Southern Sri Lanka · 1 day

Yala, where the leopards actually are

One of the highest leopard densities anywhere in the world, plus elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and something over two hundred species of bird. Private 4×4, a tracker who knows the park, and a choice of one long day or two unhurried ones.

From $200for one person in a Kei car · $105 each for two sharing · private transport · park entry and jeep paid separately
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One price agreed before you book. Nothing is charged on this website.

Wild leopard resting in Yala National Park during a Sri Lanka safari tour

How the day works

Yala runs game drives in morning and afternoon slots. This is the afternoon drive, which is the slot most people want.

The day

Afternoon safari

  1. 01Morning pickup from your hotel and the drive south.
  2. 02A break near the park for lunch before you go in.
  3. 03The afternoon game drive, when the park comes alive in the low light. Elephants, crocodiles, deer, and with luck the leopard.
  4. 04The drive back to your hotel or on to wherever you are heading next.
Wild elephant herd crossing river Kaudulla National Park Sri Lanka wildlife safari
Lush green rice paddies and coconut palms Sri Lanka countryside landscape

Duration

One day, or two with a night near the park

Start

5:00 to 7:00am

Pickup

Colombo, Ella, Mirissa, Galle or elsewhere

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle, then a 4×4 jeep

Effort

Easy. No walking involved

Best months

February to July for leopards. Park closes each September

Included

  • +Hotel pickup and drop-off, Colombo or selected locations
  • +Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
  • +Bottled water
  • +All government taxes and service charges

Not included

  • –Yala National Park entrance fees and the safari jeep
  • –Meals and drinks unless stated
  • –Accommodation
  • –Personal spending and tips
  • –Anything optional not listed in the itinerary

Before you go

  • ·Nobody can promise you a leopard. A good tracker and the right time of day are the only honest edge, and we use both.
  • ·Wear light, neutral colours.
  • ·Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and more water than you think.
  • ·Bring a camera. Binoculars if you care about birds — there are over two hundred species in the park.
  • ·Keep the noise down and do what your tracker says. It is their park more than ours.

Who it suits

Anyone who wants to see the animals rather than tick the park off. Couples, families, solo travellers, small groups. No walking, no fitness requirement — you are in a vehicle the whole time.

Yala also sits inside the 14-day journey if you would rather not build the trip a piece at a time.

Ask for a date

Tell us your dates, where you are staying, how many of you, and whether you want the one-day or two-day version. We come back with a full price including park entry and the jeep, so there are no surprises at the gate.

Or WhatsApp +94 77 086 0671.

What this day tour price covers

What is included

  • Private vehicle for the day
  • Your driver
  • Transport and guiding throughout
  • Fuel
  • Highway tolls
  • Parking
  • Meals for the driver

What is not included

  • Your meals
  • Entrance tickets and site admission
  • Safari jeep hire and national park fees
  • Tips

Children are counted the same as adults in these prices.

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*This price is only for pickups from Colombo city, for other locations please contact

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Questions

What does it cost?

The vehicle and driver-guide are $190 in a Kei car, stepping up with the vehicle: $240 in a sedan, $290 in an SUV, $340 in a van, $390 in a bus. On top of that it is $10 per person for the day. So one person in a Kei car is $200, two sharing a Kei car is $210 or $105 each. A larger group moves up the vehicle ladder to a sedan, SUV, van or bus, and we quote that in full. Park entry and the jeep sit on top — we quote those in full so you know the real number.

What will I see?

Leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and over two hundred bird species. Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, which makes a sighting likely rather than lucky — but never certain.

Is it a full day?

The safari itself is the afternoon game drive. The rest of the day is the drive south and the drive back, so plan on the whole day being taken up.

When should I come?

February to July, when water is scarce and animals gather at the waterholes. The park closes for a rest period every September.

Are the entrance fee and jeep included?

No. Park entry and the 4×4 are arranged separately and quoted at the time of booking, so you see exactly what each part costs.