South East
Yala National Park
Sri Lanka's best-known safari park, with leopards, elephants, sloth bears and coastal lagoons.
Private day tour
Yala Safari Tour
A safari in Yala National Park, with transfers in your private vehicle and a game drive in a jeep with an experienced driver. Choose a morning or afternoon drive, or a full day for the best chances. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- Half or full day
- Private vehicle & driver
- Private day tour
Tour at a glance
- Length
- Half or full day
- Type
- Private day tour
- Starts from
- Your hotel
- Places
- Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park
- Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Price
- Personal quote based on dates, group size and hotels
Who it suits
- Wildlife lovers and photographers
- Families with children who enjoy animals
- Travellers on the south coast or in Ella
Highlights
- Morning or afternoon game drive
- Chance of leopards, elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles
- Lagoons and birdlife
- Option to combine with a night near the park
How the safari runs
For a morning safari, we collect you from your hotel near Tissamaharama or Kirinda before dawn to be at the park gate as it opens. The jeep, driver and tracker take you through the park for several hours, looking for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and birds, and stop at a rest area.
An afternoon safari follows the same pattern, finishing as the light fades. For a full-day safari, bring a packed lunch.
Tips for a better safari
Bring binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, a hat, sunscreen and a light layer for the early start. Neutral colours are best. Be patient. The best sightings often come while waiting quietly at a waterhole rather than chasing reports.
What's usually included
Included
- Private transfers to and from the park area
- Jeep arrangements with a safari driver (cost quoted separately)
Not included
- Park entrance fees
- Meals
- Tips
Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.
Places on this route
Frequently asked questions
Will we see a leopard?
There is a good chance in some seasons, but no safari can guarantee it.
Morning or afternoon?
Both are good. Mornings are cooler; afternoons can be productive near water.
Is the park open all year?
Parts of Yala have traditionally closed for a period in the late dry season. We check current dates when planning.
Where do we stay for a Yala safari?
Most visitors stay around Tissamaharama or Kirinda for an early start. We can include a night there in your route.
What is included?
Usually: private transfers to and from the park area; jeep arrangements with a safari driver (cost quoted separately). Not included: park entrance fees; meals; tips. Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It's just you and your travel companions with your own vehicle and driver, so timings and stops can be adjusted to suit you.
How much does this tour cost?
It depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the hotels you choose. Send us an enquiry and we'll reply with a written quote.
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