national park for your second safari. We use this combination of jeep safaris often in our Sri Lanka tours.

3. Where can I see Tigers in Sri Lanka?

There are no tigers in Sri Lanka. People often mistake the leopards in Sri Lanka for tigers. If you are interested in seeing leopards, visit the Yala national park. It is the best place in Sri Lanka to see leopards.

4. Is there any risk of snake bites when visiting Udawalawe or Yala national parks?

Since you are not leaving the vehicle during your jeep safari, there is no risk of having a snake bite in Udawlawe or Yala national park. It is also very unlikely that you have any bad experience with snakes during a Sri Lanka trip. Please refer to my article " Are there snakes in Sri Lanka? " for more information.

Both Yala and Udawalawe national parks are popular national parks in Sri Lanka for jeep safaris. You will not consider the time spent in any of these national parks a waste of time.

I hope this article helps you to choose the national park that is right for you. Feel free to drop us a message or leave a comment, if there is anything that you need to get clarified. I am more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

By the way, I prefer Yala national park over Udawalawe national park.

Happy travels !

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Hello, that was exactly the answer to the question that has been tormenting me for weeks! Thanks a lot for this! We’re visiting Minneriya or Kaudulla (we’ll be there in January – I think and hope we’ll see a lot of elephants then too!?) and I was wondering whether Yala or Udawalawe would be better. Well you gave me the answer – Yala. Can you recommend me a good tour operator for both national parks? Warm greetings

Hi Jacqueline, glad to hear that you found your answer. I would recommend booking the safari jeep through the travel agent that you book your transport. If you are not using a travel agent, you may also get the help of your hotel to book it. Happy travels !

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