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Yala is the place most visitors come to for leopards, elephants and crocodiles. I collect you from your hotel, arrange the safari jeep with an experienced operator, wait while you are in the park, and drive you back when you are done.
Available 24 hours · +94 77 197 3898
How far it is
The park entrance is near Tissamaharama, at the eastern end of the south coast. These are typical times by road to the park gate.
| Where you are staying | To the park gate |
|---|---|
| Tissamaharama, Kirinda | About 30 minutes |
| Tangalle | About 1.5 hours |
| Dickwella, Hiriketiya | About 2 hours |
| Mirissa, Weligama | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Galle, Unawatuna | About 3 to 3.5 hours |
Staying in Galle or Mirissa? A morning safari means leaving at around three in the morning. Many guests prefer to make it two days instead: we drive over in the afternoon, you sleep near the park, and you are at the gate fresh when it opens.
How the day works
The park opens at six in the morning, and the first hours are when animals are most active. I collect you from your hotel in good time to be at the gate when it opens.
Private cars are not allowed inside the park, so you change into a safari jeep with its own driver at the entrance. I can book the jeep for you with an insured, experienced operator.
A half day safari finishes in the late morning. I am waiting when you come out, and I drive you back to your hotel, or on to Ella or the hill country if you are moving on.
Afternoon safaris and full days in the park are also possible. Tell me what you have in mind.
What you can see
Yala has one of the highest densities of leopards of any park in the world, and many visitors see one. Elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, peacocks and hundreds of birds are seen on most trips. Sloth bears live here too, but they are shy and seen less often.
Nothing is guaranteed in a wild park. A good jeep driver knows where animals have been seen that week, and patience helps.
If elephants matter most to you, Udawalawe National Park is a good alternative. Herds of elephants are seen there on almost every visit, and it works in the same way. More about Udawalawe
From a guest
“Sanjeewa never was late, was always early to arrive, and I enjoyed each one of our journeys.”
Alex U., Local Guide · Google review, about a trip that included Yala5.0 from 10 reviews. Read them all on Google.
Get a price
Fill in what you know and tap the button. WhatsApp opens with your message ready to send, and I reply with a price for the whole vehicle and help with the jeep.
Questions
Morning is cooler and the animals are more active, so most people choose it. The afternoon also works well, especially if you do not want a very early start. Both are about four hours in the park.
Block 1, the busiest part of the park, usually closes for several weeks between September and October each year, when the land is driest. The exact dates change each year. Message me before you book and I will check.
No. My price covers the drive to the park and back, with fuel, parking and waiting time. The jeep and the park entrance tickets are paid separately. I can arrange the jeep for you and explain the costs before you decide.
No, my price is for the whole vehicle. A family of four in the car pays the same as a couple.
A hat, sunscreen, water, and binoculars if you have them. Mornings in an open jeep can be cool, so bring a light jacket. Neutral colours are better than bright ones.
Yes. Many guests go from Yala up to Ella and the hill country, or come down from Ella to Yala. I can drive the whole route, with your luggage staying in the vehicle.
Also on the south coast